YUKON
ORDER BY APRIL 25, 2016
241
JEAN-PHILIPPE TRUMET WINEMAKER, CLOS CANTENAC
BEAUJOLAIS, BORDEAUX AND BERGERAC
ORDERING MADE EASY! WHAT TO ORDER Read the description or use the profile chart for each wine to help you make your selections. The profile chart features a variety of symbols; consult the legend below to discover which symbols best suit your palate. THERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO ORDER • Order online. Go to opim.ca , sign in and select Order Wine - Show Details or Quick Order Wine. • Email opim@opim.ca with your selection. • Call 1-800-361-9421. • Fax your order to 514-481-9699. • Mail your order. THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO REDEEM YOUR COUPON From the same Cellar Offering… • Order a case of wine and choose your free case from the coupon wines listed on the back cover. OR • Order two cases of wine and receive $75 off your order. Restrictions: Coupons are non-transferrable and cannot be exchanged for cash. See coupon for full details Exclusions: Opimian Select and Founders’ Choice Programs. DELIVERY It takes time! The wines on this Cellar Offering are not yet in Canada. When the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution center, you will receive a Pick Up Notice with the specified date (the Release Date) and your pick up location. You can follow the status of your shipment at opim.ca. Expected arrival at a Canadian Port is mid-August 2016. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board, and processing time required by each liquor board. LET US HELP YOU! Contact us at 1-800-361-9421 or email us at opim@opim.ca CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE • Methods of Payment: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or by cheque payable to Opimian. • Prices include all applicable federal and provincial mark ups and taxes, including GST/HST #105 233 217 and QST #1000640430. • A valid 2016 membership card is required to order and pick up. • Bottle prices are for reference only. All orders are by the case, with no minimum required. • Last day to order from this Cellar Offering: April 25, 2016.
Jean-Philippe Trumet, our talented young winemaker, working in the laboratory and meticulously concentrating on the final blends of Clos Cantenac and Petit Cantenac 2014. Jean-Philippe grew up in Champagne where he also studied Oenology, but his great passion and love for Bordeaux wines, particularly Saint-Émilion and the Right Bank, brought him here four years ago when he joined our team. - Martin Krajewski, Proprietor
LEGEND Members’ Choice
White
Aroma
Drink this year
Red
Taste
Enjoyable now; will develop 6 months-2 years
Rosé
Serving temperature
Opimian Suggests Wine meant for laying down
Ideal with
Sparkling
Bottle size Great concentration Heavy oak
Number of bottles in case Medium concentration
Light in body
Medium oak
Light oak
Less than 100 cases available Very limited quantities
Extremely limited quantities Limited quantities
Degrees of Maturity (M) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = lay down 10 = fully mature Degrees of Drinkability (D) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = needs time 10 = ready to drink
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Medal Winner
This symbol denotes wines most ordered by Opimian members. These are consistently popular with our membership at large.
Appeared in the C233 Select Cases (2015 Season)
To help novice members, this symbol is a guide to wines that are suitable for starting a cellar, and/or for drinking within two years of delivery.
Sweetness scale gms/litre 00 0-3 01 4-6 02 7 - 12 03 13 - 20 04 21 - 34 05 35 - 50 06 51 - 74 07 75 - 100 08 101 - 139 09 140 - 179 10 180 >
Examples Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds Some New World varietals, some reds Champagne, Sparklers, Rosés, few reds Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat Auslese, Beerenauslese Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese
C ELL AR OFFE RING 241
Beaujolais, Bordeaux and Bergerac
Opimian’s Wine Consultant Jane Masters MW is a graduate of Bordeaux’s famous Institut d’Oenologie and was elected to the Institute of Masters of Wine in 1997. Fluent in French and English, Jane is currently a member of the Council of the Institute of Masters of Wine, regularly speaks at industry seminars and is a Panel Chair for the International Wine Challenge.
Located north of Lyon, Beaujolais overlaps Burgundy in the north and the Rhône in the south. Its vineyards, planted on granite-based soils, run along the Saône River. The Gamay grape is the region’s principal grape variety and the wines tend to taste fresh, lively and fruity. However, Beaujolais wines made with Gamay grown on the right sites and with good acidity have proven to be age-worthy. This cellar offering features Beaujolais wines with structure and cellaring potential, and includes wines from four of the ten Crus of Beaujolais — Brouilly, Chiroubles, Fleurie and Morgon. Bordeaux is the largest fine wine producing region in the world. It encompasses some of the most famous and sought-after Châteaux and is followed by wine collectors and connoisseurs the world over. With over 7000 Châteaux in the region and more than 50 different appellations it can be confusing and expensive to come to grips with, but there are wines to suit every taste, occasion and budget. This cellar offering includes wines from a number of vintages and regions. The majority have the potential for cellaring, in some cases for decades, although there are also wines ready for immediate enjoyment. We include a selection of “second wines” produced by Grand Crus Châteaux from the 1855 Classification and wines from estates owned by the same proprietors. In both instances the wines benefit from the skills and resources of the winemaking teams that make the classed growths and offer great quality at a fraction of the price. In addition, a range of Petit Châteaux sourced from appellations across the region complement the mix. Bernard Perrin p. 4
SEMAV p. 8
Château de Sours p.24
Clos Cantenac p. 28
Vintex et Les Vignobles Grégoire p. 17
Château Pique-Sègue p. 30
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Beaujolais
BERNARD PERRIN Ternand Négociant en vins
The heart of Domaine de Milhomme, created by Bernard Perrin’s nephew Alexandre, overlooks the steep vineyard of the ancestral Milhomme property. The heart is visible from very far away and also from above, and has been twittered about around the world.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
BEAUJOLAIS BERNARD PERRIN >>
Bernard Perrin’s family has lived on the outskirts of the medieval village of Ternand for generations. He, together with his nephew, farms the old Gamay vines planted on the surrounding gentle slopes to produce Domaine de Milhomme. From here, Bernard and Blandine act as a hub to source similar like-minded growers around the Beaujolais region.
DE BOURGOGNE, AOC CRÉMANT DE 8599 CRÉMANT BOURGOGNE, BERNARD PERRIN The closest taste to Champagne at a fraction of the price, this Crémant de Bourgogne is made from $31.00 Chardonnay grapes in exactly the same way as Blanc de Blancs Champagne. The grapes were cultivated southwest of Villefranche-sur-Saône on plots facing west and northeast on stony clay limestone soils. $186.00 Aromas of ripe white fruits typical of Chardonnay are apparent. In the mouth it has good mid-palate weight with flavours of peaches and cream, fine mousse and perfectly balanced acidity. Chardonnay White fruits Smooth, peaches and cream, [02] 6° C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Sushi
BEAUJOLAIS BERNARD PERRIN >>
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DE MILHOMME, CUVÉE LE MÛRIER, AOC BEAUJOLAIS, 2015, 8600 DOMAINE BERNARD PERRIN
$22.67
$136.00
The best Beaujolais wines are from Gamay grapes grown on granite soils, one of the defining parameters in the Crus. Despite being in the wider Beaujolais appellation where clay soils are more commonly found, Domaine de Milhomme sits on a granite belt with slopes facing south and southeast. The estate can trace its roots back to the 16th century, passed from father to son. 2015 saw a long and warm summer, allowing the grapes to fully ripen. Cuvée Le Mûrier 2015, produced by Bernard and his nephew, has intense peppery and black fruit aromas. The palate is soft and ripe with a succulent, juicy fruit mid-palate and a smooth texture. Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Intense black fruits, some pepper Succulent, juicy 16° C 2016-2019, M7 D9 Beaujolais-braised beef short ribs with mashed Comté potatoes
DE MILHOMME, VIGNE CENTENAIRE, AOC 8601 DOMAINE BEAUJOLAIS, 2014, BERNARD PERRIN Awarded a Gold Medal by the International Gamay Competition, Domaine de Milhomme Vigne Centenaire, $26.50 as the name suggests, is produced from very old vines. Indeed, these were planted in 1887 on Viala rootstock on the advice of ampelographer Victor Pulliat at a time when Europe’s vineyards were being devastated $159.00 by Phylloxera. Dense and concentrated, the 2014 has smoky cassis aromas. It is tight-knit with a linear structure and will benefit from a bit more time in bottle. The palate is firm with sour cassis flavours and good acidity.
DESMURES, AOC CHIROUBLES, 2014, 8602 DOMAINE ANNE-MARIE ET ARMAND DESMURES
$28.00
$168.00
Armand and his wife Anne-Marie are retiring after years of making wine from their six-hectare estate on the edges of the pretty village of Chiroubles. Armand’s 2014 Domaine Desmures is ruby in colour with intense aromas of white pepper and red berries. Soft and light on the palate, it is easy to drink with lots of peppery flavour and a pithy, bitter cherry finish. Fermented in concrete tanks, the grapes were hand-picked and traditionally vinified using semi-carbonic maceration. Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Cassis, smoke Dark fruits, blackcurrants 16° C 2016-2019, M7 D9 Lentils and Toulouse sausage with sweet roasted shallots
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
Red berries, white pepper Bitter cherries, pepper 16° C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Pork belly with pear and apple chutney
BEAUJOLAIS BERNARD PERRIN >>
DIT BARRON, AOC BROUILLY, 2015, GILLES 8603 DOMAINE AUJOGUES Brouilly is the southernmost and largest of the ten Beaujolais Crus. Domaine Dit Barron sits on the edge $28.00 of the village of Cercié and from Muriel and Gilles Aujogues’ winery one looks straight out at Mont Brouilly. The Domaine has eight hectares of vines on granite soils and produces serious wines. The 2015 was $168.00 tasted soon after fermentation and had meaty, savoury overtones. The palate is soft and round with more fruit present, giving the wine a juicy mid-palate and flavours of red and black cherries with a supple finish.
DE MONTANGERON, AOC FLEURIE, 2015, 8604 DOMAINE FRÉDÉRIC MONTANGERON
$28.33
$170.00
Domaine de Montangeron Fleurie 2015 is concentrated with flavours of sour red cherries and a cranberry twist. Produced by Muriel and Frédéric Montangeron, the couple have ten hectares of vines in five Crus sites with the majority in Fleurie. The early warm spring and dry summer beat temperature records dating back to 1952. Harvest was brought in early with fully ripe grapes picked under optimum conditions. Whole grape bunches were fermented in concrete tanks in the traditional fashion. Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Savoury, meaty notes
Restrained Sour cherry, cranberry
Soft, juicy, red and black fruits 16° C
16° C 2016-2020, M7 D8
2016-2020, M7 D9
Turkey breast roulade with cranberry relish
Lamb Navarin
MONTANGERON, CUVÉE FÛT DE CHÊNE, AOC MORGON, 2013, FRÉDÉRIC 8605 DOMAINE MONTANGERON
$38.50
$231.00
The Montangerons also own a few hectares in neighbouring Morgon, renowned for its distinctive soils rich in manganese and schist which produce robust wines. After a traditional Beaujolais-style vinification, the wine was aged for 12 months in oak barrels. Showing some colour development, it is deep ruby with a brick hue. The bouquet has meaty notes, forest fruits, balsamic, vanilla and coconut. Medium-bodied with good midpalate weight, it finishes on bitter cherry and spicy notes with some chewiness. Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Balsamic, vanilla, coconut Meaty, forest fruits, spices 18° C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Three pork cassoulet
BEAUJOLAIS BERNARD PERRIN
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Bordeaux
SEMAV
The Johnston Family The wines of Bordeaux have been exported for centuries, leading to the emergence of a flourishing Bordeaux merchant class in the 17th century, attracting individuals from Britain, Germany and Holland. In 1734, William Johnston, of Scottish descent, established a brokerage business shipping wines around the world. Today, the family business is run from the Cours du Médoc, close to the historic Quai des Chartrons from whence wines were transported directly. With centuries of Bordeaux wine knowledge and personal relationships with Châteaux owners, the Johnston family has access to the best wines in the region. But first, three fruit-forward, easy-drinking and approachable wines specially sourced and made by the Johnston family for Opimian members since 1973.
Bruno David, owner of Château Maillard; his vineyards total 58 contiguous hectares split into several plots, all around the cellar.
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BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
EMAIL YOUR ORDER
opim@opim.ca
PIRATE ROUGE, CUVÉE RÊVE DE VIGNOBLES, 8607 PRINCE VIN ROUGE DE FRANCE
$14.42
With winey blackcurrant aromas and a soft, light palate, this is an easy-sipping, enjoyable wine for everyday drinking. Produced from 65% Merlot with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is ready for immediate enjoyment.
$173.00 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
8606 PRINCE PIRATE BLANC, VIN BLANC DE FRANCE $14.67
Winey, blackcurrants
The Prince Pirate Blanc has intense fruit aromas of apples and pear drops which lead to a light and crisp palate with flavours of grapefruit and pears. It is a blend of 50% Colombard, 30% Ugni Blanc and 20% Sémillon.
Light-bodied 16° C 2016-2017, M9 D9 Roasted tomato pasta
$176.00 Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Sémillon Pear drops, fresh apples Grapefruit, pears, [00] 6° C 2016-2017, M9 D9
Left Bank
8609 CHÂTEAU MAILLARD, AOC GRAVES, 2014
Grilled shrimp and scallops with lemon and butter $20.33
$244.00
8608 THE OPIMIAN SOCIETY’S CLARET, AOC BORDEAUX $18.50
The Opimian Society’s Claret has a bit more grip to it. Deep ruby in colour, it has aromas of smoky dark fruits. The palate has savoury notes with grippy tannins and ends on a sour cherry note.
Year after year, Château Maillard consistently punches above its weight. The 2014 has spicy oaky notes and dark fruit aromas. The palate is quite firm with apple and blackberry flavours and a chewy finish. The estate is situated in the far south of the Graves region, on the left bank of the Gironde in the commune of Mazères. Starting with about ten hectares of vines, Bruno David and his wife Fabienne have built up the estate over the years; today it covers 58 hectares planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Spicy oak notes, dark fruits Blackberries, apples 18° C
$222.00
2016-2019, M7 D8 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Smoky dark fruits
Maple chipotle pork chop with caramelized onion and blackberry sauce
Savoury, sour cherry, grippy tannins 18° C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Meatloaf with spinach and roasted baby potatoes
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
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TOUR ST BONNET, AOC MÉDOC, CRU 8610 CHÂTEAU BOURGEOIS, 2012 Château Tour St Bonnet 2012 has all the hallmarks of the Médoc, if a little muted when I tasted it in December, but it will open up and develop nicely. Restrained $37.17 blackcurrant aromas with a soft attack on the palate and medium weight, it has flavours of blackcurrants and coffee. The grapes were picked between October 8th $223.00 and October 17th, fermented in concrete vats and then matured in large old oak casks. The estate lies in the far north of the Médoc, close to the Atlantic Ocean, with vineyards planted on a gravel outcrop. It is a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot Subtle dark fruits
LES GRANDS CHÊNES, AOC MÉDOC, 2006, 8611 CHÂTEAU BERNARD MAGREZ This property at Saint-Christoly-Médoc, is owned by Bernard Magrez, owner of several Bordeaux classed $55.50 growths and a key influencer in the region. The Château Les Grands Chênes 2006 is intense in colour and has a mellow bouquet with notes of dark fruits, spice, liquorice and tobacco. The palate is young and vibrant with $333.00 juicy black fruit and fresh acidity. Fourteen hectares of 40-year-old vines are cultivated on gravel and clay soils. It is a blend of 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Each parcel was harvested and vinified separately in small wooden vats followed by malolactic fermentation in 30% new oak barrels. The wine was matured for 16 months in oak. The 2006 vintage in Bordeaux is generally drinking nicely now and this wine is deliciously mellow for immediate enjoyment and can be cellared for some years.
Blackcurrants, coffee
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
18° C
Mellow, tobacco, spice, dark fruits
2016-2020, M7 D8
Liquorice, cherry
Entrecôte Bordelaise
18° C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Grilled lamb chops with roasted garlic served on a bed of colcannon
8612 CHÂTEAU POTENSAC, AOC MÉDOC, 2012 $64.33
$386.00
Youthful with aromas of slate and juicy fruits, the 2012 Château Potensac is concentrated with great blackcurrant flavours and ripe tannin structure. The vintage at Château Potensac was characterized by a slow, late-growth cycle due to the very cool and wet spring. It is a blend of 48% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 19% Cabernet Franc harvested between October 3rd and October 17th. The vineyards are located close to the Gironde estuary west of the village of Ordonnac, on mounds of deep, gravelly clay soils over limestone subsoil, producing finely textured wines which are both rich and fresh. Owned for centuries by the Delon family, proprietors of Château Léoville Las Cases in Saint-Julien, the same winemaking team is responsible for both. Château Potensac benefits from being aged in posh French oak barrels, handed down from its “big” brother, for 14 to 16 months. The 2012 has not yet reached its peak and will continue to develop for some years. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Slate, cedar Blackcurrant, concentrated 18° C 2016-2022, M6 D7 Wild duck breast with berry and port sauce
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
Château Capbern Gasqueton in SaintEstèphe takes its name from two of its more famous owners, the Gasqueton and Capbern families. It was purchased by Georges Gasqueton in 1894.
8613 CHÂTEAU CAPBERN GASQUETON, AOC SAINT-ESTÈPHE, 2012 $57.67
$346.00
The Saint-Estèphe appellation lies to the north of and borders that of Pauillac and is the northernmost of the four most famous communes of the Haut-Médoc. Soils in Saint-Estèphe tend to have less gravel and more clay and produce sturdy, solid wines. Château Capbern Gasqueton has 33 hectares of vines planted on gravelly sand, clay gravel and calcareous soils on the outskirts of Saint-Estèphe village and neighbouring Château Calon-Ségur owned by the same group. The 2012 is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot. It has intense youthful aromas of coffee and red cherries. Medium-bodied with a linear structure and good acidity, it has spicy, herbal notes that complement the cherry fruit flavours. It was matured in oak for 18 months, 60% new. The estate was in the hands of the Gasqueton family for over 100 years until the death of the eccentric Madame Denise de Gasqueton in 2011 when it was sold along with Château Calon-Ségur to Suravenir. The wines are made by Laurent Dufau and have steadily improved. This is the last time that you will see Château Capbern Gasqueton as starting with the 2013 vintage it is simply known as Château Capbern. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Coffee, red cherries Spicy, herbal 18° C 2016-2025, M6 D8 Beef en croûte
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
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8614 CHÂTEAU PHÉLAN SÉGUR, AOC SAINT-ESTÈPHE, 2012, X. GARDINIER & FILS $108.33
$650.00
It has taken the Gardinier family, owners of Phélan Ségur since 1984, years of investment and determination to produce the quality of wine of which they are proud; as owners of the Michelin-starred Domaine Les Crayères (2 Stars) in Reims and Le Taillevent (2 Stars) in Paris they know a thing or two about fine wine. Classified Cru Bourgeois, today Château Phélan Ségur’s wines are equal in quality to many classed growths. Extensive renovations in the wine cellar were completed in 2011. Château Phélan Ségur is now managed by Véronique Dausse with winemaking consultant Michel Rolland advising. The vineyards are situated on gravel, sand and clay-based soils around the Château close to the Gironde and neighbouring Château Montrose. The vines have an average age of 35 years although certain plots are over 70 years old. Intense deep ruby in colour, the 2012 has mellow aromas of cassis, vanilla and crème pâtissière. The palate is smooth with succulent fruits. Juicy and elegant, it is youthful and has not yet developed more complex flavours, but it is delicious already. Produced from a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, this is a wine to savour in the future. The grapes were picked by hand between October 4th and October 19th and fermented in small batches in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in barrel and the wine was matured in lightly toasted oak for 18 months, 50% new. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Cassis, crème pâtissière Succulent fruits, vanilla 18° C 2016-2030, M5 D6 Lamb confit with potato torte
8615 CHÂTEAU PIBRAN, AOC PAUILLAC, 2013
2013 was a year of unstable weather conditions in the Bordelais. However, there are estates where, in the right hands and with the appropriate resources, good wines $83.33 were made. Château Pibran is an estate with 17 hectares of vineyards on the same high plateau behind Pauillac as Châteaux Mouton Rothschild and Pontet-Canet. The wines are produced by Jean-René Matignon and $500.00 his team at Château Pichon Baron. The team took all measures possible to adapt to the conditions that were thrown at them and certainly made a wine every bit as good as those from previous vintages. Intense ruby in colour, it has ripe dark fruits, cassis, floral notes, loganberries and coconut. The palate is smooth with good concentration and flavours of vanilla with red and black fruits. It is a wine with depth and a long, spicy, vanilla finish. Each plot was vinified separately; the wine is made up of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot. It was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% new.
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8616 HORTEVIE, AOC SAINT-JULIEN, 2012, J-E BORIE S.A.
Since purchasing this small property in 2006, Bruno Borie, owner of classed second growth Château DucruBeaucaillou, has improved the quality of the wines. With $69.83 just 3.4 hectares, Hortevie is a bijou estate in Saint-Julien planted to a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, with an average age of 40 years. Vibrant ruby in colour, the nose $419.00 exudes aromas of cassis, smoke, incense and leather. The palate is concentrated with good fruit, weight, flavours of bitter cherries and spice with fine, elegant tannins. The grapes were harvested from September 28th and ended on October 17th. The 2012 is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was matured in French oak barrels, 25% new, for 12 months.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Floral, loganberries, coconut
Cassis, smoke, incense
Dark fruits, spicy, vanilla
Bitter cherry, spice
18° C
18° C
2016-2030, M5 D7
2016-2030, M5 D7
Herb-roasted veal chop with porcini mushrooms
Chargrilled leg of lamb with salsa verde and roasted beetroot
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
HORTEVIE, AOC SAINT-JULIEN, J-E BORIE S.A. MIXED VINTAGES: TWO BOTTLES EACH — 2007, 2009, AND 2011
8617 $71.67
$430.00
HORTEVIE, AOC SAINT-JULIEN, J-E BORIE S.A. MIXED VINTAGE: TWO BOTTLES EACH 2007, 2009, AND 2011 This mixed vintage case starts with the second vintage produced by Bruno Borie after purchasing Hortevie. The wines are made at Bruno’s Château Ducru-Beaucaillou by the same team, as there are no winemaking facilities at Hortevie.
HORTEVIE, AOC SAINT-JULIEN, 2007, J-E BORIE S.A. First offered in Cellar Offering 202, the 2007 Hortevie has matured nicely since, opening up and developing a mellow bouquet with vanilla, red cherries and mulled wine spices aromas. It is medium-bodied, wellbalanced with more complex leather and horsey notes finishing with a lingering, bitter cherry flavour and good depth. Drinking well now, it can be cellared for a further five to eight years. 2007 was a mixed year with a long, cool growing season and uneven ripening. Saint-Julien was one of the better appellations and it seems that the daring skill of Bruno’s team in the vineyards – stripping off all the leaves around the grapes bunches and completely exposing the fruit to the sun’s rays – paid off. 2007 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc Mellow, vanilla, red cherries, spice
Bruno Borie, owner of Château DucruBeaucaillou, purchased Hortevie in 2006.
Leather, bitter cherries 18° C 2016-2022, M6 D8 Beef stewed in red wine with pearl onions and mushrooms
HORTEVIE, AOC SAINT-JULIEN, 2009, J-E BORIE S.A. 2009 was a great vintage in Bordeaux. Flowering generally took place under perfect conditions and was followed by a long, dry and sunny summer without any excesses of heat. The wines are opulent, rich and smooth. Hortevie 2009 has aromas of red cherries, smoke, figs and raisins. The palate is soft and smooth with good mid-palate, elegant soft tannins and a silky texture. It is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and was matured using a slightly higher proportion (27%) of new French oak.
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
HORTEVIE, AOC SAINT-JULIEN, 2011, J-E BORIE S.A. Hortevie 2011 is spicy with aromas of gingerbread and incense. Like many of the 2011 wines, it is classic in style and quite light in structure, perfect for relatively early enjoyment. It is well-balanced with nice mid-palate fruits and a long, bitter cherry and spicy finish. An elegant wine, 2011 was a somewhat chaotic year from a climate point of view with one of the driest winters leading to an early spring, tempered by the subsequent cool temperatures over the summer. 2011 was one of the earliest vintages on record across France. At Hortevie, harvest started on September 5th with the Merlot and was completed with Cabernet Sauvignon starting on September 18th. The 2011 has a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon at 60% of the blend with 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Raisins, figs, smoke
Incense, gingerbread
Silky, opulent fruits
Bitter cherries, spices
18° C
18° C
2016-2025, M6 D7
2016-2022, M6 D8
Pithivier of quail
Lamb patties braised with eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes
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8618 LES FIEFS DE LAGRANGE, AOC SAINT-JULIEN, 2010 $80.67
$484.00
This is one of my highest scoring wines in the tasting. If you are looking for something special to stash in the cellar, then this is a classic and classy wine. This is the second wine produced by Château Lagrange, a classed growth in SaintJulien. 2010 was a great year; dry conditions produced small concentrated grapes with thick dark skins. Cool night temperatures during August and September allowed the natural acidity to be retained so that the wines are perfectly balanced. Despite its being aged for over five years, Les Fiefs de Lagrange 2010 shows no signs of development. Aromas of vanilla, wood and some earth lead to a juicy palate with cassis flavours. The wine is vibrant with great balance and ripe tannins. It is complex and layered with a long finish and the potential for cellaring for one to two decades. The estate comprises 111 hectares of vines on two gravel outcrops with slopes running north to south. The grapes were hand-picked by a team of 100 pickers starting on September 29th and finishing on October 20th, relatively late due to drought conditions which slowed down ripening. The 2010 is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot. It was aged in French oak barrels with 20% new for 13 months. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot Vanilla, woody Cassis, plums 18° C 2016-2030, M5 D7 Duck confit with sweet potato gnocchi
Right Bank LES TOURS SEGUY, AOC CÔTES DE BOURG, 8619 CHÂTEAU 2012, J.F. BRETON The Côtes de Bourg region lies on the right bank of the Gironde estuary, north of the city of Bordeaux, and $25.17 gazes across the water to the start of the Médoc on the other side. Winegrowing in this region dates back much earlier than the Médoc. Château Les Tours Seguy has 15.5 hectares of vineyards on alluvial, sandy, gravel $151.00 soils over fossilized limestone bedrock on slopes facing southwest. The 2012 Château Les Tours Seguy has dark fruit and liquorice aromas; the palate is soft, juicy and light to medium-bodied. Produced from a blend of 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it has a spicy finish and is ready for drinking now and over the next five years. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Dark fruit, liquorice Light to medium-bodied, spicy 18° C 2016-2020, M7 D9 Slow-roasted pork and red wine ragù with pappardelle
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
VIEUX CLOS ST ÉMILION, AOC SAINT8620 CHÂTEAU ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2014, S.C.E.A. TERRAS-LE HENANFF
Situated to the west and just a couple of metres from the historic town of Saint-Émilion on the limestone plateau, Château Vieux Clos St Émilion has eight hectares of old vines. Vibrant ruby in colour, it has a cedary aroma which compliments the plummy fruits; it $287.00 was matured in oak for 14 months, 50% new. Light to medium-bodied, it is a wine for relatively early drinking, although it will benefit from more time in bottle. It is a blend of 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. $47.83
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec Plums, cedar Soft fruits 18° C 2016-2020, M7 D7 Coq au vin
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
CHÂTEAU DAUGAY, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, CHRISTIAN DE BOÜARD DE LAFOREST MIXED VINTAGES: TWO BOTTLES EACH — 2005, 2011, AND 2012
8621 $69.50
$417.00
CHÂTEAU DAUGAY, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, CHRISTIAN DE BOÜARD DE LAFOREST - MIXED VINTAGES: TWO BOTTLES EACH 2005, 2011, AND 2012 The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Daugay consists of a single 5.5 hectares vineyard plot on the southern slope down from the town. Until the 1980s when the estate started producing its own wines, the grapes from this plot were included with those of Château Angélus, also owned by the de Boüard de Laforest family. Hélène de Boüard inherited the estate in 2006 and has been making the wines since, aided by her husband Jean-Bernard Grenié and their two sons. Merlot is the dominant grape variety with 50% of the vineyard followed by 40% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to balance. Hélène makes classic-style wines; restrained and moody rather than big, opulent beasts. This mixed vintages case contains the 2005, 2011 and 2012. Both 2011 and 2012 have previously been offered. Re-tasting them in December 2015, I have updated the tasting notes and drinking recommendations.
CHÂTEAU DAUGAY, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2011, CHRISTIAN DE BOÜARD DE LAFOREST The 2011 Château Daugay has mellow, smoky aromas. It has a soft, young palate and is maturing more steadily than initially thought with good mid-palate fruit, and juicy bitter cherry and vanilla flavours on the finish. It will benefit from a little more time in bottle before reaching its peak. Harvest took place on September 11th, September 22nd and September 23rd for the Merlot, and September 28th and September 29th and October 4th and October 5th for the Cabernet grapes. Merlot dominates the blend in 2011 with 62% blended with 30% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Smoky, forest floor Bitter cherries, dark fruits 18° C 2016-2023, M6 D7 Roast haunch of venison, fondant potato and chanterelle mushrooms
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
CHÂTEAU DAUGAY, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2005, CHRISTIAN DE BOÜARD DE LAFOREST The 2005 is restrained with mellow flavours of dried raisins, Christmas cake and spice. It is ready for drinking now and over the next five years or so, revealing more smoky notes on the palate and a fine texture. The grapes were picked between September 16th and September 26th and the wine aged for 21 months with 15% in one-year-old barrels. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Candy floss, red apples, spice Raisins, Christmas cake, spice 18° C 2016-2022, M6 D9 Guinea fowl with apple and chestnuts
CHÂTEAU DAUGAY, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2012, CHRISTIAN DE BOÜARD DE LAFOREST In 2012, harvest took place later, starting on October 8th with the Merlot and finishing on October 11th with the Cabernets. Restrained on the nose, the 2012 is well-balanced with more concentration than the 2011. Since tasting in 2014 (it appeared in Cellar Offering 233), the wine has gone into a closed phase, expressing little in terms of aroma. On the palate it has good fruit with red cherry flavours and a juicy mid-palate which is well-balanced and concentrated. It will benefit from one to two years in bottle before drinking. The wine was matured in French oak for 18 months using close to one third new oak barrels. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Subtle forest fruits Red cherries, concentrated 18° C 2017-2025, M6 D6 Dijon-glazed lamb loin served on young spring vegetables and slow-braised bean stew
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8622 CHÂTEAU FEYTIT-LAGRAVE, AOC POMEROL, 2008 $71.00
$426.00
Pomerol is the smallest of Bordeaux’s famous appellations with just 800 hectares of land under vines and is home to many small estates. Their reputations often far outweigh their production capacity. Château FeytitLagrave produces just 800 cases a year from its 2.5 hectares of vines planted on fine gravel and clay soils over Pomerol’s famous “crasse de fer”, an iron-rich clay. Deep brick ruby in colour, the 2008 Château Feytit-Lagrave has a mellow, meaty bouquet with coffee, treacle and cherries. The palate is pure and linear in style with youthful cherry acidity. Produced from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the grapes were fermented in small stainless steel tanks and then transferred to new oak barrels for 15 months for the malolactic fermentation and maturation. Merlot, Cabernet Franc Mellow, coffee, savoury Treacle, cherries 18° C 2016-2022, M6 D7 Côte de boeuf with French fries and Béarnaise sauce
Château Feytit-Lagrave is one of several Pomerol wines in the Vignobles PéréVergé portfolio. Pictured is the beautiful, fully-ripened Merlot used for this wine.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
BORDEAUX SEMAV
VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE In Bordeaux terms, and compared to the Johnston family, Vintex et Les Vignobles Grégoire is a relative newcomer to the wine scene. Established thirty years ago by Bill Blatch, it is now run by Patrice Ricard. The company specializes in “Petits Châteaux”, coming from lesser known appellations, run with dedication and determination by their owners. The estates are generally small, family-run businesses which are also their home and way of life. There is no great marketing budget to promote and build reputation, just honest hard work. The key is to find those little jewels that can offer great value for money. This cellar offering includes three Châteaux from the Côtes de Bordeaux — Cadillac, Blaye and Castillon.
Hervé Lamothe, one of the owners of Château Fontebride, the other one being his brother Patrick. The Lamothe family is one of the oldest in Sauternes. They have owned this estate for over five generations.
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>
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HAUT MAGINET, BLANC, AOC BORDEAUX, 8623 CHÂTEAU 2015, VIGNOBLES JOLIVET Château Haut Maginet in Soussac in the Entre-deuxMers region is owned and run by the Jolivet family. $22.00 Jean-Marc and his wife Catherine have built up the estate and produce affordable white, rosé and red wines. The 2015 Château Haut Maginet white is pale in colour with intense aromas of lime and gooseberries. $132.00 The palate is dry and crisp, and is light to mediumbodied with a long, citrus lemon and lime finish. It is a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% floral Muscadelle and 20% Sémillon cultivated on south-facing slopes on a plateau.
HAUT MAGINET, AOC BORDEAUX ROSÉ, 8624 CHÂTEAU 2015, VIGNOBLES JOLIVET
$22.00
$132.00
Four hectares of the estate are dedicated to producing rosé wine. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are cultivated on clay, limestone soils on the plateau. The grapes were harvested and the pink juice bled off the skins and fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperature. A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 is a pale baby pink colour. Aromas of pink grapefruit and red fruits precede a well-balanced wine with raspberry and strawberry flavours, and good acidity. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Sémillon
Pink grapefruit, red fruits
Gooseberry, limes
Raspberries, strawberries, [00]
Lemons, citrus, [00]
8° C
12° C
2016-2017, M8 D9
2016-2017, M8 D9
Pissaladière - Provençal tart made with onions, anchovies, and black olives
Grilled prawns served over arugula and fennel salad with lemon vinaigrette
8625 CHÂTEAU HAUT MAGINET, ROUGE, AOC BORDEAUX, 2015, VIGNOBLES JOLIVET $22.00
$132.00
Over the years, Jean-Marc and Catherine have built up the estate from 27 hectares to over 100 hectares, the majority of which are used to produce red wine. Work in the vineyard is necessary to control the vigour of the vines, and control yields in the Entre-deux-Mers region where soils are heavy and rainfall plentiful. Grass cover every other row, bud removal on the Merlot vines, leaf-stripping and green-harvesting on Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are all carried out so that the grapes can fully ripen under these conditions. Château Haut Maginet 2015 is deep ruby in colour. It has aromas of black cherries and spice. The smooth palate has a more smoky flavour with medium body. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Black cherry, spices Smoky, dark fruits 18° C 2016-2019, M7 D8 Pork tenderloin with sage, garlic and honey
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BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>
CHÂTEAU ROQUEFORT, AOC 8626 ROQUEFORTISSIME, BORDEAUX, 2015, FAMILLE BELLANGER Château Roquefort, at Lugasson in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers, lies on clay limestone and clay $39.67 loam soils, perfect for the cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc. The best two hectare plots are used to produce Roquefortissime. The grapes were hand-harvested and sorted prior to fermenting in new oak barrels; the barrel $238.00 sample tasted was distinctly oaky with intense vanilla and coconut aromas slightly masking the lemon curd fruits behind. The wine will become more integrated during six months maturation on lees. The palate is soft and round with good mid-palate fruit and a long lemon, lime and vanilla finish. Sauvignon Blanc
DU PIN, AOC BORDEAUX, 2014, SCEA 8627 CHÂTEAU VIGNOBLES J.-M. CONSTANS When considering the wines of Bordeaux, one immediately thinks of the famous appellations and classed $20.83 growths, yet the region has a vast number of small, hard grafting producers who work the land as best they can with limited resources. I am always impressed when I meet husband-and-wife team Jean-Marie and Claudette $125.00 Constans; my last visit to Château du Pin was in July, 2015. They have worked a lifetime on this modest estate at Saint-Martial, in the heart of the countryside, while raising their five children. Their enthusiasm and tenacity is infectious and Claudette is a force to be reckoned with. The wines produced are simple, well-made and offer great value for money. The 2014 has plummy aromas. It is soft and light-bodied with some grippy tannin.
Vanilla, coconut, lemon curd
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Lemon, lime, oaky, [00]
Plums
8° C
Light-bodied, grip
2016-2019, M7 D9
18° C
Grilled salmon with lemon and herb butter
2016-2018, M8 D9 Beef and sausage-stuffed bell peppers
JOUANIN, AOC CASTILLON-CÔTES-DE-BORDEAUX, 2014, S.A.R.L. DE 8628 CHÂTEAU FONGABAN
$25.50
$153.00
The Castillon-Côtes-de-Bordeaux appellation lies to the east of that of Saint-Émilion and is bordered by the Dordogne River to the south. Château Jouanin is located northwest of the region, close to the town of Monbadon, and has eight hectares of vines on clay limestone soils. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2014 Château Jouanin has lots of appealing red fruits, red cherry and spice aromas. The palate is mellow with raspberry, cherry and vanilla flavours, a grainy texture and an elegant finish with ripe fruits. Pierre Taïx makes wines that are both appealing, young, and have the potential for some cellaring; a perfect combination. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks. 10% of the final blend was aged in new oak barrels, 60% in older barrels and 30% in tank. Merlot, Cabernet Franc Red fruits, cherries, spice Raspberry, cherry 18° C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Rosemary veal tenderloin with cherry chutney
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>
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PUYNARD, AOC BLAYE-CÔTES-DE-BORDEAUX, 2014, AURÉLIE ET NICOLAS 8629 CHÂTEAU GRÉGOIRE
$24.83
$149.00
The Blaye-Côtes-de-Bordeaux appellation lies on the north bank of the Gironde estuary facing the Médoc. These days, the Médoc may be more illustrious, but the Blaye area has a longer wine history and was settled by the Greeks and then the Romans who identified its suitability for wine-growing. Château Puynard was acquired by the Grégoire family in 2002. The building dates back to the 13th century in parts. The estate has 16 hectares of vineyards on a slope 65 metres high, one of the highest in the region. Sandy soils are found on the plateau with clay and limestone on the slope. The 2014 is bright ruby in colour and has aromas of candy floss and burnt sugar with cherry fruit and good mid-palate weight. Produced from a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes were harvested, sorted and then fermented at 25° C with a long maceration. Still very young and firm, it will cellar for some years.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Candy floss, burnt sugar Juicy fruits, medium-bodied 18° C 2017-2022, M6 D6 Rib steak with shallot and red wine sauce
HAUT-FORCADE GRANDE RÉSERVE, AOC 8630 CHÂTEAU CADILLAC-CÔTES-DE-BORDEAUX, 2012 Twenty-five hectares of vines are planted on the undulating hills of Camblanes-et-Meynac with gravel $26.83 soils up to four metres deep and slopes facing southwest, which allow the grapes to slowly fully ripen. The 2012 Château Haut-Forcade is a blend of 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet $161.00 Franc. It has a ruby hue with intense ripe dark fruits and spice on the nose. The palate is firm with good midpalate weight and juicy fruit. Still very young and fresh, it has the concentration and balance to develop. The wines are made by Béatrice Puech-Lagadec with the help of the owners, brothers Paul and Jean Yung. Originally from Algeria, their father installed the family at Château Grimont in Cadillac, in the late 1950s. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Ripe dark fruits, spice Juicy fruits
Montagne-Saint-Émilion is one of Saint-Émilion’s four socalled “satellites”, lying to the north of it. Château Roudier, $38.33 owned by the Capdemourlin family, has 30 hectares of vines on slopes overlooking the northern hillside of Saint-Émilion, close to the boundary with Saint-Georges. The 2010 has developed spicy liquorice, tar and dark fruit $230.00 aromas. A blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is supple and smooth, well-balanced with a long, smoky finish. It was matured in oak barrels for 18 months with one third new oak. At its optimum for drinking, it will remain at its peak for another three to five years. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Liquorice, dark fruits, tar Dark fruit, smoky finish 18° C
18° C
2016-2020, M7 D9
2016-2020, M7 D8
Braised veal knuckle served with mashed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots
Lamb roast with Boulangère potatoes
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ROUDIER, AOC MONTAGNE-SAINT-ÉMILION, 8631 CHÂTEAU 2010, VIGNOBLES CAPDEMOURLIN
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>
The monolithic cellars of Château Villemaurine where the wines rest peacefully at constant temperature all year long and in the high humidity brought by the ancient quarries located beneath the Château; naturally ventilated, these cellars provide the wine with ideal conditions for the ageing process, which lasts between sixteen and twenty months.
8632 LES ANGELOTS DE VILLEMAURINE, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2011 $67.17
$403.00
Château Villemaurine has seven hectares of vines in the heart of Saint-Émilion’s famous limestone plateau. This, the second wine, is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It is an intense, dense ruby colour. Aromas of cooked dark fruits, pâtisserie, vanilla, blueberries and black cherries have lots of delicious appeal. The palate is soft and smooth with great concentration and fruit. It is well-balanced, finishing on notes of black fruits and spice. The estate has been completely renovated since its purchase by Justin Onclin in 2007 and the services of the fanatical consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt brought on board. The grapes were picked by hand, double-sorted and then fermented in tank for up to 35 days with regular punching down of the cap. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in barrels using 30% new and 70% second-fill. Compared to the 2010 offered last year, I am every bit as crazy about this wine, if not more, despite it being from a lesser vintage. A demonstration of what fanatical, obsessive winemaking can produce. Merlot, Cabernet Franc Cooked fruits, vanilla, blueberries Black cherries, spices 18° C 2016-2025, M6 D7 Roast squab with porcini mushrooms
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>
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8633 LE SECOND DE LOUSTEAUNEUF, AOC MÉDOC, 2014, EARL CHÂTEAU LOUSTEAUNEUF $31.83
$191.00
Château Lousteauneuf, at Valeyrac in the Médoc, is owned and managed by Bruno Segond whose parents bought four hectares of vineyards and ten cows in the 1960s. The grapes were previously taken to the local cooperative, but in the early 1990s Bruno decided to dedicate his time to producing the best wine possible and invested heavily in a new vat room and barrel cellar. He now farms 24 hectares. This is the second wine produced at Lousteauneuf but, have no fear, it has all the quality and hallmarks of a Grand Vin. Intense cassis, vanilla, cedar and liquorice aromas give way to flavours of bitter chocolate, coffee and spices and a long black liquorice finish. Light to medium-bodied, it will benefit from some cellaring before drinking. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are cultivated on silty, gravelly sands close to the Gironde. The grapes were left to cold soak for a week prior to fermentation with 40% of the final wine matured in oak barrels. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Cassis, vanilla, cedar, liquorice Coffee, oaky, spice, bitter chocolate 18° C 2017-2025, M6 D6 Roast prime rib with rosemary jus
HAUT GRIGNON, AOC MÉDOC, CRU 8634 CHÂTEAU BOURGEOIS, 2014 Another estate and another wine produced by Bruno Segond, Château Haut Grignon 2014 is intense and $35.83 youthful. It has a vibrant colour with plummy fruit aromas. The palate is concentrated with more weight than the wine from Lousteauneuf. Flavours of dark fruits, spice and chocolate are perfectly integrated $215.00 to produce a well-balanced wine with firm structure and potential to age. Merlot is the dominant grape representing 67% of the blend with 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. The grapes were harvested by machine and subsequently sorted by hand at the winery. After cold soak and fermentation at low temperature, the wine was part-matured in oak. It was bottled without filtration or fining to retain maximum flavours and so may throw a deposit.
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NOAILLAC, AOC MÉDOC, CRU BOURGEOIS, 8635 CHÂTEAU 2012, XAVIER AND DAMIEN PAGÈS Showing good depth on the nose, with aromas of smoke and dark fruits, the 2012 Château Noaillac is $34.83 light to medium-bodied. It is an elegant wine with lots of spicy incense flavours and is starting to display more complex tertiary notes. It is perfect for drinking over the next few years. Damien Pagès farms the 46-hectare $209.00 estate following on from his grandfather Xavier Pagès. It is a blend of 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. After a traditional vinification the wine was oak aged for 12 months.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Plums
Smoke, dark fruits, spice
Dark fruits, chocolate, spice
Incense, tobacco, cigar box
18° C
18° C
2016-2025, M6 D7
2016-2020, M7 D9
Rack of lamb with garlic and herbs served with roasted fingerling potatoes
Daube of beef with pomme purée and root vegetables
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>
DES DEMOISELLES, AOC LISTRAC- MÉDOC, 8636 CLOS 2009, JEAN CHANFREAU
FONTEBRIDE, AOC SAUTERNES, 2014, SCE 8637 CHÂTEAU CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGERON
Jean Chanfreau purchased this little plot of 2.4 hectares in 2002. Mainly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, the $50.83 vines are planted on the south slope of the highest point in the Médoc, Puy de Menjon, at 43 metres. Fine gravel soils lie over fossils and limestone subsoil. This is a rich and concentrated wine with all the power and ripeness $305.00 of the great 2009 vintage. Deep brick ruby in colour, the wine has a mellow, oaky bouquet with fruit, spices and cedar notes. Soft and rich on the palate, it has great depth with flavours of liquorice and dark fruits. Produced with 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes were all hand-picked then fermented in small vats at moderate temperature. The wine was matured in oak barrels, 40% new, on fine lees for 14 months.
2014 is considered to be one of Sauternes’ best vintages in decades, so even if you are just an $34.67 occasional dessert wine drinker, I would suggest now is the time to stock up! The Lamothe family always makes refined, elegant and modern Sauternes wines. Their 2014 Château Fontebride is intense and refined. $208.00 Aromas of pineapple and other tropical fruits lead to more pineapple flavours with passion fruit and mango on the palate. The sweetness is perfectly offset by the natural acidity. A pure delight! Made from 90% Sémillon, 5% Muscadelle and 5% Sauvignon Blanc, the vines are 50 years old and are planted on gravel soils with clay subsoil. It was matured in one-yearold oak barrels for 12 months.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Sémillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc
Mellow, spices, cedar, oaky
Pineapple, tropical fruits
Dark fruits, concentrated
Rich, pineapple, passion fruit, mango, [08]
18° C
8° C
2016-2020, M7 D9
2016-2028, M5 D7
Roast partridge with Brussels sprouts
Foie gras toasts with Sauternes gelée; Roquefort; Passion fruit and mango Bavarian
The 13th century estate of Château Puynard is situated on a 65 metre slope, near the Gironde River, overlooking the Blaye region. Nicolas Grégoire lives here with his wife and children.
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE
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CHÂTEAU DE SOURS Saint-Quentin-de-Baron
Martin Krajewski has been a champion of Château de Sours for 20 years, and has driven the quality of all its wines, red, white and rosé, to great acclaim. This year, a new era begins at Château de Sours as Martin is passing the baton to new owners, a decision which will allow him to focus on Clos Cantenac and develop pastures new, working more closely with his daughter Charlotte. In his own words… “What really sums up this all-encompassing, daring adventure are the exceptional relationships that I have had the privilege to forge along the way. The wide-flung family of Opimian has for long been at the centre. I have been blessed to have visited, dined and poured wine with many Opimian members in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax, St. John’s, Charlottetown, Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Yellowknife and Whitehorse as well as in Bordeaux and South Africa. I have many fond, lasting memories of those encounters and my Canadian travels deserve a whole book of their own. This special affinity is much cherished and I trust that our friendship will continue for decades to come, extending to my daughter Charlotte, who both shares and inspires my dedication and joy for this remarkable work. With much love to you all – Santé!”
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU DE SOURS >>
opim.ca ORDER ONLINE AT
DU CHÂTEAU DE SOURS, BLANC, AOC 8642 RICHEMONT BORDEAUX, 2015
$21.83
$262.00
This wine just exudes intense appealing aromas of passion fruit and gooseberry. Made from 75% Sauvignon Blanc with 25% Sémillon, it is flavoursome and refreshing with grapefruit, gooseberry and lime notes that linger on the palate. The grapes were picked in the early morning at the beginning of September. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and matured for eight months. It offers great balance and value for money. Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon Passion fruit, gooseberry Grapefruits, gooseberries, [00] 6° C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Salt cod fritters
DU CHÂTEAU DE SOURS, AOC BORDEAUX 8643 RICHEMONT ROSÉ, 2015
$21.83
$262.00
Vibrant pink in colour, the Richemont du Château de Sours Rosé 2015 is made from a blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were directly pressed and fermented at low temperature, then matured in tank on lees. The wine has flavours of red berries and redcurrants with firm crisp acidity finishing on a flavour of fresh red apples. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Strawberry leaf Red berries, redcurrants, red apples, [00] 6° C 2016-2017, M8 D9
A happy, content, but exhausted team prepares to celebrate as another harvest comes to a successful conclusion at Château de Sours.
BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU DE SOURS >>
Tomato, zucchini, goat cheese tart
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8644 CHÂTEAU DE SOURS, BLANC, AOC BORDEAUX, 2015 $29.67
$178.00
More complex than the Richemont du Château de Sours with aromas of vanilla, green apples and lime, the palate is pure and linear with crisp acidity and flavours of apples and pears. The Château de Sours 2015 is a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon coming from a three-hectare plot on the limestone plateau of the estate. The grapes were picked in early September, crushed, and half the juice fermented in oak with 20% new, 30% second use barrels and the balance in tank.
Clarisse, Château de Sours’ Assistant Winemaker, working in the laboratory, carefully analyzing the post-fermentation wines of the 2014 harvest.
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon Complex, vanilla, lime Green apples, pears, spices, [00] 6° C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Roast chicken with tarragon
CHÂTEAU DE SOURS, AOC BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR, 2014 Red wines at Château de Sours have been improving every year. The 2014 has spicy dark fruit aromas. It is rich, medium to full-bodied with structure, firm tannins and, black cherry and vanilla flavours. It merits some time in bottle to mellow. It is a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. The grapes underwent a cold soak and then were fermented at 27°C. The wine was matured for a year in French oak barrels with 30% new and 70% second and third-fill barrels.
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8645
8646
$32.00 $192.00
$66.33 $199.00
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Spicy dark fruits Black cherries, vanilla 16° C 2016-2025, M6 D7 Sun-dried tomato and pine nut-stuffed fillet of beef
BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU DE SOURS >>
SOURCE DU CHÂTEAU DE SOURS, BLANC, AOC 8647 LA BORDEAUX, 2014
$51.83
$311.00
Produced from selected plots of old vines, Sauvignon Blanc makes up 80% of the blend with 20% Sémillon. All the grapes were harvested by hand on September 7th and September 11th. After being gently pressed the juice was left to settle naturally. The clear juice was then fermented in oak, 30% new and 70% one-year-old barrels. La Source du Château de Sours Blanc 2014 is complex and very moreish. Flavours of lime, vanilla and gooseberry mingle on the palate with a mineral, limey finish. Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon Limes, herbs, vanilla Mineral, fresh limes, [00] 6° C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Seared sea scallops with asparagus risotto
LA SOURCE DU CHÂTEAU DE SOURS, AOC BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR, 2014 More mellow and soft than the Château de Sours, it is a Merlot-based wine with just a tad (4%) of Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense in colour, it is a vibrant ruby with aromas of apples, blackcurrants and spicy oak. Rich and structured, it has good, juicy fruits on the mid-palate and a bitter cherry finish. It was matured in 40% new French oak and 60% one-year-old oak barrels.
8648
8649
$65.00 $390.00
$132.33 $397.00
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Apples, blackcurrants, spice Cooked apples, gingerbread, bitter cherry 18° C 2016-2022, M6 D8 Wild boar sausage and caramelized apple stew
BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU DE SOURS
YUKON
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CLOS CANTENAC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Martin Krajewski has big plans for Clos Cantenac. Having constructed a new barrel cellar a couple of years ago, he embarked on building a new wing to the tiny winery last year and is busy trying to get his hands on more old vines from neighbours. Yet, the estate will always be small; today, it covers a total of just 5.7 hectares. The 2015 vintage sees the introduction of a new wine, a barrel-fermented rosé made by Martin’s daughter Charlotte, Lolly as she is affectionately known.
Late February sunshine over the peaceful calm of Clos Cantenac as preparations begin for the 2016 growing season.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
BORDEAUX CLOS CANTENAC >>
CLOS CANTENAC, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2014 Produced from 100% Merlot, Clos Cantenac 2014 has a spicy, smoky resin aroma complementing cherry notes. The palate is soft and mellow with flavours of vanilla and black cherries, and an elegant fine texture. All the grapes were harvested by hand on September 24th and September 30th and were left to cold soak for six days before fermentation. The wine was matured in oak for 20 months, 40% in new French oak and 60% second use barrels. Rich and structured, it requires cellaring for some time before reaching its optimum drinking.
8650
8651
8652
$95.83 $575.00
$191.00 $573.00
$398.00 $398.00
Merlot Cherries, spicy oak Vanilla, black cherry 18° C 2016-2025, M6 D7 Filet mignon with morel bordelaise and béarnaise sauce
L’EXUBÉRANCE ROSÉ DU CLOS CANTENAC, AOC BORDEAUX ROSÉ, 2015 PETIT CANTENAC, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2014 A more linear style, the Petit Cantenac 2014 is vibrant plum in colour with mellow aromas of dark fruits, violets, and blueberries. The palate has crunchier blackcurrant, cassis and cranberry flavours. It will benefit from a little time in bottle. A blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, all were harvested by hand on September 24th and September 30th. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in oak barrels and the wine was subsequently matured for 24 months.
A first for Clos Cantenac, this rosé is made by Martin’s daughter Lolly. Based in New Zealand for the last few years, Lolly returned to Clos Cantenac for three months for harvest. The first barrel sample tasted was before the Cabernet Franc had finished fermenting. The final wine was re-tasted some months later and has delicious red fruits, vanilla oak and great balance. It is already getting rave reviews from UK wine writer Matthew Jukes. Lolly, who makes wine in Hawke’s Bay, has agreed with the winery to have three months off each year to harvest at Clos Cantenac, so this is just the beginning.
8653
8654
8655
8656
8657
$54.00 $324.00
$110.33 $331.00
$248.00 $248.00
$40.67 $244.00
$81.00 $243.00
BORDEAUX CLOS CANTENAC
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Mellow, blueberries, violets
Raspberry, wine gums
Cassis, cranberries
Red fruits, well-balanced, [00]
18° C
6° C
2016-2025, M6 D7
2016-2018, M8 D9
Pan-seared duck breast with blackcurrant compote
Lobster bisque
YUKON
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CHÂTEAU PIQUE-SÈGUE
Philip & Marianne Mallard
Bergerac 30
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 241
Marianne and Philip Mallard (center), surrounded by their winemaker, winegrower and oenologist, evaluating the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon’s maturity prior to harvest, October 2015.
The Bergerac region lies to the east of the Bordeaux wine region in the Dordogne department and north of the Dordogne River. This is more rustic land and the growing conditions are more extreme, given the distance from the Atlantic coast. Marianne Mallard and her English husband Philip made Château PiqueSègue their home in the nineties and produce a range of white, rosé and red wines.
BERGERAC CHÂTEAU PIQUE-SÈGUE >>
8658 CHÂTEAU PIQUE-SÈGUE, AOC MONTRAVEL, 2015 $25.00
I think 2015 is one of Château Pique-Sègue’s most successful vintages for its white Montravel, ever. I tasted a tank sample in December; pale in colour, it has enticing aromas of passion fruit and pink grapefruit. Soft on the palate it is well-balanced, crisp with good weight and a long lemony finish. Three different types of Sauvignon, white, grey and pink, are planted, as well as Sémillon and Muscadelle, on clay limestone soils containing large amounts of tuff.
$150.00
Sauvignon, Sémillon, Muscadelle Pink grapefruit, passion fruit Fresh lemons, [00] 6° C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Seafood quenelle
8659 CHÂTEAU PIQUE-SÈGUE, AOC BERGERAC, 2014 $25.00
$150.00
Château Pique-Sègue produces tight tannic wines with the potential to cellar. The 2014 has some black cherry flavours, although it is quite muted. On the palate flavours of chocolate and cherries emerge. The wine has good weight and mid-palate fruit with ripe tannins. Produced from 80% Merlot blended with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers good value with the potential to cellar.
DE PIQUE-SÈGUE, ANIMA VITIS, AOC 8660 TERRE MONTRAVEL, 2010
$40.67
$244.00
Terre de Pique-Sègue is the Mallard’s top cuvée produced from the best plots with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured in French oak barrels for 15 months, it has developed a chocolate and cocoa powder characteristic which complements the fruit flavours of prunes, figs and black cherries.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark fruits
Cocoa powder, prunes
Black cherries, chocolate
Black cherry
18° C
18° C
2016-2022, M6 D8
2016-2019, M7 D9
Venison tenderloin with cocoa-roasted beets and honey cap mushrooms
Rabbit braised with red wine and prunes
BERGERAC CHÂTEAU PIQUE-SÈGUE
YUKON
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A NEW MEMBER, and upon joining, both you and the OUR COUPON PROGRAMS REFER new member will receive a coupon for one of two great rewards.
Your coupon gives you options! Opim.ca or 800-361-9421 ORDER ANY CASE OF WINE & CHOOSE YOUR FREE CASE FROM THE CHOICES BELOW
or
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HAUT MAGINET, BLANC, AOC BORDEAUX, 8638 CHÂTEAU 2015, VIGNOBLES JOLIVET
HAUT MAGINET, ROUGE, AOC BORDEAUX, 8639 CHÂTEAU 2015, VIGNOBLES JOLIVET
Château Haut Maginet in Soussac in the Entre-deuxMers region is owned and run by the Jolivet family. Jean-Marc and his wife Catherine have built up the estate and produce affordable white, rosé and red wines. The 2015 Château Haut Maginet white is pale COUPON in colour with intense aromas of lime and gooseberries. The palate is dry and crisp, and is light to mediumbodied with a long, citrus lemon and lime finish. It is a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% floral Muscadelle and 20% Sémillon cultivated on south-facing slopes on a plateau.
Over the years, Jean-Marc and Catherine have built up the estate from 27 hectares to over 100 hectares, the majority of which are used to produce red wine. Work in the vineyard is necessary to control the vigour of the vines, and control yields in the Entre-deux-Mers region where COUPON soils are heavy and rainfall plentiful. Grass cover every other row, bud removal on the Merlot vines, leaf-stripping and green-harvesting on Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are all carried out so that the grapes can fully ripen under these conditions. Château Haut Maginet 2015 is deep ruby in colour. It has aromas of black cherries and spice. The smooth palate has a more smoky flavour with medium body.
Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Sémillon
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Gooseberry, limes
Black cherry, spices
Lemons, citrus, [00]
Smoky, dark fruits
12° C
18° C
2016-2017, M8 D9
2016-2019, M7 D8
Grilled prawns served over arugula and fennel salad with lemon vinaigrette
OUR WINE PROGRAMS
Opimian Select
Expand your horizons, cellar, taste — it doesn’t matter what it is. Opimian Select will provide you with several different wines to try from eight different wine regions. You can sample and taste the great, everyday selection of wine from our suppliers… find a few favourites and discover what characteristics you love. Over the course of the year, members enrolled in this program receive eight mixed cases of wine, one from each Cellar Offering.
Founders’ Choice
Invest in your cellar, palate, experience – the Founders’ Choice program will enrich many aspects of your life… it will refine your palate and develop your cellar. Over the course of the year, members enrolled in this program receive eight cases of premium wine, one for each Cellar Offering. This program is for members who are looking to expand their cellars and refine their palate. Founders’ Choice is a hidden jewel among Opimian’s wine selection – rare with many unique facets that reveal something new with each case. Vintex et Les Vignobles Grégoire is the Founders’ Choice feature supplier on this Cellar Offering. #420 - 5165 Sherbrooke West, Montreal, QC H4A 1T6 T: 514-483-5551 or 800-361-9421 F: 514-481-9699 opim@opim.ca www.opim.ca
Pork tenderloin with sage, garlic and honey