Order between December 15, 2017 and January 19, 2018
South Afric A , r hône, Al SA ce, PA ul S AP in Southern h emi SP here, c h A m PA gne, c ogn A c A nd Whi S ky
m—Degree of Maturity (1-10)
M1 = lay down
M10 = fully mature
Grape variety Red White
Rosé
Sparkling
Bottle size
Number of bottles in case
Aroma
Taste
Serving temperature
Ideal with Evolution Drink this year
Will develop, drink within 2 years
Meant for cellaring
Concentration
Light
Medium
Great
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 Discovery 2017
C245
Select Plus Opimian Select Plus 2017
C245
d—Degree of Drinkability (1-10)
D1 = needs time
D10 = ready to drink
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.
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*
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.
Expected arrival for shipments from this Cellar Offering is mid-April 2018. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board.
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.
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.
• A valid 2018 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: January 19, 2018 Important: no orders will be processed after this deadline.
* Deadline for mailing orders: January 6, 2018. Please allow 10 days for delivery by Canada Post.
notes (as required by the SAQ’s operating procedures)
• A member ordering from this Cellar Offering requests that Opimian acts as the member’s agent in ordering the wines from the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) and requests that Opimian remits the funds enclosed (minus any administration fees) to the SAQ to pay for the wines ordered.
• The prices as shown are the estimated costs to be charged by the SAQ plus an administration fee and consolidation charges.
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
South Africa, Rhône, Alsace, Paul Sapin Southern Hemisphere, Champagne, Cognac and Whisky
My biggest challenge in selecting wines for this cellar offering was in deciding which wines not to include! In South Africa, the 2015 and 2016 vintages produced some superb world-class wines. We offer the latest wines from top-scoring winemaker Richard Kershaw, a new project involving Martin Krajewski named Aristea, Vilafonté, Warwick, and Groote Post. South Africa suffers from a perception that its quality potential is somewhat lesser than other regions, but these wines blow that theory out of the water.
South Africa
In France, the Rhône had two successive quality vintages in 2015 and 2016. While critics were initially wary of growing conditions in Northern Rhône during 2016, these wines are now showing superbly well. In Alsace, the exceptional 2015 vintage has been followed by a worthy 2016, producing white wines with the potential for some cellaring. These are complemented by Champagne produced by Carole Doyard, varietal wines from around the world from Paul Sapin, and a range of spirits.
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 369 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.
South Afric A
South Afric A
Stellenbosch
Warwick Wine Estate
Norma and Stan Ratcliffe were pioneers when they purchased Warwick estate in 1964. Norma, Canadian by birth, was the first female winemaker in South Africa and her wines became flagship wines for the country. Her son Mike has run Warwick Wine Estate since 1999 and is hugely active in the South African wine trade. He organizes The Cape Wine Auction each year, which raises funds to support education throughout the Cape Winelands. He is co-founder and managing partner of Vilafonté and promotes South Africa internationally. He’s also a very nice guy and good fun! The wines at Warwick, made by Nic Van Aarde, continue to get better and better.
“The global interest in South African wines has exploded in the last three years.“
–Head Winemaker, Nic van Aarde
warwick cabernet Sauvignon vineyards with the Simonsberg and Helderberg Mountains in the background.
9431 Faraway Farm Pinotage, w estern Ca P e, 2017
This is a light to medium-bodied juicy Pinotage with cherry fruits and a hint of smoke. After several years of drought and an extremely hot summer in 2016, the winter rains and cold temperatures were a welcome relief, replenishing water reserves in the soil. An even budburst was followed by a mild growing season, with grapes picked at Faraway Farm the third week of February.
2018-2021, M8 D9 cherry, smoke 16°c
red cherries
Pulled pork risotto
9433
w arwi C k t he First Lady Unoaked Chardonnay, w estern Ca P e, 2017 chardonnay
$21.67 $130.00
2018-2019, M8 D9 ripe white fruits, nectarines 6°c
Smooth, rich, [01]
9432
n EW
w arwi C k t he First Lady s a U vignon B L an C , w estern Ca P e, 2017
Sauvignon blanc
$21.67 $130.00
Unfortunately, for Opimian members who have been following Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc, Warwick have killed him off, for the time being at least. The Professor will make a comeback next year in a new guise, as an oaked Bordeaux-style blend. In the meantime, the smooth, rounded The First Lady Sauvignon Blanc 2017 from the Western Cape has been launched in its place. It has aromas of fresh apples and gooseberries which lead to a soft palate with nice melon and guava fruits. It is flavoursome and easydrinking, with a fresh lime finish.
2018-2019, M8 D9
Fresh apples, gooseberries
Melon, guava, [00]
6°c
Grilled calamari with caper mayonnaise
A crowd pleaser of a wine, it is bright in colour with aromas of nectarines, melon and peaches. Smooth and broad on the palate, it has lots of flavours exuding ripe fruits, offset with tangy citrus acidity.
tandoori chicken kebabs with peach chutney
9434
w arwi C k t he First Lady Ca B ernet s a U vignon, w estern Ca P e, 2016
c abernet Sauvignon
$21.67 $130.00
A brilliant wine for the price, produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from younger vines, it is a deep ruby colour showing some development around the rim. Intense aromas of smoky black fruits and creosote set the scene. It is medium-bodied with blackberries and blackcurrant flavours, preceding a bitter cherry, smoky finish. Matured for 14 months in French oak, only older barrels were used, so the oak in no way dominates the luscious fruit. 2016 was an early vintage in the Cape with hot and dry conditions during summer. Many growers benefitted from the experience of the previous early 2015 harvest and thus were well-prepared. Despite the challenging conditions, the red wines are showing well.
9435
w arwi C k Ca P e Lady Ca P e B L end, s te LL en B os C h, 2016
Pinotage, Syrah, c abernet Sauvignon
$25.67 $154.00
Densely coloured, with a purple hue, Cape Lady Cape Blend 2016 conjures up cooked summer fruits and mulberries. It is supple, mediumbodied with ripe fruit flavors, more mulberries, some spices, and a grainy texture. A touch of dryness on the finish gives it authority and seriousness. A blend of 69% Pinotage, 23% Syrah and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine was aged in French oak barrels for 16 months.
blackberries, blackcurrants, smoky finish
Smoked standing rib roast served with roasted root vegetables
summer fruit
Supple, ripe fruits, spices
Pan-seared beef fillet in wild mushroom sauce served over fresh tagliatelle
2018-2021, M7 D9
Smoke, creosote, dark fruit 18°c
2018-2022, M8 D9
cooked
pudding, mulberries 18°c
An Opimian favourite produced from South Africa’s own grape variety, Pinotage, it is cultivated in a single plot on the estate, planted over twenty years ago. The plot is north-facing, making it one of the warmest on the estate, but the old bush vines survive without irrigation to produce small, thickskinned grapes that burst with flavour. A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, the Pinotage variety was developed at Stellenbosch University in the 1920s. Warwick Estate’s Old Bush Vines Pinotage 2016 has aromas of mulberries, black fruits and blackberries. It is medium to full-bodied with a sour blackberry finish and was matured for 18 months in old French oak.
abernet Sauvignon, c abernet Franc, Merlot
Dense plum in colour, Three Cape Ladies 2015 has a fruity nose with aromas of plums, lavender and violets in the foreground and savoury notes behind. It is medium-bodied with a juicy black fruit mid-palate and soft tannins on the finish. A blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot, it was matured in French oak barrels for 26 months using 20% new, but it is not overtly oaky. It is named in recognition of the three generations of ladies at Warwick; Norma, her daughter Jenny who works alongside Mike, and her granddaughter Eve.
Juicy black fruits
braised beef short ribs with carrot purée and spring vegetables
2018-2023, M6 D9
Mulberries, black fruits, blackberries 18°c
blackberries, concentrated
tenderloin of venison with blackberry sauce
2018-2024, M6 D9
Plums, violets, fruity 18°c
A moody wine with inky notes, dark fruits and fresh mint, Trilogy 2014, a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc and 16% Merlot, is medium to full-bodied. Flavours of sour blackberries, blackcurrants and liquorice lead to a chewy, slightly austere finish. This wine needs some time to reveal itself, but has great depth and will cellar for ten years and beyond. Decanting is recommended with some aeration to fully express itself. The grapes for Trilogy come from the oldest vines on the estate. Each variety was handpicked at full ripeness and fermented separately before maturation in French oak barrels, 62% new, for 26 months. Rigorous tasting and selection of each barrel was carried out to determine the final blend.
South Africa suffers from a perception that its top wines are not worth as much as those from other regions, that its potential is somewhat lesser. Vilafonté, founded in 1996, was one of the first estates which set out to prove that perception wrong. Vilafonté wine estate is a joint venture between Californians Zelma Long, previously President of Simi Winery in Alexander Valley, her husband, renowned viticulturist Phil Freese, who in a past life designed and planted the first vineyards at Napa Valley’s Opus One, and Mike Ratcliffe, who produces top-notch, super plush wines. Series C stands for Cabernet, which makes up the majority of this blend with 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot and 9% Malbec. The 2015 is deep plum in colour with succulent ripe loganberry fruits and aromas of spice, smoke, vanilla and herbs. The palate is soft and mellow with ripe dark fruits, pâtisseries and a medium body. It is an elegant wine, smooth with a long cherry finish. The estate lies in the shadow of Simonsberg Mountain in the Paarl region and is named after its unique Vilafonté soil. The top soil is between 750,000 to 1.5 million years old, some of the oldest ever recorded. 16 hectares of vines are planted at high density. Series C 2015 was matured for 22 months in French oak barrels with two thirds new, and the balance in older oak. The oak is seamlessly integrated and complemented by concentrated fruit flavours and refreshing acidity.
photo
a breathtaking winter morning in the Vilafonté Merlot vineyard
2018-2026, M6 D7
restrained, dark fruits, fresh mint
18°c
Sour blackberries, chewy finish
crown roast of lamb served with mint gremolata and scalloped potatoes
beef wellington served with shallot and red wine sauce, and fresh greens
South Afric A South Afric A
Elgin Richard Kershaw Wines
Richard established Richard Kershaw Wines in 2012 and is one of the newer kids on the block. As the reputation and perception of top South African wines shifts, several critics have attempted to create a classification system of South African estates similar to those in traditional wine-producing regions. One such critic is fellow Master of Wine Tim Atkin, who in his 2017 South Africa Special Report placed Richard Kershaw at the very top in the First Growths. Richard is based in South Africa’s coolest wine region, Elgin Valley, where he sets out to create clonally selected, site-specific, cool climate world class wines.
“Clonal selection offers another layer in the winemaking process and affords us the ability to create wines that express elegance and restraint.“
photo — richard kershaw makes outstanding wines from vine clones best-suited to their unique terroir.
A special wine, it is pale in colour with a powerful and complex bouquet with nutty, oaky notes, custard, and limey fruits. The palate is elegant with a smooth creamy texture. White fruits and more lime flavours linger on the palate with crisp acidity on the finish. All the grapes were handpicked and whole-bunch pressed. Half the juice was gravity flowed and fermented in French oak barrels, the balance fermented in plastic eggs. The wine was matured for eight months on fermentation lees.
2018-2021, M8 D9
nutty, oaky, white fruits, custard 6°c
ripe fruits, lime, complex, [01]
Pan-seared chicken breast in a tarragoncream sauce
Read about our three wine programs –details on the back cover.
The Smuggler’s Boot is named after the time when trade embargoes in South Africa meant that growers and winemakers would smuggle grapevine cuttings into the country in their boots. Healthy, perfect grapes were harvested after a warm, but not excessively hot and dry summer in Elgin. Translucent ruby in colour, this is a Pinot Noir with smoke and spicy aromas, mint and red cherry fruits. Soft and supple, it exudes red berries and loganberries with more savoury herbal notes developing in the mouth. It is well-balanced with a lingering, crunchy cranberry finish.
2018-2021, M8 D9
Smoke, red cherries, mint 16°c
red berries, cherries, loganberries, savoury herbal notes, cranberry finish
charcuterie
9442 k ershaw eL gin Chardonnay, C L ona L s e L e C tion, eL gin, 2016
chardonnay
$77.00 $462.00
Bright golden yellow, Richard’s Clonal Selection Chardonnay 2016 is restrained with aromas of nectarines, pineapple and nuts. The palate is rich and concentrated with a broad structure. Oaky notes harmoniously complement the fruit flavours, creating a wine with great depth and richness. Richard used four Chardonnay clones selected from eight small parcels; the so-called Dijon clones CY95, CY96, CY76 and the Entav clone CY548. The grapes were handpicked early on fresh autumnal mornings between February 8th and March 2nd, 2016. Gentle pressing with the juice fed direct to barrel for natural fermentation was carried out. Richard used a small selection of artisanal Burgundian coopers with 38% new oak, a combination of 2nd and 3rd fill barrels, and 10% of the juice fermented and matured in “breathable eggs.” The wine remained on lees in barrel for 11 months. Each bottle was individually numbered at bottling.
not sure what to order? One of our Wine Concierges can help! 800-361-9421 9443 k ershaw eL gin s yrah, C L ona L s e L e C tion, eL gin, 2015
$77.00 $462.00
Spicy aromas, milk chocolate, some leather, smoke with a hint of compost and autumn leaves overlay black fruit underneath.
The palate is taut, delicious and very moreish. It is rich and supple with dark fruits leading to a savoury herbal finish. Syrah grapes were selected from five small parcels made up of clones SH9c, SH22 and SH99. After sorting and de-stemming, the uncrushed grapes were dropped into open top fermenters and underwent a three-day maceration prior to fermentation. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in barrel using 45% new oak and the wine matured for 17 months. This is a smooth, concentrated wine with great balance.
braised lamb shanks with creamy mash and caramelized vegetables
2018-2024, M6 D8
chicken Makhani
2018-2026, M6 D9
Spicy, milk chocolate, black fruits, leather, smoke 18°c
Supple,
balsamic
“Our Chardonnay vines slumber peacefully on a rocky Stellenbosch terrace while their Cabernet Sauvignon siblings enjoy the gentle sunny ocean breeze.“
Constantia Aristea Wines
South Afric A South Afric A
An even newer kid on the block, Aristea is a project created by Opimian supporter and friend Martin Krajewski from Clos Cantenac in SaintÉmilion, together with Matt Krone from the Cape and winemaking consultant Florent Dumeau. These are the first Aristea wines ever produced, which I tasted with Martin in June this year. They were subsequently launched to the wine trade and press in London and are already creating quite a stir amongst the critics; deservedly so!
9444 a ristea Chardonnay, s te LL en B os C h, 2016
chardonnay
$49.17 $295.00 n EW
Pale in colour, Aristea Chardonnay is an elegant, refined and complex wine with doughy, bready notes combined with subtle white fruits. I was immediately blown away when I first tasted Aristea in Bordeaux with Martin in June. Re-tasting in September for this cellar offering simply confirmed my first impressions. Soft ripe fruits, peaches, vanilla yoghurt and lemon curd flavours all linger on the palate. Chardonnay grapes were harvested by hand into small lug boxes on January 29th, 2016, and chilled overnight. Half of the bunches were wholebunch pressed, the other half destemmed and pressed. Fermentation in barrel with 40% new oak was followed by malolactic fermentation and a further 11 months aging in oak with regular stirring of the yeast lees.
9445 a ristea Ca B ernet s a U vignon, s te LL en B os C h, 2015 c abernet Sauvignon
$55.00 $330.00 n EW
Dense plum in colour, showing some development around the rim, Aristea Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 has aromas of cooked blackcurrants and smoke with a leafy herbal edge. Warm in character, it has a distinctly leafy Cabernet Sauvignon flavour which complements the ripe fruits. Soft and rich with good tannin structure, it is a full-bodied wine, concentrated and supple with smooth rounded edges. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from selected parcels of old vines in Stellenbosch. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel and matured subsequently for 18 months using 33% new, 33% second fill and 33% third fill oak barrels.
rich, ripe fruits, long smoky
osso buco on creamy parmesan polenta
2018-2022, M7 D9
white fruits, bready, doughy, complex 6°c
Pears, vanilla, lemon curd, vanilla finish, [00]
Salmon en croûte with sorrel sauce
2018-2024, M6 D9
Leafy herbs, cooked blackcurrants, smoke 18°c
finish
photo — the agapanthus, native to South africa, flowers so distinctively in summer it signals harvest is near.
Stellenbosch Marianne Wine Estate
South Afric A South Afric A
Another South African property with an influence from Bordeaux, Marianne Wine Estate is owned by Christian Dauriac, proprietor of several right bank Châteaux in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Christian established the Stellenbosch estate in 2004 and works with oenologist Michel Rolland to produce wines that will improve with age for at least 10 years. Their policy is to release wines only after a minimum of three years of aging.
9447
m arianne m er L ot, s imons B erg-Paar L , 2013
9446
m arianne Pinotage, s imons B erg-Paar L , 2014
Pinotage
$34.17 $205.00
A serious Pinotage, densely coloured with forest floor aromas and smoky notes, it is starting to develop complex tertiary notes. Anyone who discovered the 2012 last year will find this very much in harmony. It is concentrated, dense and tight-knit with firm acidity and a sour cherry finish. It was matured for 16 to 22 months in old oak barrels to delicately enhance, rather than dominate the fruit.
A savoury wine with aromas of black fruits and coal, it has a firm structure with a certain tartness and flavours of sour blackberries and black cherries. It is slightly astringent with cigarette ash flavours on the finish. Consultant winemaker Michel Rolland, whose specialty is Merlot, often jokes that he was born under a Merlot vine in Pomerol. Marianne Wine Estate grows four hectares of Merlot, with each block picked by hand, vinified and aged separately. Following crushing, the juice and skins were left to macerate for ten days at low temperature. After fermentation over a four-week period, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels, using 40% new, for up to 22 months.
2018-2024, M6 D9
Smoke, forest floor, autumnal, meaty 18°c
concentrated, sour cherry
Venison pie
2018-2024, M6 D8
Savoury black fruits, coal 18°c
Sour black cherries, blackberries, ash
Hanger steak with bacon, Swiss chard and cippolini onions
“We craft authentic wines that reflect our Darling terroir, with deep clay soils and icy Atlantic growing conditions.“
photo — the historic bell tower overlooks the cape Dutch fort, built in the 1700s, now home to Groote Post wines.
Darling Groote Post
South Afric A
South Afric A
Groote Post is a historic 18th century farm in the Darling Hills on the Cape’s west coast. Darling is a cool climate region, due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. Prevailing southeasterly winds keep the vineyards cool throughout summer, ideal for white and Pinot Noir grapes. Owners Peter and son Nick Pentz have 100 hectares of vines planted on the south-facing upper slopes of the Kapokberg Mountain at altitudes between 200 and 450 metres. The wines are made by winemaker Lukas Wentzel.
9450
t he oL d m an’s B L end, s a U vignon B L an C , Chenin B L an C , s emi LL on, w estern Ca P e, g roote Post, 2017
Sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, Semillon
$22.33 $134.00 n EW
This is a refreshing wine and great everyday crowd pleaser, with flavours of fresh green apples and melons. It is soft and smooth, easy to drink with crisp acidity and a citrus pithiness on the finish that adds depth.
2018-2019, M8 D9
refreshing, [00]
Fresh apples, melon 6°c
Smooth,
Lemon-cucumber chicken salad croissants
9451
t he oL d m an’s B L end, m er L ot, Ca B ernet s a U vignon, s hiraz, Ca B ernet Fran C , w estern Ca P e, g roote Post, 2017
Merlot, c abernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, c abernet Franc $22.83 $137.00
Red fruit aromas combine with smoky liquorice and herbal notes. Light to medium-bodied, The Old Man’s Blend red has a supple mid-palate and bitter chocolate finish. It is produced from a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Franc. Winemaker Lukas Wentzel vinified and aged each grape variety separately in old oak casks. Lukas, Nick and Peter work together on determining the best blend, but Peter has the final say, hence the name The Old Man’s Blend.
9452
9453
Fresh apple and fennel aromas precede a clean, crisp palate with flavours of Granny Smith apples, melon and lemon citrus. A long, dry summer in Darling Hills led to an especially early harvest in 2017. Chenin Blanc grapes were picked in the cool early morning and fermented at low temperature with no use of oak.
This is an intense Shiraz, deep purple in colour with ripe black fruits, black cherries and violets on the nose. It is smooth, mediumbodied and well-balanced, with bitter cherry and bitter chocolate flavours finishing on a savoury smoky note. The vineyard block, planted in 2001 and 2002, is west-facing on Glenrosa gravel and clay soils, and is one of the warmer sites on the estate. The wine was macerated on skins for two weeks and matured for 12 months in 300-litre oak casks with 20% new and 20% American oak.
bitter cherry, bitter chocolate, smoke
London broil steak with cherry-balsamic sauce
photo — the Groote Post vines thrive under dry land conditions, producing small berries with intense flavours.
2018-2021, M8 D9
Smoky, liquorice, leafy 16°c
Herbal red fruits, bitter chocolate
eggplant parmesan
2018-2019, M8 D9
Fresh apple, fennel 6°c
crisp, lemon, green apples, [01]
Seafood salad with lemon-garlic-herb dressing
2018-2021, M8 D9
ripe black fruits, black cherries 18°c
9454
g roote Post k a P ok B erg s a U vignon B L an C , v ineyard s e L e C tion, d ar L ing h i LL s, 2017
Sauvignon blanc
$29.50 $177.00 n EW
Last year, I selected the Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc, this year I chose the premium Kapokberg Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a more serious style with lots more depth; aromas of nettles, guava and gunflint are released as one swirls the glass. It has intense, ripe limey fruit and passion fruit flavours with good weight and a long, herbal and mineral finish. It is more akin to Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé in style, and in my view definitely worth the extra. Kapokberg is the highest point on the estate at 459 metres. Meaning “snowy mountain”, Kapokberg refers to the white spring flowers that used to cover it in days gone past, giving the impression of a snow-capped mountain. After fermenting in stainless steel tanks, the wine was kept on lees for three months prior to bottling.
9455
g roote Post k a P ok B erg Pinot n oir, v ineyard s e L e C tion, d ar L ing h i LL s, 2016
Pinot noir
$29.00 $174.00
Groote Post has new sites and different Pinot Noir clones coming of age each year. Translucent ruby in colour, Kapokberg Pinot Noir 2016 has aromas of fresh red apples and red cherries. It is soft and light on the palate with supple tannins, red cherry and vanilla flavours, and an almond finish. It was matured for 15 months in 500-litre French oak barrels, 15% new.
photo — winemaker Lukas wentzel, cellar Master at Groote Post, gives careful attention to every detail.
2018-2020, M8 D9
nettles, Pouilly-Fumé character 6°c
Limey fruit, herbal, mineral finish, [00]
Goat cheese ravioli with asparagus and brown butter
2018-2021, M8 D9
Fresh red apples 16°c
red cherry, apples, almond
Slow-baked salmon in fresh tomato sauce
t he r hône
Ternand Bernard
Négociant
en vins t he r hône
Perrin
Whether you are looking for something ready for drinking or for laying down, the Rhône Valley’s 2016 vintage has lots of choices. There are many family estates with a long history and passion for making quality wines. The favourable climate allows many of them to farm organically.
“Our family, gathered together by the same passion, works with conviction and seriousness to offer you a lively wine.“
–Guy & Thomas Jullien, Domaine La Ferme Saint-Martin
photo
aloe Yucca flowers surround the vineyards at Domaine La Ferme Saint-Martin.
9456
C L os de L a g range des m oines r osé, ao P Costières de n îmes, 2017
Syrah, cinsault, Grenache
$24.50 $147.00
This light, fresh and fruity rosé is a blend of 65% Syrah, 20% Cinsault and 15% Grenache.
Medium bright pink in colour, half the grapes were directly pressed after harvesting and half were left to macerate for some hours before fermenting at low temperature. It has nice red berry flavours with red apple and banana notes.
9457
fruits, crisp, [00]
and avocado quesadillas
C L os de L a g range des m oines, ao P Costières de n îmes, 2016
Syrah, Grenache, Marselan
$22.75 $273.00
This is a soft, light red wine with flavours of mulberries and coffee. Fanny and François Boyer, the sister and brother duo that run the estate, are the fourth generation to farm it and have done so organically since 2009. Situated on the southern side of Costières de Nîmes, the vineyard looks down onto the lakes of the Camargue. A small amount of Marselan (10%) from younger vines was added to Syrah and Grenache.
2018-2019, M8 D9
red apple, banana 5°c
red
chicken
2018-2020, M8 D9
coffee, fruit 16°c
Mulberries
Sausage with braised white beans
Southern r hône
9458
d omaine des r omarins, ao C Côtes d U r hône, 2016
Syrah, Grenache, c arignan, Mourvèdre
$26.67 $160.00
A favourite in previous years, Xavier Fabre’s 2016 Domaine des Romarins stood out once again in this year’s tasting. In
fact, I think it’s even better than his 2015. Bright in colour, it has intense cherry and blackcurrant aromas. It is soft and supple, with ripe dark fruit flavours, mediumbodied and concentrated. Xavier harvests all his grapes by hand. A blend of 45% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 20% Carignan and 5% Mourvèdre, each variety was vinified separately with bunches destemmed and 20 days maceration on skins. It was matured in tank with no use of oak.
2018-2021, M8 D9
cherries, blackcurrants 18°c
ripe, concentrated, dark fruits
Steak frites
9459
d omaine a . Berthet-r ayne, Cairanne, v iei LL es v ignes, ao C Côtes d U r hône v i LL ages, 2016
Grenache, Syrah, c arignan
$31.83 $191.00
This is a hugely successful 2016 wine for André Berthet-Rayne. Deep plum in colour, it has ripe fruits, blueberries, crème pâtissière and balsamic aromas. It is soft and mediumbodied with a red cherry and mulberry finish, reflecting the majority 60% Grenache in the blend combined with 20% Syrah and 20% Carignan. André farms 25 hectares of vines in the commune of Cairanne on the left bank of the Rhône River. The vines are an average age of 60 years with some over 100 years old, producing small crops of concentrated grapes. The history of the family estate goes back to André’s great-grandfather who cultivated vines and olives in 1888. Everything is farmed organically.
blueberries, crème pâtissière, balsamic 18°c
red cherries, mulberries
boeuf à la Gardiane – beef, red wine and black olive stew
photo — alexandra, 5th generation, works with her parents Marina and andré at Domaine a berthet-rayne.
2018-2022, M7 D9
A powerful youthful wine that will benefit from a little time in bottle prior to reaching its optimum drinking, Valréas is the most northern of the Côtes du Rhône Villages. Emmanuel Bouchard’s 2016 Valréas has ripe mulberry and black fruit aromas. The blend of 75% Grenache with 25% Syrah is concentrated and tight with black and red cherry flavours leading to a supple finish. All grapes are farmed organically and were picked by hand.
photo — Gilles Flacher re-fills the cask to counter the natural process of evaporation.
2018-2022, M7 D9
black fruits, mulberries
18°c
black and red cherries
roast duck breast with black cherry sauce served with potato dauphinoise
9461
d omaine La Ferme s aintm artin, “Les t erres Ja U nes”, ao P Bea U mes-de-v enise, 2016
Grenache, Syrah
$35.33 $212.00
Compared to other wines in the lineup, this is an altogether more savoury wine, less marked by the 80% Grenache in the blend than by its terroir. It is a deep, vibrant purple colour, restrained in aroma with definite savoury marmite notes over a dark fruit background. The vines of Beaumes-de-Venise lie at the southeastern flank of the eye-catching Dentelles de Montmirail, between 100 and
600 metres, with La Ferme Saint-Martin located in the small village of Suzette. Guy and Thomas Jullien organically farm 25 hectares of terraced vines up to 600 metres. The wines are made in an old 12th century chapel. For many years, Guy has focused on the soils in different vineyard plots, harvesting and vinifying each one separately. Les Terres Jaunes, as the name suggests, comes from yellow-coloured soils of chalky clay produced during the ancient Triassic period. This is a firm, concentrated wine with a crystalline character and sour blackberry finish. It is well-balanced and will mellow with time.
9462
rabbit with porcini mushrooms and plum
d omaine des Ciga L ons, ao C Châtea U ne UF-d U-Pa P e, 2016
Grenache, Mourvèdre, cinsault, Syrah
$51.83 $311.00
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is famed for its “galets”, large pebbles that were rolled and rounded by the Rhône River then deposited where they lie now, strewn in vineyards and acting as heat emitters during summer nights. In fact, “galets” are found in various vineyards along the Rhône Valley. Domaine des Cigalons, situated between the villages of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Courthézon and the town of Orange, has seven hectares on these typical soils which are cultivated by the Raymond family. The 2016 has youthful aromas of damsons and plums leading to more red fruits and bitter cherry flavours. A supple wine on the lighter side of mediumbodied, it is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault and 5% Syrah.
bitter cherry, red fruits
coq au vin
photo — a typical rhône Valley vineyard, with large “galets” pebbles that keep the heat at night and help deter weeds
2018-2024, M6 D8
Damsons, spice 18°c
2018-2025, M6 D7
Savoury, marmite, black fruit 18°c
cherries, sour blackberries
braised
tomatoes
n orthern r hône
Luc Tardy has done it again. His 2016 is every bit as tasty as his 2015, which I raved about last year. Critics were initially wary about the 2016 conditions in the Northern Rhône. Unlike Southern Rhône, which had ideal conditions throughout, the Northern Rhône experienced a later start to the growing season with cool and humid weather. However, these fears now seem unfounded. Luc’s 2016 is deep vibrant purple in colour with intense aromas; smoke, savoury beefy Bovril notes in the foreground over a black cherry background. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated with a fine-grained texture and a complex array of flavours; black fruits, smoky bacon and bitter chocolate. The old vines are planted in the commune of Beaumont-Monteux on a clay limestone plateau with lots of large rolled pebbles or “galets”. The grapes were harvested by hand on October 1st after a preliminary selection and dropping of any unhealthy, unripe fruit in the vineyard several days earlier. A second sorting and selection of grapes was carried out in the winery. After natural fermentation and an extended maceration on skins, the wine was matured for 14 months in old 600-litre casks.
Savoury spice, black fruits and cassis combine to create a mellow bouquet, youthful and rich with great depth. Gilles Flacher cultivates eight hectares of Syrah vines. His 20-year-old vines cling on for dear life to pure granite soils on steep, treacherous hillsides on the banks of the Rhône. Gilles’s 2016 Les Reines is tight in structure with a pure, solid frame. It is medium-bodied with a black fruit, liquorice and spices mid-palate leading to a succulent, ripe, spicy finish. This is a wine with great cellaring potential. The grapes were destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks for three weeks, then the wine matured in oak for 12 months.
tight, succulent, spicy
Pan-seared lamb loin with heirloom beans and herbs
view of the village of Suzette, as seen from Domaine La Ferme Saint-Martin
2018-2025, M6 D8
Smoke, savoury, black cherry 18°c
Smoky bacon, black fruit
Daube of beef
2018-2028, M6 D7
Savoury spice, black fruits, cassis
18°c
9465
g i LL es F L a C her, Les r o U e LL es, ao C Condrie U, 2016
Viognier
$85.00 $510.00 n EW
In addition to Saint-Joseph, Gilles Flacher also makes a small amount of Condrieu and this year we have managed to secure some of his delicious 2016 Les Rouelles. Pale in colour, it has vanilla and subtle white fruit aromas. Mellow and elegant with medium weight, flavours of melons and white peach emerge on the palate with a vanilla and grapefruit finish. It has great balance and after 10 months élevage in barrel, the oak is perfectly integrated.
9466
s té P hane m ontez d U m ontei LL et, Fortis, ao P Côte-r ôtie, 2015
Syrah, Viognier
$122.50 $735.00
Last year, we skipped Stéphane Montez’s 2014 Côte-Rôtie which simply wasn’t up to snuff given the difficult 2014 vintage, but I’m pleased to say his 2015 is superb. The 2015 Fortis is a complex wine, restrained but with layers of flavour and depth. Aromas of plums, herbs and pencil lead precede a smooth palate silky in texture with red fruits, red cherry, smoke flavours and lifted acidity. An elegant and powerful wine with medium body, Syrah was co-fermented with 6% Viognier. Vineyards are planted on steep terraced granite slopes on the right bank of the Rhône facing south-southeast. They are protected by the Mont Pilat from prevailing clouds and register some of the lowest rainfall in the region. It was matured for 18 months in large new French oak casks.
2018-2020, M8 D9 ripe white fruits
white peach, vanilla, grapefruit, [00]
broiled lobster tails with lemon saffron aïoli
D7
Pork crown roast with garlic herb rub and roasted baby red potatoes
Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr
Alsace lies in the northeast of France, close to the border with southwestern Germany and northwestern Switzerland. It is one of the sunniest and driest regions in France. It is also a region of gastronomy, which is reflected in the wines produced.
Vineyards are planted on the flanks of the Vosges Mountains on an array of soils with different microclimates changing with the aspect and nature of the landscape. The village of Hunawihr lies at the heart of this beautiful region.
“Based in this beautiful village in the heart of the Grands Crus area, our philosophy is to vinify our production in compliance with the rich diversity of Alsatian soils.“
Pale in colour with appealing aromas of white fruits and bready notes, this is a great Crémant d’Alsace and a good alternative to Champagne for any day of the week. It has a fine, creamy texture with good fruit, a ripe mid-palate complemented by crisp acidity and good depth.
Ruby in colour with intense aromas of spices, herbs, thyme, menthol and cherry, this is probably one of the richest, ripest red vintages I have tasted from Hunawihr. It is medium-bodied with good concentration and supple tannins. Produced from the best eight blocks of Pinot Noir, yields are kept low and strict grape selection is carried out at picking. After a 12-day maceration, the wine was matured in Burgundian oak barrels for eight months.
Tantalizing peachy aromas give this Pinot Blanc lots of appeal. It is off-dry, giving it a certain fatness with the sweetness offset by crisp acidity and a long apricot finish. The old vines have a minimum of 25 years of age, with a deep root system producing consistently ripe, concentrated grapes.
ripe fruits, fine mousse, [02] bacon, cheddar and onion quiche; kaeskueche – alsace tarte-au-fromage blanc
white peach, [02]
escargot with cremini mushrooms and cream
2018-2020, M8 D9
Yeasty, bready 6°c
Spicy fruits
baeckeoffe
2018-2019,
Typical Riesling characteristics shine through with spices, an earthiness and wet stone aroma, creating an almost savoury impression. The palate is broad in structure with lime fruits and a long steely finish. 25-year-old Riesling vines are planted on limestone soils around the village of Hunawihr. After cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was matured on fine lees for six months with regular lees stirring. A touch of residual sweetness gives the wine its broad structure.
Aromatic floral and mango notes, with a hint of diesel and a nutty component behind, it may sound strange, but it works! This is a flavoursome wine with lemon, bitter stone fruits and floral flavours. It is medium dry with great balance.
fruits, earthy,
broad, rich flavours, [01]
crab-stuffed sole paupiettes with white wine sauce
Flavorsome, lemon, floral, stone fruit finish, [03]
chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives
2018-2022, M7 D9
Stone
savoury 6°c
2018-2019, M8 D9
Floral, diesel notes, nutty 6°c
9473
Pinot Gris, Grand Cru r o sa C k er, ao C a lsa C e Grand Cru, 2016
Pinot Gris
$35.50 $213.00
One can immediately sense the quality provenance of this Grand Cru site, given the richness and concentration of this wine. Rosacker lies just outside the village of Hunawihr. Vineyards are planted on a complex array of soil types including ceratites, limestone (ammonites), various coloured marls and dolomite pebbles at 260 to 330 metres. The 2016 Pinot Gris Grand Cru Rosacker has intense aromas of apricot skins, cooked apples and quince jelly. The palate is rich and sweet with fresh and dried apricot flavours, peach and marmalade, finishing with a savoury edge.
2018-2021, M7 D9
Apricot skins, cooked apples 6°C
Dried apricots, peaches, [05]
Thai green curry
9474
r ieslin G, Vendan G e s ta rdi V e s, ao C a l sa C e , 2015
Riesling
$48.67 $292.00
2015 was an exceptional vintage in Alsace and the best, so far, this century. Summer was hot and dry with ideal conditions during harvest to allow the grapes to simply “hang” a little longer, to concentrate on the vine and develop noble rot. This Late Harvest Riesling has rich aromas of toffee, burnt sugar and smoke. The palate reveals more fruit, with pears, apricots and a zesty lemon freshness. The rich sweetness is balanced by lively acidity and length. Noble rot started to develop in the vineyard towards the end of September with grapes handpicked several weeks after the main harvest in early October. The grapes were gently pressed and the highly concentrated sweet juice was fermented, leaving 70 grams per litre of residual sugar.
2018-2025, M6 D9
Toffee, burnt sugar, smoky, white fruit 6°C
Zesty lemon, apricots, [06]
Baked crêpes with apricot caramel sauce; terrine of foie gras; aged Gouda
mixed case
riesling
riesling is the noble grape variety of a lsace and Germany, and one of the world’s greatest white wine grape varieties, capable of making long-lived wines with varying sweetness which express the terroirs on which it is grown.
two bottles of three very riesling wines feature in this case. a great way to discover the diversity of flavours and styles that riesling can produce, up to the highest Grand cru level.
a ll three wines are from the 2016 vintage. bud break in early May was followed by hot weather in June with some heavy rain towards the end of the month supplementing ground water reserves. a n indian summer allowed the winemakers to wait for full maturity at each of the sites.
Typical Riesling characteristics shine through with spices, an earthiness and wet stone aroma, creating an almost savoury impression. The palate is broad in structure with lime fruits and a long steely finish. 25-year-old Riesling vines are planted on limestone soils around the village of Hunawihr. After cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was matured on fine lees for six months with regular lees stirring. A touch of residual sweetness gives the wine its broad structure.
fruits,
broad, rich flavours, [01]
crab-stuffed sole paupiettes with white wine sauce
Two bottles each r ies L ing, v iei LL es v ignes, ao C aL sa C e, 2016 riesling
Lime, grapefruit, [01]
Seafood Laksa
2018-2024,
Over the last few years there has been a shift in Alsace, giving more recognition to terroir and sites where grapes are grown. There is a myriad of soils, expositions and microclimates, and the combinations of these create terroirs which confer character and flavour. Silberberg, meaning Silver Mountain, lies about 10 kilometres from Hunawihr above the village of Rorschwihr. Vines are cultivated on deep limestone clay soils known as Muschelkalk, which retain moisture, providing vines with just enough water to sustain them in the dry climate. This is a mineral wine, with aromas of wet stone and fresh earth over a lime background. It is bone dry with crisp acidity, good depth and the potential for some cellaring.
wet stone, earth 6°c
Mineral, earthy, lime, [00]
chicken breast with mushroom cream sauce served with spaetzle
There is no mistaking this is a Riesling, nor the quality status of its provenance; the wine simply exudes power and breeding. It is scented with notes of lime, pink peppercorns, green apples and a savoury hint of cheese rind. The palate is ripe with good citrus fruits, limes and grapefruits, which linger. The Grand Cru sites represent approximately 4% of the wine production in Alsace. Each is strictly defined in area and what grape varieties can be planted. Altenberg de Wolxheim is particularly renowned for the quality of its Riesling. It has a long and documented history producing wine that goes back to the Bishop of Strasbourg in 1003. Apparently, Napoleon was a fan too. Vines are planted in the foothills of the rock of the Horn at 200 to 250 metres on stony limestone marl soils over Lias and Dogger subsoils.
2018-2022, M7 D9
Stone
earthy, savoury 6°c
M6 D8
Spicy, cheese rind, pink peppercorns, green apples 6°c
2018-2022, M7 D9
Southern h emi S phere
Southern h emi S phere
La Chapelle-de-Guinchay
Paul Sapin
Here we present a selection of varietal wines from around the globe, sourced and bottled by Thierry Coulon and his team at Paul Sapin. Each wine offers the distinctive characters of the grape and where it is grown.
“We are a French Wine Merchant founded in Southern Burgundy in 1889, the same year as the Eiffel Tower was built.”
With pungent gooseberry aromas springing from the glass, there is no mistaking this is Sauvignon Blanc. It is soft on the palate with lemon and lime flavours completed by crisp acidity. The grapes were grown in Chile’s Central Valley in the sub-region of Curicó Valley along the banks of the Teno River.
9478 Pa UL ita r eserva m er L ot, Centra L va LL ey, 2017
Ripe fruits, sweet blueberries and blueberry muffin aromas give this wine lots of juicy appeal. It is soft with medium weight and lots of dark fruit flavours. The grapes were harvested between March and April 2017.
Lighter-bodied than the Cabernet Sauvignon, Paulita Reserva Merlot still has plenty of flavour with succulent red and black fruits, and firm acidity.
photo — thierry coulon, Paul Sapin’s chairman and long-time opimian friend
2018-2019, M8 D9
Pungent gooseberry 6°c
Lemon, lime, crisp, [01]
orzo salad with seared scallops
2018-2020, M8 D9
Sweet fruits, blueberry muffins 18°c
Dark fruits
ricotta gnocchi with beef ragù
2018-2020, M8 D9 red and
Soft, firm acidity
Pepperoni pizza
Ba
ington Brook
Ba B ington Brook Chardonnay, s o U th e astern aU stra L ia, 2017
This is easy drinking Chardonnay, perfect for any time of the day or day of the week. It is fresh with flavours of melon, lemon and other white fruits, with a pear and nectarine finish. Chardonnay was grown on fertile sandy soils over clay subsoils in Southeast Australia.
2018-2019, M8 D9
white fruits, melon 6°c
Pears, nectarines, [01]
Fried green tomatoes salad with sweet chili dressing
Aussie winemakers excel at medium to full-bodied Shiraz. Babington Brook Shiraz is deep in color with herbal fruits and spicy aromas. It is smooth and concentrated with a bitter cherry finish. Shiraz grapes were introduced into Australia in the 19th century.
Herbal fruits, spice 18°c
bitter cherries
tourtière
the Se australia Gi includes nSw, Victoria, tasmania, and southeastern portions of Queensland and South australia.
2018-2021, M8 D9
9481
m o U nt v ernon s a U vignon B L an C , m ar LB oro U gh, 2017
Sauvignon blanc
$24.08 $289.00
Intense aromas of gooseberries, lemon and lime lead to an explosive palate with passion fruit and more citrus, with a refreshingly tart, fresh lemon finish. It is produced in New Zealand’s most famous winegrowing region, Marlborough, to the north of the South Island.
Lemon, lime, [01]
9482
2018-2020, M8 D9
Green-lipped mussels with grated Parmigiano-reggiano grilled, served with lime wedges
kL oo F-en-Berg s o U th aF ri C an Chenin B L an C , w estern Ca P e, 2017
chenin blanc
$15.67 $188.00
A soft and fruity wine from the Cape with flavours of pear drops, apples and pears, it is dry and crisp. South Africa’s vineyards benefit from the Benguela Current from Antarctica, which cools the west coast during the hot, dry summers. Chenin Blanc grapes are cultivated on alluvial sands and decomposed granite.
2018-2019, M8 D9
Pear drops 5°c
apples, pears, soft, smooth, crisp, [01]
Sushi
Grassy, gooseberries 6°c
kL oo F-en-Berg s o U th aF ri C an s a U vignon B L an C , w estern Ca P e, 2017
Sauvignon blanc
$16.42 $197.00 n EW
9484
$16.00 $192.00 9483
kL oo F-en-Berg s o U th aF ri C an s hiraz, w estern Ca P e, 2017
Shiraz
A lighter, more restrained style of Sauvignon Blanc than the Paulita Reserva from Chile and Mount Vernon produced in New Zealand, it is refreshing with flavours of apples, lemon and passion fruit ending with crisp lime.
2018-2019, M8 D9
Fresh apples 6°c
Lemon, passion fruit, lime finish, [01]
Shrimp ceviche tacos
Ruby in colour with dark fruits, spice and chocolate aromas, the Kloof-enBerg South African Shiraz is medium to full-bodied with a firm structure, sour red cherries and a hint of leather on the finish.
2018-2020, M8 D9
Dark fruits, spice, chocolate 18°c
Sour red cherries, firm
Penne with sausage, tomatoes and olives
Order online at
“Our House, located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, is transmitting its know-how over four generations.“
Vertus
Champagne DoyardMahé
c h A mpA gne
c h A mpA gne
Doyard-Mahé Champagnes are the epitome of winemaker Carole Doyard. Bubbly and fun, and at the same time sexy, elegant, stylish and charming. Carole is equally at home in her puffer jacket in the winery and gum boots in her vineyards as she is donning high heels, a classically tailored ensemble and presenting her Champagnes to suited-and-booted city types. Carole produces Champagnes from her Chardonnay vineyards in Vertus at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs. All are classified as Premier Cru and sit on typical calcareous soils riddled with fossils millions of years old.
Champagne is best enjoyed in a tulip-shaped glass which allows the bubbles and aromas to develop.
Pale in colour with a fine mousse, aromas of stone fruits and almonds lead to a soft, fresh palate. This is refined, soft and easy to drink with a pithy citrus finish adding complexity and depth. Like all of Carole’s Champagnes other than the rosé, it is produced from 100% Chardonnay. The non-vintage DM Empreinte is a blend of two vintages, the base was wine bottled in 2015 for the secondary fermentation. It was left on the yeast lees for 24 months before disgorgement. Like Krug, Carole marks all the corks with the month and year of disgorgement.
2018-2020, M8 D9
elegant stone fruits, pears, almonds 5°c
Mellow, pithy finish, [02]
Panko-crusted crab cakes
A robust rosé Champagne, it is quite deep in color with enticing aromas of rosehip and grenadine. Additional red berry fruit flavours emerge on the palate, complemented with nice body and firm acidity. It is a blend of 88% Chardonnay and 12% Pinot Noir. A blend of two vintages, the Pinot Noir component was fermented in oak barrels, adding extra structure and complexity.
9489
e B 2011, e xtra BrU t, d oyard-m ahé Cham Pagne, 100% Chardonnay
chardonnay
$96.50 $579.00
Even drier in style, as an Extra Brut, EB Cuvée Désir is pale in colour with white stone fruit, sherbet, a hint of marzipan and some vegetal notes which add complexity. The palate is crisp with a fine creamy mousse and has an elegant lightness to it. The zesty acidity has a bite which complements stone fruit and citrus flavours that linger in the mouth with a mineral finish.
At six years old, the EB 2011 is still light in colour, but has developed broader aromas; some mandarin and earthy characters. It has Doyard-Mahé’s typical light and fine mousse, but with more depth on the palate. The EB 2011 base wine was bottled in April 2012 for secondary fermentation and spent a minimum of four years on lees prior to riddling by hand and subsequent disgorgement. 2011 in Champagne, like many regions in France, was one of the earliest harvests on record. While harvest conditions were mixed, it was particularly successful for Chardonnay in the Côte des Blancs. This cuvée was a medal winner at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
photo — Philippe Doyard, his daughter carole and her daughter chiara. carole has been making champagne since 2010.
2018-2020, M8 D9
rosehip, grenadine 6°c
red berry fruits, [02]
Scampi risotto
2018-2020, M8 D9
white stone fruit, sherbet, marzipan 6°c
Fine mousse, zesty acidity, pithy citrus finish, [01]
olive and brie bites
2018-2022, M8 D9
Mandarin, earthy fruits 6°c
More depth, fine mousse, [01]
Smoked salmon and goat cheese crostini
9490
e B 2008, e xtra BrU t, d oyard-m ahé Cham Pagne, B L an C de B L an C s
chardonnay
$217.00 $217.00
2008 vintage Champagnes are excellent, despite growing conditions not being ideal. The development in magnum bottles is generally slower, and the EB 2008 magnum is really coming into its own now with a yeasty, doughy character adding complexity to white fruit aromas. It remains fresh and youthful on the palate with firm, crisp acidity. Today, it stands head and shoulders above the 2011 with great depth and power. Sadly, there are only 50 magnums available out of Carole’s total stock of 75.
2018-2024, M6 D9
Yeasty, white fruits 6°c
Youthful, zesty palate, great depth, [01]
Pan-fried oysters with champagne butter
9491
dm m i LL ésime 2012, d oyard-m ahé Cham Pagne, 100% Chardonnay
chardonnay
$109.50 $657.00
The 2012 vintage was exemplary in Champagne, with ripe mature grapes and good acidity producing exceptional wines, although many are still sitting in the underground cellars of the large Champagne houses and won’t be released for a while. Yields were low because of frost and hail early in the season. Carole’s DM Millésime 2012 has a broad quince and vegetal bouquet. The palate is soft and round. It is structured with firm acidity and a long finish. It was matured on lees for a minimum of four years. The brut dosage of 8 grams per litre of sweetness gives mid-palate weight and, combined with firm acidity, creates an overall dry impression.
2018-2022, M8 D9
broad fruits, quince 6°c
Structured, firm acidity, [02]
Lobster rolls
“Concerned
about the environment and respectful of our children’s future, we started organic farming of this vineyard in 1997.”
–Domaine Elisabeth
photo — eau-de-vie is matured in old oak casks from the Limousin forest to produce exceptional cognacs.
Maison de la Mirabelle Rozelieures, Lorraine
single malt Whisky mixed case
9492
$119.17 $715.00
t his mixed case of three Single Malt w hiskies is produced by the G. rozelieures distillery in Lorraine. o wned by the Grallet family, the distillery was established over 150 years ago to produce brandy from Mirabelle plums. t he venture into whisky by Hubert Grallet and his son-in-law christophe Dupic was due to their own penchants for malt whiskies. Hubert and christophe distil malts from their own homegrown malted barley (christophe is a cereal farmer) using traditional pot stills and double distillation. t he whiskies are then matured in a range of different oak casks, each bringing a different character.
Two bottles each
Amber orange in colour, Origine has sweet fruity aromas with some smoke and a hint of aniseed. On the palate, it is light and smooth. It was matured in old sherry casks.
Rare is more intense and complex with vanilla and smoky notes laid over a fruit background. It is smooth with flavours of caramel, orange, smoke and a long, rich finish. It was matured in oak barrels previously containing Sauternes dessert wines.
Intense woody and smoky aromas remain on the palate. With a higher alcohol content at 46%, it has a kick to it. Woody and peaty flavours tend to dominate the fruit behind. It was matured in sherry casks.
Virollet
Domaine Elisabeth and Château
Bellevue
Les Vignobles L & G Arrivé
CognaC m ixed C ase
9493 Elisab E t h Fin E Cogna C
$88.00 $528.00
Two bottles each VS, VSOP, XO
b o is
The Arrivé family produce Cognacs in Virollet in Charente-Maritime. Base wine is double-distilled in traditional swan neck copper alembics. The spirit or eau-de-vie is then matured in old oak casks from the Limousin forest.
Similar in colour to the VS, the VSOP has more intense aromas of cassis, vanilla and grapes. The palate is full, with grapey flavours and a long vanilla finish. VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) was matured for six years in cask.
E t h V s Fin E
C , ao C C
C Fins b o is
Light golden in colour, Elisabeth VS has pleasant grapey aromas, with pears and fruit. Matured for three years in barrel, it is soft and round on the palate, with fruit and vanilla on the finish. It is produced from Colombard and Ugni Blanc.
b o is
Matured for ten years in barrel, the XO (Extra Old) has a deeper brown mahogany colour. The nose is complex with less fruit, some vanilla and a hint of treacle and smoke. It is rich and smooth with a round finish with vanilla and candied fruits.
Domaine Elisabeth is a
Elisab
Cogna
ogna
Elisab E t h V s o P F in E Cogna C , ao C C ogna C Fins
Elisab E t h X o Fin E Cogna C , ao C C ogna C Fins
9494
Cogna C Châtea U Be LL ev U e, v iei LL e r éserve n o 1, ao C Cogna C
$369.25 $1,477.00
Intense aromas of toffee, crème caramel and vanilla complement fruity notes. This is a complex Cognac, smooth and supple, with flavours of vanilla, menthol, and honey. After 50 years in barrel it is in complete harmony, the oak integrated and mellow. Produced at the 18th-century Château Bellevue, the vineyards are planted with traditional varieties Folle Blanche, Montils and Colombard. Everything happens within the walls of the Château. The Cognacs are left to mature undisturbed in the old underground cellar below the Château.
9495
m arq U is de s aint-Lo UP Ca Lvados, s é L e C tion, ao C Ca Lvados
$64.83 $389.00
The Marquis de SaintLoup Calvados is pale in colour with an intense fruity nose of apples, pears and sweet floral aromas. Soft and round, it has a nice apple finish. Christian Drouin uses apples and pears from local orchards in the Domfront region grown on schist and granite soils to produce this light, fruity style. Delicious on its own, it’s also great for cocktails and gourmet recipes.
photo — copper bucket of the Marquis de Saint-Loup alembic ready to receive the calvados eau-de-vie
“We remain a family business, and one of the few independent whisky companies in the Scotch Whisky industry.“
Isle of Skye Pràban na Linne
Scotl A nd
Pràban na Linne, based on the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides, is an independent scotch whisky company set up by Sir Ian Noble in 1976. The current Master Blender sources single malt whiskies directly from distilleries on Islay and in Speyside in the Highlands. He skillfully blends these and matures them in oak casks. All the whiskies are bottled unfiltered to retain purity of flavour and smoothness.
9496 a n Lamraig, B L ended sC ot C h w hisky
9497 Cù L na Creagan 12-year-o L d, B L ended m a Lt sC ot C h w hisky $82.67 $496.00
This is an altogether more intense and complex whisky, amber in colour with woody, smoke and fruit aromas. It is smooth with nice fruit and oak leading to a peaty, smoky finish.
9498 Cù L na Creagan 21-year-o L d, B L ended m a Lt sC ot C h w hisky $159.00 $954.00
A rich blend with sweet fruity notes and caramel, it is creamy with toffee overtones. It is 100% produced from grain grown in Britain using a high proportion of single malts.
Deep amber in colour with tinges of brown, the 21-year-old is complex and mellow. Woody notes are integrated with raisins, fruit and treacle. It is smooth with sweet vanilla flavours which persist on the palate and ends with a peaty finish.
Our Programs
Opimian’s wine programs are designed to help you develop your palate at each stage of your journey. It starts with Discovery; once you’ve cultivated your curiosity and explored the wine world, you can graduate to Select Plus — the “next level” mixed cases, with both ready to drink wines and wines for aging. After you’ve challenged your palate and started your cellar, it’s time to start collecting with Founders’ Choice — premium wines available exclusively through this program. You do not 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 features wines that 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 some of 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 Select Plus supplier for this cellar offering is Bernard Perrin
The Discovery supplier for this cellar offering is Warwick Wine estate
The Founders’ Choice supplier for this cellar offering is Warwick Wine estate
