C256-AB: Italy, Corsica and Chablis

cellar ITALY, CORSICA AND CHABLIS

AB

256 Order between February 23 and March 30, 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-June 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: March 30, 2018. Important: no orders will be processed after this deadline. * Deadline for mailing orders: March 19, 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 C247 Select Plus Opimian Select Plus 2017 C247 M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature

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CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

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

Sweetness scale

Grams/litre

Examples

[00]

0-3

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds

[01]

4-6

Some New World varietals, some reds

[02]

7 - 12

Champagne, Sparkling, Rosés, few reds

[03]

13 - 20

Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou

[04]

21 - 34

Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry

[05]

35 - 50

Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace

[06]

51 - 74

Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat

[07]

75 - 100

Auslese, Beerenauslese

[08]

101 - 139

Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port

[09]

140 - 179

Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port

[10]

180 >

Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese

cover — Ripe Corsican Vermentino grapes are ready for harvest at

Domaine Orenga de Gaffory.

In Cellar Offering 256 we take a tour around Italy, with a particular focus on the classic regions of Tuscany and Piedmont. We showcase a range of wines from different vintages and with differing levels of maturity. Italy is famous for the many grape varieties it cultivates. You will find over thirty different grape varieties or combinations of grape varieties to discover, including Italy’s two most noble grapes, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.

In this cellar offering, we also feature a guest region, with wines from the beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica. Despite being a French territory, it lies geographically closer to Italy, and their histories are intertwined.

Finally, our annual representation from Lamblin Fils in Chablis features a range of wines from the 2016 vintage, including a mixed case comparing Chablis, Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines.

Italy

Cellar 256 Italy, Corsica and Chablis

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 The Wine People ------------------------4 Avenue SRL-----------------------------8 Alimenta SRL------------------------- 26 Domaine Orenga de Gaffory ----------- 30 Lamblin Fils--------------------------- 36

— CELLAR 256 ALBERTA

3

“Our focus is on creating sustainable wines, which are a true expression of their region and terroir.“

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CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

photo — Primitivo grapes for the Colpasso come from selected vineyards in Puglia’s Salento Peninsula, in the commune of Leverano.

ITALY ITALY

Puglia, Sicily & Abruzzo

The Wine People team is led by Stefano Girelli and is based in Trento, in northern Italy. Stefano has vineyards and contacts in Puglia and Sicily, and produces unbeatable value wines.

The Wine People

9558

DENATILE GRILLO CHARDONNAY, DOC SICILIA, 2017

DENATILE NERO D’AVOLA SHIRAZ, DOC SICILIA, 2017 Nero d’Avola, Shiraz

Grillo, Chardonnay $13.00

9559

$78.00

$78.00

$13.00

A great blend, with hazelnut and fresh apple aromas from the Grillo and Chardonnay grape varieties, the vines are trained according to the traditional Spalliera method. Chardonnay was grown in the Trapani region and Grillo was grown close to Marsala. The two varieties were vinified separately, with the Chardonnay undergoing some skin contact. It is light, with a fresh green apple acidity.

A great value wine brimming with fruits, Denatile Nero d’Avola Shiraz 2017 has ripe dark fruits; blueberries and blackberries. Soft and perfumed, with floral notes, violets and a bitter cherry finish, it is medium-bodied.

2018-2019, M8 D9

2018-2020, M8 D9

Fresh apples, hazelnuts

6°C

Blackberries, blueberries

18°C

Green apples, firm acidity, [01]

Floral, violets, bitter cherries

Grilled octopus with celery and cannellini bean salad

Pasta alla Norma

— ITALY THE WINE PEOPLE

5

PINOT GRIGIO, IGP 9560 COLPASSO TERRE SICILIANE, 2017 Pinot Grigio $14.00

9561

COLPASSO NERO D’AVOLA, DOC SICILIA, 2017 Nero d’Avola

$84.00

Crisp and refreshing, with fresh apples and pear flavours, Pinot Grigio is cultivated in western Sicily around Trapani.

The grapes were carefully handpicked early in the season to ensure good natural acidity and fresh fruit flavours.

They were then gently pressed and the juice fermented at low temperature.

$14.17

COLPASSO PRIMITIVO, IGP PUGLIA, 2017 Primitivo

$85.00

$15.00

$90.00

Deep in colour, Colpasso Nero d’Avola 2017 has fruit and liquorice aromas. Nero d’Avola is the most widely planted black grape variety in Sicily and enjoys the heat of this southern latitude. Colpasso grapes were cultivated in the Belice area on the western side of the island.

Primitivo from selected vineyards in Puglia’s Salento peninsula were harvested by hand in mid-September.

Vibrant in colour, it is full of brambly fruits, blackberries and blackcurrant jelly. On the lighter side of medium-bodied, Colpasso Primitivo has fresh dark fruit flavours and a touch of smoke.

2018-2020, M8 D9

2018-2020, M8 D9

2018-2019, M8 D9 Liquorice, dark fruits Apples, pears

9562

6°C

18°C

Blackberries, blackcurrant jelly

Black cherries

Smoke, dark fruit

Pork and fennel sausage pizza

Eggplant rollatini

18°C

Fresh white fruits, crisp, [01] Chicken cutlets with pears, shallots and wilted spinach

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CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

photo — The Abruzzo region borders the Adriatic Sea and is known for the production of one main grape variety: Montepulciano.

NEW

9563

CARLOMAGNO PRIMITIVO APPASSIMENTO, IGP PUGLIA, 2016 Primitivo $15.67

$94.00

NEW

9565

NEW

MONTEPULCIANO 9564 PEMO D’ABRUZZO, DOC, 2016

PEMO PECORINO, IGP TERRE DI CHIETI, 2017 Pecorino $14.67

$88.00

Montepulciano

An old technique to dry the grapes on the vines, called “il giro del picciolo”, was practiced. This consists of twisting the stalk of the bunches so that nourishment no longer reaches the grapes; they dry out over 12 days prior to fermentation. Carlomagno 2016 is deep in colour with roasted coffee beans, smoke and oaky aromas which currently dominate the fruit. 25% of the final blend was matured for 12 months in American and French oak barrels. More succulent fruit emerges on the palate with plums and mulberries, finishing on smoky notes.

Vibrant in colour, with ripe black cherry aromas over a meaty background, this wine is soft with good mid-palate weight and a fresh velvety finish. Montepulciano vines are cultivated on hillside slopes in Abruzzo, with grapes picked in early October.

Pemo Pecorino has a distinctly mineral character with smoky sooty notes over a fruit background.

Pecorino grapes were grown on the hillside slopes of Chieti in Abruzzo at 300 metres. An early ripening variety, the grapes were hand-picked the second week of September, de-stemmed and left for a short time for some skin contact before gentle pressing and fermentation. It is a dry and fresh wine, with a limey astringency.

2018-2021, M7 D9

2018-2020, M8 D9

2018-2019, M8 D9

Roasted coffee, plums

18°C

$14.67

Black cherry

$88.00

18°C

Mineral, smoky

6°C

Mulberries, smoky bacon

Savoury, dark fruits

Limes, [02]

Pistachio-crusted rack of lamb with pancetta

Timballo di Crespelle all’Abruzzese – crêpe lasagna

Clam risotto with grilled shrimp

photo — Primitivo vines trained using the traditional “Alberello Basso” (little tree) method, providing shelter from the relentless southern sun.

— ITALY THE WINE PEOPLE

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CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

ITALY ITALY

Termeno Alto Adige Südtirol

Avenue SRL Werner Walch’s family has been selling and making wine at Tramin in Alto Adige for generations. Indeed, the winery was founded by the Walchs in 1869 in a former Jesuit monastery. Werner’s wife Elena joined him in the 1980s and developed a reputation for making excellent wines. She is now handing over the reins to their two daughters, who have already built a new winery across the way. Werner runs the merchant business, sourcing wines throughout Italy.

“Our vineyards are sustainably cultivated according to the guidelines for environmentally friendly - Walch Family viticulture.“

photo — Manual harvest of Brunello grapes; this vineyard was planted in 1974, on the southern slope of Montalcino.

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

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ALTO ADIGE 9567

PINOT GRIGIO, DOC ALTO ADIGE, E. VON KELLER, 2017 Pinot Grigio $18.17

9568

PRENDO, PINOT NOIR, IGT VIGNETI DELLE DOLOMITI, WILHELM WALCH, 2016 Pinot Noir

$109.00

$17.33

$208.00

A classy Pinot Grigio with restrained aromas of white fruit blossoms, lemon and fennel, it has layers of flavour and is relatively complex in nature. It is supple and round on the palate, with a nice lemon and green apple finish.

A light, fruity Pinot Noir, it has red fruit aromas with more berry fruits on the palate. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks was followed by maturation in large oak vats.

2018-2019, M8 D9

2018-2020, M8 D9

White fruit blossoms, lemon, fennel

10

6°C

Red fruit

16°C

Lemon, green apple, [00]

Red berries, light

Saffron and cod fritters with pepper ricotta

Seared salmon with warm lentil salad

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

The challenges presented by the Alto Adige’s terrain and climate are complex, but there is great satisfaction in the quality produced!

photo — The Walch / E. von Keller vineyards in the village of Caldaro stretching southwards, overlooking Lake Caldaro

NEW

9569

SANTA MADDALENA, DOC ALTO ADIGE, E. VON KELLER, 2017

PIEMONTE NEW

Schiava, Lagrein $16.50

9570 $99.00

Alto Adige is an alpine region in northern Italy bordering Austria. Relatively small, it grows a range of grape varieties on terraced vineyards. Santa Maddalena is a very drinkable red, produced from two indigenous grape varieties, Schiava and Lagrein. After fermentation in tank, it spent a short time in large Slavonian oak vessels.

2018-2020, M8 D9 Red fruits

DOLCETTO D’ALBA, DOC, 2017, ROCHE VINI Dolcetto $20.33

2018-2021, M7 D9 Dark fruit, marmite, smoke Structured, black cherries

16°C Roast veal with hazelnuts

Easy drinking

$122.00

18°C

Bright purple in colour, with black cherry and dark fruits combined with savoury characters of marmite and smoke, this is a flavoursome Dolcetto d’Alba. Light to medium-bodied, it has structure and good balance. The grapes were picked the second half of September, fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature and bottled early to retain fruit.

Charcuterie

photo — Riccardo Bera, the youngest son of the Bera family, is the newest generation to embrace winemaking.

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

11

Figli Luigi Oddero

The Oddero family has a long history of winemaking in La Morra, in the heart of Barolo, Piedmont’s most famous region. Luigi Oddero’s grandparents were winemakers and wine merchants in the 1800s. Luigi split from the family company to set up his own winery with his wife Lena in 2006. She now runs the estate with her two children Maria and Giovanni.

The estate consists of 32 hectares of vineyards, 18 of which are planted with Nebbiolo. The family continues to produce traditional style, reserved rather than big and bold, age-worthy wines.

9571

DOLCETTO D’ALBA, DOC, 2016, FIGLI LUIGI ODDERO Dolcetto $24.00

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CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

$144.00

Oddero wines are traditional in style, and this is a pretty serious version of Dolcetto d’Alba. Herbal fruit aromas lead to a firm palate with tannins and a good dose of acidity.

The wine will mellow with some bottle age and has good depth and a solid structure. Dolcetto grapes were grown around the towns of Serralunga d’Alba, Collaretto and La Morra.

photo — A panoramic view of Oddero’s Santa Maria di La Morra vineyards

9573

NEBBIOLO, DOC LANGHE, 2015, FIGLI LUIGI ODDERO Nebbiolo

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

$25.67

$154.00

NEW

9572

BARBERA D’ALBA, DOC, 2015, FIGLI LUIGI ODDERO Barbera $25.67

One of my favourite wines in the tasting, Oddero’s Barbera d’Alba 2015 has aromas of wild blackberries over a spicy background.

Fresher black fruits emerge on the palate, with a sour blackberry finish. It is concentrated with good midpalate fruit and a firm finish, and will repay some keeping. Barbera vineyards sit mid-hillside between 250 and 300 metres on southeast and southwest-facing slopes around La Morra and Santa Maria di La Morra within the Barolo appellation.

Luigi was a huge fan of Nebbiolo and a traditionalist in his winemaking, and he passed this on to his children. The grapes were grown on mid-hillside slopes with vines trellised two metres apart. The grapes were picked by hand and fermented in a combination of stainless steel and large old oak casks by indigenous yeast. Figli Luigi Oddero Langhe Nebbiolo is pale ruby in colour, with restrained aromas of musky spice and a hint of raspberry. This is an ethereal wine, supple with a grippy finish.

2018-2026, M6 D8

2018-2024, M6 D8

2018-2024, M6 D8 Herbal fruits

18°C

$154.00

Blackberries, spice, earthy fruit

18°C

Musk, raspberry

Sour cherries

Fresh black fruits, sour blackberry

Supple fruit, grippy

Grilled rib-eye steak thinly sliced with arugula, shaved Parmigiano and aged balsamic vinegar

Roasted Portobello mushroom risotto

Rabbit cacciatore

18°C

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

13

9574

BARBARESCO, DOCG, ROMBONE, 2015, FIGLI LUIGI ODDERO Nebbiolo $41.17

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

BAROLO, DOCG, 2013, FIGLI LUIGI ODDERO Nebbiolo

$247.00

$44.83

$269.00

Nebbiolo is the only grape variety permitted for Barbaresco and Barolo production.

Rombone is a single vineyard site in the Treiso area of Barbaresco. Nebbiolo vines are planted facing south-southwest on grey-white marl soils over clay and sand layers at 350 metres. Light and bright ruby in colour, Rombone 2015 exudes elegance with aromas of raspberries and other red fruits. The palate is soft and light with flavours of redcurrants and cranberries, which continue to linger on the tongue. After fermentation and malolactic in tank, the wine was transferred to medium and large oak casks the spring after harvest, and matured for 18 months.

Figli Luigi Oddero is a Barolo-based winery and the family has several plots in Barolo located at La Morra, Serralunga d’Alba and Castiglione Falletto.

Vines sit on hillside slopes with deep layers of tuffaceous marl, clay and reddish sand. Brick ruby in colour, the 2013 Barolo has started to develop nice tertiary characters with aromas of treacle, and animal and savoury notes. It is medium-bodied with subtle fruits and a long, bitter treacle finish, complemented by the tannin. It was matured in large old oak casks for 24 months.

2018-2022, M7 D9

2018-2025, M6 D8

Red fruits, raspberry

14

9575

18°C

Treacle, animal

18°C

Cranberries, redcurrants

Bitter liquorice, subtle fruit

Oven-roasted porchetta

Porcini-crusted beef tenderloin with trufflebutter sauce

photo — Oddero’s cru Rive in Santa Maria di La Morra – the Specola tower is the symbol representing their winery.

9576

BAROLO, DOCG, ROCCHE RIVERA, 2012, FIGLI LUIGI ODDERO Nebbiolo $415.00

$69.17

2018-2026, M6 D9 Vanilla, griotte cherry, spice, ripe blackcurrant

18°C

Red cherry, cola, cranberry Barolo-braised lamb shank with gorgonzola polenta

The single vineyard Rocche Rivera is considered one of the best vineyard sites in Barolo, sitting at 350 metres, just beneath the castle walls of Castiglione Falletto, facing south. Vines are cultivated on greyblue marl with loose clay and sand from the Helvetian era and produce intense and structured wines that mature slowly. The 2012 has a mellow bouquet with griotte cherries, vanilla, spice, ripe blackcurrant and great depth. Nothing dominates, everything is in complete harmony. Soft and silky with medium body, flavours of red cherry and cola lead to a cranberry fruit finish. All the grapes were hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard. Fermentation was carried out using indigenous yeast, with wine macerating on skins for 20 days. It was matured in medium and large oak vessels for 36 months and is perfectly integrated. A treat now, it will continue to develop over the coming years.

NEW

9577

BARBERA D’ASTI SUPERIORE, DOCG, “NUWANDA”, 2016, BELCOLLE Barbera $31.67

$190.00

2016 is the first vintage that Belcolle produced Nuwanda Barbera d’Asti Superiore, and what a success! Deep purple in colour, it wafts of ripe black cherries, vanilla and toasty oak with a hint of cedar. The grapes were grown on 50-year-old vines between Costigliole d’Asti and Bionzo. The vineyard sits on slopes at 200 to 300 metres above sea level on calcareous clay soils. The smooth palate exudes pure fruit with blackberries and cherries leading to firm acidity. It is medium-bodied with a long finish and was matured for 18 months in large oak casks.

2018-2024, M6 D8 Ripe black cherries, vanilla, toast

18°C

Blackberry, cherry, cedar Venison medallions with grilled eggplant

photo — The Barbera vines for Belcolle’s Nuwanda Barbera d’Asti Superiore grow in calcareous clay and compact soils.

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

15

9578

GAVI, DOCG, 2017, TENUTE NEIRANO

9579

DOLCETTO D’ALBA, DOC, 2017, TENUTE NEIRANO

Cortese $17.50

$105.00

Dolcetto $16.17

9580

BARBERA D’ALBA, DOC, FRANCO AMOROSO, 2017 Barbera

$97.00

The Gavi region, in the southeast of the province of Alessandria in Piedmont, is renowned for its white wines produced from the Cortese grape variety. The region benefits from a maritime influence, with the Ligurian coast about 60 kilometres away.

This suits Cortese, which is indigenous to the province since as far back as 1659. Pale in colour, the 2017 Neirano Gavi has delicate aromas of lime and fennel followed by a dry and smooth palate, with a pithy grapefruit finish adding length.

A soft and subtle wine with floral and violet flavours, Neirano Dolcetto d’Alba 2017 has a silky texture with nice depth and medium body. Neirano is a large familyowned winery in the heart of Monferrato. It has 30 hectares of vineyards and sources grapes from local growers.

Barbera d’Alba, Franco Amoroso 2017 has more savoury, meaty, spicy aromas.

It is medium-bodied with good mid-palate weight and fine, ripe tannin structure. All grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks with no use of oak.

2018-2019, M8 D9

2018-2020, M8 D9

2018-2022, M7 D9

Lime, fennel

16

6°C

Dark fruits

18°C

$16.67

Savoury, meaty, spices

$100.00

18°C

Grapefruit, [00]

Violet, floral

Fine texture, ripe fruits

Baked haddock with herb couscous

Eggplant parmigiana

Agnolotti al Brasato – ravioli stuffed with braised beef served with tomato sauce

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

photo — Oak barrels in the Tenute Neirano cellars used for aging their best red wines

NEW

9581

NEW

BONÍMÚR NEBBIOLO, DOC LANGHE, 2016, NEIRANO Nebbiolo $18.50

9582

TULIPANO NERO, DOC BARBERA D’ASTI, 2001, VALTER BOSTICARDO, TENUTA DEI FIORI Barbera

$111.00

Translucent ruby with some brick hues developing around the rim, Bonímúr Nebbiolo Langhe 2016 has sweet aromas of cooked pastries. It is soft with ripe fruit flavours, and has a typical Nebbiolo structure with a grippy finish.

After fermenting in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged for a short time in oak barrels.

2018-2021, M8 D9 Pâtisseries

18°C

Ripe fruits

$22.00

$132.00

Youthful despite its 17 years of age, Tulipano Nero 2001 demonstrates the aging potential of Barbera grown in the right location.

Tenuta dei Fiori at Calosso, in the south of the province of Asti, has five hectares of vineyards which include over 80-yearold Barbera vines planted in 1936. Valter Bosticardo farms everything organically, keeping crop levels low by cluster thinning in early August, dropping approximately 40% of the clusters. His wines are always concentrated with longevity. Brick ruby in colour, it has a mellow bouquet with oaky vanilla notes and raisins. The palate is soft and juicy, with red fruits combined with a tarry dried fruit character. It was aged for 24 months, half in tank, half in small French oak barrels.

2018-2022, M7 D9 Oaky, vanilla, raisins

18°C

Tarry fruit, red cherry Beef tagliata with Castelmagno gnocchi

Veal braciole with roasted Porcini mushrooms and rapini blossoms

Order online at opimian.ca

photo — The Bosticardo family; Valter’s five-hectare vineyard is cultivated with great respect for nature and the environment.

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

17

VENETO 9584

MALAVOGLIA, VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE, DOC, 2015, CA’ LA BIONDA Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara $27.00

$162.00 The Castellani family has been growing grapes and making wine in the Valpolicella region for over 100 years. They only use grapes from their own vineyards

9583

and everything is farmed organically.

Malavoglia Ripasso 2015 has herbal meaty aromas over a red fruit background. It is supple and youthful on the palate. Mediumbodied with a smooth blueberry finish, it is produced from 70% Corvina, 20% Corvinone and 10% Rondinella with a small proportion of Molinara and other indigenous varieties.

The winery is designed to use gravity feed rather than pumps to handle the grapes as gently as possible. Fermentation is carried out in large 50-hectolitre oak vats.

2018-2022, M7 D8 Herbs, meaty, red fruit

18°C

Blueberries Grilled lamb ribs with grilled Shiitake mushrooms skewers

CINQUEFILE, DOC MONFERRATO, 2011, VALTER BOSTICARDO, TENUTA DEI FIORI Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon $27.00

$162.00

Cinquefile is a big, bold wine. The boundaries of the Monferrato DOC are similar to those of Barbera d’Asti, but the DOC allows for greater flexibility in producing wines from a combination of native and international grape varieties. Cinquefile 2011 is a blend of 60% old Barbera with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1992. Coconut oak and vanilla are the dominant aromas, leading to a concentrated, dense palate with good fruit and succulent mid-palate structure. It remains young with a chewy finish. It was matured for 24 months in French barriques and will merit some cellaring prior to drinking, as the oak becomes more integrated.

2018-2026, M6 D8 Coconut oak, vanilla

18°C

Succulent, sweet fruits Venison Wellington with polenta and marsala sauce

18

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

photo — Ca’ La Bionda proprietor Pietro Castellani with his sons; winemaker Alessandro (right) and viticulturist Nicola (left)

Not sure what to order?

Call your Wine Concierge at 800-361-9421

9585

AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO, DOCG, 2015, CA’ LA BIONDA Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella $43.50

$261.00

Given the disappointing quality of the 2014 vintage, the Castellani family has chosen to go directly to the 2015 Amarone Classico in their offering to Opimian members.

Immediately appealing, sweet and mellow aromas emerge as this wine is poured; vanilla, raisins, kirsch with a hint of sweet tobacco.

It is medium to full-bodied with a smooth, rich texture and flavours of bitter cherry and vanilla. The hillside vineyard at 200 metres faces east. Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella are planted on rocky, stony soils rich in clay and limestone. To make Amarone, the best, least compact grape bunches are picked and left to dry on racks for several months. During this time, the grapes lose approximately 40% of their weight in water and transform from fresh grapes to raisins, developing new flavours in the process. The concentrated, dried grapes are slowly fermented at low temperature over many months. Once complete, the wine is matured in large oak casks with 10% in smaller barrels.

9586

VIGNETI DI RAVAZZOL, AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO, DOCG, 2013, CA’ LA BIONDA Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara $60.67

2018-2027, M6 D9 Mellow, sweet tobacco, raisins

18°C

$364.00

2018-2028, M6 D8 Cedar, smoke, pencil lead, cherry

18°C

Smooth, rich, bitter cherry, vanilla

Raspberries, cherries, floral, meaty

Oxtail stew served on soft semolina

Braised short ribs with parmesan and sundried tomato polenta

photo — Ca’ la Bionda ages their wines in large oak barrels, as tradition dictates, to respect the aroma and taste of the wine.

The single vineyard plot Ravazzol sits between 200 and 300 metres. The average age of the vines varies from 50 to 70 years, and they produce the highest quality grapes on the estate. Intensely-coloured, Ravazzol 2013 remains tight with restrained aromas of smoke, pencil lead and savoury notes laid over cherry fruits. The soft and sweet palate is more expressive with youthfulness and juicy acidity. It is medium to full-bodied with flavours of red berries, raspberries and cherries that intermingle with meaty notes.

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

19

TUSCANY 9587

9588

SERAPHICUM ROSSO TOSCANO, IGT, 2016 Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon

Brunello (Sangiovese) $21.67

$130.00

Seraphicum 2016 has lots of spicy oak; pencil lead and cedar dominate the nose laid over a red cherry background. On the palate, it is the lighter side of medium-bodied, with a supple mid-palate and a long red cherry, redcurrant and vanilla finish. It is produced by winemaker Caterina Sacchet whose winery, founded by her father Giovanni Carlo Sacchet and partner Antonio Mario Zaccheo, celebrated its 50th vintage in 2017.

Francesco Marone Cinzano makes wines in Montalcino and in Chile, and is dedicated to producing high quality wines organically. The Il Veltro vineyards are located in the south of the Montalcino region on the Sant’Angelo hill at 300 metres, and sit overlooking the Orcia River facing south-southwest. 2016 was rated a five-star grape harvest in Montalcino and Il Veltro’s Rosso di Montalcino has delicious musky spice and black liquorice aromas. It is medium-bodied with good mid-palate fruit and grippy tannins. After fermenting on skins for 12 days, it was aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks of 75 and 150-hectolitre capacity. It has a long bitter treacle and dark fruit finish and will benefit from more bottle aging.

2018-2022, M7 D8

2018-2024, M6 D7

$18.67

$112.00

Pencil lead, cedary oak, red cherries

20

IL VELTRO, ROSSO DI MONTALCINO, DOC, 2016

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

18°C

Musk, spice, black liquorice

18°C

Red cherry, redcurrant, vanilla

Treacle, dark fruit

Pork tenderloin medallions stuffed with wild mushrooms served with pomegranate sauce

Wild boar stew with chestnut polenta

photo — Seraphicum is born from vineyards located in the soft rolling hills of Tuscany, at 250 metres above sea level.

9589

IL VELTRO, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO, DOCG, 2013 Brunello (Sangiovese) $38.67

$232.00

9590

SCANTIANUM VIOGNIER TOSCANA, IGT, 2017, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO

A challenging, but good vintage in Tuscany was exceptional in Montalcino. The climate in Montalcino is tempered by Mount Amiata to the south. At 1,700 metres, it protects the region from summer storms, hence Montalcino is drier and warmer than other parts of Tuscany. In 2013 harvest began on the third week of September with rigorous sorting and selection of the best bunches in the vineyard, and again at the winery. Ruby in colour, Il Veltro 2013 Brunello di Montalcino has an intense aroma of coffee with smoke, dark fruits, ginger and dark chocolate.

This is a complex wine, soft on the palate, with treacle, coffee and berry fruit flavours which just go on and on. It was matured for three years in large casks produced from Slavonian and French Allier oak.

Scantianum Viognier has typical Viognier characteristics with peaches, quince and cooked pear aromas.

This is a mellow wine, round, smooth and well-balanced with some richness.

Viognier is planted in sandy soils rich in silt, close to the coast at 100 to 300 metres.

2018-2028, M6 D7

2018-2019, M8 D9

Coffee, smoke, dark fruits, ginger

18°C

Viognier $17.67

Peaches, quince, cooked pears

$106.00

6°C

Treacle, coffee, berry fruits, dark chocolate

Smooth, ripe fruits, [00]

Rib Roast with gorgonzola sauce and Caprese-potato gratin

Spinach and goat cheese croquettes

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

21

9591

VIGNA BENEFIZIO, MORELLINO DI SCANSANO DOCG, 2016, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO Sangiovese $20.83

$125.00

Sangiovese from the coastal part of Tuscany has a different character to Sangiovese from inland regions. The grapes were cultivated in the hilly region around the village of Scansano at 150 metres. In Scansano, Sangiovese is called Morellino by the locals. Vigna Benefizio 2016 has aromas of pâtisserie and cooked fruits. It is mediumbodied, developing some firmness on the palate that gives it structure and length with a bitter cherry finish. Prior to fermentation, the grapes were macerated at 35°C for 12 hours. It was aged in one and two-year-old French barrels for six months.

2018-2022, M8 D9 Cooked fruits, buttery pastry

18°C

Bitter cherries Risotto with Porcini mushrooms and wild boar sausage

9592

SICOMORO, MORELLINO DI SCANSANO RISERVA, DOCG, 2015, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO Sangiovese $27.67

$166.00

2018-2024, M6 D9 Black and red cherries

18°C

Fresh fruit, vanilla Tortelli Maremmani – tortelli with ricotta and spinach, nutmeg and parmesan filling served with wild boar minced meat sauce

22

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

This wine is produced from grapes from some of the older plots of Sangiovese planted over 30 years ago.

Sicomoro was matured in French oak barrels for 15 months, 60% new and 40% one-use. It has fresh aromas of black and red cherries which precede a supple palate with nice fresh fruits and vanilla. It is medium-bodied with good potential to cellar.

photo — Vignaioli Morellino Scansano carefully monitor each vineyard and assess the Morellino grape bunches to determine the best time to harvest.

Bolgheri is recognized as a prestigious appellation and is home to the original “Super Tuscans”.

9594

ECO DI MARE, DOC BOLGHERI, 2016, TENUTA ARGENTIERA Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot $32.50

9593

A deliciously mature wine, with potential for keeping, Poggio Verrano 3 is an unusual combination of Alicante, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The 2010 is dense in colour and has a mellow bouquet with black fruits and balsamic notes. It is rich and smooth on the palate, concentrated with black cherry flavours and a powdery texture. On the finish, cool, savoury, leafy flavours emerge from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, followed by a grainy tannin finish. Poggio Verrano estate, in the Maremma, was started in 2000

by Francesco Bolla. Vineyards are planted at high density on rocky terrain with a southsouthwest exposure, just 15 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea.

Tuscany’s Bolgheri region lies in the west of Tuscany, south of Livorno and close to the coast.

Made famous by names such as Sassicaia and Tignanello, the region is best known for wines produced from Bordeaux varieties. The Tenuta Argentiera vineyards look out over the Tyrrhenian Sea, and on a good day there are views across to the isle of Elba and Corsica. 2016 Eco di Mare is deep ruby in colour with a restrained earthy nose and soft mellow palate. Flavours of ripe dark fruits and vanilla are harmoniously welded together.

It is smooth with a fine red berry and vanilla finish. Drinking nicely now, it will continue to develop more complex notes. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, each grape variety was picked when ripe and vinified separately. The wines were matured in Allier and Tronçais French oak barrels for 14 months and subsequently blended.

2018-2024, M6 D8

2018-2024, M6 D9

3, IGT TOSCANA, 2010, POGGIO VERRANO Mellow, black fruits, balsamic

Alicante, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot $26.17

$157.00

photo — Inspired by the classical Roman Arch, Tenuta Argentiera’s underground wine cellar, built in 2006, ensures a natural, constant temperature.

$195.00

18°C

Earthy fruit, mellow, vanilla

18°C

Black cherries, leafy, savoury finish

Red berries, vanilla

Lamb osso buco with steamed green vegetables

Venison steaks with caramelized onions and Cremini mushrooms

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

23

SICILY

NEW

9595

I PIANALI, DOC BOLGHERI, 2016, TENUTA ARGENTIERA Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot $29.83

Figs, raisins, smoke

LA FERLA ROSATO, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2017, CVA CANICATTÌ Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese

$179.00

I Pianali is an assemblage of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The 2016 has smoky aromas with dried fruits, figs and raisins. It is rich and elegant with red cherry flavours combined with liquorice and dried fruits.

I Pianali is well-balanced, with soft tannins on the finish. Half the wine was transferred to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and matured for a further eight months.

9596

$15.17

Last day to order March 30, 2018

Tangy and fresh with sour cherry and apple flavours, La Ferla Rosato was produced from 70% Nero d’Avola and 30% Nerello Mascalese grown around the Agrigento area in southwest Sicily. Bright grenadine pink in colour, it has aromas of red fruits with just a hint of floral rose petals in the background. It is light and refreshing.

2018-2019, M8 D9

2018-2024, M6 D9

Red fruit, hint of rose petals

18°C

Sour cherry, fresh apple, [00]

Red cherries, dried fruits, liquorice

$91.00

6°C

Sicilian Arancini di Riso – fried stuffed rice balls

Duck and fig Wellington with fennel and thyme caponata

24

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

photo — In Agrigento lie lands with viticultural history.

CVA Canicattì believes it is here that Nero d’Avola finds its best expression.

NEW

9597

SYRAH AQUILAE, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2016, CVA CANICATTÌ Syrah $19.67

9598

ROCENO GRILLO, DOC SICILIA, 2017, SIBILIANA VINI Grillo

$118.00

$13.17

$79.00

Grillo is indigenous to Sicily and is grown originally in the northwest of the island to produce Sicily’s own fortified specialty, Marsala.

More recently, it has gained popularity producing dry white wines.

Sibiliana Roceno Grillo has light lemon and melon fruit flavours with a light, fresh body.

2018-2021, M8 D9

2018-2019, M8 D9

18°C

ROCENO INZOLIA, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2017, SIBILIANA VINI Inzolia

A warm version of Syrah grown in the southwest of Sicily, it is vibrant in colour with dark fruits, cherries and blueberry flavours. Vines are cultivated close to the Mediterranean on sandy silt soils at 200 to 600 metres and benefit from the cool sea breezes. After fermentation, it was matured a short time in cask.

Dark fruits, cherries, blueberries

9599

White fruit

Medium-bodied with depth

Light, refreshing, [00]

Roasted sausage with potatoes and peppers

Linguini with cod and asparagus

$13.00

$78.00

5°C

Another important and ancient grape from Sicily, Inzolia too was once an important component in Marsala. Sibiliana Roceno Inzolia has intense pear drop, apple and pear flavours with a soft and smooth palate.

2018-2019, M8 D9 Pear drops, pears

5°C

Apples, [01] Involtini di Pesce Spada – Sicilian swordfish rolls

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

25

26

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

ITALY ITALY

San Sano Poggio Maestrino

Alimenta SRL The Calì family owns properties around Tuscany in both the Chianti Classico and coastal Maremma regions. The different terroirs and proximities to the sea allow Sangiovese to express its different characteristics.

“We work hard to make each single bottle, each single drop, mirror our terroir, our history, our wine knowledge.”

photo — Sangiovese is known as Morellino in the commune of Scansano, located within the Maremma coastal area.

— ITALY ALIMENTA SRL

27

CASINA TOSCANA ROSSO, IGT, 9601 2016, SAN SANO Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot $14.67

$88.00

San Sano sits as a secluded village nestled among oak and chestnut woods, close to Gaiole in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. 2016 San Sano Casina Toscana Rosso has a developed, meaty character.

The grapes were cultivated on Albarese clay soils with Merlot harvested at the end of September, Sangiovese on October 10th and Cabernet Sauvignon on October 15th.

Relatively light-bodied, it is made for early drinking, although it still has some firm tannins on the finish with a grainy texture. It was aged in large oak casks for six months.

2018-2021, M8 D9 Meaty, spicy

16°C

Light-bodied Breaded veal cutlets with tomato and basil sauce

28

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

photo — Wines developing with the help of time, patience and silence in the cellar

9602

SAN SANO CHIANTI CLASSICO, DOCG, 2016 Sangiovese, Canaiolo $18.17

9603

SPIAGGIOLE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO, DOCG, 2016, SOCIETÀ AGRICOLA POGGIO MAESTRINO E SPIAGGIOLE Sangiovese

$109.00

$17.00

$102.00

Restrained fruit aromas with some red cherry become more apparent on the palate with raspberry and red cherry flavours.

This is a light to mediumbodied wine, elegant with grip on the finish. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, the grapes were grown in various spots around Gaiole in the heart of Chianti Classico. The average altitude of the vineyards is 450 metres, resulting in a large drop in temperature on summer nights. This wine was aged for 12 months in traditional Chianti oak barrels.

The Spiaggiole estate consists of 20 hectares planted at between 350 and 450 metres on gentle east-oriented slopes, 20 kilometres inland.

Spiaggiole 2016 has ripe fig fruits and plum pudding aromas. It is soft with good mid-palate fruit and a firm, bitter cherry finish. It shows great length and balance. It is produced from vineyards planted ten years ago, close to the coast at 150 metres, with an east-west exposure.

2018-2022, M7 D9

2018-2022, M7 D9

Red cherries

18°C

Figs, dried fruits, plum pudding

18°C

9604

POGGIO MAESTRINO RISERVA MORELLINO DI SCANSANO, DOCG, 2013, SOCIETÀ AGRICOLA POGGIO MAESTRINO E SPIAGGIOLE

Raspberries, red cherry, spice

Bitter cherry

Sangiovese

Meat and ricotta cannelloni

Fillet of venison with roasted vegetables and Amarena cherry sauce

$22.83

$137.00

The Poggio Maestrino estate was added to the Calì family vineyard portfolio in 2006 and they are slowly renewing the vineyards. Brick ruby in colour, the 2013 Poggio Maestrino Riserva has intense, smoky aromas with leafy tobacco notes. The 13.5 hectare Poggio Maestrino vineyard is planted on steep slopes of volcanic soils facing west. The grapes were harvested in the second half of October with fermentation in tank at 28°C. It was subsequently aged for a year in large oak vats. The palate has firm acidity and chewy tannins.

2018-2024, M6 D8 Leaves, smoke

18°C

Sour cherry, firm Bistecca alla Fiorentina – Florentine-style Porterhouse steak

photo — Oenologist Daniele Pagni, part of a team dedicated to making quality wines

— ITALY ALIMENTA SRL

29

30

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

CORSICA Corsica is Opimian’s first guest region.

Unlike others that return each year, this region will appear exclusively on this cellar offering and will not return. Take advantage of this opportunity to discover the uniqueness and quality of Corsican wines from the classic Patrimonio appellation.

Lieu-dit Morta Majo Patrimonio

Domaine Orenga de Gaffory I first arrived in Corsica 25 years ago, a young winemaker, wet behind the ears. It is a beautiful, magical place. The third largest island in the Mediterranean, it is full of contradictions. The scenery can be beautiful and rugged. Just 183 kilometres long by 83 kilometres wide, it can be swelteringly hot at the same time as ominously dark and stormy in the mountainous center.

The island has been invaded and fought over for centuries, yet never really conquered. It is French, yet closer to Italy; the official language is French, but it has a language of its own. Corsicans are tough, tenacious, proud and super hospitable, but they can also be brutal.

Napoleon was born there, Nelson lost his eye there and Pasquale Paoli wrote the Corsican constitution for the short-lived republic in 1755 that directly inspired the US constitution.

For this guest spot, I return to my original place of work at Domaine Orenga de Gaffory in the northwest of the island, in the Patrimonio appellation. Henri Orenga de Gaffory, my ex-boss, comes from an old Corsican family and has two passions; wine and contemporary art. The estate consists of 55 hectares. Vines are farmed by Piotr Nowicki and wines are made by Philippe Rideau, who replaced me and has been there ever since.

photo — Harvest time with a spectacular view of the Corsican mountains and the Mediterranean Sea

— CORSICA DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY

31

GUEST

L’ALZETANA BLANC, AOP

9605 PATRIMONIO, 2017, ORENGA DE GAFFORY

Vermentino $18.67

$112.00

Aromas of fresh apples, soft ripe peaches and pears precede a soft, round structure with citrus fruit flavours and a mineral finish.

Vermentino is cultivated on the limestone soils of Patrimonio. When I was making wine in Patrimonio, Vermentino was nowhere near as widespread as it is today, and much of that is due to Corsica. The quality of the white wines produced was noticed and suddenly Rolle, as it is known in France, was the “it” grape to plant in Provence and Languedoc.

2018-2019, M8 D9 Ripe peaches, fresh apples

6°C

Broad, spicy fruit, [00] Seafood paella with fregula

32

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

photo — Orenga de Gaffory’s cellar door in Patrimonio.

The estate was established over 50 years ago.

GUEST NEW

L’ALZETANA ROUGE, AOP

GUEST NEW

9606

L’ALZETANA ROSÉ, AOP PATRIMONIO, 2017, ORENGA DE GAFFORY Nielluccio, Sciaccarello $18.67

GAFFORY

Nielluccio, Grenache $18.67

$112.00

Pretty pink in colour, some of the grapes were directly pressed and some left to macerate before the juice was “saigné” from the skins.

Orenga de Gaffory’s 2017 L’Alzetana Rosé has a vinous character with red berry fruits and a soft smooth palate with a strawberry finish.

It is produced from a blend of two indigenous black grapes; Nielluccio, now known to be genetically the same as Sangiovese, and Sciaccarello.

Nielluccio is the most widely planted black grape in Corsica and the most highly regarded for producing age-worthy wines. Genetically the same as Sangiovese, it is believed to have been brought by the Genovese in the 18th century when they ruled the island. While much of the island is formed of granite or schist soils, the northwest corner around Patrimonio is chalk and clay, and it is here that Nielluccio performs best. Restrained dark fruits lead to a voluptuous palate with berry fruits and a black liquorice finish.

2018-2019, M8 D9

2018-2022, M7 D9

Red berries

photo — Nielluccio vines in Patrimonio. This is one of Corsica’s principal grape varieties and is cultivated all over the “Isle of Beauty”.

$112.00

9607 PATRIMONIO, 2015, ORENGA DE

6°C

Restrained dark fruit

Strawberry, supple, [00]

Berry fruits, liquorice

Roasted red pepper and goat cheese on ciabatta

Corsican lamb and chestnut stew

18°C

— CORSICA DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY

33

NEW GUEST

9608

GUEST NEW

CUVÉE DES GOUVERNEURS BLANC, AOP PATRIMONIO, 2016, ORENGA DE GAFFORY Vermentino $29.33

9609

CUVÉE DES GOUVERNEURS ROUGE, AOP PATRIMONIO, 2015, ORENGA DE GAFFORY Nielluccio

$176.00

Cuvée des Gouverneurs is a barrel-fermented Vermentino with toasty vanilla, peaches, mango and smoky notes. It is smooth and mediumbodied, with obvious, but well-integrated oak character and a long, spicy, bitter orange finish. All the grapes were picked by hand, with some skin maceration. The clarified juice was fermented in French oak barrels and left to mature on lees for six to eight months.

$29.33

The grapes for the Cuvée des Gouverneurs came from older parcels of vines up to 30 years in age. The 2015 has an intense, spicy, toasty oak aroma with dark fruits behind. All the grapes were hand-picked, de-stemmed and crushed, then fermented on skins for an extended 30 days. After malolactic, the wine was matured for 12 months in 300 and 600-litre oak barrels, 33% new, 33% one year old and 33% twoyear-old. The oak is more integrated on the palate, complementing the ripe dark fruits with spicy notes. It is concentrated with good structure and will continue to evolve.

2018-2022, M8 D9 Toasty vanilla, smoke, peaches, mango

34

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

6°C

$176.00

2018-2024, M6 D9 Dark fruits, toasty oak

18°C

Oaky fruits, bitter orange, [00]

Spicy, velvety fruit

Grilled lobster tails with green curry-mango sauce

Roasted quail with wild mushrooms

photo — Winter pruning – preparing the vines for the upcoming growing season

Corsica is this season’s guest region and will not return next year – don’t miss out on this unique experience!

GUEST NEW

9610

CUVÉE DES GOUVERNEURS, AOC MUSCAT-DU-CAP-CORSE, 2010, ORENGA DE GAFFORY Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains $23.33

$140.00

This “vin doux naturel” is a specialty of the northern tip of the island, Cap Corse, which points towards France. Produced from 100% Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, the juice was left to macerate on skins for 24 hours. It was fermented in French oak barrels and the fermentation arrested by the addition of pure grape spirit to leave a residual sweetness. Bright yellow in colour, it has a developed bouquet with vanilla, dried apricot, smoke and earthy notes. Soft and rich, yet remaining fresh, it has sweet fruit flavours with a long vanilla and bitter orange finish.

2018-2024, M6 D9 Mellow, vanilla, dried apricot, earth

6°C

Sweet fruits, vanilla, marmalade, dried apricot, [08] Terrine of foie gras with apricot chutney; Vanilla bean cake with apricot jam and chocolate ganache; Roquefort

photo — Tara supervises as vineyard tasks are performed.

— CORSICA DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY

35

36

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

photo — After harvest, fall takes hold of the vineyards with its beautiful seasonal colors.

FRANCE

CHABLIS CHABLIS

Maligny-par-Chablis

Lamblin Fils Chablis is France’s most northern still wine growing region and as such can experience large variations between vintages. In 2016, the vintage quality was good due to warm weather through August to harvest. The bad news is that the region was hit by frost on April 27th. As if that wasn’t bad enough, it hailed twice on May 13th in the south of Chablis, and on May 27th in the north. Production was half that of a normal year with some fields losing the entire crop.

Lamblin Fils owns vineyards and buys grapes from growers who have been working with Michel and Didier’s parents and grandparents. Michel and Didier try to minimize price increases to Opimian. Although some increases are necessary for the growers to be sustainable, they are below the average in the region.

“Our priority is Sustainable Viticulture to maintain our vineyards. Our philosophy is to constantly seek more natural vinification methods.”

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

37

9612

FOLIES PARISIENNES, L’HÉRITAGE FRANÇAIS, LE BLANC DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Chardonnay $10.33

$124.00 Fresh apples and pears aromas lead to a light-bodied wine with a crisp finish.

9613

FOLIES PARISIENNES, L’HÉRITAGE FRANÇAIS, LE ROUGE DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS Syrah, Grenache $10.17

$122.00

Deep in colour, with appealing dark fruits and good depth, Folies Parisiennes red is medium-bodied with some nice concentration and a supple finish.

2018-2021, M8 D9

Apples, pears

2018-2019, M8 D9

Dark fruits

6°C

Soft, juicy, concentrated

Light-bodied, crisp finish, [00]

16°C

Slow-roasted pork shoulder with carrots, onions and garlic

Raw zucchini, apple and walnut salad

38

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

photo — The view of Lamblin Fils’s vineyards from Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos

NEW

9614

SAINT-BRIS SAUVIGNON, AOC, 2016 Sauvignon Blanc $17.67

9615

MÂCON VILLAGES, AOC, 2016

Chardonnay $106.00

Pale in colour with lemon and tropical fruit aromas, Lamblin’s Saint-Bris Sauvignon 2016 is soft and broad on the palate with ripe mango flavours and crisp acidity. The AOC Saint-Bris is something of an anomaly in Burgundy. It is the only appellation in Burgundy to permit the use of Sauvignon Blanc and neither Chardonnay nor Pinot Noir are allowed in the appellation.

$17.67

Bright in colour it has aromas of pear drops, peaches, and a touch of hazelnut with creamy notes. Mâcon Villages lies at the opposite end of Burgundy over 200 kilometres south of Chablis, and produces warmer, softer wines. This is medium-bodied with good depth and a smooth lemon finish.

2018-2019, M8 D9 Tropical fruit, lemon

6°C

$106.00

2018-2020, M8 D9 Peaches, pears, hazelnut

6°C

Smooth, mango, [00] Medium-bodied, creamy, lemon, [00] Thai-style grouper with spicy tropical fruit salsa

Roast chicken breast with lemon garlic orzo

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

39

9618

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, FOURCHAUMES, AOC CHABLIS PREMIER CRU CONTRÔLÉE, 2016 Chardonnay $33.17

$199.00

The Premier Crus sites are more widespread and diverse than the Grand Cru slope and are located on both sides of the river, have a wider range of exposures and gradients.

Fourchaumes lies on the Serein’s right bank and flanks the Grand Cru hill, and is one of the closest in style. Fourchaumes 2016 has some floral aromas with grapefruit, ripe tropical fruits, guava and pineapple. In the mouth, it remains tight and firm with sour lemon and lime flavours which linger. It has good potential and will benefit from several years cellaring prior to drinking. It was fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks with no use of oak.

9616

PETIT CHABLIS, AOC, 2016

CHABLIS, AOC, “VIEILLES VIGNES”, 2016 Chardonnay

Chardonnay $24.83

9617

$149.00

The 2016 Petit Chablis has citrus aromas of lemon and lime with a hint of mango and good depth. It is soft and smooth, mediumbodied, quite generous in style with good acidity and guava fruit on the finish. The Petit Chablis appellation lies on the outskirts of Chablis, on both sides of the Serein Valley.

$26.33

The old vines are planted on typical Chablis soils of Kimmeridgean clay. The area was previously a shallow sea, evidenced by fossils and deposits from oyster shells.

Restrained mellow fruit and honey aromas lead to a medium to full-bodied palate with spicy, honey flavours. This is a structured wine with a long finish.

2018-2020, M8 D9 Lemon, lime, custard

40

6°C

$158.00

2018-2026, M6 D9

2018-2025, M6 D8 Mellow ripe fruits, honey

6°C

Grapefruit, pineapple, floral

6°C

Guava, mango, [00]

Spicy, honey, [00]

Lemon, lime, guava, [00]

Oysters Rockefeller

Coquilles St. Jacques

Tian of crab with avocado and mango

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

photo — (Left to right) Clément, Didier, Michel and Alexandre Lamblin. The family has been making wine for 12 generations.

Founders’ Choice – for the collector in you!

Visit opimian.ca.

9619

CHABLIS GRAND CRU, LES CLOS, AOC CHABLIS GRAND CRU CONTRÔLÉE, 2016 Chardonnay $51.83

$311.00

The seven Chablis Grand Crus sites lie side by side in a single block on a south-facing slope on the right bank of the Serein River and looking across to the village of Chablis. Les Clos is regarded by some as the best of the seven. Its 26 hectares of vines are planted between 100 and 250 metres and benefit from the sunny exposition facing southwest.

All the wines need some years before they really come into their own. At time of tasting, Lamblin’s 2016 Les Clos was very subdued in terms of aroma, but on the palate, it is wellstructured and balanced, revealing flavours of ripe apricot, mandarin and pineapple. This is a wine with gravitas and good depth with a long, ripe fruit finish. It was fermented in old oak barrels, but has little to no obvious oak character, and was matured on fine lees for 12 months. While Chablis and Petit Chablis prices have increased, the favorable Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites were less affected, thus prices have remained similar to those of previous years, with these wines offering better relative value.

2018-2028, M6 D8 Restrained, lime

6°C

Apricot, mandarin, pineapple, [00] Salmon en croûte

photo — Vineyards surrounding the picturesque little town of Chablis

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

41

MIXED CASE 9620 CHABLIS CASE $36.83

$221.00

Chablis has a very clear hierarchy in the classification of its vineyards. The region in the north of France fans out from the village of Chablis at its heart with vines planted on the renowned Kimmeridgean clay soils. The seven Grand Crus are located on the right bank of the Serein River on a single south-facing slope and produce the longest-lived wines that can develop over decades. Premier Crus sites are found on both banks and are more widespread. The exposition and slope of each site confer flavours and potential for cellaring.

Two bottles each Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis Grand Cru

CHABLIS GRAND CRU, VAUDÉSIR, AOC CHABLIS GRAND CRU CONTRÔLÉE, 2016

CHABLIS, AOC, FLEUR D’ACACIA, 2016 CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, VAILLON, AOC CHABLIS PREMIER CRU CONTRÔLÉE, 2016

Chardonnay

Chardonnay

Fleur d’Acacia 2016 has subtle aromas of green apples and floral notes. It is firm on the palate with a limey acidity giving depth and length. The grapes were cultivated by Lamblin Fils close to the winery at Maligny.

It was fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperature and allowed to go through partial malolactic fermentation. It was matured on fine lees for six months.

Vaillon lies to the southwest of Chablis village, on the left bank of the Serein River, and faces southeast. It is complex with a mineral, leafy character. It is soft and smooth with citrus lemon and lime flavours, and a long flinty finish.

Vaudésir Grand Cru sits at the top of the slope above the Grenouilles Grand Cru and faces directly south. Its wines are generally softer and elegant. Vaudésir 2016 has hints of fennel, white peach and coconut. It was fermented in two and three-year-old oak barrels. It is rich and ripe on the palate with good fruit, apricot and peaches, with mineral character and a long, flinty finish. It was kept in barrel for twelve months.

2018-2022, M8 D8

2018-2024, M6 D9

2018-2028, M6 D8

Green apples, floral

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6°C

Chardonnay

Wet stone, complex

6°C

Fennel, peach, coconut

6°C

Lemon, lime, [00]

Smooth, lemon and lime citrus, flinty finish, [00]

Smooth, mineral, apricot, peach, [00]

Fish cakes with lemon and lime aïoli

Braised pork chops with lemon garlic red potatoes

Chicken Laksa

CELLAR 256 — ALBERTA

MIXED CASE 9621

FRUIT LIQUEURS $21.17

$127.00

Made by an artisanal producer based in the historic city of Dijon, these fruit liqueurs are produced from fresh fruits with no use of artificial flavours. A family company established in 1886, they source the best old and wild varieties of each from Burgundy and across France. Each of the fruits is lightly crushed and left to macerate in alcohol for just long enough to extract the full flavour and colour. Sugar is then added to create a delicious crème which can be drunk on its own, for those with a sweet tooth, or used in cocktails and recipes.

Two bottles each Cassis de Dijon, Framboise & Pêche de Vigne

L&F CRÈME DE CASSIS DE DIJON

The classic liqueur to make Kir or Kir Royal, Dijon is recognized as the crème de la crème (excuse the pun) of Crème de Cassis production. This is produced from the finest Noir de Bourgogne variety harvested in the Burgundy region, giving an intense and pure flavour.

L&F CRÈME DE FRAMBOISE

Raspberries are one of my favourite fruits, but synthetic raspberry flavours I often find confected and overpowering.

This has real fresh raspberry character and was made using several different varieties of wild raspberries, giving it a vivid colour and intense flavours.

L&F CRÈME DE PÊCHE DE VIGNE

Produced from wild vine peaches harvested in Burgundy, this crème is complex and highly aromatic in character with a delicate peach flavour.

photo — Frost protection during the spring season ensures that the vines are not damaged for the upcoming growing season.

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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. $90 PER CELLAR OFFERING The Discovery supplier for this cellar offering is The Wine People.

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. $109 PER CELLAR OFFERING The Select Plus supplier for this cellar offering is Domaine Orenga de Gaffory.

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. $128 PER CELLAR OFFERING The Founders’ Choice supplier for this cellar offering is Avenue.

www.opim.ca opim@opim.ca

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