C265-MB: Italy and Chablis

cellar

mb

265 Order between February 22 and March 29, 2019

Italy and chablis

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@Opimian.ca.

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

Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board. For this Cellar Offering, the expected release date is end of August 2019.

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 Opimian.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 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 29, 2019. Important: no orders will be processed after this deadline. * Deadline for mailing orders: March 19, 2019. 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 2018 C256 Select Plus Opimian Select Plus 2018 C256 M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature

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Cellar 265 — manitoba

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 — At Montigoli, the maturation of the Valpolicella is done with

great care and passion. Winemaking technique is the best guarantee to obtain the finest quality.

The 2018 Italian wines in Cellar Offering 265 all scored highly in the tasting. These are all affordable everyday wines made to be drunk early. They give us an indication of the quality of what is in store for the more premium wines further down the line.

This, combined with reports of a great growing season and great harvest conditions, particularly in the north and central Italy, suggest that we are in for a treat - good news after the short 2017 harvest!

Cellar Offering 265 includes a range of Chablis wines produced by Lamblin Fils. A spring frost in April 2017 hit the villages around Maligny, where they are based. Thus, Lamblin’s production was down approximately 40% compared to an average year. The Premier Crus sites were hit particularly hard and are in short supply, but look out for the mixed case of three Premier Crus Vaillon, Mont de Milieu and Fourchaumes.

Italy

Cellar 265 Italy and Chablis

Opimian’s Wine Consultant Jane Masters MW, tastes, selects and writes the commentary for each of the wines in the cellar offerings. Celebrating her 21st year as a Master of Wine this year (one of 380 globally), Jane held the position of Chairman of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine 2016-2018. Having trained as a winemaker at the Institut d’Oenologie in Bordeaux after a degree in Biological Chemistry, Jane worked for UK retailer Marks & Spencer running the Wine & Drinks Category for many years. As an independent consultant Jane is constantly on the look out for exclusive wines from around the world for Opimian members. She regularly visits wine regions and meets producers and loves to share her passion and knowledge.

Featured Avenue SRL -----------------------------4 The Wine People---------------------- 20 Alimenta SRL------------------------- 26 Lamblin Fils--------------------------- 30

— Cellar 265 manitoba

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Cellar 265 — manitoba

Italy

Termeno Alto Adige Südtirol

Avenue SRL Werner and Elena Walch and their two daughters live in the alpine town of Tramin in Alto Adige in the far north of Italy, close to the border with Austria.

Mountainous terrain surrounds the town where vineyards planted on slopes enjoy fresh air and bright sunshine. The stone cellar was built nearly 150 years ago, and an additional new fermentation cellar was completed recently. From this base, Werner runs his merchant business and works with estates across many regions of Italy.

“We had a good year with sufficient grapes on the vines and great wine to enjoy.“

photo — Castello di Meleto in Chianti is mainly planted with Sangiovese. The medieval castle dates back to the 11th century.

— italy avenue srl

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Alto Adige

1185

Chardonnay, DOC Südtirol, E. von Keller, 2018

1186

Pinot Grigio, DOC Alto Adige, E. von Keller, 2018

1187

Santa Maddalena, DOC Alto Adige, E. von Keller, 2018 Schiava, Lagrein

Pinot Grigio Chardonnay

$ 25.83

$ 155.00

$ 22.17

$ 133.00

An unoaked Chardonnay with aromas of fresh apples and nuts. It is dry and crisp on the palate, with persistent passion fruit and pear flavours. Chardonnay grapes were grown on calcareous soils in Alto Adige. The fruit was gently pressed, and the juice left to naturally decant before fermentation at 20°C.

Fresh apples, pear drops, verbena and some herbal aromas lead to a light to medium bodied white. The 2018 Pinot Grigio is smooth and supple with a long citrus, lemon and mandarin finish.

A light and fruity, easy-drinking red from northern Italy.

It has intense red berry fruit aromas and is produced with the local Schiava grape, blended with 10% Lagrein. After fermentation in stainless steel, it was matured for a short time in Slavonian oak casks.

2019-2021, M8 D9

2019-2020, M8 D9

2019-2021, M8 D9

$ 25.00

Fresh apples, nuts

6

$ 150.00

6°C

Verbena, pear drops

6°C

Intense red berry fruits

Passion fruit, pears, [00]

Citrus, lemon, mandarin, [00]

Light, fruity

Grilled halibut with orange rémoulade

Vitello Tonnato

Antipasto platter

Cellar 265 — manitoba

photo — Historical barrels at E. Von Keller

14°C

Piedmont

1188

Barbera d’Alba, DOC, Franco Amoroso, 2018 Barbera $ 22.50

1189

Barbaresco, DOCG, Collection Terroirs, Conti Speroni, 2016 Nebbiolo

$ 135.00

$ 36.33

$ 218.00

Tasted in early November when it had barely finished fermenting, the Barbera d’Alba is a good sign for the quality of the 2018 harvest in Piedmont. It is dense plum in colour with restrained aromas of cola and dark fruits. It is smooth with good midpalate fruit and a long plummy finish. Well balanced, it has a juicy acidity.

Starting to show some nice tertiary notes, Conti Speroni’s 2016 Barbaresco has autumnal woodland aromas combined with cranberry and incense. 2016 was a good vintage in Piedmont with ideal conditions during harvest, allowing the notoriously late ripening Nebbiolo grape to fully mature. This is quite light in body with a fine texture, good firm acidity and lingering flavours. Delicious for drinking now, it will continue to hold for the next few years.

2019-2022, M7 D8

2019-2022, M8 D9

Cola, dark fruits

18°C

Autumnal, red berries, incense

18°C

Plums

Cranberries

Grilled pizza with spicy Italian sausage

Barbecue pork tenderloin stuffed with feta, olives and oregano

— italy avenue srl

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1190

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Langhe Arneis, DOC, Roche, 2018 Arneis $ 32.50

Barbaresco, DOCG, Roche, 2015

Nebbiolo $ 195.00

A delightful white wine with tons of personality from the Langhe Hills.

Arneis is the signature white grape of the Piedmont region. Roche 2018 has aromas of fennel, dried chamomile and wild flowers with a hint of honey. It is rich and supple, balanced by a fresh acidity and flavours of melon and lemon.

2019-2020, M8 D9 Chamomile, fennel

1191

6°C

$ 61.00

This 2015 Barbaresco is light in colour with a brickish red hue. Its complex bouquet has meaty aromas, some red berry fruits and undergrowth. On the palate it is supple with nice mid-palate fruit and a vibrant red cherry flavour, finishing on notes of bitter cherries and menthol. This wine is developing nicely with more mileage ahead. The grapes grown on slopes facing east, south-east and west were hand-picked into wooden baskets, de stemmed and crushed. After fermentation, the wine spent 24 months in small oak barrels. 2015 was an exceptional vintage in Piedmont with a very cold winter followed by good rainfall in spring, which compensated for the hottest ever July on record.

Lemon, melon, [00] Spiedini di agnello al limone (lamb skewers with lemon)

$ 366.00

2019-2025, M6 D9 Complex meaty aromas, red berries

18°C

Red and bitter cherries Carne cruda all’albese – Piedmontese steak tartare

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Cellar 265 — manitoba

photo — The Roche vineyards covered in snow

1192

Barbera d’Alba, DOC, Figli Luigi Oddero, 2016 Barbera $ 41.33

$ 248.00

Mellow aromas of forest floor, truffles and dark plums lead to a ripe and concentrated palate. This is a smooth, mouth-filling wine with youthful plum flavours which will continue to develop well for some years to come. Barbera is planted mid-hillside at between 250 and 300 metres in altitude, close to the town of La Morra.

Vigneti Luigi Oddero

Based in La Morra in the heart of Barolo, Vigneti Luigi Oddero is run

by Lena and her children Maria and Giovanni. The family farms 32 hectares, with 18 hectares of prime sites planted to Nebbiolo. Their wines are traditional in style and have stature and longevity.

2019-2026, M6 D7 Mellow forest aromas, truffles, dark plums

18°C

Mellow, concentrated Wild mushroom risotto with black truffle oil and grated parmesan

— italy avenue srl

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1193

Langhe Nebbiolo, DOC, Figli Luigi Oddero, 2016 Nebbiolo $ 42.50

Barolo DOCG, Figli Luigi Oddero, 2014 Nebbiolo

$ 255.00

Translucent ruby in colour with a brick hue, Oddero’s 2016 Nebbiolo has aromas of pot-pourri and dried rose petals.

More red fruits present themselves on the palate. It is soft with a supple mid-palate and an ethereal quality leading to a grainy tannic finish.

Nebbiolo is planted on marly soils with traces of clay and sand, rich in humus and mineral salts. Good exposure to the sun ensures full ripening of this late-ripening variety.

2019-2023, M7 D9 Pot-pourri, rose petal, red fruit

1194

$ 77.83

Roast Brome Lake Duck with rosemary and garlic potatoes

Barolo, DOCG, Rocche Rivera, Figli Luigi Oddero, 2013 Nebbiolo

$ 467.00

Pale in colour with aromas of tarragon, vanilla and smoke with a graphite edge, Oddero’s Barolo 2014 has red cherries and a bitter chocolate character. It is supple with a good mid-palate, leading to some firm grippy tannins. The grapes were grown on several prime sites around Barolo – La Morra, Serralunga d’Alba and Castiglione Falletto. Soils are composed of deep layers of tuffaceous marl and clay mixed with reddish sand. Grapes were hand-picked and fermented with indigenous yeast with a 14-day skin maceration. It was matured for 24 months in medium and large oak casks.

18°C

Cranberry, bitter cherry

1195

$ 141.00

$ 846.00

The single vineyard site Rocche Rivera sits on a slope beneath Castiglione Falletto’s castle walls, facing directly south. Vines are planted at 350 metres on grey-bluish marl soils with loose clay mixed with sand. Intense in colour, it has a mellow bouquet with depth, fruit and smoky notes. The 2013 is a concentrated wine with cherry menthol flavours and a succulent mid-palate. It is structured with youthful character and should continue to evolve.

Grapes were picked in the first two weeks of October and carefully sorted in the vineyards prior to destemming. After fermentation in tank, it was matured for 36 months in medium and large oak casks.

2019-2028, M6 D8 Tarragon, vanilla, smoke

18°C

Red cherries, bitter chocolate Roast Cornish game hen with braised Swiss chard, rhubarb confit and smoked shallot

2019-2030, M6 D8 Mellow fruit, smoke

18°C

Cherry menthol, succulent fruits Rack of lamb with mushroom risotto and roasted baby carrots

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Cellar 265 — manitoba

photo — The Oddero family welcomes you to their winery.

Veneto

Montigoli

Montigoli wines are produced at a cooperative located in the town of Negrar, a few miles from Verona. The cooperative, established in 1933, consists of 230 growers who collectively farm 700 hectares of vineyards within the Valpolicella Classico DOC. Most of these are trained with the traditional Pergola method – tall, low density vineyards with approximately 2,500 to 3,000 vines per hectare.

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1196

Valpolicella Ripasso Classico, DOC, Montigoli, 2016 Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella, other mixed grapes $ 26.83

$ 161.00

2019-2022, M8 D9 Red cherries, almonds

18°C

Tangy, red cherries Braised lamb shanks with roasted root vegetables

photo — Montigoli’s vineyards in Valpolicella come alive in spring.

Classic Valpolicella in style, this wine has lots of tangy fruits and is very moreish with lots of appeal. Bright cherry in colour, it has aromas of almonds and red cherries. It is supple with succulent red fruit and a fresh tangy finish. It was produced from a blend of 60% Corvina Veronese with 15% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and 10% of other mixed grapes. The vineyards are located in the Negrar hills towards Torbe between 300 and 420 metres, facing south-east. Grapes were harvested in October and fermented over ten days with daily punch-downs. A second “Ripasso” fermentation was carried out in February 2017 on Amarone lees. The wine was then matured in barrel for nine months.

— italy avenue srl

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1197

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, DOCG, Montigoli, 2015 Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella $ 54.00

The Castellani family has been growing grapes in the heart of the classic Valpolicella region for over one hundred years. The 29 hectares of vineyards are located around Marano on hillsides between 150 and 300 metres and are organically farmed.

Amarone, a specialty of the region, is made from a selection of the best grape bunches which are picked and left to dry on cane drying racks for several months. The grapes loose approximately 40% of their water content as they become concentrated. The 2016 Amarone Classico has a complex bouquet with fresh cherries, raspberries, raisins and redcurrants, and a touch of vanilla. It is soft and smooth with a fine texture. It is on the lighter side of medium bodied, despite an alcohol level of 16%. This wine is delightfully elegant and balanced, finishing with flavours of cranberry and redcurrant. After a long slow fermentation, it was matured in large oak casks.

$ 324.00

A rich, dense and fullbodied wine. Montigoli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico has aromas of coffee and coffee liqueur with bitter chocolate and smoke. In the mouth, it is smooth with dark fruit flavours and a grainy texture. After the grapes were picked in early October, they were left to dry for 120 days. They were then destemmed and gently crushed in February and slowly fermented on skins for 30 days with regular punching down of the skins. The wine was matured in large vats made from oak from the Allier and Nevers forests in France for 18 months.

2019-2024, M6 D9 Coffee, smoke, bitter chocolate

12

1198

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, DOCG, 2016, Ca’ La Bionda, 2016

18°C

Dark fruits

Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara

Grilled beef tenderloin with porcini mushroom compound butter

$ 69.33

Cellar 265 — manitoba

$ 416.00

2019-2028, M6 D8 Complex bouquet of red fruits and vanilla

18°C

Redcurrant, cranberries, cherries Braised veal in a puttanesca sauce

photo — The barrel room at Ca’ La Bionda, where wines are aged in large casks to respect the aroma and taste of the wine

Tuscany

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Scantianum Rosato, IGT

1200 Toscana, Vignaioli Morellino Scansano, 2018

Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo $ 23.00

Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo

$ 138.00

Also tasted as a tank sample, this 2018 Scantianum Rosato is a delightful pale pink colour. It is light and fruity, easy to drink with flavours of apples and pears and a crisp finish. It is a blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Ciliegiolo. A perfect sundowner on a summer’s evening.

2019-2020, M8 D9 Red apples, pear drops

1199

Scantianum Viognier, IGT Toscana, Vignaioli Morellino Scansano, 2018

1201

Vin Del Fattore, Sangiovese Toscano, IGT, Governo All’uso Toscano, Vignaioli Morellino Scansano, 2017

$ 174.00

$ 29.00

Intense blackcurrant pastel aromas precede a soft supple palate, medium to full bodied. This wine has rich and succulent black fruit flavours with blackcurrants and black cherries, followed by a bitter liquorice finish.

Grapes were picked mid-September through early October, placed into small boxes with holes and placed in a cool room to shrivel, losing 15% of their weight.

2019-2023, M8 D9

6°C

Light, refreshing, [00]

Blackcurrant

18°C

Neapolitan pizza

Succulent black cherries, black berries Irish shepherd’s pie (lamb)

Viognier $ 24.50

$ 147.00

Tasted as an unfinished tank sample, the 2018 is bright in colour with intense aromas of apples and peaches. In the mouth it is rich with a ripe fruit mid-palate, complemented by good acidity and some citrus pith on the finish, which adds length. Coming from relatively young vines planted on sandy and silty soils, the grapes were harvested and kept at low temperature under a protected inert atmosphere to preserve maximum fresh fruit flavours.

2019-2020, M8 D9 Apples, peaches

6°C

Ripe fruits, pithy finish, [00] Grilled salmon steak

— italy avenue srl

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Rosso Toscano, 1202 Seraphicum IGT, 2017 Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon $ 159.00

$ 26.50

An obviously oaky wine with aromas of pencil lead and graphite over red cherry background, Seraphicum 2017 has a warm rich mid-palate with red cherries and medium body. Produced from a blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, both varieties were picked and vinified separately. Fermentation was initiated in tank and then completed in small oak barrels followed by malolactic fermentation. It has a grainy texture with bitter cherries and a long grippy finish.

2019-2024, M6 D8 Graphite, red cherries

18°C

Bitter cherries, grippy finish Penne all’arrabbiata

new

1203

San Pietro in Avenano, Chianti Classico Riserva, DOCG, 2013 Sangiovese $ 42.67

$ 256.00

2019-2024, M6 D9 Woody, smoke, cherries

18°C

Concentrated, dense Braised pork loin cutlets with thyme-lemon sauce

14

Cellar 265 — manitoba

Deep plum in colour with a brick hue around the edges, 2013 San Pietro in Avenano is showing delicious development. The mellow bouquet has autumnal aromas with leaves, woody notes and smoke over a cherry background. It is concentrated and smooth with a dense mid-palate balanced by a juicy acidity, conferring freshness and potential for further aging. Grapes from San Pietro’s Casi vineyard grown at 400 metres were harvested by hand and fermented in old wooden casks. The wine was kept for an extended period on skins then racked into concrete tanks for malolactic fermentation.

Half the wine was aged for eighteen months in large Slavonian oak casks and half in small old oak barrels. photo — The Castello di Meleto was built in the 11th Century by the Florentines to protect their Sienese territory.

Veltro, Brunello di 1205 IlMontalcino, DOCG, 2014 Brunello (Sangiovese) $ 394.00

$ 65.67

Nobile di Montepulciano 1204 Vino DOCG, Fonte al Vescovo, 2015 Sangiovese, other native grapes $ 47.50

$ 285.00

2019-2025, M6 D7 Savoury, smoke

18°C

Dark treacle, vanilla, coconut Grilled striploin with black pepper sauce

A savoury wine with a brickish colour and smoky aromas. It is full bodied with a smooth palate. Quite tight initially, smoky dark treacle flavours unfold to reveal more vanilla, coconut and fruit flavours. I would suggest decanting this wine to give it some air prior to serving. 10% of the wine was made from other native grapes blended with Sangiovese. All the grapes were grown around Argiano and Ascianello, close to the iconic hilltop town of Montepulciano. They were left to macerate on skins for 18 days during fermentation. The wine was aged for two years in a combination of medium-sized Slavonian and small French oak barrels.

A rich and succulent wine with great potential for aging, Il Veltro 2014 is vibrant in colour with a slight brick hue developing. The intense bouquet has aromas of fresh coffee and coffee liqueur combined with vanilla, treacle and bitter cherries. It is lively on the palate with an elegant tannin structure and medium to full bodied. Montalcino has over the years developed its own particular clones of Sangiovese known as Brunello. Vineyards are planted in the south-west of the DOC, overlooking the Orcia River at 300 metres with southern exposure. Not an easy vintage, in 2014 the mild and rainy winter was followed by high rainfall in June and July, creating some disease pressure in the vineyards. Fortunately, the vintage was saved by a mild and sunny September and produced high quality wines.

Grapes were fermented in wide and short tanks designed to extract colour and tannins delicately. The wine was matured for three years in large Slavonian and Allier casks.

2019-2030, M6 D8 Coffee, vanilla, bitter cherry

18°C

Treacle, vibrant mid-palate Lamb osso buco with creamy polenta and seasonal vegetables

— italy avenue srl

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Abruzzo

Contesa

d’Abruzzo, 1206 Montepulciano DOC, Corsi, 2017 Montepulciano $ 18.50

Winemaker Rocco Contesa tends his 30 hectares of vineyards close to Collecorvino in the Pescara province, close to the Adriatic coast. The vines are planted on a south-east facing hill at 250 metres and benefit from the considerable differences in day and night time temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wines are made in the cellar, which is carved into the hillside.

$ 111.00

Try these new Contesa wines from Italy’s Pescara Province!

Vibrant in colour with cola and herbal aromas, Corsi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is soft and smooth with cherry flavours and a firm acidity on the finish.

2019-2021, M8 D9 Cola, herbs

18°C

Cherries Barbecued pork ribs with garlic Dijon mustard potatoes

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Cellar 265 — manitoba

photo — Contesa’s 30 hectares of vineyards surround the wine-making cellars on a south-east facing hill at 250 metres above sea level.

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Corvino, Passerina 1207 Vigna Abruzzo, DOC, Contesa, 2018 Passerina $ 19.33

Pecorino Abruzzo, 1208 Contesa DOC, 2018 Pecorino

$ 116.00

Tasted as a tank sample, the Passerina Abruzzo was quite deep in colour with intense butterscotch aromas. Peachy flavours are complemented by a toffee character with a supple soft structure.

After a short overnight skin maceration and pressing, the juice was fermented at low temperature. Passerina is an old variety coming from this Adriatic coastal region. It is a robust vine which ripens relatively late.

2019-2020, M8 D9 Peach, butterscotch

$ 26.83

Montepulciano 1209 Contesa d’Abruzzo, DOC, 2016 Montepulciano

$ 161.00

$ 27.83

$ 167.00

With aromas of quince, cooked pear and peaches, Contesa’s 2018 Pecorino has some weight on the palate and nice white fruit characters, good acidity and a long mineral finish. Pecorino is planted on the lower slopes at 200 metres at Vigneto al Lago, with a higher planting density than the other varieties on the estate. Grapes were picked in the second half of September and fermented through to dryness at low temperature.

Contesa Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is opaque in colour with ripe black cherry aromas.

Montepulciano grapes were grown around Collecorvino at 250 metres. It is dense with chewy tannins and a rustic finish, medium to full bodied with more savoury flavours on the palate. After fermentation and skin maceration, the wine was matured in large oak casks for 10 months.

2019-2020, M8 D9

2019-2022, M7 D9

6°C

Toffee, [00] Pan braised whitefish

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Quince, white fruits

6°C

Ripe black cherries

18°C

Cooked pears, peaches, [00]

Savoury, dense

Pan seared pork chop with white wine sauce

Mustard and herb-crusted rack of lamb

— italy avenue srl

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Puglia

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1210

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Masseria Azzurra “S”, Negroamaro, IGT Salento, 2017 Negroamaro $ 23.83

Cellar 265 — manitoba

Masseria Azzurra “S”, Primitivo, IGT Salento, 2017 Primitivo

$ 143.00

$ 24.67

$ 148.00

The Masseria Azzurra winery, owned by the De Corato family, was founded by Sebastiano De Corato in the late 1940s. Today, his grandsons farm 75 hectares of estate vineyards planted at high density. Their 2017 Negroamaro is vibrant in colour with ripe fruits, plums and violet aromas. It is soft with sweet succulent fruit flavours, bitter cherry and a jammy finish. Negroamaro is planted on calcareous soils in the Salento peninsula at 50 to 80 metres.

Bright ruby in colour, the Primitivo has a floral and cherry aroma with a slight hint of leather, giving a savoury edge to the wine.

It is supple and rich with more succulent sweet dark fruits on the palate.

Grapes were harvested at the end of August and fermented in tank with skin maceration for a week.

2019-2022, M8 D9

2019-2022, M8 D9

Plums, violets

18

1211

18°C

Lint, cherries, leather

Jammy, bitter cherries

Dark fruits, violet

Seared beef and spinach salad with feta dressing

Italian wedding soup

photo — Masseria Azzurra’s old cellar

18°C

Sicily

1212

Sibiliana Roceno Nero d’Avola, DOC Sicilia, 2018 Nero d’Avola $ 17.50

$ 105.00

Nero d’Avola, Sicily’s star grape, shines in this Sibiliana wine.

2019-2021, M8 D9

Deep plum in colour, Sibiliana Roceno Nero d’Avola displays some floral aromas of roses with raisined fruit and black treacle that precede a smooth and rich palate. It is concentrated with ripe fresh cherries and raisins.

photo — Freshly harvested Nero d’Avola grapes at Sibiliana Vini

Floral, roses, raisins

18°C

Cherries, raisins Black lentil and shiitake-stuffed Portobello mushroom caps

— italy avenue srl

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“Authenticity, regional integrity and quality are what drive us.”

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Cellar 265 — manitoba

photo — Abruzzo and Puglia are two regions that embody the Italian coastline viticulture.

italy Puglia, Sicily and Abruzzo

Stefano Girelli was born into a winemaking family in Trento in northern Italy. Along with winemaker Stefano Chioccioli, they established The Wine People in 2009. Chioccioli is a revered winemaker in Italy with experience in the country’s main regions and abroad. He respects provenance and looks to fully express this in each of the wines produced, while offering great value for money.

The Wine People

1215

Dea del Mare Prosecco, DOP, Extra Dry, Vino Spumante Glera $ 22.00

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Rosélia Rosé, IGP Tre Venezie, 2018 Merlot

$ 132.00

$ 105.00

$ 17.50

Prosecco sales continue to increase around the world, having surpassed those of Champagne in 2013. 2018 is a bumper crop with recent vineyard plantings due to the insatiable thirst for the product coming on stream as well as good yields from established vineyards. Prosecco is produced from the Glera grape using the Charmat Method with fermentation in tank.

Dea del Mare is pale in colour with floral fruity aromas. It is soft and easy-drinking with a crisp acidity.

A delightful pale pink colour, with aromas of bananas, strawberries and cream. Rosélia was produced from Merlot grown in the western part of the Veneto region. It is light and crisp with sherbet flavours and was fermented at low temperature for 30 days.

2019-2020, M8 D9

2019-2020, M8 D9

Floral

6°C

Banana, strawberries and cream

Easy-drinking, crisp, [03]

Sherbet, crisp, [00]

Tuna and avocado tartare

Honeydew melon sherbet

6°C

— ITALY THE WINE PEOPLE

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1218 1217

Pemo Pecorino, IGP Terre di Chieti, 2018

1219

Pemo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, DOC, 2017

Negroamaro

Montepulciano $ 18.83

Integro Negroamaro, IGP Puglia, Organic Wine, 2017

$ 113.00

$ 18.33

$ 110.00

The Terre di Chieti IGP is nestled in the foothills of the Abruzzo region. About 60% of the wines produced are white, and Pecorino is the major indigenous variety. Pemo Pecorino 2018 has aromas of fresh fennel, apples and pear drops. On the palate, it is fresh and crisp with lingering flavours of melon, mandarin and passion fruit.

Dense in colour, Pemo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has dark fruit aromas with marmite and tarry notes. It is medium to full bodied, with a smooth concentrated palate and cherry finish. Grapes were picked by hand in early October, de-stemmed and softly crushed then fermented at 24°C to 25°C with frequent pump overs. After racking and pressing of the skins, the wine was matured on fine lees for several months before bottling.

This wine was an immediate hit for me, conveying all the summer sunshine of southern Italy.

It has aromas of dried wild herbs, oregano and thyme over a fruit and floral background. It is medium to full bodied with sweet red berry fruits and a firm finish of bitter cherry notes. The Negroamaro grapes were organically farmed in the San Donaci area of Salento. The wine underwent natural spontaneous fermentation. The label and bottle look great too!

2019-2020, M8 D9

2019-2022, M8 D9

2019-2022, M8 D9

Pecorino $ 18.83

Fresh fennel, green apples, pear drops

22

$ 113.00

6°C

Black fruits, marmite, tar

Melon, passion fruit, mandarin, [00]

Concentrated, cherries

Red berries, bitter cherry

Pan-seared scallops with mango and green apple slaw

Aged cheddar, Parmesan and Asiago cheeses

Braised venison shanks with roasted baby potatoes

Cellar 265 — manitoba

18°C

Dried oregano, dried thyme, floral

16°C

photo — Primitivo, the king of Puglia: tradition, character and spirit

Primitivo, IGP 1220 Colpasso Puglia, 2018

1221

Carlomagno Primitivo Appassimento, IGP Puglia, 2017 Primitivo

Primitivo $ 18.83

$ 19.83 $ 113.00

$ 119.00

Red fruits, red cherries and some fig are apparent on the nose, leading to a soft sweet and fruity palate. Primitivo was grown in selected vineyards around Leverano. Grapes were harvested by hand into small containers for transport to the winery.

The wine was fermented at 22°C to 24°C, with frequent pumping over of the must.

A dense wine with smoke and tarry notes. It has aromas of blackcurrants and treacle with a mellow smooth palate of sweet dark fruits, raisins and vanilla all showing through. It was produced using a technique known as “il giro del picciolo”. As the bunches of grapes ripen on the vine, the stalks are twisted, preventing any further nourishment of the grapes from the vine so that they slowly shrivel, losing 25% to 30% of their water content, becoming more concentrated. The wine was fermented in tank with approximately 25% aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 12 months.

2019-2021, M8 D9

2019-2022, M8 D9

Mixed red fruits, red cherries, figs

16°C

Smoke, tar, blackcurrant, treacle

18°C

Bitter cherry, chocolate

Dark fruits, raisins, vanilla, red cherries

Penne with spicy Italian sausage gravy

Grilled ribeye steak with melted blue cheese topping

— ITALY THE WINE PEOPLE

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Grillo Chardonnay, 1222 Denatile DOC Sicilia, 2018 Grillo, Chardonnay $ 15.50

$ 93.00

2019-2020, M8 D9 Apples, quince

6°C

Fresh fruit, [01] Grilled swordfish with Sicilian-style relish

Grapes were cultivated on the western side of the island of Sicily.

Chardonnay came from vineyards in the area around Trapani, while Grillo was grown close to Marsala. Both were picked by hand and vinified separately, using some skin contact for the Chardonnay and fermentation with oak. Grillo grapes were pressed, fermented in tank and remained on lees for several months prior to the final blending.

Tasted as a tank sample, the wine had good colour with fresh apples and quince characters.

Read more about The Wine People in Vino Etcetera.

Denatile Nero d’Avola Shiraz, 1223 DOC Sicilia, 2018 Nero d’Avola, Shiraz $ 15.83

$ 95.00

Nero d’Avola and Shiraz vines are planted on sandy soils rich in minerals in the area around Trapani and are traditionally trained. The wine is a bright plum colour with aromas of violets and red cherries. It is supple and juicy, with red cherry flavours and a moreish finish.

2019-2021, M8 D9 Violet, red cherries

18°C

Succulent red cherries Oven-baked lasagne

24

Cellar 265 — manitoba

photo — Denatile wines are made of Sicilian grapes blended with international varieties. They are a perfect blend of old and new worlds.

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L’Auratae Nero d’Avola, DOC 1226 Sicilia, Organic Wine, 2018 Nero d’Avola $ 110.00

$ 18.33

Produced from 100% organically grown Nero d’Avola, L’Auratae has aromas of herbs, tarragon dried fruits and raisins.

More red berry fruits emerge on the palate with a refreshing and juicy redcurrant character, and succulent mid-palate leading to a savoury finish.

2019-2021, M8 D9 Tarragon, raisins

18°C

Redcurrants, savoury finish

Pinot Grigio, IGP 1224 Colpasso Terre Siciliane, 2018

Spaghetti puttanesca

Pinot Grigio $ 17.33

$ 104.00

Aromas of dried fruits, figs, prunes and a hint of treacle reflect the warmth of the region. Colpasso Nero d’Avola is smooth with ripe fruit flavours and a tangy acidity. Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s most planted black grape and it loves heat. Approximately 20% of the Nero d’Avola grapes were “Appassimento”.

These were picked by hand in late September, spread out on trays and left to dry in a ventilated room before fermentation.

The other grapes underwent a traditional vinification at controlled temperature and the two wines were blended together.

A light to medium bodied Pinot Grigio with mineral qualities.

Subtle white fruits and mandarin aromas lie behind graphite notes with more pears and fresh apples revealed in the mouth. This is a soft, crisp wine finishing with flavours of passion fruit and quince.

2019-2020, M8 D9 Mineral, white fruit, mandarin

Colpasso Nero d’Avola, DOC 1225 Sicilia, 2018 Dried fruits, figs, prunes

6°C

Pears, fresh apples, quince, [01]

Nero d’Avola

Prosciutto-wrapped cheese stuffed dates

$ 17.33

photo — Sorting the grapes in Sicily, the sunny Mediterranean island

2019-2021, M8 D9 18°C

Ripe fruits, tangy finish

$ 104.00

Black bean soup with wild mushrooms and Asian 5-spice blend

— ITALY THE WINE PEOPLE

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Cellar 265 — manitoba

italy

San Sano Poggio Maestrino

Alimenta SRL Alimenta, owned by the Calì family, has Tuscan vineyards in the coastal region of Maremma and the traditional Chianti Classico DOCG. Wines are based on the Sangiovese grape, which expresses itself differently according to the climatic conditions in these two locations.

“We work hard to preserve and deliver the features of our terroir. This is why we grow our grapes organically, with a profound respect for nature.”

— ITALY ALIMENTA SRL

27

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Morellino di 1227 Lacciaia, Scansano, DOCG, 2017

Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Sangiovese $ 23.50

Toscana Rosso, IGT, 1228 Casina San Sano, 2017

$ 141.00

Coming from the coastal region of Tuscany known as the Costa d’Argento, this is a 100% Sangiovese wine. Ripe fruit aromas of plums and cherries lead to a soft jammy palate. This is a supple, concentrated wine with a long bitter cherry flavour and some grip on the finish. The vineyard is planted at 150 metres with views overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the bay of Maremma. The climate is much warmer and less humid than the Chianti region or other parts of central Italy and produces softer, warmer styles of wine.

$ 18.83

Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo

$ 113.00

A light bodied wine which is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It has aromas of red fruits and tarragon with a supple raspberry palate. Grapes were grown around the village of Gaiole on clay Alberese soils. After fermentation in tank, the wine spent six months in large oak casks.

2019-2021, M8 D9 Tarragon, red fruits

della Rana Chianti, 1229 Fonte DOCG, San Sano, 2017

$ 21.33

$ 128.00

A more savoury wine with spices and a hint of Parmesan cheese on the nose. Red cherries emerge on the palate with spicy flavours and a grippy tannin finish. Sangiovese was blended with 10% Ciliegiolo – a local grape which is parent to Sangiovese and has been cultivated around Florence for centuries.

It is known for its cherry flavours. The vineyard at Scannano, Rapolano is planted at approximately 250 metres in altitude.

2019-2021, M8 D9

16°C

Raspberries

Savoury, spice

Penne alla Bolognese

Red cherry, spices Ribollita – Tuscan bread soup

2019-2022, M8 D9 Jammy fruits, plums

18°C

Bitter cherries Cioppino seafood stew with gremolata toasts

28

Cellar 265 — manitoba

photo — Deep in the green hills, Alimenta grows its grapes organically.

18°C

San Sano Chianti Classico, 1230 DOCG, 2017 Sangiovese, Canaiolo $ 26.83

1231

San Sano Chianti Classico Riserva, DOCG, Guarnellotto, 2015 Sangiovese, Canaiolo

$ 161.00

$ 44.00

$ 264.00

Wild herbs and undergrowth mingle with red fruit aromas. San Sano Chianti Classico 2017 is on the lighter side of medium bodied with a fine texture and tangy red berry fruits mid-palate which leads to a bitter cherry finish.

Sangiovese and Canaiolo are planted on plots close to and around Gaiole. Vines vary in age, from recently planted up to 35 years old and are cultivated on rocky marl soils at an average altitude of 450 metres. The wine spent a year in traditional Chianti casks.

A concentrated firm wine, quite austere in character. It should benefit from some cellaring and I recommend decanting before serving.

It is dense with sour fruits and a balsamic character emerging. After picking in the second half of October, grapes were fermented in tank then matured for 15 months in traditional Chianti casks. Sangiovese has been blended with 10% Canaiolo, another old variety which was more popular than Sangiovese in central Italy until the 18th century. Its uneven production and difficulty to graft is why it is not more widely found, but its velvety texture and full body add structure and complement the Sangiovese grape.

2019-2023, M7 D8

2019-2025, M6 D7

Wild herbs, red fruits, undergrowth

18°C

Balsamic, meaty

18°C

Red berry, bitter cherry

Blackcurrant, structured

Stracotto (pot roast) with porcini mushrooms and baby carrots

Coffee and black pepper-crusted roasted beef tenderloin

— ITALY ALIMENTA SRL

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Cellar 265 — manitoba

france

Chablis

Maligny-par-Chablis

Lamblin Fils The last two years have been tough for the Lamblin family. Unlike other areas of Burgundy, the 2017 vintage in Chablis generally saw an increase in production compared to 2016 (although the volume produced was still much below average).

Unfortunately for the Lamblins, frost struck Maligny, Lignorelles and La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne on the night of April 19th - precisely where Lamblin’s grapes are grown – and caused their wine production to be down 40% from an average year.

Premiers and Grands Crus sites were particularly affected, thus no Grand Cru from Lamblin is available this year.

“We start the harvest when the balance between the natural sugar contents and acidity is considered optimal.”

photo — View of the Beine Lake from the Premier Cru Côte de Savan, with Chablis in the background

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

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1233

Folies Parisiennes, L’Héritage Français, Le Blanc des Héritiers Lamblin, IGP Pays d’Oc Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc $ 13.58

$ 163.00

Easy-drinking white wine, with aromas of fresh apples, lemon and pear drops. It is supple and well balanced with a dry finish.

2019-2020, M8 D9 Pear drops, lemon

6°C

Fresh apples, [00] Crispy pan-fried rainbow trout (skin on) with apple and fennel salad

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Folies Parisiennes, L’Héritage Français, Le Rosé des Héritiers Lamblin, IGP Pays d’Oc Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault $ 173.00

$ 14.42

Cellar 265 — manitoba

Grenache, Syrah $ 13.58

$ 163.00

A refreshing rosé with juicy red berry acidity and flavours of raspberries and pear drops. It is soft on the palate with a crisp finish.

The latest Folies Parisiennes exudes ripe fruits with blackberry aromas.

It is medium to full bodied with a savoury character, finishing on bitter chocolate and cherry notes.

2019-2020, M8 D9

2019-2021, M8 D9

Raspberries, pear drops

32

1235

Folies Parisiennes, L’Héritage Français, Le Rouge des Héritiers Lamblin, IGP Pays d’Oc

6°C

Ripe berries, blackberries

16°C

Red berries, [00]

Bitter chocolate, cherry finish

Drink as an apéritif

Pizza with black olives, feta and pepperoni

photo — Protection against ‘black frost’ during spring

Saint-Bris Sauvignon, AOC, 1236 2017 Sauvignon Blanc $ 23.17

$ 139.00

2019-2020, M8 D9

Lemon, mandarin, [00]

Bourgogne Aligoté, AOC, Fruits d’Été, 2017 Aligoté

The village of Saint-Bris-Le-Vineux is approximately 15 kilometres southwest of the town of Chablis in northern France. It is the only appellation in Burgundy based on the Sauvignon Blanc grape. Pale in colour, the 2017 has a floral, white blossom aroma with notes of Lily of the valley and lanolin.

It is soft and smooth on the palate with flavours of lemon and mandarin. Grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks at 17°C. After malolactic fermentation the wine was racked off yeast lees.

Lily of the valley, lanolin

1237

6°C

$ 21.83

$ 131.00

Aligoté grapes were grown around the village of SaintBris-Le-Vineux.

Pale in colour with a greenish hue, it has aromas of ripe lime, pears and flint. It is medium bodied, smooth and mellow with a creamy texture and flavours of melons and pears.

2019-2020, M8 D9 Lime, pears, flint

6°C

Melon, pears, [00] Shrimp ceviche

Citrus-infused crème brûlée

photo — Lamblin’s oak barrel cellar

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

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Chardonnay, AOC, 1238 Bourgogne Fleurs de Printemps, 2017 Chardonnay $ 23.50

1239

Bourgogne Pinot Noir, AOC, Saveurs d’Hiver, 2017 Pinot Noir

$ 141.00

A restrained wine with lime aromas, a hint of fennel and a mineral edge.

The Bourgogne Chardonnay 2017 is medium bodied with a firm crisp acidity and lots of fresh green apple flavours. It was fermented at 22°C and matured on fine lees for four months.

2019-2021, M8 D9 Mineral, lime, fennel

$ 31.67

$ 190.00

Aromas of redcurrants, other red fruits and fresh herbs precede a soft supple palate.

The 2017 is light to medium bodied, smooth with a fresh tangy acidity and long berry finish. Grapes were picked by hand, sorted and de-stemmed into tank.

During the fermentation regular punching down of the cap was carried out. The wine was transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation and matured for three months.

6°C 2019-2021, M8 D9

Fresh apples, [00] Dungeness crab in a lemon basil pasta

Redcurrants, red fruit, fresh herbs

16°C

Berry fruits

1240 Petit Chablis, AOC, 2017

Grilled trout with bacon, green beans and faro

Chardonnay $ 40.67

$ 244.00

Aromas reminiscent of spring – fresh meadows, chamomile and apple blossom – combine with honey. Fruit shines through on the palate with green apples, lemon, lime and passion fruit with a hint of grassiness. Taut in structure, this Petit Chablis is well balanced with persistent flavours and lemon acidity.

Read our Q&A with Michel Lamblin in Vino Etcetera.

2019-2021, M8 D9 Fresh meadows, green apples, chamomile

6°C

Grassy, passion fruit, lemon, [00] Egg drop soup with lemongrass broth

34

Cellar 265 — manitoba

photo — The bottling line at Lamblin. After ageing in the cellar, the wine is bottled.

1241

1242 Aloxe Corton, AOC, 2017

Chablis, AOC, 2017

Pinot Noir

Chardonnay $ 43.50

$ 261.00

$ 71.67

$ 430.00

Lamblin’s Chablis is currently a bit reserved on the nose with some spices and honey. It is supple with good weight and concentration.

Flavours of lemon, green apples, green plums and greengages lead to a sour finish. Grapes came from the villages of Maligny, Lignorelles and La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne in the north of the appellation, which produced low yields in 2017 due to an April frost.

The Corton Hill lies where the Côte de Beaune meets the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. The Aloxe Corton appellation vineyards lie on the lower slopes to the south of the hill. Ripe fruit aromas with a hint of rose petal are complemented by cherry menthol. 2017 Aloxe Corton is supple and smooth on the palate with a light to medium body. It has lingering flavours of bitter cherry and vanilla, and will continue to mellow in bottle. Grapes were picked by hand and fermented with regular punch downs and pump overs. It was matured for twelve months in oak using 20% new barrels.

2019-2024, M6 D9

2019-2025, M6 D9

Honey, spice

6°C

Cherry menthol, rose petal

Fresh apples, green plums, greengages lemon, [00]

Red cherries, vanilla

Oysters on the half shell with shallot mignonette

Comté cheese

16°C

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

35

mixed case 36

Cellar 265 — manitoba

1243

Chablis Premier Cru $ 62.83

$ 377.00

Vineyards in the Chablis region only grow Chardonnay grapes and only produce white wines. The Premier Cru vineyards are classified according to their soils and exposure, and generally account for 15% of the region’s wine production – although in 2017 this was significantly reduced by the frost. The Premier Cru sites which lie on either side of the Serein River between the towns of Chablis and Maligny vary in their exposition and gradient, each conferring its own personality on the wines. Despite the restricted production, Lamblin Fils have put together a mixed case to compare three Premier Crus.

photo — A typical stone hut, pictured here in the Premiers Cru Fourchaumes

Chablis Premier Cru, Vaillon, AOC Chablis 1er Cru, 2017 Chardonnay

Two bottles each Vaillon , Mont de Milieu and Fourchaumes

Chardonnay

White fruits, almond, marzipan and flint characters lead to a structured wine with good depth and flavours of fresh apples and passion fruit. Powerful in nature, it has a firm acidity and a mineral stony finish.

Vaillon is located on the left bank of the river, on a hill which faces south-east with good sun exposure and Kimmeridgian clay soils.

2019-2026, M6 D7 Flint, white fruits, lemon, marzipan

Chablis Premier Cru, Mont de Milieu, AOC Chablis 1er Cru, 2017

The Mont de Milieu is more mineral in character with a flinty wet stone quality. It is tight and structured with a solid acidity requiring more time in bottle. It has good depth and flavours of lemon and lime. Mont de Milieu flanks the Grand Cru hillside and is itself on a gentle, south-facing slope.

2021-2030, M5 D6 Mineral, wet stone

8°C

8°C Lemon, lime, [00]

Fresh apples, passion fruit, mineral, [00] Coq-au-vin with mushrooms Caramelized onion and mushroom quiche

Chablis Premier Cru, Fourchaumes, AOC Chablis 1er Cru, 2017 Chardonnay

Fourchaumes also flanks the Grand Cru hill (on the other side) and lies just north of the town of Chablis. Slightly deeper in colour, it has a more mellow aroma with blossom and banana. It is supple and ripe with a hazelnut and pineapple fruit finish.

2019-2026, M6 D7 Mellow, white blossom, banana

8°C

Toast, white fruits, [00] Boston Clam Chowder

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

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Crémant de 1244 Lamblin Bourgogne Brut Rosé, AOC Pinot Noir $ 34.83

$ 209.00

Salmon pink in colour, this crémant has aromas of cassis and rosehip syrup. It is well balanced with a crisp acidity and more forest fruits on the palate.

2019-2020, M8 D9 Cassis, red berries, rosehip Forest fruits, [00] Chicken Phò

38

Cellar 265 — manitoba

6°C

mixed case

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photo — From left to right: Clément, Didier, Michel and Alexandre Lamblin

1245

Fruit Liqueurs $ 47.33

$ 284.00

These fruit liqueurs are made by an old family company in Dijon from the best natural fruits with no use of preservatives. The company sources old and wild varieties from Burgundy and other regions of France. Each fruit is lightly crushed and left to macerate in alcohol.

Two bottles each Mûre, Cassis de Dijon & Cerise

L&F Crème de Mûre

L&F Crème de Cassis de Dijon

Produced from small wild blackberries, it has elegant ripe blackberry and floral notes and can be used in a variety of cocktails.

Crème de Cassis de Dijon is a well known classic liqueur. It is produced from an old variety of blackcurrant – Noir de Bourgogne – which grows around the city of Dijon. It is intensely flavoured so a little will go a long way. Add just a splash to dry or sparkling white wine to produce Kir or Kir Royale.

L&F Crème de Cerise

A combination of sour and sweet cherries gives a tangy flavour – a great addition to vodka and gin-based cocktails.

photo — Wooden cases have always been used for storing Lamblin wines.

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

39

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 opimian.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. $ 118 per Cellar Offering The Discovery supplier for this Cellar Offering is Avenue SRL.

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. $ 155 per Cellar Offering The Select Plus supplier for this Cellar Offering is Alimenta SRL.

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. $ 194 per Cellar Offering The Founders’ Choice supplier for this Cellar Offering is Avenue SRL.

www.Opimian.ca MemberService@Opimian.ca

#300 - 2170 René-Lévesque West, Montreal QC H3H 1R6 T: 514-483-5551 or 800-361-9421 F: 514-481-9699