C252-AB: Washington State, Oregon, California and Spain

cellar

ab

252 Order between August 11 and September 15, 2017

Washington State, Oregon, California and Spain

Ordering Made Easy 1. Select Your Wines Let yourself be inspired by our detailed descriptions or use your personal wine profile to find out which wines best suit your palate. Our custom chart also features a variety of symbols (explained below) that can guide your selection.

Still unsure which wines to order? Opimian’s Wine Concierge is always available to help you make an informed choice. Contact our Wine Concierge at 1-800-361-9421 or by email at concierge@opim.ca.

Legend Grape variety Red White Rosé Sparkling Bottle size

2. Place Your Order There are five ways to order • Online: Go to opim.ca, sign in and select Order Now. • Email opim@opim.ca with your selection.

• Call 1-800-361-9421 • Fax your order to 514-481-9699 • Mail your order*

Number of bottles in case

3. Let Us Handle the Rest The wines featured on this Cellar Offering are still at the producers’ wineries when you order them so it is normal that the process takes a bit of time and effort on our side.

Aroma

Expected arrival for shipments from this Cellar Offering is mid-November 2017.

Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board.

Taste

Once the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution centre, 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 all times at opim.ca.

Serving temperature

Ideal with Evolution Drink this year Will develop, drink within 2 years Meant for cellaring Concentration Light Medium Great

Conditions of Purchase • Accepted payment methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or 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 2017 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: September 15, 2017. Important: no orders will be processed after this deadline. * Deadline for mailing orders: September 5, 2017. Please allow 10 days for delivery by Canada Post.

Oak Light Medium Heavy Limited quantities Limited Very limited Extremely limited Less than 100 cases available Members’ Choice Most ordered by Opimian members Opimian Suggests Starting a cellar

Medal Winner

Discovery Opimian Select 2016 – C243 M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature

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cellar 252 — Alberta

D—Degree of Drinkability (1-10) D1 = needs time D10 = ready to drink

Sweetness scale

Grams/litre

Examples

[00]

0-3

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds

[01]

4-6

Some New World varietals, some reds

[02]

7 - 12

Champagne, Sparkling, Rosés, few reds

[03]

13 - 20

Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou

[04]

21 - 34

Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry

[05]

35 - 50

Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace

[06]

51 - 74

Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat

[07]

75 - 100

Auslese, Beerenauslese

[08]

101 - 139

Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port

[09]

140 - 179

Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port

[10]

180 >

Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese

cover photo — Blue Rock Vineyard Estate Syrah enjoys early

morning dew and soaks in sun-kissed California sunshine.

California

Cellar 252 Washington State, Oregon, California and Spain At the end of April, I went on my first visit to vineyards in the Pacific Northwest and I was excited by the variety, diversity and quality of wines being produced. We offer just a snapshot of wines from Washington State and Oregon, which complement a wider number of favourites from California.

While I was visiting the US, severe frost hit many wine regions throughout Europe. As we wait to see the full impact on the 2017 grape crop levels, we offer a selection of wines from around Spain.

Opimian’s Wine Consultant Jane Masters MW, tastes, selects and writes the commentary for each of the wines in the cellar offerings. Her aim is to find exclusive wines around the world that offer great value to Opimian members through regular visits to wine producers and trade shows.

A Master of Wine since 1997 (one of 356 globally), Jane was elected as Chairman of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine in September 2016.

Jane trained as a winemaker at the Bordeaux Institut d’Œnologie after a degree in Biological Chemistry and worked for UK retailer Marks & Spencer sourcing and managing the Wine & Drinks Category for 13 years.

Featured Washington State -----------------------4 Oregon----------------------------------8 California------------------------------ 12 Mountain View Winery ---------------- 20 Cambridge Cellars -------------------- 26 Kautz Family Vineyards---------------- 30 Pérez Barquero ----------------------- 34 Diva Vinos ---------------------------- 38 Vinoselección ------------------------- 42

— cellar 252 Alberta

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“At Naches Heights Vineyard, our grapes are grown with love — sustainably, organically and biodynamically.“

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cellar 252 — Alberta

photo — Counoise at NHV – it is a fine blending grape, and is delightful to eat off the vine!

Washington State Washington State

Despite tasting wines and background reading, there is nothing like visiting a wine region firsthand. This year was my first visit to vineyards in Washington State and Oregon. After California, Washington State is the second largest producer of wine in the United States with 20,000 hectares of vines and 900 wineries. As prices of Napa Valley wines increase and Washington State wines improve, these are increasingly popular. The state has a diverse range of climates and is a geologist’s paradise; the result of volcanic activity, cataclysmic mega floods and deposits of windblown loess soils.

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9313

Castillo de Feliciana Tempranillo, Rosebud Vineyard, Columbia Valley, 2014 Tempranillo $34.33

$206.00

2018-2024, M6 D8 Woody, vanilla, dark fruit

18°C

Smoke, dark fruits, bitter chocolate Bison Prime Rib Roast with shiitake pan gravy

A Washington State take on this Spanish grape variety, it is dark and moody with woody, vanilla and black fruit aromas. The palate is supple and smoky with more dark fruits and a bitter chocolate finish. It is concentrated with a fine texture and will benefit from more bottle age to mellow.

Tempranillo grapes were grown on the Rosebud Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, one of the warmest regions in Washington State, named after a Native American word meaning watering place. The entire appellation lies on a broad, south-facing slope with a constant gradient of 8%. The proximity of the Columbia River protects against spring frosts. The wine was matured in oak using 25% new American oak and 75% neutral French and American oak.

— washington state

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9314

Smasne Cellars, The Farmer, Columbia Valley, 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah $34.83

$209.00

2017-2025, M6 D8 Green bean, meaty, savoury, dark fruit

18°C

Dense, black cherry, chocolate Cabernet Sauvignon-marinated New York steaks with gorgonzola and caramelized shallot butter

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The Farmer Red 2012 has a savoury, meaty aroma with dark fruits in the background and a hint of green bean. It is medium to full-bodied with a dense, rich palate, with emerging black cherry fruits and a chocolate finish. In 2012, conditions were warm and sunny throughout the growing season with cool nighttime temperatures allowing fully ripe grapes to be picked at leisure while retaining fresh natural acidity. It is produced from grapes grown in Verhey in the Yakima Valley, Coyote Canyon in Horse Heaven Hills and Upland on Snipes Mountain. Robert Smasne whole-berry fermented the grapes and matured the wine for 22 months in a combination of French and American oak.

photo — A panoramic view of the Castillo de Feliciana estate, located south of Walla Walla

With 25 new wines to choose from, in this cellar offering you will surely find a new favourite!

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9315

Dark Star, Columbia Valley, 2012, Kana Winery Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre $39.50

$237.00

Kana Winery, named after the native word for the spirit or fire within a mountain, pays tribute to the impact that volcanic activity had on the soils of Washington State. Kana Winery specializes in Rhône variety wines, with Dark Star their flagship wine produced from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

The grapes for Dark Star were grown at Stone Tree Vineyard in Wahluke Slope and Elerding Six Prong in Horse Heaven Hills.

Strong winds are frequent in Horse Heaven Hills to the extent that the leafy canopy is reduced dramatically and produces grapes with thick tough skins. Dark Star 2012 has coconut and woody aromas, with sweet fruit flavours, blueberries, dark fruits, vanilla, and caramel that lead to a grippy bitter cherry and chocolate finish. Just 300 cases were produced by winemaker Tony Lombardy in his debut year at Kana Winery. It was aged for a full three years in French oak, 30% new.

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NHV Two Dancers, Yakima Valley, 2013, Naches Heights Vineyard Syrah, Cabernet Franc $37.00

Naches Heights AVA, a sub-region of Columbia Valley, is in south-central Washington, northwest of the city of Yakima.

It is a new region, the first plantings of vinifera were in 2002 with the area granted AVA status in 2011. Two Dancers is a blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Cabernet Franc, grown at the Good Earth Vineyard in Yakima Valley. It is vibrant in colour with aromas of violets, coconut and sweet dark fruits. This is a succulent medium-bodied wine with a juicy mid-palate and firm acidity. Winemaker Justin Neufeld aged the wine for 23 months in neutral French oak barrels.

2017-2022, M6 D9 Sweet coconut, blueberries, vanilla

18°C

$222.00

2017-2024, M6 D8 Violets, coconut, sweet dark fruit

18°C

Dark fruits, caramel, bitter cherry

Succulent, juicy fruits

Pappardelle with braised lamb shank ragù

Cherry chipotle short ribs with Syrah barbecue sauce

photo — Tony Lombardo, winemaker at Kana Winery, is most happy when tasting barrel samples of the new vintage.

— washington state

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Oregon Oregon

Oregon is smaller than Washington State, ranking fourth largest wine producing state.

It is best known for Willamette Valley and is associated with Pinot Noir, yet it has 18 AVAs, 11,500 hectares of vines, approximately 700 wineries and over 70 grape varieties. While vines were planted in the 1850s, these disappeared with prohibition until the 1960s and 1970s.

“ We will not grow beyond our ability to handcraft wines of finesse, balance and length.“ Owner/Winemaker Stephen M. Reustle, Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards

photo — These golden canopies showcase Grüner Veltliner at Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards.

— oregon

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Order online at opimian.ca

9318

Stafford Hill, Holloran Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2014 Pinot Noir $34.33

$206.00

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Willamette Valley is the largest AVA in Oregon and the most widely known.

It is broken down into sub-regions with differences in terroir. Generally, the climate is slightly cooler than Burgundy and Pinot Noir is the predominant grape variety. The grapes for Stafford Hill were grown in the Dundee, Yamhill-Carlton and at La Chenaie vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills with some old vines planted in the early 1970s. Humidity at harvest can be an issue in Willamette Valley, but the summer of 2014 was followed by a warm, dry fall.

Stafford Hill 2014 has earthy black fruit and blackcurrant aromas with a hint of leather in the background. It is youthful and concentrated with the potential to age. The wine was aged for 14 months, 10 of which were in French oak, 12% new.

Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards, Syrah, Umpqua Valley, 2014 Syrah $53.83

$323.00

Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards was established in 2001 by Stephen Reustle and his wife Gloria at Roseburg in the Umpqua Valley. Umpqua Valley sits to the south of Willamette Valley and is named after the river that runs through it. It is one of Oregon’s most diverse and warm regions, with three distinct climatic sub-zones.

Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyard is located on steep south-facing slopes in a cool hidden valley of the Umpqua. Steve makes the wines from grapes grown on his 40-acre estate. The 2014 Syrah exudes more of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape - southern Rhône character rather than northern Rhône. It has ethereal aromas of vanilla, dark and red fruits. It is elegant with spices and a hint of leather, developing grip, and a chocolate finish which continues to linger. Umpqua Valley’s winegrowing history dates back to the 1880s when German immigrants planted the first vineyard.

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2017-2022, M6 D8 Red fruits, vanilla

18°C

2017-2022, M6 D8 Blackcurrant, blackberries, earth

18°C

Spice, leather, chocolate

Concentrated, leather

Venison steak with red wine chocolate sauce served with creamy mash and braised cabbage

Pan-seared duck breast with blackcurrant compote

photo — Stephen M. Reustle, his wife Gloria and associate winemaker Wade Smith

9319

Holloran Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2014 Pinot Noir $39.17

$235.00

Holloran Pinot Noir has more concentration and weight than Stafford Hill Pinot Noir and was produced from a special selection of the best barrels.

It has aromas of red and black fruits.

On the palate, it is well-balanced with good depth. The grapes were harvested by hand between September 18th and October 5th, 2014. They were de-stemmed, fermented

with the cap punched down twice daily by hand, then matured in French oak barrels.

During my short visit to Oregon, I met many individuals who shared the same story, “We came here and we liked it so much we couldn’t leave – it was simply meant to be!”

It is a similar story for Eve and Bill Holloran, who moved to the Portland area in 1999. Bill was in technology, Eve a graphic designer.

They purchased a vineyard in Dundee and a large parcel of land in Eola-Amity Hills. Their first wine was made in a converted horse barn. Today, they focus efforts solely on Holloran Vineyards with wines made by Mark La Gasse.

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St. Josef’s L’Esprit, Estate Gewürztraminer, Willamette Valley, 2015, St. Josef’s Winery Gewürztraminer, Riesling $32.33

$194.00

2017-2024, M6 D8 Red and black fruit

18°C

Depth, well-balanced Mushroom rosemary-stuffed quail with risotto

An off-dry wine, rich in structure with a bit of spritz, St. Josef’s Gewürztraminer is elegant with aromas of rose petals and Turkish Delight. It is a blend of 95% Gewürztraminer and 5% Riesling. St. Josef’s was created by Josef Fleischmann and his wife Lilli. This is yet another story of the pull of the verdant green hills and uncrowded countryside. In the early 1960s, Josef and his wife moved from Chicago with a three-year-old and newborn on a mattress in the back of a van to a small farmhouse in Willamette Valley at the end of the Oregon Trail.

2017-2018, M8 D9 Rose petal, Turkish Delight

6°C

Soft, broad, spritz, [00] Prawn Laksa

photo — Cloudy late-summer afternoon in the Dundee Hills, at Holloran’s Ana and Le Pavillon vineyards

— oregon

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California California

Despite the development of Washington State and Oregon wines, California still represents 90% of US wine production. The Golden State has an array of terroirs offering a range of grape varieties and styles from simple varietal wines to seriously age worthy wines produced in Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Napa Valley.

“Oro Bello wine is handcrafted with care from highquality fruit. Our desire is to bring excellent wines to those eager to find an additive-free, crafted wine at an everyday price.“ Alex Remy, Partner, Atlas Wine

photo — Atlas Wine honours traditional farming practices, but also actively implements innovative ideas and concepts.

— california

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Oro Bello Chardonnay, California, 2015, Atlas Wine Chardonnay $25.17

$151.00

I met winemaker Alexandre Remy, a young Frenchman living in San Francisco, in January of this year. He’d brought along a couple of his wines to my hotel to try on Saturday lunchtime as sadly, I didn’t have time to venture into any vineyards.

All his wines were delicious with great personality. This and the Agnitiō Sauvignon Blanc were so good we immediately put a marker down for Opimian. Alex is also a personality. A young winemaker with a determined drive to challenge the status quo, he produces small quantities of site-specific wines. I re-tasted both wines in May alongside the whole California line-up and they stood out. Oro Bello Chardonnay has toasty oak and ripe tropical fruit flavours. It is medium-bodied with great depth, acidity and a long, toasty vanilla finish. A blend of 80% Monterey and 20% Sonoma-grown Chardonnay, 30% was matured in new French oak.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Toast, tropical fruits

6°C

Vanilla, passion fruit, pineapple, [00] Cedar plank grilled salmon with tropical fruit salsa

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Napa Valley is California’s first recognized AVA (1981) and the second in the US.

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Agnitiō, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2014, Agnitio Wines Sauvignon Blanc $34.83

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$209.00

It’s not easy to get Sauvignon Blanc right in California, and not many of them improve with age.

Agnitiō 2014 is another of Alex’s wines with great personality and an intense cassis aroma. The style is more akin to top PessacLéognan or Mondavi’s iconic To Kalon Vineyard old vine Sauvignon Blanc.

Grapes from Oak Knoll, Coombsville and Pope Valley were gently pressed and the juice left to cold settle. The clear juice was fermented with 70% in barrel using 8% new French cigar barrels, and the balance in a concrete egg. All were aged on lees for six months. It is intensely flavoured with passion fruit, blackcurrant pastilles and citrus flavours.

9324

Wine Spots Merlot, Napa Valley, 2013, Wine Spots Wines Merlot $34.83

Produced from 100% Napa Valley-grown Merlot, Wine Spots 2013 shows some nice development with intense cherry menthol aromas. The palate is supple with good midpalate fruit, structure and toasty blackberry flavours. 2013 was an early, high quality vintage throughout California, with bud break occurring early due to a warm spring followed by favorable weather conditions during flowering and fruit set. Merlot was sourced from the Rutherford and Oakville subregions. It was aged in French oak barrels.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Cassis, passion fruit

6°C

$209.00

2017-2020, M8 D9 Cherry menthol

18°C

Blackcurrant pastilles, citrus, [00]

Supple, cherries, spices

King Crab Mac and Cheese

Roasted rack of pork with sausage stuffing

photo — Winemaker Alex Remy specializes in crafting both the wine and the experience.

— california

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9326

Blue Rock Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon $56.67

9325

Baby Blue Estate Red Blend, Blue Rock Vineyard, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec $39.50

$237.00

Since Kenny Kahn and his wife Cheryl purchased Blue Rock Vineyard in 1987, the couple has injected life into the historic estate. It is named after the blue serpentine rocks that are strewn throughout, a large boulder of which marks the entrance to the estate.

The original house and stone cellar, which

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$340.00

date back to the 1850s, have been completely restored. The 49 acres of vineyard, which had been abandoned, were re-planted with Bordeaux varieties. The same care and attention is paid to the wines which get better and better each year. 2015 Baby Blue has a restrained aroma with mulberries and other ripe forest fruits. The palate is mediumbodied with fresh herbal fruits finishing with some grip. Baby Blue is a blend of six varieties: 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 11% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. The wine was aged for twelve months in French oak.

Blue Rock estate is in Alexander Valley in the far north of Sonoma County, one of the warmest regions in northern California during the day, with temperatures dropping significantly at night. The estate lies along the banks of the Russian River north of Healdsburg and is ideally suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. Blue Rock, located in the north of the region, is close to the town of Cloverdale and the renowned Silver Oak winery.

Vineyards are planted on shallow soils on hillsides at 300 to 600 feet, over a layer of clay and blue serpentine rock. The vineyards were first planted here by Italian settlers who brought cuttings and winemaking culture with them, as well as growing olives.

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from the oldest vines planted by Kenny Kahn in 1987. It is youthful with aromas of sweet dark fruits, cherries, vanilla, coconut and toast. It is medium-bodied with grippy tannin and structure. Flavours of dark cherries lead to a chewy finish.

2017-2020, M7 D9

2017-2022, M6 D8

Mulberries, forest fruits, herbs

18°C

Dark fruits, cherries, vanilla, coconut

18°C

Grippy palate

Sweet fruits, dark cherries

Venison loin with Girolles mushrooms served with broccoli and Stilton purée, and red wine sauce

Filet Mignon with crispy butter-fried shallots, roasted fingerling potatoes and baby spinach

photo — Kenny Kahn inspires Blue Rock’s vision and sets the tone for quality standards.

Hook & Ladder Vineyards and Winery Russian River Valley

The De Loach family has been growing grapes and making wine in the Russian River Valley for more than forty years. Cecil and Christine purchased their first 24-acre vineyard in 1970 while he was a firefighter and she worked as a Sonoma County probation officer. In 2003, they sold the De Loach brand and established Hook & Ladder in 2004, producing wines from their 375 acre vineyards. Grandson Jason De Loach has been making the wines since 2006 and they improve with each passing year.

9327

Hook & Ladder Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, 2015 Chardonnay

Last day to order September 15, 2017

$32.67

$196.00

2017-2019, M8 D9 Ripe fruits, butterscotch, toast Vanilla toast, tropical fruit, [00] Chicken pot pie

photo — Cecil De Loach chose the name “Hook & Ladder” for his winery to honor his years on the fire truck.

6°C

A smooth and voluptuous Chardonnay, with the restraint of Russian River Valley fruit, Jason’s 2015 has great balance. 2015 was exceptionally good in the Russian River Valley despite the fourth consecutive year of drought. The coastal fog ensured steady temperatures, allowing grapes to ripen slowly. Butterscotch, toast and vanilla aromas are complemented with tropical fruit and citrus flavours with a long finish. It was fermented in barrel with 20% new French oak and underwent malolactic fermentation.

— california

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Hook & Ladder Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, 2015

Variety is the spice of life – Sign-up for Discovery or Select Plus at opimian.ca!

cellar 252 — Alberta

$245.00

$32.67

$196.00

Concentrated with obvious Pinot character, Hook & Ladder Pinot Noir 2015 has aromas of wild strawberries, smoke and forest floor. It is smooth and round with intense cherry flavours.

Cecil planted this vineyard in 1973 on the plains and gentle rolling hills off Olivet Road in western Santa Rosa. Whole grapes and whole clusters were picked between August 18th and September 3rd, 2015, and fermented in small batches. Each vat had regular punch down of the skins three times a day to extract colour and tannins. After fermentation, it was matured in French oak barrels for eight months.

Dense ruby in colour, it has a complex bouquet with brambly fruits, smoke and herbs.

The Tillerman 2014 has good depth on the palate and is medium to full-bodied. Produced from grapes grown at Los Amigos Ranch and Chalk Hill, each variety was separately harvested, fermented and aged in European and American oak for 17 months. The final blend has good depth and is well-structured.

Named with a nod to Cecil’s life as a fireman in San Francisco, Hook & Ladder relates to the firetruck, a tillerman steers the back of the truck.

2017-2020, M8 D9

2017-2022, M6 D9

Wild strawberries, smoke, forest floor

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Hook & Ladder The Tillerman, Estate Bottled, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Pinot Noir $40.83

9329

18°C

Brambly fruits, herbs, smoke

18°C

Supple, smooth, cherries

Structured, blackberries

Rack of lamb with buttered cauliflower purée and braised baby peas with pearl onions and herbs

Wild mushrooms Wagyu cheeseburger with aged balsamic and truffle fries

9330

Hook & Ladder Station Ten, Red Wine Blend, Estate Bottled, Russian River Valley, 2015 Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet $32.67

$196.00

Dense in colour with ripe berry fruits and a hint of savoury leather, Station Ten is a medium-bodied wine produced from a cocktail of varieties: 70% Zinfandel, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah, 3% Carignane and 1% Alicante Bouschet. The grapes came from some of Hook & Ladder’s oldest vineyards in the cooler section of their land, just west of Santa Rosa, including 100-yearold pre-prohibition Zinfandel, Carignane and Alicante Bouschet. It is supple on the palate with bitter chocolate flavours and a long, black liquorice finish. Each variety was harvested between September 9th and October 1st, 2015.

After fermentation, each was matured for 12 months in European and American oak prior to the final blending.

9331

Hook & Ladder Cabernet Sauvignon, Los Amigos Ranch, Estate Bottled, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot $41.00

2017-2022, M6 D9

2017-2022, M6 D9 Ripe berry fruits, leather

18°C

$246.00

Spice, smoke, dark fruits

18°C

Bitter chocolate, liquorice

Vanilla, succulent fruits, bitter cherries

Fire roasted beef brisket with braised vegetables

Venison Wellington – venison short loin in puff pastry with Portobello mushrooms, smoked bacon, sage and peppercorn sauce

photo — The De Loach family handcrafts exceptional wines from its 375-acre estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley.

The Chalk Hill region is a sub-appellation of Russian River Valley and is generally slightly warmer in temperature during the day. It has a variety of volcanic and alluvial soils in the western foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains.

Dense in colour, Hook & Ladder Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 is restrained in character with a mellow bouquet of spice, smoke, dark fruits and vanilla. It is rich and succulent on the palate with good mid weight. It has a grainy texture and is well-structured with the potential to develop. The final blend contains a small proportion (3%) of Merlot. It was matured for 18 months in a combination of American and European oak.

— california

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cellar 252 — Alberta

California California

San Rafael

Mountain View Winery Angelo Pera and his co-winemaker Philip Zorn continue to develop their network of vineyards and have added several micro vineyards to the fold. The vineyards are located in regions suitable for each grape variety, so that Mountain View produces a range of wines offering great value and quality.

“We are one of the few wineries that has mastered the ability to farm small micro-vineyards. Location and soil-type are most important to us.“

photo — Handcrafted American oak barrels are used to age the Central Coast (Paso Robles) Cabernet Sauvignon.

— california mountain view winery

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9332

Opimian California White Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer $10.67

$128.00

9333

Opimian California Red Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot $10.67

$128.00

Opimian California Red has cherry and herbal aromas. Soft and light on the palate, it has more meaty, spicy flavours and a grippy finish. It is a blend of 42% Zinfandel, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah and 8% Merlot. Half the wine was matured with American oak, the balance in tank.

A label specially created for Opimian, Opimian California Red and White are a must-have!

2017-2019, M8 D9 Cherries, herbs

18°C

Meaty, spicy Grilled pork sausage with spiced peppers

This is a simple California white, produced from a blend of 48% Chardonnay, 41% Pinot Grigio and 11% Gewürztraminer adding fruit.

It is relatively light at 11% alcohol and off-dry.

It was fermented in stainless steel tanks with no use of oak.

2017-2019, M8 D9 White fruit

6°C

Off-dry, firm acidity, [00] Seafood tostada bites

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cellar 252 — Alberta

photo — Angelo Pera in the vineyard after the harvest

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Riverview Chardonnay, California, 2016

9335

Riverview Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2016

$13.08

sandy loam soils.

$13.25 $157.00

Flavours of passion fruit and lemony character give this unoaked Chardonnay appeal; it is dry with balanced acidity.

The grapes were grown in Central California on

Passion fruit

6°C

$159.00

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in Central Coast vineyards have produced a wine with cherry and berry fruits.

Ageing for eight months in second-fill American oak barrels has given the wine a menthol character. It is soft and light with flavours of red fruits and dried herbs.

2017-2018, M8 D9

Butterfly Ridge California Rosé, 2016 Zinfandel, Pinot Noir

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay

9336

$11.25

A tantalizingly fruity pink, it is drier than most blush wines, with bags of flavour. Aromas of strawberries, watermelon and redcurrants precede a soft, off-dry palate with more red fruit flavours of cranberry and raspberry. It was produced from 58% Zinfandel and 42% Pinot Noir.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Cherry menthol

16°C

$135.00

2017-2018, M8 D9 Watermelon, strawberry, redcurrant

6°C

Lemon, grapefruit, [00]

Red fruits, dried herbs

Cranberry, raspberry, [00]

Creamy lemon-shrimp penne

Meatloaf with red wine glaze

Chicken strawberry salad – grilled chicken breast, fresh strawberries and gorgonzola

photo — Central Coast vineyards are among the oldest in the state, planted by Franciscan monks in the late 1700s.

— california mountain view winery

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9337

Butterfly Ridge Pinot Grigio, California, 2016

9338

Pinot Grigio $15.50

Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Butterfly Ridge Pinot Grigio is pale in colour with restrained aromas of fresh apples and pears. It is dry, with refreshing acidity and a lemony finish. It is perfect as an early evening summer aperitif. The grapes were grown in Clarksburg at the La Slough Vineyard. The vineyard was planted in 2001 on sandy loam soil mixed with fertile clay.

More structured and concentrated than the Riverview, Butterfly Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were grown in northern Paso Robles. Currently youthful and tight, it will become more expressive over the coming months with savoury aromas and black cherries. It is well-balanced with a long bitter cherry finish and was matured for six months in American oak barrels.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2020, M7 D9

Fresh apples, pears

24

$93.00

Butterfly Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, 2016

cellar 252 — Alberta

6°C

$18.50

Black cherry, savoury

$111.00

18°C

Dry, lemony finish, [00]

Well-structured, bitter cherry finish

Seared sea scallops with lemon butter sauce

Lamb Moussaka

photo — Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Paso Robles (Central Coast) are used for the Butterfly Ridge.

9339

Butterfly Ridge Merlot, Central Coast, 2016 Merlot $14.83

Pinot Noir $89.00

Butterfly Ridge Merlot 2016 has typical earthy forest floor aromas.

It is light to mediumbodied with grippy tannins and cherry menthol finish. Made from grapes grown in the Central Coast on the eastern side of Santa Maria, the vineyard was planted in 1988 on an east/west axis.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Earthy, forest floor

Ridge Pinot Noir, 9340 Butterfly Central Coast, 2016

$19.33

$116.00

The cool Central Coast climate is a result of the foggy evenings that give respite to the warm sunny days.

Pinot Noir loves this contrast, producing typical varietal aromas. Grown on the Santa Maria Vineyard, the 2016 is pale garnet in colour, with spicy red berry fruits and herbs.

It is light to medium-bodied with a broad structure, a touch of oak and a soft finish.

2017-2019, M8 D9

18°C

Cherry menthol, grippy

Spicy red berry fruits, herbs

Eggplant and prosciutto-wrapped veal with roasted capsicum sauce

Broad, red cherry finish

new 16°C

9341

Duxinaro Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, 2015, Keystone Cellars

Garlic and herb-roasted pork tenderloin

Chardonnay $21.67

$130.00

A distinctly oaky Chardonnay, Duxinaro 2015 is bright in colour with mellow toast and tropical fruit aromas. The oak is apparent, but not overly dominant of the fruit. It is dry, soft, smooth and medium-bodied. Russian River Valley is recognized as producing some of the best cool climate Chardonnay in California. The vineyard was planted in 1998 on clay soils. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine went through malolactic fermentation, adding extra body and complexity. It was matured for 12 months in French oak barrels.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Mellow, toast, tropical fruit

6°C

Pineapple, lemon, [00] Hazelnut-crusted sea bass with pineapple beurre blanc and creamed goat cheese potatoes

— california mountain view winery

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26

cellar 252 — Alberta

California California Santa Rosa

Cambridge Cellars Husband and wife team Bruce and Kim Cunningham have been based in Novato, California, since 2004.

Australia-born Bruce had been importing wines from his homeland as well as developing wines in California. Today, they work with winemaker Douglas Danielak and produce a range of styles.

“Under the guidance of consulting winemaker Douglas Danielak, we specialize in elegantly balanced wines from renowned appellations such as Napa Valley, Russian River Valley, and Carneros.“ Bruce & Kim Cunningham, Founders

photo — Grapes for the Tierra y Mar Zinfandel are delicately crushed prior to starting the fermentation process.

— california Cambridge cellars

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9343

Cambridge & Sunset California Series Merlot, 2016 Merlot $18.00

Cambridge & Sunset

9344 California Series Zinfandel, 2016

Zinfandel $108.00

This is a medium-bodied wine with intense red berry fruits, ripe cherries and floral notes. The Merlot grapes came from coastal growing regions in the Sacramento River Delta. It is a fruity aromatic style.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Red berries Floral, ripe cherries

16°C

$18.00

$108.00

The 2016 harvest started early in California and produced high quality grapes throughout, albeit in small quantity.

Cambridge & Sunset California Series Zinfandel is bright in colour with floral scents of lavender over a savoury, spicy background. It is on the lighter side of medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a juicy red berry finish.

Shiitake mushroom pizza bianca

2017-2019, M8 D9 Lavender, hint leather

18°C

Savoury, red berries Barbecued Baby Back pork ribs

Related to Italian and Croatian varieties, California Zinfandel has a distinctive flavor profile with a truly American name, history and style.

28

cellar 252 — Alberta

photo — Sun-soaked and vibrantly-hued vineyards make for a breathtaking backdrop as harvest comes to an end.

new

9345

Barrel Road Red Blend, Aged in Bourbon Barrels, California, 2015 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon $17.00

$102.00

Barrel Road Red Blend was matured for three months in bourbon-soaked barrels which have made their way from Kentucky across the United States on Highway 70 to the cellar in California. Bourbon barrels give wine a unique character, smoke, molasses, caramel and coffee, which are combined with traditional American oak flavours of vanilla, chocolate and baking spices. Barrel Road is a blend of 88% Merlot with 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is medium-bodied with structure, sweet flavours and a savoury twist.

9346

Tierra y Mar Zinfandel, El Rio Vivo, Sonoma County, 2015 Zinfandel $24.00

2017-2021, M7 D9

2017-2020, M7 D9 Smoke, sweet fruit

18°C

$144.00

Dark fruits, chocolate, mulberries

18°C

Spicy, savoury, grippy finish

Damsons, cherries, savoury chocolate finish

Spicy smoky chili

Grilled Strip Steak with roasted garlic potatoes, haricot verts and caramelized shallots

photo — A peek inside a barrel sourced from Backbone Bourbon used to age the Barrel Road Red Blend

Old Zinfandel vines are cultivated on the eastern side of the Russian River Valley on steep slopes of rocky soils. These have made a big and moody wine, dense in colour with aromas of chocolate, dark fruits and mulberries. It is soft and rich with great balance despite its high alcohol at 16%. On the palate, flavours of damsons, cherries and savoury bitter chocolate create a wine with depth. It is a tasty follow up to the 2014 offered last year and one of my favorite wines in this line up.

It was matured 13 months in predominantly old French oak with a small percentage of American oak.

— california Cambridge cellars

29

30

cellar 252 — Alberta

photo — An owl box overlooking the vineyards. These birds are necessary to naturally reduce the impact of rodents.

California California

Sierra Foothills

Kautz Family Vineyards

The Kautz family has been farming in Lodi for nearly 100 years growing a variety of crops. In 1968, nearly fifty years ago, John Kautz planted his first vineyard.

Today, the family owns vineyards around Lodi and the Sierra Foothills in what was once California Gold Rush territory. The wines are produced at the winery in Murphys by winemaker Steve Millier.

Valley California 9348 Stone Chardonnay, 2016 Chardonnay $12.08

$145.00

A simple unoaked Chardonnay with fruity pear drop aromas and a citrus finish, it is dry with crisp acidity. The grapes were harvested in the pre-dawn hours. After gentle pressing, the wine was fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks.

2017-2018, M8 D9 Pear drops

6°C

Pears, bonbons, [00] Lime-grilled chicken Caesar salad

— california kautz family vineyards

31

9349

Stone Valley California Merlot, 2016 Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Ruby Cabernet $12.08

$145.00

9350

Stone Valley California Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah $12.08

9351

Stone Valley California Red Blend, 2016

$145.00 Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah

Predominantly Merlot with 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Ruby Cabernet from selected vineyards in northern California, this wine has appealing cherry and coffee aromas. Stone Valley Merlot 2016 is light and fruity with juicy red cherry acidity and a soft finish. The grapes were fermented in rotary fermenters and subsequently aged for two months with French oak.

Stone Valley is named after the gravelly soils which combine with the California sunshine to produce ripe and concentrated grapes. Stone Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is actually a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Syrah, all grown in Lodi.

The wine was matured for four months with French oak conferring an intense spice and coffee aroma.

The three grape varieties, Zinfandel, Merlot and Petite Sirah, combine to produce a wine with lots of dark fruit over a savoury background. It is soft initially, developing a grippy finish, and was aged for two months with French oak.

2017-2019, M8 D9

2017-2019, M8 D9

2017-2019, M8 D9

Cherry, coffee

32

16°C

Coffee, spices

18°C

$12.08

Dark fruits, savoury

Soft, light, fruity

Sweet fruits, spicy finish

Grippy finish

Rosemary pork with cherry Merlot sauce

Baked lasagna

Beef fajitas

cellar 252 — Alberta

$145.00

18°C

photo — The wine caverns maintain a year-round temperature of 15.5˚C, regardless of outside conditions.

Not sure what to order?

Call your Wine Concierge at 800-361-9421

new

9352

Christine Andrew, Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, 2016 Zinfandel $20.83

$125.00

The Kautz family has been farming in Lodi since 1926, and in 1968 John Kautz decided to plant wine grapes after years of growing tomatoes, bell peppers, cherries and apples. The Kautz family now have vineyards throughout Lodi and the Sierra Foothills, and Zinfandel thrives in Lodi! Christine Andrew is deep and bright in colour. Aromas of dark cherries, black liquorice and a hint of smoke lead to a medium to full-bodied wine that reveals flavours of plummy fruits and chocolate.

2017-2020, M7 D9 Black cherry, liquorice, hint smoke

18°C

Plummy fruits, cherry Roasted leg of lamb with smashed fingerlings and Zinfandel gravy

photo — John and Gail Kautz taking a walk in their vineyard.

Christine Andrew is named after their grandchildren.

— california kautz family vineyards

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cellar 252 — Alberta

Spain Spain

Andalucía

Pérez Barquero Montilla-Moriles

Located in the region of Montilla-Moriles in Andalucía, southern Spain, the Pérez Barquero cellars were established at the turn of the 20th century. Today, the winery produces a range of still and fortified wines similar in style to sherry from Jerez.

“Our vineyards are located in the most valued high quality zones of the Sierra de Montilla and Moriles Alto.“

photo — After fermentation, the lees are separated from the must which is transferred to “Tinajas”, traditional storage vessels.

— spain Pérez Barquero

35

new

9353

Los Amigos Fino, DO MontillaMoriles, Pérez Barquero Pedro Ximénez $15.83

$ 95.00

2017-2019, M8 D9

Stone fruits, pithy, [00] Cod croquettes

36

cellar 252 — Alberta

Los Amigos Amontillado, DO Montilla-Moriles, Pérez Barquero Pedro Ximénez

A typical Fino style produced from Pedro Ximénez grapes, it has a flinty, smoky aroma. The grapes were grown on the arid Albariza soils of Montilla-Moriles. After fermentation, the young wine was aged in oak casks and allowed to develop.

Smoke, flint, marzipan

9354

6°C

nuts and dried fruit.

Deep amber in colour with aromas of liquorice, smoke and raisins, Los Amigos Amontillado is dry on the palate with flavours of dates,

Ready to drink Liquorice, treacle, raisins

Pedro Ximénez de Cosecha, DO Montilla-Moriles, 2015, Pérez Barquero Pedro Ximénez

$118.00

$19.67

9355

$18.17

Intensely sweet at over 400 grams per litre of residual sweetness, it is produced from sundried Pedro Ximénez grapes. Amber in colour with aromas of dates, raisins, apricots and orange peel, it has a sweet syrupy palate. Flavours of candy floss, caramel, burnt sugar and bitter marmalade intermingle and persist on the palate.

18°C

Nuts, dried fruits, [01] Pecan tartlet, toasted nuts, Gruyère

$109.00

Ready to drink Dates, raisins, apricots

18°C

Candy floss, marmalade, burnt sugar, [10] Bitter chocolate, raisin and sherry torte, Cabrales

photo — Pedro Ximénez grapes are laid out on rush mats to slowly dry out and increase sugar concentration.

9357

Viña Amalia, DO MontillaMoriles, 2016 Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel, Torrontés, Verdejo $90.00

$15.00

This is a light, dry white wine with grapefruit citrus aromas, pears, lemon and lime flavours.

9356

Brigadier Brandy, Pérez Barquero $19.83

$119.00

Spanish brandy is not Cognac.

It offers a completely different experience.

2017-2018, M8 D9 White grapefruit, other citrus fruits

6°C

Pears, lemon, [00]

Mahogany in colour with intense smoky, vanilla and earthy aromas, it is round and smooth with a firm finish.

photo — Cellar Master Juan Marquez follows the delicate ageing process of the Pérez Barquero wines and brandies.

Fillet of sole with lemon-wine pan sauce

— spain Pérez Barquero

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38

cellar 252 — Alberta

Spain Spain

Diva Vinos

new

9358

Finca El Lince, DO Jumilla, 2016, Bodegas Alceño Monastrell, Syrah $13.50

$81.00

Monastrell grapes, also known as Mourvèdre, were grown around Murcia in the south east of Spain on calcareous soils at between 600 and 800 metres. The hot climate and low rainfall produce less than 1.7 kilos of grapes per vine. With aromas of dark fruits, violets and herbs, the wine was aged in American and French oak barrels, giving it a distinctly oaky character with some rustic, chewy tannins.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Herbs, violets

18°C

Rustic, chewy finish Chickpeas and chorizo

photo — After picking, the grapes are brought to the winery for sorting prior to destemming and light crushing.

— spain Diva Vinos

39

new

9359

FINCA EL RECREO TINTO, DOCA RIOJA, 2016, BODEGAS BURGO VIEJO Tempranillo new

$13.50

9360

Dice Crianza, DOCa Rioja, 2014, Bodegas Burgo Viejo

A light to medium-bodied young Rioja, it is simple and well-balanced with blackberry and cherry fruits. It is produced from 100% Tempranillo grown around Alfaro in Rioja Baja.

Situated at the eastern end of Rioja, it is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea and has a drier, warmer climate than other parts of Rioja. The grapes were de-stemmed and lightly crushed, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. This “joven” (young) style has no use of oak.

Matured for 12 months in American oak barrels, Dice Crianza 2014 has a distinctly oaky character with coconut and spicy aromas that mingle with jammy cooked fruit flavours. Oak dominates the palate, giving it a firm, almost austere structure which is complemented by blackberry fruit flavours.

2017-2019, M8 D9

2017-2020, M7 D9

Blackberries, cherries

40

$81.00

cellar 252 — Alberta

18°C

Tempranillo, Graciano $15.83

Coconut, jammy, cooked fruits

$95.00

16°C

Vibrant fruit

Blackberry, woody

Albondigas – Spanish-style meatballs in tomato sauce

Chilindron – Spanish red pepper stew with venison

photo — Contact with oak adds complexity to the best wines which, once in bottle, will develop their own personality.

new

9361

Siete Pecados, Garnacha, DO Campo de Borja, 2016 Garnacha $13.33

Garnacha is perfectly suited to the hot and dry Spanish climate.

$80.00

Berry fruits with red and black fresh berry flavours give lots of charm. Light to medium-bodied, this is a soft and supple wine.

Garnacha grapes were hand-harvested from 25-year-old vines grown in gravelly, chalk loam soils at 500 to 600 metres in altitude.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Red and black fresh berry fruits

18°C

Soft, supple Pork picadillo empanadas

new

9362

Siete Pecados, Garnacha Selección, DO Campo de Borja, 2016 Garnacha $14.83

$89.00

A deep, vibrant plum colour, floral and berry aromas, with mulberries and red cherries, give this wine a lot of appeal. Siete Pecados Garnacha Selección 2016 is made from grapes grown on old bush vines with an average of 40 years of age. Vines are planted on windy, exposed hillsides at 700 to 750 metres in altitude on poor stony red clay soils rich in iron.

It is light to medium-bodied and was aged for seven months in used French oak barrels.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Floral, mulberry, red cherry

18°C

Red cherries, herbs Basque lamb stew

photo — The grapes from these twenty-five-year-old Garnacha vines grown on gravelly soils go into the making of Siete Pecados.

— spain Diva Vinos

41

42

cellar 252 — Alberta

Spain Spain

Vinoselección

A selection of wines from around Spain

new

9363

Aljibes Sauvignon BlancChardonnay, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, 2015, Finca Los Aljibes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay $14.00

$84.00

Pale in colour with aromas of white stone fruit, grapefruit and mineral notes, Aljibes Sauvignon Blanc-Chardonnay has a lemon sherbet character with a linear structure. Los Aljibes is a grand estate in southeast Spain with 178 hectares of vineyards, and a typical La Mancha-style winery. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown at 900 metres.

2017-2018, M8 D9 White fruits, grapefruit, lemon sherbet

6°C

Fruity, mineral finish, [01] Shrimp ceviche tacos

photo — In addition to a passion for wine, the Los Aljibes estate is a unique setting for pure Spanish horse breeding.

— spain Vinoselección

43

new

9364

Aljibes Syrah, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, 2014, Finca Los Aljibes Syrah $15.83

$95.00

Gewürztraminer

Syrah vines were planted on the Aljibes estate above 1000 metres some 25 years ago. The limestone and sandy soils are shallow and contain little organic matter. The arid continental climate is tempered by the high altitude. The 2014 is vibrant in colour with intense aromas of damsons, ripe fruits and herbs. It has a fine texture and is fine-grained with good concentration. On the palate, it is concentrated with dense flavours and savoury notes. It was aged 12 months in French and American oak.

Enate Gewürztraminer has distinctive Gewürztraminer rose petal aromas. It is an elegant wine. Broad in structure with lots of perfume and flavour, roses, violets and more, it is well-balanced with structure and is persistant on the palate. The grapes were harvested and underwent some skin contact before the juice was fermented at low temperature, followed by an early bottling to capture all the fresh fruit flavours.

2017-2020, M8 D9

2017-2018, M8 D9

Damsons, ripe fruits, herbs

44

9365

Enate Gewürztraminer, DO Somontano, 2016, Bodega Enate

cellar 252 — Alberta

18°C

$21.50

Rose petal

$129.00

6°C

Concentrated, savoury, dense

Rich, perfumed, violets, roses, [00]

Boeuf Bourguignon

Thai dumplings

new

9367 Val de los Frailes Rosado, DO Cigales, 2016, Bodega Valdelosfrailes, Grupo Matarromera

9366

Abadal Franc, DO Pla de Bages, 2016, Bodegas Abadal Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Sumoll $15.83

$95.00

In the same style as the 2015, this is a simple rosé, well-balanced, dry, with bags of flavour.

Produced in Cigales in the north of Spain, it is a blend of 95% Tempranillo, and 5% Verdejo. Bright in colour, it is brimming with berry fruits.

This wine has a savoury, inky aroma with some herbs. More dark fruits emerge on the palate with black cherries and a touch of smoke. A blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 40% Tempranillo and 10% Sumoll, it was matured for four months in French and American oak. The Pla de Bages DO in Catalonia is one of the smallest and newest in Spain, established in 1995.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2021, M7 D8

Tempranillo, Verdejo $13.83

$83.00

Red berries, raspberry, strawberry

6°C

Savoury, inky, herbal

18°C

Bags of fruit, [00]

Dark fruits, black cherries, smoke

Chicken and avocado quesadillas

Catalan sausage and beans with tomato and herb sauce

photo — Los Aljibes horse carriages: limonera (one horse), tresillo (four horses), potencia (six), and media potencia (five).

— spain Vinoselección

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9368

Luis Alegre Crianza, DOCa Rioja, 2014, Bodegas Luis Alegre Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha $19.67

$118.00

2017-2022, M6 D9 Dark fruits, vanilla, custard, blueberry muffins Savoury notes, dark fruit

18°C

This is a deliciously mellow Rioja with a bit of everything; ripe dark fruits, some vanilla, custard and blueberry muffin aromas. It is medium-bodied with a savoury edge, dark fruits, concentration and depth.

The grapes are sourced from vineyards with an average age of 45 years and it shows.

Tempranillo was blended with 5% Graciano and 5% Garnacha. After fermentation in tank, the wine was aged for 14 months in American and French oak barrels, 50% new. More integrated than the 2013 offered last year, it is ready to drink, yet also has the potential to cellar.

Lamb ratatouille

new

9369

Viña Eizaga Cosecha, Vendimia Seleccionada, DOCa Rioja, 2016, Vinos Eizaga Tempranillo $14.67

$88.00

A young, un-aged Rioja with red fruit and strawberry aromas, it is light to mediumbodied with red fruit flavours and a bitter cherry finish. Viña Eizaga is a family-owned estate with vineyards close to the Sierra Cantabria Mountains, which protects against stormy conditions blowing in from the Atlantic. Carlos and Javier Garcia farm 40 hectares of vineyards planted on calcareous soils in the foothills of the mountains.

2017-2020, M8 D9 Strawberries, red fruits

18°C

Cherries Menestra – Spanish vegetable stew

46

cellar 252 — Alberta

photo — Fall colours in the Vinos Eizaga vineyards

9370

Plaer, Vinyes Velles Fantastique Licorella, Carinyena/Garnatxa, DOQ Priorat, 2015, Ritme Celler Carinyena, Garnatxa $32.67

$196.00

2017-2024, M6 D8 Blueberries, vanilla, mellow

18°C

Cherries, liquorice Gnocchi with duck, black olive and tomato ragù

photo — Albert Jané, winemaker and owner of Ritme Celler

Priorat wines are often big and bold to the extent they can be too much. Albert Jané makes wines that have power, yet show significant restraint. You may recognize his name; Albert is the owner and winemaker of Braó from neighbouring Montsant, the 2014 of which was offered in Cellar Offering 248.

Plaer, meaning pleasure, is tight knit with blueberry and vanilla aromas. It is mellow, vibrant with cherry and liquorice flavors, yet requires some time to fully express itself.

It is well-balanced with firm acidity and tannins. The grapes were harvested from gnarled old vineyards on the remote Priorat hills with slate llicorella soils, between 300 and 650 metres in altitude. A blend of 80% Carinyena and 20% Garnatxa, the vines range between 40 and 60 years of age in Bellmunt, Falset, Torroja del Priorat, El Molar, Porrera, Poboleda and El Lloar. Just a small quantity is produced with handselected grapes and the wine aged in French oak barrels for 12 months.

— spain Vinoselección

47

Our Programs Opimian offers three wine programs: Discovery, Select Plus and Founders’ Choice. All three showcase great value for money wines, yet they do suit somewhat different interests. Whether you decide to embark on an exploratory journey or want to enjoy a more premium selection, the process stays the same.

You don’t have to worry about deadlines or ordering procedures since Opimian automatically places an order on your behalf with every new Cellar Offering. Your preferred payment will be used, then your wine is shipped and you will receive a Pick Up Notice indicating where to pick it up. Visit Opim.ca for more information.

Eager to learn your way around the world of wine or simply enjoy a selection of bottles for everyday drinking? The Discovery program has it all. Over the course of the year, members enrolled in this program receive one mixed case of six bottles from a featured supplier per cellar offering. These wines are all for immediate drinking so you can indulge in one or two the moment they get to you. Whether you’re new to Opimian or fancy hopping on an introductory tour of the world of wine, we recommend this route.

Delve into a versatile selection of bottles and explore the four corners of the world of wine.

This program features both early drinkability and mid-term aging potential bottles so you can enjoy some now and lay the others down. Throughout the year, Select Plus members receive one mixed case of six bottles per Cellar Offering. These wines may all be enjoyed young but will benefit from some maturing time. The ideal program for those who wish to expand their horizons and refine their palate one bottle at a time.

A collector’s dream. Dedicated to the spirit of our Founders, this program presents only the finest wines our very own Master of Wine Jane Masters has handpicked and tasted over the past year. The wines featured here are exclusive to this program and don’t appear on our Cellar Offerings. Made up of six bottles of a premium wine with a dedicated back label and a special message with tasting notes from the producer, each of the cases you will receive represents the very best our producers have to offer. These bottles offer long-term aging potential so you might want to free up space in that cellar … or start building one.

The Founders’ Choice supplier for this cellar offering is DIVA - Oregon.

www.opim.ca opim@opim.ca

#420 - 5165 Sherbrooke West, Montreal QC H4A 1T6 T: 514-483-5551 or 800-361-9421 F: 514-481-9699