C225-NT: Chile and Argentina

cellar Chile and Argentina

nt

255 Order between January 19 and February 23, 2018

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.

Legend Grape variety Red White Rosé Sparkling Bottle size

Number of bottles in case

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*

Aroma

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.

Taste

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

Serving temperature

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.

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.

• 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: February 23, 2018. Important: no orders will be processed after this deadline. * Deadline for mailing orders: February 13, 2018. 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 Discovery 2017 C246 Select Plus Opimian Select Plus 2017 C246 M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature

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

cellar 255 — northwest territories

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 — Piezometer 8, the 8th point out of 200 in the Echeverría

vineyards in which they measure for underground humidity.

Cellar 255 |

Chile and Argentina

Chile’s winemaking history dates to 1548, with Jesuit priest Francisco de Carabantes introducing the first grapes. The country has a diverse range of climates and wine regions. The long and narrow country is influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountain Range to the west, the Andes Mountain range to the east, and the Atacama Desert to the north. Recently, winemakers have been focusing their attention on making wines from ever more extreme and marginal places. Last November, I spent two weeks touring and visiting many of them. For this cellar offering, we are pleased to introduce Antiyal in Maipo and Las Veletas and Laberinto Wines in Maule.

This year, Chile experienced some of the worst wildfires in its history, with some growers losing their homes and facilities. Chile also has a long history of earthquakes.

While we were in Santiago we felt a slight tremor, although nothing like the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that hit southern Chile some weeks later. Despite, or perhaps because of this, there is a solidarity amongst Chilean wine producers to pull together and help one another in these adverse conditions.

Argentina Chile

Across the Andes lies Mendoza, the heart of the Argentinian wine trade. Its winemaking history also dates to the 16th century. Malbec, which is commemorated on Malbec World Day on April 17th each year, was brought into the country in 1853 via Chile. It is now the country’s flagship grape variety and we offer some great examples from Mauricio Lorca and José Manuel Ortega.

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.

Featured Antiyal ----------------------------------4 Villard Fine Wines ----------------------8 Viña Echeverría - Casa Nueva--------- 12 Viña La Rosa-------------------------- 22 Las Veletas, Laberinto Wines---------- 28 Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca ----- 32 Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier ------- 40

— cellar 255 northwest territories

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“ We believe that sustainable farming practices give our fruit a higher quality and better expression of our soils, in a responsible and sustainable way with nature.“

4

cellar 255 — northwest territories

Chile Chile Paine

Antiyal Maipo Valley

Alvaro Espinoza is a gentle soul, unassuming, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He is passionate about wine, and even more so about biodynamics.

I first met Alvaro and his wife Marina when we were students in Bordeaux, over 25 years ago. They founded Antiyal in 1996 “to teach their children, and all who would listen, about the earth, work and wine.” Antiyal is a Mapuche word (native Chilean) meaning “sons of the sun”.

They believe that growing grapes biodynamically gives the wines greater depth and sense of place. It also ensures the land is in good state for future generations. The family farms ten hectares of vines, one hectare of almonds, and has one hectare of prairies and seven hectares of forest habitat. All the biodynamic preparations are produced on the estate. The couple is surrounded by animals for manure and grows alfalfa for feed.

In 2007, Alvaro was awarded Personality of the Year by the International Wine Challenge. In 2015, Decanter voted him one of the world’s most influential winemakers, and today he is regarded by his peers as the leading authority on organic and biodynamic viticulture.

photo — Antiyal’s Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 2003, are from old vines of Santa Rita

— chile Antiyal

5

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Fe Cabernet Sauvignon, 9499 Pura Maipo Valley, 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere $28.33

Carmenere

$170.00

Antiyal winery is close to Paine in Maipo, with the vineyards located on two sites. The soils are basaltic in origin, deep alluvial and colluvial formations with medium to low fertility. Pura Fe Cabernet Sauvignon has restrained aromas with red and dark fruits, and herbs. It is smooth, with a layered texture and succulent fruits, raspberries, mulberries, redcurrants, leading to a chocolate finish. 70% of the wine was aged in old French oak barrels.

2018-2025, M6 D8 Red and dark fruits, herbs

Fe Carmenere, Maipo 9500 Pura Valley, 2016

$28.33

Deep plum in colour with leafy herbal aromas, some floral notes and a touch of toffee, Alvaro’s Pura Fe Carmenere has a soft elegant texture.

It is supple and smooth with black fruits, and a long cherry and bitter chocolate finish. Carmenere grapes were the last to be harvested on the estate, between May 8th and May 13th, 2016. They were fermented in small stainless steel tanks by natural yeast at 26°C with a long 25-day maceration on skins. The wine was matured in French oak using 50% three-year-old and 50% four year old barrels for one year.

2018-2022, M7 D8

18°C

Succulent, mulberries, chocolate

$170.00

Green leaf, floral, toffee

18°C new

Pan-roasted veal chops with Cabernet sauce served with potato purée

Black fruits, cherries, bitter chocolate Slow-cooked lamb shank Rogan Josh

9501

Pura Fe Garnacha-Syrah, Maipo Valley, 2016 Garnacha, Syrah $28.33

$170.00

Garnacha forms the major part of the final blend, giving it a lush palate with aromas of strawberries and other red fruits. This is a supple, medium-bodied wine with soft tannins on the finish, and lingering flavours of red fruits and chocolate.

2018-2021, M8 D9 Strawberry, strawberry leaf

16°C

Supple, red fruits, chocolate Gnocchi with sausage and tomatoes

6

cellar 255 — northwest territories

photo — Alvaro Espinoza and Marina Ashton founded Antiyal in 1996 .

Only 12,000 bottles of Kuyen and 7,000 bottles of Antiyal are produced at the small family estate they call home.

new

9503

Antiyal, Maipo Valley, 2015 Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

new

9502

$56.17

Kuyen by Antiyal, Maipo Valley, 2015

All the vineyards at Antiyal are biodynamically grown with controlled vigour and yield. The fertility and resistance of the vines come from compost applications to the soil, produced from organic residues and manure from the farm. In effect, Antiyal is a closed system, an “organism” within which everything works symbiotically in balance. Antiyal 2015 has youthful aromas of blueberries, vanilla oak and fresh bread dough.

It is supple, full-bodied and rich with flavours of black fruits, black cherries and a long, savoury and bitter chocolate finish. After fermentation and pressing, the wine was racked to French barrels, 70% new and 25% one year old. 5% of the wine was matured in a concrete egg.

Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Petit Verdot $36.33

$218.00

Kuyen is a Mapuche word which means “moon”. It is another reference to the biodynamic philosophy that inspires Alvaro.

In biodynamic viticulture, the phases of the moon are important in determining work in the vineyard. Kuyen 2015 is a complex and elegant wine, and one of my favorites in the whole tasting for this cellar offering. The complex bouquet has notes of black cherry, buttered toast, vanilla, coffee, brambly fruits, loganberries and mulberries, with a touch of herbs and spice. It has a fine texture with good acidity and a long bitter cherry and chocolate finish. Harvest took place between April 2nd and May 13th, 2015. After a very dry winter, with just 250 millilitres of rain, spring was also dry and cold, which delayed bud break. This was offset by a warm summer, producing a low crop of concentrated grapes. Each variety was hand-harvested and the wine aged for one year in French oak, 20% new, 40% one-year-old and 40% two-year-old barrels.

$337.00

2018-2025, M6 D9 Black cherry, buttered toast, coffee, loganberries

18°C

2018-2026, M6 D9 Smoke, dark fruits, coffee

18°C

Bitter cherry, chocolate

Mulberries, loganberries, black cherries

Coffee-rubbed Prime Rib with horseradish, served with roasted potato wedges

Pappardelle with duck ragù

— chile Antiyal

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“ We make fresh wines, where balanced acidity reflects our aim and our climate.“

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cellar 255 — northwest territories

photo — Spring is in the air in the Casablanca Valley, with the 2018 vintage just around the corner.

Chile Chile

Casablanca Valley

Originally from France, Thierry Villard was one of the first flying winemakers working in Australia and, for what was meant to be a short time, in Chile. Then, he met his wife Paulina. They established Villard Fine Wines in 1989 and have been working with Opimian since 2005. Thierry now works closely with his two sons; winemaker Jean-Charles, and Sébastien, who runs the Nadalié cooperage in Santiago.

Villard Fine Wines

Based in Chile’s Casablanca Valley, close to Santiago between the Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, it is one of Chile’s premium cool climate regions. A milestone in the history of this family winery, last year they completed building a new winery entirely based on gravity flow.

Expresión Reserve Sauvignon

9504 Blanc, Casablanca Valley, 2017

Sauvignon Blanc $24.33

$146.00

Casablanca Valley’s cool climate produces a style of Sauvignon Blanc that is subtle and fresh. Expresión Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2017 has aromas of green apples, limes and wet stone. It is soft and medium-bodied with fresh white fruit flavours of apples and pears. Elegant and crisp, it has a long limey finish. Sauvignon Blanc was harvested by hand and whole bunches of grapes gently pressed. The clear juice was fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks and left on fine lees for four and a half months.

2018-2020, M8 D9 Green apples, lime, wet stone

6°C

Apples, pears, white fruits, [00] Caramelized onion, apple and brie pizza

— chile Villard Fine Wines

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9505

Expresión Reserve Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, 2017 Chardonnay $24.33

Reserve Syrah, 9506 Expresión Casablanca Valley, 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir, 9507 Expresión Casablanca Valley, 2016

Syrah $146.00

$24.33

$146.00

Pinot Noir

A mellow, complex Chardonnay with aromas of ripe fruits, pears and custard, it is mouth-filling and succulent. Good mid-palate weight and flavours of pears and peaches are followed by a savoury toasty finish. Chardonnay was picked by hand, crushed and directly pressed. Part of the juice was fermented in stainless steel, part in French oak hogsheads. A small proportion of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. The combination of these different components, with barrel maturation, creates a complex and layered wine.

Intense purple in colour, Expresión Reserve Syrah has vibrant fruits; plums, ripe black cherries and black cherry jam aromas. It is medium to full-bodied with juicy acidity, and flavours of blackberries and sour dark fruits. Concentrated with some astringency, it will improve with some time in bottle. It is a blend of various lots of Syrah vinified in small tanks. The grapes were left to cold soak on skins prior to fermentation at 28°C to 30°C. 60% of the wine was matured in French and American oak barrels for 10 months, the balance in stainless steel tanks.

Aromas of red apples and raspberries lead to a soft, smooth palate with flavours of cooked red berry coulis, raspberries and strawberries. It is medium-bodied with good weight and tangy acidity. Pinot Noir was handpicked and vinified in small lots with traditional pigeage. A small proportion of the wine was matured in barrels for seven months, giving it a touch of oak.

2018-2020, M8 D9

2018-2022, M7 D9

2018-2021, M8 D9

Ripe fruits, melon, pears, custard

10

6°C

Plums, black cherries

18°C

$24.83

Raspberry, red apples

$149.00

18°C

Peaches, pears, savoury toasty finish, [00]

Blackberries, dark fruits

Red cherries, cooked red berry coulis, strawberries

Stuffed roast pork with glazed pears

Steak frites

Seared duck breast with Bing cherry sauce

cellar 255 — northwest territories

photo — View of Villard’s Syrah vineyards, with Sauvignon Blanc plantings to the left

Chardonnay Grand Vin, 9508 LeCasablanca Valley, 2016

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah

Chardonnay $29.50

Grand Vin, 9509 L’Assemblage Aconcagua Valley, 2015

$177.00

$29.50

$177.00

The best barrels of each grape variety are used to produce L’Assemblage. The 2015 is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 9% Syrah. It is vibrant in colour with dark fruits, herbs and smoke. It is mediumbodied with a fine texture, black cherries and savoury flavours with a grippy finish. Each grape variety was vinified separately and the wines matured for 12 months in barrel.

Casablanca Valley is recognized as Chile’s premium cool climate viticultural region.

2018-2023, M6 D8 Dark fruits, herbs, ash

18°C

Bitter cherries, smoky Loin of lamb Wellington with red winebalsamic sauce

Burgundian-style Chardonnay reminiscent of Meursault, it has mellow toasty fruits with ripe peaches and hazelnut aromas. Soft and round on the palate, it has a creamy texture with balanced acidity and a long bitter orange finish; it has the potential to cellar for some years. Chardonnay juice was fermented in French oak barrels with 10% of the barrels undergoing malolactic fermentation. The wine was matured for eight and a half months in barrels, with approximately half new oak, and regular bâtonnage.

2018-2022, M7 D9 Mellow, toasty fruit, hazelnuts

6°C

Ripe peaches, bitter orange, [00] Grilled lobster tails with citrus butter

photo — Thierry Villard is proud that his winery is recognized as one of the best in the Casablanca Valley.

— chile Villard Fine Wines

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cellar 255 — northwest territories

Chile Chile Molina, Curicó Valley

Viña Echeverría Casa Nueva

The Echeverría family has been growing grapes and making wine at Molina since 1930, although the family first arrived in Chile from the Basque region of Spain in the 1750s.

Roberto Senior has been at the helm since 1979. Prior to that he was an economist working for The World Bank in Washington before returning to Chile. Roberto has been a driving force internationally for the wines of Chile, always with humour and great generosity of spirit. He loves a good party (at almost 80 years old, there is no stopping him), and always has a twinkle in his eye as he continues to look for new ideas and inspiration for the future. His latest passion is for sparkling wine, and there is nothing he loves more than receiving visitors from the “Tren del Vino” on a day trip from Santiago. His son Roberto Junior oversees winemaking and works alongside siblings Viviana, Paulina and Diego.

“As one of the few remaining family-owned and managed estate wineries in Chile, we hope this range of wines captivates in its diversity as well as its excellence.“ —Roberto Echeverría Sr.

photo — This montage is used to promote Echeverría’s wine home delivery service to their Chilean customers.

— chile Viña Echeverría

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9511 9510

Luminos Brut Rosé, Sparkling Wine, Curicó Valley, NV

Casa Nueva Selection Carmenere, Central Valley, 2017

Casa Nueva Selection Merlot, Central Valley, 2017

Carmenere $16.58

Pinot Noir

9512

$199.00

Merlot $16.58

$199.00

Luminos Brut Rosé is a dry, crisp fizz with nice vinous character and firm acidity.

Pinot Noir grapes were left for a short while to macerate on the grape skins, giving Luminos its attractive salmonorange hue. A secondary fermentation was carried out in pressurized tanks to produce the bubbly mousse.

Casa Nueva Selection Carmenere 2017 has spicy aromas with chocolate, green leaves and dark fruits. It is medium-bodied with a cherry and plum finish. Carmenere is one of the last varieties to ripen and was picked between April 6th and April 28th. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks with no use of oak.

Sweet ripe aromas of crushed jammy fruits and toffee apples precede a more bitter cherry character on the palate.

The grapes were picked by hand on April 12th and underwent a cold maceration for 12 hours prior to fermentation.

2018-2019, M8 D9

2018-2020, M8 D9

2018-2020, M8 D9

$21.50

Fresh fruit

14

$129.00

6°C

Chocolate, spice, dark fruits, green leaf

18°C

Jammy fruits, toffee apples

18°C

Vinous, crisp finish, [02]

Cherries, plums

Bitter, red cherries

Cod burgers with sweet potato chips

Grilled veal fajitas

Rosemary-garlic roasted pork loin with cherry-Merlot reduction

cellar 255 — northwest territories

9514 9513

Casa Nueva Family Wines Rosé, Pinot Noir, Curicó Valley, 2017

Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Noir

$18.00

$216.00

Delicate pink in colour with appealing berry fruit aromas, Pinot Noir grapes were harvested on March 23rd and a short skin maceration carried out at low temperature for eight hours prior to pressing. The clear juice was fermented at low temperature, producing a fresh, well-balanced wine with a green apple finish.

A flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc with hints of apple and blossom over a mineral and slate background, it is quite broad in style with flavours of lime and mango. A touch of residual sugar adds a softness to the wine, but overall it leaves a dry impression on the palate.

2018-2019, M8 D9

2018-2019, M8 D9

$22.50

Berry fruits

photo — Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon planted by Roberto Echeverría in 1978

Casa Nueva Family Wines Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, Curicó Valley, 2017

$135.00

6°C

Slate, floral

6°C

Crisp, green apple, [01]

Mango, lime, [01]

Ham, leek and gouda soufflé

Grilled Mahi Mahi with mango salsa

— chile Viña Echeverría

15

9515

Casa Nueva Family Wines Reserva Chardonnay, Curicó Valley, 2017 Chardonnay, Viognier $18.00

cellar 255 — northwest territories

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot $18.00

$216.00

$216.00

Toasty aromas are complemented with passion fruit, pineapple and lemon. This is a smooth, medium-bodied white with a spicy oak finish. Chardonnay grapes were picked between April 4th and April 6th with 30% of the grapes undergoing cold maceration for 18 hours. After fermentation, a partial malolactic fermentation added a rich buttery character, and the wine was left for an extended time on lees. A small amount of barrel-fermented Viognier was added to the final blend.

A smooth and attractive wine, with red fruit aromas over a cedar and pencil lead background, it has flavours of succulent, sweet red fruits, berries, coconut and red cherries leading to a long vanilla finish. Produced from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, all the grapes were harvested by hand.

After fermentation, the wine was aged in used French oak barrels for four to five months.

2018-2019, M8 D9

2018-2020, M8 D9

Toasted brioche, passion fruit

16

9516

Hacienda de Molina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Curicó Valley, 2016

6°C

Red fruits, pencil lead

18°C

White fruits, spicy oak, [01]

Sweet red berries, coconut, red cherries, vanilla

Tarragon chicken with Chardonnay-cream sauce

Tagliatelle Bolognese

photo — Roberto Jr. with sons Vicente and Xanti planning the organic vegetable garden

9517

Hacienda de Molina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere, Curicó Valley, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere $18.00

9518

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Casa Nueva Family Wines Gran Reserva Chardonnay, Curicó Valley, 2016 Chardonnay

$216.00

From the 2015 vintage, this is starting to show some development, with earthy leather aromas and notes of pencil lead giving it an overall savoury character. It is soft with medium weight and a grippy finish. A warmer spring than usual at Viña Echeverría, it was followed by more normal temperatures during March and April, resulting in harvest taking place a week earlier than usual.

2018-2021, M8 D9 Coconut, leather, pencil lead

new

$22.50

Grilled steak salad with beets and scallions

Casa Nueva Family Wines Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon

$135.00

Casa Nueva Gran Reserva Chardonnay has oak, spices and resin, dominating ripe fruit aromas.

The palate is soft and smooth, revealing some ripe pineapple flavours and a mouth-filling structure. After picking by hand, the whole bunches of Chardonnay grapes were gently pressed. Half the juice was fermented in French oak barrels while the other half was fermented in stainless steel. The wine was matured on its lees in French and American oak barrels for six months, producing a rich, oaked style.

18°C

Medium-bodied, grippy finish

9519

Intense spice, resin

$22.50

$135.00

Casa Nueva Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the Maipo Valley; the intense blackcurrant aroma typical of Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo immediately hits you with this wine. On the palate, it is succulent with good mid-palate fruit and flavours of black cherries and cooked blackcurrants. It is medium to full-bodied. An extended skin maceration was carried out, followed by aging in French oak barrels for 10 to 12 months.

2018-2021, M7 D9

2018-2020, M8 D9

Blackcurrant

6°C

Succulent black cherries, cooked blackcurrant

Ripe pineapple, spice, toast, [00]

18°C

Basque beef stew

Sweet and spicy shrimp with pineapple, peppers, onions and snap peas

photo — Estate-grown Chardonnay grapes ready for harvesting, usually around mid-March

— chile Viña Echeverría

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9520

Casa Nueva Family Wines Gran Reserva Syrah/Carmenere, Central Valley, 2015 Syrah, Carmenere $23.33

$140.00

This is a concentrated and full-bodied wine produced from 60% Syrah and 40% Carmenere grown in the Central Valley.

It has aromas of blackcurrants and blackberries with succulent mid-palate fruit and a long bitter cherry and liquorice finish.

Carmenere was picked on May 5th and May 6th, 2015, Syrah between May 25th and May 27th, 2015. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was left for a further six to eight days on skins, followed by 10 to 12 months in French and American oak barrels.

Learn about our three wine programs – details on the back cover of this cellar offering.

9521

Casa Nueva Family Wines Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot, Curicó Valley, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot $23.33

$140.00

A more restrained style, Casa Nueva Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2015 is medium to full-bodied with ripe dark fruit and black cherry flavours.

It is soft and smooth, and the oak is seamlessly integrated on the palate. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot grapes, it was matured in French and American oak for 12 months.

2018-2021, M8 D9 Blackcurrant, blackberries

18

18°C

2018-2021, M8 D9 Dark fruit

18°C

Succulent fruits, dark and bitter cherries, liquorice

Ripe black cherries

Roast venison with braised fennel

Osso buco with tomatoes, olives and gremolata

cellar 255 — northwest territories

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9522

Casa Nueva Family Wines Cool Climate Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Valley, 2016 Sauvignon Blanc $25.67

$154.00

For some years, the Echeverría family has been extending its interests beyond the Curicó and Central Valleys. Like many producers in Chile, they have been attracted to some more extreme regions and climates.

Leyda Valley was traditionally an area of pastures and crops such as wheat and barley. Situated close to the coast and the Pacific Ocean, it has a cool climate with vineyards located at 180 metres. The first vineyards were planted less than twenty years ago with water pumped from the Maipo River through an eight kilometre pipeline.

The 2016 has cool climate character with intense aromas of lime jelly, nettles and greengages. It is medium-bodied and smooth with intense fruit and mineral flavours, and has the potential for some aging.

2018-2020, M8 D9 Spices, greengages, lime jelly, nettles

6°C

Smooth, green fruits, [00] Scampi and asparagus in lemon-tarragon dressing

photo — French and American 225 litre oak barrels used for aging Gran Reserva wines

— chile Viña Echeverría

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The Maipo Valley is described as the “Bordeaux of South America”.

9523

Casa Nueva Family Wines Four Elements, Maipo Valley, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, Petite Sirah $25.67

$154.00

Vibrant in colour, with a deep ruby hue, Four Elements has an intense and complex bouquet with mixed summer fruits, ripe blackcurrants and vanilla. It is mediumbodied and mellow, with a slightly grassy flavour complementing dark juicy forest fruits and a long smoky finish. All the grapes were grown in Maipo and left to hang on the vine for full flavour development with the last Carmenere grapes picked May 5th to May 8th, 2015. It was aged in new French oak barrels for 12 months.

9524

Propuesta by Roberto Ignacio Echeverría, Maipo Valley, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc $22.50

2018-2021, M8 D9 Mellow, summer fruits, blackcurrants, vanilla

20

18°C

$135.00

2018-2022, M7 D9 Ripe cooked fruits, red berry compote

18°C

Dark fruits, smoky

Blackberries, crushed raspberries

Slow-roasted pork shoulder with polenta and steamed greens

Porcini-crusted filet mignon with fresh herb butter

cellar 255 — northwest territories

A wine with purity and depth, the Propuesta 2015 was one of my topscoring wines in terms of value for money. It exudes ripe berry fruits and cooked red berry compote aromas. It is medium-bodied with succulent flavours of crushed raspberries and blackberries.

Produced from a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the grapes were picked from the end of March to mid-April. It was matured in new French oak barrels for 10 to 12 months.

new

9525

Casa Nueva Family Reserva Syrah, Maipo Valley, 2015 Syrah $25.67

$154.00

2018-2022, M8 D9

$154.00

$25.67

Sourced from the cool Casablanca Valley, this Pinot Noir is showing some ruby colour development and has herbal vermouth aromas of mint and tarragon combined with vanilla oak. A structured Pinot Noir, it is medium-bodied with good depth and balance revealing typical strawberry and raspberry flavours with a savoury cigar ash edge. It was matured six months in French oak barrels.

18°C

Smooth, complex, coconut, smoky Lamb pie

Casa Nueva Family Reserva Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley, 2016 Pinot Noir

A deliciously mellow and complex wine with aromas of coconut, ripe cooked red and black fruits, vanilla and sweet tobacco, Syrah grapes were picked in the Maipo vineyard between March 25th and March 27th, 2015.

After an extended maceration on skins and fermentation with selected yeast, the wine was matured in French oak barrels for 12 months. It is round and smooth, rich in fruit and full-bodied with a smoky finish.

Ripe red and black fruits, vanilla, sweet tobacco

9526

2018-2022, M7 D9 Vermouth, herbal notes

16°C

Wild strawberries, cigar ash Herb-rubbed duck with tart berries and sage sauce

photo — Vineyards at Molina painted by Adriana Piffre de Vauban, Roberto Sr’s mother.

— chile Viña Echeverría

21

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cellar 255 — northwest territories

photo — Hand-harvested Carmenere destined for Viña La Rosa’s Winemakers Selection

Chile Cachapoal Valley, Rapel

Viña La Rosa

Cornellana Estate

Chile

One of Chile’s oldest wineries, Viña La Rosa was established in 1824 by the Ossa family. Today, it is run by Ismael Ossa Errázuriz. Located in the Cachapoal Valley in the north of Rapel Valley, 120 kilometres south of Santiago, it has over 800 hectares of vineyards in three distinct areas.

Cornellana lies in an isolated hidden valley with rocky terrain. The wines are made by Gonzalo Cárcamo who has a passion for Carmenere.

9529

Cornellana Sauvignon Blanc, Cachapoal Valley, 2017 Sauvignon Blanc $16.33

$196.00

As in previous years, Cornellana Sauvignon Blanc offers unbeatable value with intense aromas of passion fruit, gooseberry and melon. It is dry and crisp with a long citrus, lemon and lime finish. The grapes were picked at night to benefit from cool temperatures and the wine fermented at low temperature.

2018-2019, M8 D9 Passion fruit, gooseberry, melon

6°C

Lemon, lime, [00] Crispy chili lime squid

— chile Viña La Rosa

23

9530

Cornellana Merlot, Cachapoal Valley, 2017 Merlot $196.00

$16.33

Cornellana Merlot 2017 has fruity aromas of red cherries and redcurrants mixed with violets and herbs. A more savoury character comes through on the palate with leafy, coal notes leading to a bitter cherry finish.

In 2017, the main concern at La Rosa was high daytime temperatures in the summer which often hit 40°C, not common at all to the region. This required very careful, rather than overzealous, leaf-thinning to ensure the grapes were sufficiently protected from sunburn and early picking. Yields were 20% below average.

2018-2020, M8 D9 Red cherries, herbs, redcurrants, violets

16°C

Bitter cherries, savoury, leaf Farfalle with bacon and tomato sauce

9531

Cornellana Reserve Chardonnay, Cachapoal Valley, 2017

In addition to grape vines, small orchards of Agen plums also flourish on the Cornellana estate.

Chardonnay $17.92

A deliciously balanced Chardonnay, the oaky notes are in perfect harmony with tropical fruits, lime, mango and passion fruit. Dry and crisp, it has a citrus acidity combined with vanilla toast flavours giving it good depth.

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cellar 255 — northwest territories

2018-2019, M8 D9

$215.00 Tropical fruits, mango, passion fruit

6°C

Citrus, toast, [00] Citrus salmon en papillote with tropical fruit salsa

photo — Left to right - Gonzalo Cárcamo, Cynthia Ortiz and Juan Carlos Acevedo, winemakers at Viña la Rosa

9532

Cornellana Reserve Carmenere, Cachapoal Valley, 2016 Carmenere $17.92

Cornellana Reserve Pinot Noir, Cachapoal Valley, 2016 Pinot Noir

$215.00

Viña La Rosa, based at Peumo, is in the heart of where Carmenere does best. Carmenere produces flavoursome grapes on the colluvial soils, aided by the lengthy end to the growing season, which allows the grapes to hang just that little bit longer. Gonzalo’s Reserve Carmenere 2016 is a deep, bright ruby colour. Aromas of spice and chocolate precede more fruit on the palate with an herbal, leafy finish. It is on the lighter side of medium-bodied and was aged for six months in French oak.

2018-2020, M8 D9 Chocolate, spices

9533

18°C

Leafy, herbal

$18.42

$221.00

Pale ruby in colour, with aromas of red berries and cherries, this is a soft and light-bodied Pinot Noir, smooth and easydrinking, with redcurrant and vanilla flavours. Pinot Noir vines are cultivated on deep alluvial soils on the banks of the Cachapoal River. The grapes were picked by hand, with a selection of bunches left as whole berries for a cold maceration, and the rest de-stemmed and crushed into tank. During fermentation, pump-overs and pigeage were carried out and the temperature maintained at 22°C to 24°C. 2018-2020, M8 D9 Red berries, red cherries

16°C

Redcurrant Charcuterie

Navarin Printanier – spring lamb stew

photo — Previously a cellar, the “Museo” is a re-conditioned adobe building now used for events at the winery.

— chile Viña La Rosa

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9534

Cornellana Winemakers Selection Barrel Reserve Cuvée, Cachapoal Valley, 2015 Carmenere, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah $24.50

$147.00

Deep in colour with a hint of development giving a brick ruby hue around the rim, Barrel Reserve Cuvée 2015 has intense aromas of cassis and fresh green leaves. It is soft and round on the palate with a firm tannic finish and flavours of blackcurrants and green beans. This is an intense, concentrated and full-bodied wine with personality. The same proportions of 60% Carmenere and 30% Merlot were used as the previous year, with a tad more Cabernet Franc (5%) and a tad less Syrah (5%). It was matured in French oak for nine months.

2018-2022, M7 D8 Cassis, green leaf

9535

Cornellana Winemakers Selection Barrel Reserve Carmenere Cabernet Franc, Cachapoal Valley, 2015 Carmenere, Cabernet Franc $25.67

$154.00

A 50:50 blend of Carmenere and Cabernet Franc, the Barrel Reserve Carmenere Cabernet Franc 2015 has a less smoky character than the 2014 vintage, but lots of cool dark fruits with a mineral edge and notes of pencil lead. The palate is tight and firm, with flavours of sour blackberries and some more juicy fruit. It is medium-bodied and will benefit from a little bottle age prior to drinking.

2018-2022, M7 D9

18°C

Blackcurrant, green bean Spiced Angus beef medallions with baconfig sauce served on gorgonzola risotto

Dark fruits, mineral

18°C

Sour blackberries, juicy fruits Brisket chili

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cellar 255 — northwest territories

photo — The Chilean coastal range shields the vines from cool and humid Pacific Ocean winds.

Last day to order February 23, 2018

9536

Cornellana Winemakers Selection Barrel Reserve Carmenere, Cachapoal Valley, 2015

9537

Cornellana Gran Reserva Cuvée, Cachapoal Valley, 2014

Carmenere $25.67

$154.00

Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot $27.33

$164.00

Sweet cherry and plum fruit aromas over a spicy background give the Barrel Reserve Carmenere instant appeal. The palate is supple and mediumbodied, developing more complex and interesting flavours. It is soft and smooth with juicy red cherry and spicy overtones combined with tangy acidity.

Deliciously ready now, it will hold for several years and is a great example of Chilean Carmenere.

Dense in colour, with intense aromas of ripe dark fruits, black cherries, blueberries, plums, vanilla and smoke, Cornellana Gran Reserva Cuvée 2014 is medium to fullbodied, with a soft, juicy palate. It is smooth and supple, intense and concentrated, but not yet complex. 2014 was one of the earliest harvests in Cachapoal Valley. A low-yielding vintage with high temperatures in February and March were followed by average-to-low temperatures in April and May, allowing the winemaking team to wait for perfect ripeness and making it an excellent year for reds.

2018-2020, M8 D9

2018-2022, M7 D9

Sweet plums, cherries, spice

18°C

Smoke, ripe dark fruits, black cherries, blueberries, vanilla

18°C

Red cherries, vanilla

Plums, juicy fruits, concentrated

Venison loin with cherry Cumberland sauce

Moroccan-spiced barbecued leg of lamb with grilled vegetables

photo — The Lisianthus flower, native to South America, blooms in early summer.

— chile Viña La Rosa

27

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cellar 255 — northwest territories

Chile Chile Maule Valley

Las Veletas Alquihue, San Javier

I came across Las Veletas wines in London last year and went to visit the estate owned by Raúl Dell’Oro in November. Located southwest of San Javier in Maule, Raúl has 200 hectares of vines and works with partner Rafael Tirado, who makes the wines.

Maule is one of Chile’s oldest wine regions and the property includes some 60 to 70-year-old País vines, which were traditionally common in the region to produce pretty ordinary wines (although, there is currently a trend to revive old País). Much of the estate consists of more recent plantings, over the last twenty years, of more noble varieties.

The estate is impressive, and both Raúl and Rafael are visionary and innovative in their use of technology. Solar panels are currently used as the energy source for the vineyard drip irrigation.

“The complete freedom to make mistakes and experiment was the perfect cradle to let our imagination fly free.“

photo — The Laberinto Wines vineyards, planted in a circular and labyrinth-shaped form

— chile Las Veletas, Laberinto Wines

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9539

Las Veletas Grenache/ Mourvèdre/Carignan/Syrah, Valle del Maule, 2015 Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Syrah $25.50

$153.00

This is a complex and supple wine produced from a blend of Mediterranean grape varieties; 43% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, 22% Carignan and 12% Syrah. It has aromas of liquorice and leather over red fruits. Soft and smooth, with more red cherry flavours emerging on the palate, it is the lighter side of medium-bodied and finishes on notes of bitter chocolate and cherry, but is more savoury than fruity in nature. It has good depth and weight.

new

9538

Las Veletas Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc, Valle del Maule, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc $25.50

$153.00

2018-2022, M8 D8 Spices, red cherries

18°C

Red apples, cherries, liquorice Braised beef short ribs served over creamy polenta

30

cellar 255 — northwest territories

The colour of Las Veletas Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2014 shows some development, while it has a restrained bouquet with spices and musky notes over a red cherry background. It is soft and smooth on the palate with mellow flavours and a fine, elegant texture. A well-balanced wine with red apple and red cherry flavours, it ends with lingering black liquorice notes. Vines are cultivated on circular terraces on slate and granite soils. Rain showers during the summer in 2014 helped temper daytime temperatures. The grapes were harvested slightly earlier than the norm in the first week of April. After fermentation in tank, the wine was matured for 12 months in second use French oak barrels.

2018-2020, M8 D9 Liquorice, leather, red fruits

18°C

Red fruit, bitter chocolate, cherries Slow-cooked lamb and root vegetables stew

photo — Carignan has gained in prominence, especially in the Maule Valley.

new

9540

new

Las Veletas Petit Verdot/ Cabernet Franc, Valle del Maule, 2014 Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc $25.50

$153.00

Deep and vibrant in colour, Las Veletas Petit Verdot/Cabernet Franc 2014 has intense aromas of spices, ginger, red cherries and plums, with a hint of strawberry leaf and leather. A complex and full-bodied wine, it is concentrated with black fruits and spice. An unusual blend of 64% Petit Verdot and 36% Cabernet Franc, this is blockbuster stuff.

2018-2024, M6 D9 Ginger, spices, plums, leather

18°C

Black fruits, spice

9541

Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc, Valle del Maule, 2016 Sauvignon Blanc $26.33

$158.00

Laberinto Wines, Rafael’s personal project, is a boutique winery with the Laberinto vineyards in the pre-Andes, at 600 metres, close to Colbún Lake and the border with Argentina. Vines are planted on volcanic soils high in ash content. The rows are planted with twists and turns in different directions, a sort of viniferal maze if you will, hence the name; I would hate to be the tractor driver! The rationale is that the wine will gain complexity through the multitude of varying exposures to the sun, and it seems to work. Pale in colour, Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc has mineral characters, resembling Loire Sauvignon Blanc. It has floral notes with gooseberry fool, greengages, lemon and lime. It has pronounced citrus acidity with a sour lime finish and was voted one of the top Chilean Sauvignon Blancs by Chilean Wine Guide “Descorchados.”

2018-2019, M8 D9 Gooseberries, lime, mineral, smoky

6°C

Citrus, green apples, [00] Sautéed shrimp over lemon quinoa

Ginger curry venison meatballs

photo — Las Veletas combines tradition with the technology and innovation required for 21st-century winemaking.

— chile Las Veletas, Laberinto Wines

31

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cellar 255 — northwest territories

Argentina Argentina

Mendoza

Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca Across the Andes, Mendoza is the centre of Argentina’s wine production. 2017 was a high-quality vintage, with small volumes produced due to spring frosts.

Mauricio Lorca’s vineyards were planted some 20 years ago at high altitude (over 1000 metres) in Vista Flores in the Uco Valley. At 6,850 vines per hectare, these are some of the most densely planted in Argentina. His winery at Perdriel, in Luján de Cuyo, close to the city of Mendoza, was built in 2002.

“The vineyard is our inspiration.“

photo — Malbec vineyard in Vista Flores, Uco Valley

— argentina Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca

33

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9543

Temático Argentino Joven Bonarda, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2017 Bonarda $20.83

Mauricio was well on his way to medical school, until he met a group of viticulture students.

9542

$125.00

After Malbec, Bonarda is Argentina’s second most widely planted grape variety. This is a soft and smooth wine with flavours of dark fruits, black treacle, liquorice and a bitter cherry finish.

Believed to be an old Savoie variety known as Douce Noir, Bonarda grapes were harvested at the end of March, destemmed and fermented in concrete tanks.

2018-2020, M8 D9

Temático Argentino Joven Torrontés, Valle de Famatina, La Rioja, Mendoza, 2017

Black treacle, liquorice

16°C

Smooth, dark fruits, bitter cherry

Torrontés Riojano $20.83

Empanadas

$125.00

Mauricio’s Torrontés is produced from the most noble of the Torrontés grapes, Torrontés Riojano. One of Argentina’s indigenous specialty grapes, it is a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Listan Prieto. It is pale in colour with aromatic sorbet lemon perfume. On the palate, it is dry, light and refreshing with flavours of lemon curd, meringue and fresh lemon. The grapes grown in the La Rioja region to the north of Mendoza Province were harvested by hand the second and third weeks of March. Vines are cultivated on traditional pergola vines in Famatina Valley at 911 metres above sea level.

2018-2019, M8 D9 Lemon sherbet

6°C

Lemon curd, lemon tart, [00] Sushi

34

cellar 255 — northwest territories

photo — 94-year-old Malbec vineyard in Luján de

Cuyo

new

9544

Temático Argentino Joven Cabernet Sauvignon, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2017

Chardonnay, Viognier

Cabernet Sauvignon $20.83

$125.00

Subtle aromas of violets precede a ripe, smooth palate, with good concentration and flavours of black fruit, good structure and balance with a sooty, smoky finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Vista Flores in the Uco Valley are planted at 1,050 metres on high vertical trellises.

2018-2021, M8 D9 Violets Smooth, black fruits, soot

9545

Lírico Winemaker’s Wines Extra Brut, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, NV

18°C

$23.33

$140.00

Fizz with lots of fruit flavours, apples, pears, and a soft, light palate, if you enjoy a good Prosecco, you will love this style. It is crisp and fruity on the finish. Produced from an unusual combination of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Viognier, the grapes were picked by hand in late January and fermented in pressurized tanks to retain the sparkle.

2018-2019, M8 D9 Apples, pears

6°C

Fruity, crisp finish, [02] Pear, Roquefort and chestnut salad

Red chili-glazed meatloaf

— argentina Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca

35

9546

Lírico Winemaker’s Wines Sauvignon Blanc, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2017

Malbec

Sauvignon Blanc $22.67

$136.00

$22.67

$136.00

This is a structured Sauvignon Blanc with mineral notes and limey flavours. Sauvignon Blanc loves the cool nights at high altitude to slowly ripen and develop full varietal characteristics. The grapes were picked by hand in early March and fermented at low temperature.

Lírico Malbec 2017 has enticing aromas of blueberries and blackberries. It is mediumbodied with good acidity and a linear structure complemented by a blackberry and smoke finish. It is produced from 100% Malbec, which has become Argentina’s signature grape variety. Malbec is originally from Cahors and arrived in Argentina via Chile on April 17th,1853. It is now planted in all of Argentina’s wine-growing regions, and April 17th has become World Malbec Day.

2018-2019, M8 D9

2018-2022, M7 D9

Restrained fruit

36

9547

Lírico Winemaker’s Wines Malbec, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2017

6°C

Blueberries, blackberries

16°C

Lime, mineral finish, [00]

Dark fruits, blackberries, smoke

Baked tilapia with lemon cream sauce

Grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce

cellar 255 — northwest territories

photo — American and French oak barrels in Mauricio Lorca Winery – Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo

Lírico Winemaker’s Wines

9548 Malbec Syrah, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2017

Malbec, Syrah $22.67

$136.00

40% Syrah, blended with Malbec, adds chocolate and black liquorice flavours.

Bright purple in colour, Lírico Malbec Syrah has mellow dark fruit aromas and a long cherry finish.

Malbec and Syrah were harvested the last week of March and first week of April. 30% of the wine was matured with oak.

Founders’ Choice – for the collector in you!

Visit opimian.ca.

2018-2021, M8 D9 Mellow, dark fruits

18°C

Cherries, bitter liquorice Chickpea and chorizo stew

new

9549

Lírico Winemaker’s Wines Cabernet Franc, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2017 Cabernet Franc $22.67

$136.00

Intense in colour, Lírico Cabernet Franc has floral violet aromas with a hint of earth. It is supple with succulent fruits, medium-bodied with juicy acidity and fine texture. It was partmatured in oak.

2018-2021, M8 D9 Floral, violets

18°C

Succulent fruits, juicy acidity Pepperoni pizza

photo — Hand-harvesting 94-year-old Malbec in Lujan de Cuyo

— argentina Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca

37

9550

Lorca Ópalo Malbec, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2016 Malbec $25.83

$155.00

Ópalo Malbec is plum in colour with some developed tobacco and soft leather notes that complement red apples and dark fruits aromas. It is medium-bodied with succulent blackcurrant acidity and violet flavours.

Yields are highly restricted, with just one bottle of wine produced per vine.

Mauricio describes his Ópalo Malbec as a “loyal expression of the terroir”.

9551

Temático Argentino Reserva Viognier, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2017 Viognier $25.83

$155.00

A ripe and rich Viognier, bright in colour with intense toasty fruit, toffee, Banoffee pie and clove aromas, 40% of the wine was fermented in oak barrels, the balance in tank. The palate is concentrated, rich and spicy and rather dominated by the toasty oak, but with a good dollop of peachy fruit too.

2018-2019, M8 D9

2018-2021, M8 D9 Tobacco, red apples, dark fruits

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18°C

Toast, toffee, Banoffee pie

6°C

Blackcurrant, violets, leather

Cloves, spices, toast, ripe fruit, peaches, [00]

Grilled lamb burgers with leeks and fennel

Salmon and sweet potato Korma served on basmati rice

cellar 255 — northwest territories

photo — Sauvignon Blanc pergola vineyard in Vista Flores, Uco Valley

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9552

Temático Argentino Reserva Cabernet Franc, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2014 Cabernet Franc $25.83

$155.00

My first tasting of Mauricio’s Temático Argentino Reserva Cabernet Franc was the 2012 vintage while in Chile last year, and it immediately attracted attention from the group. Cabernet Franc is highly fertile and naturally produces high yields if left unchecked. Mauricio reduces the yield to one bunch of grapes per shoot to produce a highly concentrated wine. Vibrant plum in colour, it has aromas of plums and soft leather. It is light to medium-bodied with some firm tannins on the finish giving structure, which support flavours of red and bitter cherries with a savoury edge. It was matured for 12 months in 75% French and 25% American oak barrels followed by two years in bottle prior to release.

2018-2021, M7 D8 Plums, leather

18°C

Red cherries, savoury, bitter cherry finish Beef tenderloin medallions with cremini mushrooms sauce served with baked potato and steamed broccolini

— argentina Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca

39

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cellar 255 — northwest territories

Argentina Argentina

Mendoza

Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier José Manuel Ortega quit a life of banking to make wine. He made Argentina his home, and built a stunning winery in La Consulta. It houses a gastronomic restaurant with a view of the Andes as its backdrop.

“Our winery is equipped with the latest technology and has been designed to work with gravity to minimize the use of pumps.”

photo — Specially built 14,000 litre vats used for aging along with the cellar’s 225 litre vats

— argentina Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier

41

9554

Blasón de San Carlos Torrontés, Valle de Cafayate, Salta, 2017 Torrontés $19.25

9555

Blasón de San Carlos Tempranillo, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2017 Tempranillo

$231.00

Blasón de San Carlos Torrontés is grown in the far north of Argentina, in Cafayate Valley in Salta, an arid cactus-strewn region, 1000 kilometres from the city of Mendoza. The style produced is a little richer and more complex than Lorca’s Temático Argentino Joven Torrontés. Floral, fennel and nectarine aromas lead to a smooth palate, soft and round with a clean lemon finish.

$20.67

Smoky aromas with dried fruits, raisins and some red berries create a moody impression, leading to a fresher palate with red cherries and juicy vibrant acidity. A short and relatively warm winter was followed by a growing season with good rainfall and warm rather than hot temperatures, and no hail. The 2017 wines are fresh with good aging potential. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks, followed by aging for three months in barrel.

2018-2019, M8 D9 Fennel, floral Nectarine, lemons, [00]

6°C

$248.00

Finca Sophia Red Blend, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 2015

2018-2020, M8 D9 Raisins, smoke, dried fruits

18°C

Red berries, red cherries Vietnamese Imperial rolls

9556

Papas con chorizo – thick stew of potatoes and spicy sausage

Tempranillo, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah $35.17

$211.00

The grapes were harvested from the Altamira region at the southern end of the Uco Valley. These are some of the most varied soils in the Uco Valley, mostly alluvial and composed of sand, silt and stone in varying proportions, with some volcanic influence. Finca Sophia Red Blend 2015 has earthy fruits, bitter almond and marzipan aromas. It is ripe on the palate with succulent fruit filling the mouth; blueberries, juicy redcurrants and blackberries. The grapes were harvested mid-March through April and severe selection and sorting followed at the winery. The wine was left for an extended 28 days on skins and then matured in oak barrels, 50% new and 50% second use for 12 months.

2018-2025, M6 D8 Earthy fruits, marzipan

18°C

Blueberries, redcurrants, blackberries Moroccan stuffed peppers with lamb and couscous with sautéed almonds and currants

42

cellar 255 — northwest territories

photo — José Manuel Ortega makes wines that can be immediately enjoyed, but will be exceptional with aging.

Not sure what to order?

Call your Wine Concierge at 800-361-9421.

9557

Alfa Crux Malbec, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2014 Malbec $54.83

$329.00

José Manuel’s most premium wines are named after stars; Alfa Crux forms part of the Southern Cross constellation, only visible in the Southern Hemisphere. The best barrels are individually selected to produce it. Alfa Crux Malbec 2014 is deep and vibrant in colour. It has a restrained bouquet with spices and dark fruits. Soft and ripe on the palate, more black cherry fruit flavours emerge. It is a supple and youthful medium to full-bodied wine, full of elegance and with plenty of life ahead. The grapes were handpicked and double-sorted prior to a cold maceration lasting five days. After fermentation, the wine was left on skins for 28 days. It was matured in new oak barrels for 20 months, 80% French and 20% American.

Each barrel was then carefully assessed and the best barrels assembled.

2018-2026, M6 D9 Spices, dark fruits

18°C

Black cherries, fresh fruit salad Mustard and thyme-crusted rib of beef served with Yorkshire pudding

photo — Taste and Joy”, by Klaus Zylla. The winery plays host to internationally-recognized art exhibitions.

— argentina Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier

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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. $130 per cellar offering The Discovery supplier for this cellar offering is Viña Echeverría - Casa Nueva.

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. $147 per cellar offering The Select Plus supplier for this cellar offering is Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca.

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. $181 per cellar offering The Founders’ Choice supplier for this cellar offering is Viña Echeverría - Casa Nueva.

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