Order between August 23 and September 27, 2019

Order between August 23 and September 27, 2019
1. Select Your Wines
Let yourself be inspired by our detailed descriptions 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.
Grape variety Red White
Rosé
Sparkling
Bottle size
Number of bottles in case
Aroma
Taste
Serving temperature
Ideal with
Evolution
Drink this year
Will develop, drink within 2 years
Meant for cellaring
Concentration
Light
Medium
Great
Oak Light
Medium
Heavy
Limited quantities
Limited
Very limited
Extremely limited
Less than 100 cases available
Members’ Choice
Most ordered by Opimian members
Opimian Suggests
Starting a cellar
Medal Winner
Discovery
Opimian Discovery 2018 C261
Select Plus
Opimian Select Plus 2018 C261
M—Degree of Maturity (1-10)
M1 = lay down
M10 = fully mature
D—Degree of Drinkability (1-10)
D1 = needs time
D10 = ready to drink
Still unsure what to order? Opimian’s Member Service team is always available to help you make an informed choice. Call us at 1-800-361-9421 or e-mail MemberService@Opimian.ca.
2. Place Your Order
There are four ways to order
• Online: Go to Opimian.ca, sign in and select Order Wine
• Email MemberService@Opimian.ca with your selection.
• Call 1-800-361-9421
• Mail your order*
3. Let Us Handle the Rest
The wines featured on this Cellar Offering are still at the producers’ wineries when you order them so it is normal that the process takes a bit of time and effort on our side.
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 mid-January 2020
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.
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: September 27, 2019. Important: no orders will be processed after this deadline.
* Deadline for mailing orders: September 17, 2019. Please allow 10 days for delivery by Canada Post.
Notes (as required by the SAQ’s operating procedures)
(as
• A member ordering from this Cellar Offering requests that Opimian acts as the member’s agent in ordering the wines from the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) and requests that Opimian remits the funds enclosed (minus any administration fees) to the SAQ to pay for the wines ordered.
• The prices as shown are the estimated costs to be charged by the SAQ plus an administration fee and consolidation charges.
Sweetness scale Grams/litre Examples
[00] 0 - 3
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds
[01] 4 - 6 Some New World varietals, some reds
[02] 7 - 12
Champagne, Sparkling, Rosés, few reds
[03] 13 - 20 Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou
[04] 21 - 34 Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry
[05] 35 - 50 Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace
[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 — The pioneering Judit Llop from the tiny estate of Morlanda in Priorat DOQ, shows us how to grow exceptional Garnacha in one of the most extreme conditions in Spain.
In this final offering of the season, you will find California wines ready for drinking from the Kautz Family, fourth generation farmers in Lodi, and Angelo Pera at Mountain View. For those looking for wines to cellar, 2016 was an absolute stunner of a vintage which will repay keeping, and you will find a number of exclusive super premium wines from this vintage. Also featured are Kenefick Ranch in Napa Valley’s Calistoga region, first introduced to members last year, and favourites from Hook & Ladder in the Russian River Valley and Blue Rock Vineyard are all offered.
The number of Spanish wines offered has increased by popular demand with the introduction of Ferrer Family Wines owned by Pedro Ferrer (joint owner of the Freixenet Sparkling Wine group) alongside Familia La Bastida and some Spanish rosés, all offering great value for money.
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 384 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.
“We believe that great wines start in the vineyard and we think every bottle shows our dedication to our property and our craft.“
Kenefick Ranch is located in Napa Valley’s most northern and western AVA – that of Calistoga. The vineyards were established by Tom Kenefick over 40 years ago and supplied grapes for some of California’s most prestigious wines before Tom created his own Kenefick Ranch range. Vines are planted on volcanic soils from rocky, stony loam on hillsides, to gravelly loams in the foothills of the Palisades mountain range. The Calistoga region has the most extreme change between day and nighttime temperatures of the Napa Valley. Temperatures during the day are warmer than other parts of Napa but drop considerably at night due to the surrounding mountains. The effect produces concentrated grapes with refined tannins. Tom’s children, Chris and his sister Caitlin, now do most of the day-to-day running of the farm. They produce big, rich wines with around 15% alcohol which are not heavy but elegant with ripe fruit flavours and have great potential to cellar.
1493
KENEFICK RANCH MERLOT, ESTATE GROWN, CALISTOGA, NAPA VALLEY, 2016
Merlot, Petit Verdot
$ 93.00 $ 558.00
Spice, incense, menthol, forest fruits and blackberries are all present and lead to a smooth yet structured wine. In the mouth, cherry and raspberry fruits show through mid-palate, with a grainy texture and more smoky dark fruits lingering on the finish. Merlot was blended with 12% Petit Verdot. Grapes picked by hand and sorted underwent a cold soak for four days before fermentation. The fermenting must was pumped over twice a day and a rack-and-return process was practiced twice during fermentation. It was matured in French oak barrels from Taransaud, Sylvain, Orion and Treuil coopers for 18 months and bottled on June 11, 2018.
2020-2026, M7 D8
Spice, incense, forest fruits, menthol 18°C
Blackberry, raspberry, tar
Lamb with smoked garlic and vegetables
1494
KENEFICK RANCH CABERNET FRANC, CAITLIN’S SELECT, ESTATE GROWN, CALISTOGA, NAPA VALLEY, 2016
Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot
$ 93.00 $ 558.00
Deep in colour with aromas of forest floor, dried leaves, dark fruits with a hint of smoke, this is a blend of 82% Cabernet Franc with 9% Petit Verdot and 9% Merlot. It is medium to full bodied and is more marked by the oak maturation with a distinct vanilla flavour, which combines with ripe black cherry flavours. Tighter in structure than the Merlot, it has more grippy tannins on the finish and was matured using 65% new French oak barrels.
2020-2026, M6 D7
Forest floor, dried leaves, dark fruits, hint of smoke 18°C
Ripe black cherries, vanilla oak
Grilled steak with peppercorn sauce
1495
KENEFICK RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CHRIS’S CUVÉE, ESTATE GROWN, CALISTOGA, NAPA VALLEY, 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc $ 118.33 $ 710.00
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon which is rich and concentrated. Kenefick Ranch 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dense purple colour. It has aromas of vanilla oak, wood, smoke and dark fruits with some leather notes behind. Warm in character, it is smooth with intense dark fruit flavours, blueberries, blackcurrants and a balsamic character. It spent 18 months in French oak barrels with 75% new oak and has great potential for ageing.
Vanilla, dark fruits, touch leather
Balsamic, dark fruits, blueberries
18°C
Burger topped with aged gouda, smoky barbecue sauce and crispy fried onions
These Kenefick Ranch wines are only available in limited quantities –order today!
A multi-dimensional wine with mellow flavours. It is medium bodied with quite a firm finish coming from Petit Verdot, the dominant grape in the blend. It was combined with 25% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. It has lots of personality despite less obvious oak than the Cabernet Sauvignon. It is tight in structure and will benefit from some cellaring before reaching its optimum.
Hook & Ladder estate in Santa Rosa, northern Sonoma, has about 80 hectares of vineyards in total spread across the cool Russian River Valley including the warmer climes of Chalk Hill at Los Amigos Ranch. The winery was founded in 2003 by Cecil and Christine De Loach and is now run by their winemaker grandson Jason. The names of the winery and many of the wines allude to Cecil’s first career as a fire fighter in San Francisco. This year, six wines stood out in tasting, five of which are from the 2016 vintage — an absolute stunner of a vintage at Hook & Ladder.
“We sample every block of fruit multiple times before calling a pick, to guarantee the best possible fruit for any vintage wines created.“
1497 HOOK & LADDER CHARDONNAY, CLONE 45, LOS AMIGOS RANCH, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2016
Chardonnay $ 55.83 $ 335.00
A deliciously rich and toasty Chardonnay, the 2016 Clone 45 is bright in colour with some floral aromas and flavours of quince, peaches and nectarines. It is broad in structure with an oaky finish. Clone 45 was produced from vines planted at Los Amigos Ranch propagated from a single clone. Clone 45 also known as clone 77, was originally imported to the US from Burgundy and registered in California in the 1980s. The wine was fermented at cool temperature in tank then aged for nine months in French oak barrels using 20% new and bottled on June 5, 2017.
Nectarine, peaches, quince, [00]
prawns with avocado salad
1498 HOOK & LADDER THE TILLERMAN, ESTATE BOTTLED, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sangiovese $ 54.83 $ 329.00
A “wow” of a wine. It really stood out in the tasting selection – both The Tillerman 2016 and the following Station Ten 2016 blew me away immediately. It is vibrant in colour with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, blackcurrant coulis and vanilla with a touch of smoke. It is smooth with a fine texture and more flavours of blackcurrant. Medium bodied with succulent fruits, it features a very classy elegant finish which simply commands another sip. It is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 4% Sangiovese. The grapes were all grown on the Los Amigos Ranch just south of Healdsburg in the Chalk Hill appellation. This sub-region in the western foothills of the Mayacamas mountains is generally warmer than other parts of Russian River Valley. Each grape variety was picked, vinified and matured separately for 18 months in a combination of European and American oak. A tillerman steers the back of a hook-and-ladder fire engine, Cecil de Loach’s role during his time with the San Francisco Fire Department.
2019-2025, M7 D9
Blackcurrant coulis, vanilla, smoky
Succulent blackcurrant fruits
18°C
Linguine with round beef steak, chili and garlic
The Russian River Valley was granted AVA status in 1983. It is one of the top-ranked wine regions in the USA.
An extraordinarily complex, lush wine and an immediate coup de cœur. It is dense in colour with woody, vanilla and coconut aromas that mingle with ripe dark fruits, blueberries, blackberries and blueberry muffin. It is mellow and rich on the nose. On the palate it is concentrated, medium to full bodied yet not overpowering. It has great depth with a firm acidity that keeps it fresh and lively, giving it great balance and potential for cellaring. Despite the fifth year of drought in 2016, grapes ripened evenly with maximum flavour development in Russian River Valley. It was however the earliest harvest on record at Hook & Ladder with grape picking starting on September 9. And yes, you’ve guessed it –Station Ten was the fire house in San Francisco where Cecil was working before he retired.
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Alicante Bouschet
concentrated
Read Jason DeLoach’s Q&A in Vino Etcetera.
Russian River Valley is one of the best places in California to produce high quality Pinot Noir wines. Cecil De Loach planted these vineyards in 1973 on the plains and gently rolling hills off Olivet Road in western Santa Rosa. Coastal fog hangs in the mornings, protecting the vines from the sun’s rays and keeping temperatures cool. After burning off during the day, it returns in the evening so that the Pinot Noir vines enjoy a long slow ripening. Hook & Ladder 2017 Pinot Noir has a spicy, resin aroma with strawberries in the background. It is medium bodied with good mid-palate cherry and herbal flavours. It has a fine silky texture with more raspberry and strawberry flavours emerging in the glass, leading to a long juicy acidity. Well structured, it has the potential to mature nicely for some years. Jason uses Burgundian techniques such as whole berry and whole cluster fermentations in small batches. The fermentation was carried out by natural yeast with regular punching down of the cap three time a day. It spent eight months in French oak barrels with 20% new.
1501
HOOK & LADDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ESTATE BOTTLED, LOS AMIGOS RANCH, CHALK HILL, 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon
$ 69.00 $ 414.00
Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (in California, a wine labelled as Cabernet Sauvignon can have up to 25% of other varieties included), growing conditions at Los Amigos Ranch in Chalk Hill in 2016 were perfect. The grapes were harvested from September 19th to October 1st, 2016. It is mellow with aromas of blackberries, almonds and vanilla. It was matured for 18 months in European and American oak with 13% new. It is smooth with supple tannins, medium bodied with lots of ripe dark fruit flavours and will benefit from some more time in bottle before drinking.
1502
HOOK & LADDER MERLOT, ESTATE BOTTLED, LOS AMIGOS RANCH, CHALK HILL, 2016
Merlot
$ 69.00 $ 414.00
Slightly lighter in colour and structure than the Cabernet Sauvignon, Hook & Ladder 2016 Merlot has no less concentration of flavour. The nose is currently more expressive with enticing aromas of patisserie and blueberry muffins with a touch of spice. On the palate, a leafy edge gives a savoury aspect that complements the fruit giving the wine depth. A higher proportion of new oak (25%) was used to mature the wine for 18 months.
Ripe dark fruits
Bacon-wrapped filet mignon with balsamic onions
Further north in Alexander Valley at Cloverdale, Blue Rock Vineyard has a history which can be traced back to 1880. Named after the blue soils which contain a high proportion of Serpentine, the estate was owned by Italian settlers who brought with them olive trees which are now 140 years old, and vine cuttings. The old stone house was once a winery which shut down during prohibition. Purchased by Kenny Kahn with his wife Cheryl in 1987 when it was all but derelict, the couple have unearthed the estate’s history and invested in its renovation. Sustainability is high on the agenda, looking after the soils, reducing the amount of water used and farming in a way to have the least significant carbon impact.
“We strive to craft powerful, age worthy wines that take a bow to finesse and elegance.“
—Kenny Kahn, Owner
1503
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
$ 97.83 $ 587.00
Deliciously approachable while young, Blue Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 will develop greater complexity with time and has the potential to mature for another ten years at least. While restrained in intensity, it has aromas of vanilla, fresh black fruits and a hint of soft calfskin. It is pure with a linear structure which is on the lighter side of medium bodied. It has a fine texture with pure blackcurrant flavours initially followed by nutmeg, caramel and some leafy notes. This is a hugely elegant wine with a long black fruit finish. Made from a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot with 7% Petit Verdot, it was matured for 24 months in barrel with 24% new French oak.
2019-2030, M7 D8
Fresh black fruits, vanilla, calfskin 18°C
Blackcurrant, nutmeg, leaf
Grilled corn on the cob with spicy herb butter
1504
BABY BLUE ESTATE RED BLEND, BLUE ROCK VINEYARD, ALEXANDER VALLEY, SONOMA, 2017
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc
$ 66.33 $ 398.00
Ready for earlier drinking, Baby Blue has the hallmark of Blue Rock estate –namely elegance. This is a light to medium bodied wine which is hugely moreish with aromas of dark berry fruits, blackcurrant and mulberries with some leafy notes. On the palate, flavours of cooked forest fruits and pure vanilla are enhanced by a slightly firm structure on the finish, adding length. Baby Blue is a blend of the five varieties that are grown on the estate: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Syrah, 6% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc.
2019-2024, M7 D9
Dark berries – mulberry, blackcurrant, leaf 18°C
Vanilla, cooked forest fruits
Lamb skewers with pesto, baba ghanoush and pita bread
1505 WINE SPOTS PINOT NOIR, SONOMA COAST, 2018
Winemaker and keen traveller Daniel LeFrancois works with grape producers and winemakers in different regions. Grapes for his Sonoma Coast 2018 Pinot Noir were sourced from a mature hillside vineyard. Mild days with cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean create good conditions for producing Pinot Noir. It has ripe jammy fruits and cooked cherry compote with raspberries. Smooth and round in structure, it has good cherry and menthol flavours with a lingering jammy finish. Grapes were whole berry fermented in open top fermenters. The wine then spent eight months in a mixture of new and old French oak barrels.
1506
1507
A supple, easydrinking and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with great personality. It is pale in colour with aromas of gooseberries, fresh limes and kiwi fruits.
Soft and supple, it has a little sweetness with fresh apple flavours and a zesty finish.
Youthful and fruity on the nose, Jawbreaker has aromas of blackberries, raspberries and banana cream. Cabernet Sauvignon has been blended with a touch of Napa Shiraz, producing a wine with bags of flavour which is well balanced.
Fruit cocktail
Slow-cooked beef stew with parsnips
The Gold Rush in the Sierra foothills in the 1850s brought a huge influx of people to California, along with prosperity and burgeoning businesses including over one hundred wineries. The region still possesses some of the oldest vines in the State grown at high altitude on sandy clay loam soils. 2017 Zinfandelic has aromas of fresh plums, violets with candy floss and dried raisins in the background. It is light to medium bodied with a slightly drying austerity on the finish. Produced from organically farmed old vines, the cool psychedelic label was inspired by rock posters from the 1960s.
Raisins, figs
Grilled
All Holloran farming is organic and biodynamic, providing excellent purity, focus and balance in the wines.
This Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley is bright in colour with floral and red cherry aromas complemented by some leafy notes. It is light to medium bodied with a supple smooth palate with fresh mid palate fruits and a long cherry finish. Produced by Holloran Vineyard Wines, the winery was established by Eve and Bill Holloran in 1999 and features several vineyards at Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity hills based on volcanic soils. All are farmed using organic or biodynamic practices. 2017 was a warm growing season with grapes picked starting September 27, pressed gently and fermented in small lots. It was matured for 15 months in French oak barrels with 10% new but does not show overtly oaky character.
“Giving back to the community is an important way of life for us.“
—John H. Kautz, Owner and Chairman
The Kautz family have been farming vineyards in Lodi for four generations. Having started from humble beginnings, John Kautz took over farming from his father’s 15 hectares of land. Today he is one of the biggest vine growers in California. Despite the size of the business, it is still a family affair with all four of John’s children active in the day-to-day running of the business. Wines are made by Steve Miller.
LANE VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY, LODI, 2018
Chardonnay
$ 29.33 $ 176.00
This range of wines was named after John and Gail Kautz’s granddaughter Maddie, who represents the fourth generation of the Lodi based family. The Chardonnay was produced from a special selection of grapes grown in the Mokelumne River sub-AVA on the west side of the Lodi region. More expressive than the Stone Valley, it has intense aromas of melons, pears and other white fruits. It is smooth with good depth and just a hint of vanilla oak.
1512
MADDIE LANE VINEYARDS OLD VINE ZINFANDEL, LODI, 2017
Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah
Lodi is sometimes referred to as the “Zinfandel Capital of the World” — it has an abundance of some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California. The 2017 has raisins and dried fig aromas. On the palate it is the lighter side of medium bodied with ripe fruit flavours and a nice juicy acidity. It is a blend of 85% Zinfandel, 10% Syrah and 5% Petite Sirah. Grapes came mainly from the family’s Thornton Ranch in the sub AVA of Jahant. The wine was matured for three months in a combination of French and American oak.
1513 STONE VALLEY CHARDONNAY, CALIFORNIA, 2018
Chardonnay, Viognier
$ 21.00 $ 252.00
White fruits, citrus pith, [00]
Pumpkin and leek cappelletti
A light fruity Chardonnay with pear-drop aromas. A small amount of Viognier was added to the final blend, giving a nice pithy edge. Grapes were harvested in the cool pre-dawn and fermented in tank with no use of oak.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah
$ 21.08 $ 253.00
While labelled Merlot, this is actually a blend of four grape varieties — 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petite Sirah. Grapes were sourced from selected vineyards in northern California, gently crushed and fermented in rotary fermenters. It was matured for two months with French oak, is quite pale in colour, light on the palate and very drinkable.
1515
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah
$ 21.00 $ 252.00
Stone Valley is named after the well-drained gravelly soils on which the vineyards are planted. Grapes for Stone Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 came from vineyards in Sloughouse, Clements Hills and Mokelumne river sub-appellations of Lodi. Floral violet aromas lead to a serious, quite austere palate, with some chewy rustic tannins. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Syrah, it was matured for four months with French oak and has a distinctive oaky flavour.
1516
Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah $ 21.08 $ 253.00
Deep in colour with plummy fruits combined with floral soapy aromas and rose petals, Stone Valley Red blend 2018 is medium bodied with black and bitter cherry flavours. It is a blend of 45% Zinfandel, 45% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah and was matured with French oak for two months giving it some grip on the finish.
“We work with our land to produce fine fruit in order to make our wines enjoyable. Each wine has its own story.“
Mountain View Vintners, owned and led by Angelo Pera, manages and farms 19 vineyards across the Golden State, stretching from coastal regions to the California Delta. Each has its own climate conditions and the most suitable vines are planted to produce strong varietal character in the wines. Wines are made by Philip Zorn together with Angelo Pera.
Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer
$ 17.83 $ 214.00
A soft light white with aromas of nectarines and other white fruits, this is a blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. Fresh and fruity, with no use of oak.
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot
$ 17.83 $ 214.00
A light to medium bodied red with oaky aromas of coconut mingling with sour cherries and balsamic. A blend of 46% Zinfandel, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petite Sirah and 17% Merlot, half was matured in American oak barrels, the other half in tank.
California Chardonnay needs no introduction. Sip on this golden nectar today!
Golden in colour with butterscotch and ripe nectarine aromas, it has not seen any oak but has a smooth round palate which reveal flavours of fresh lemon and lemon curd with some bitter marmalade character on the finish.
Ripe nectarines, butterscotch 6°C
Lemon curd, marmalade, [00]
Scallops sautéed in butter with lemon
Merlot, Ruby Cabernet
Riverview Red has plummy fruits with a hint of fresh herbs such as oregano. It is soft and mellow with sweet mid-palate fruit. Produced from a blend of 52% Zinfandel, 37% Merlot and 11% Ruby Cabernet, it is medium bodied with a nice juicy fresh acidity and light tannins. Half was aged in American oak barrels.
2019-2021, M8 D9
Plums, hint of herbs, oregano 18°C
Sweet fresh fruits
Traditional Provençal vegetable tian
1521 RIVERVIEW VINEYARDS MERLOT, CALIFORNIA, 2017
1523
Merlot grown in a vineyard 24 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean was picked in September 2017, following a hot and dry growing season. Deep in colour with spicy balsamic aromas, some green leaf and a slight smoky note, flavours of plums and black treacle emerge with a savoury edge on the finish. It was matured six months in French oak barrels.
A rich wine with aromas of tar and raisins, it is starting to show some development. It was matured for twelve months in French oak barrels and is well balanced with a juicy acidity. Zinfandel vines are planted on sandy loam soils in the Central Valley.
Light bodied, zesty and refreshing with flavours of fresh lemons and other tangy white fruits. Pinot Grigio was grown in Clarksburg at La Slough vineyard. Planted in 2001, the vines are orientated east-west on sandy loam soils with plenty of fertile clay.
White fruits, tangy, [00]
Tuna poke on nori crackers
1524 BUTTERFLY RIDGE CHARDONNAY, MONTEREY COUNTY, 2017
Chardonnay
$ 25.08 $ 301.00
There is something about Monterey Chardonnay that makes it very distinctive. Mountain View Vintners have 40 acres in Monterey planted on clay soils. Chardonnay vines were planted in 1982, hence heading towards 40 years old. Butterfly Ridge 2017 Chardonnay is golden in colour with aromas of fresh seed fruits pears, apples combined with butterscotch. The wine spent just three months in oak. It has true Monterey cool climate character with a linear structure and spicy lime finish.
1526 BUTTERFLY RIDGE MERLOT, CENTRAL COAST, 2018
1525 BUTTERFLY RIDGE ZINFANDEL ROSÉ, CALIFORNIA, 2018
Zinfandel, Pinot Noir
$ 19.25 $ 231.00
Deep and bright in colour, Butterfly Ridge Rosé is a blend of 64% Zinfandel and 36% Pinot Noir. It has aromas of watermelon and redcurrants with some floral notes. Some natural sweetness is offset by a harmoniously tart acidity. This is an easy-drinking rosé with flavours of cherry and hard candy.
$ 25.08 $ 301.00
Merlot doesn’t like too much heat, so does well in California’s Central Coast, benefitting from the cooling effect of the Ocean. Butterfly Ridge 2018 Merlot has aromas of ripe fruits, dark and red cherries and menthol. Grapes were grown on the eastern side of Santa Maria. Vines were planted in 1988 on sandy loam soils on an east-west axis. It is a medium bodied wine with a linear structure, firm acidity and balsamic finish.
1527
BUTTERFLY RIDGE CABERNET
SAUVIGNON, CENTRAL COAST, 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon
$ 30.17 $ 181.00
An elegant Cabernet Sauvignon produced from grapes grown in northern Paso Robles. It has aromas of roses, hay and raspberries. It is fine in texture with supple tannins, smooth with no astringency. It was matured for six months in French oak.
1528 BUTTERFLY RIDGE PINOT NOIR, CENTRAL COAST, 2018
Pinot Noir
$ 32.00 $ 192.00
Pinot Noir grown at Santa Maria has produced a wine quite pale in colour but with lots of flavour. On the nose it has red fruit and strawberry aromas which lead to a soft light impression on the palate initially. It is smooth and medium bodied with red cherry and hard candy flavours followed by a savoury bitter finish and just tiny hint of oak. It is well balanced with a lingering finish and is ready for drinking.
Smooth, flavoursome
braised lamb shanks
fruits, strawberry 16°C
Red cherries, savoury bitter twist
Spaghetti with squash blossom butter and summer green beans, topped with basil leaves, Pecorino cheese and lemon juice
1529 DUXINARO CHARDONNAY, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2017
Chardonnay
$ 34.67 $ 208.00
A buttery Chardonnay, bright in colour with mellow ripe fruit aromas, passionfruit and nectarines, complemented by vanilla. It is medium bodied with great depth and a flavour which stays on the palate, finishing with a nice bitter citrus pith note. Grapes were grown in the Russian River Valley on 20-year-old vines. It was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.
Rosé wine is in demand around the world. Spain has always had a strong tradition in its production. Here we offer two contrasting styles coming from two northern regions — Cigales and Navarra.
“I wasn’t cooped up in a lab — my oenology classes were out in the fields in rubber boots. That is part of why I fell in love with what is now my profession.”
—Adriana Ochoa, Winemaker and Technical Director, Ochoa Winery
1531
Spanish rosé: bring some summer into your winter!
Garnacha, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
$ 26.50 $ 159.00
VALDELOSFRAILES ROSADO, DO CIGALES, 2018, BODEGA MATARROMERA
Tempranillo
$ 23.83 $ 143.00
In contrast to many rosé wines produced nowadays, which are pale in colour, the Valdelosfrailes 2018 is a deep bright “radioactive” pink. It has aromas of fresh raspberries, cherries and herbs, finishing on a refreshingly crisp note. Grapes were grown on the lower part of the Aldor y Patato estate in Cigales, north of the ancient Castilian city of Valladolid.
The Navarra region in northern Spain’s Basque Country lies around the town of Pamplona, renowned for its centuries-old annual Festival of San Fermín – the “running of the bulls” epitomized by Ernest Hemingway. Drinking wine was also a regular pastime of his in The Sun Also Rises! Navarra has a history of producing rosé wines. Lagrima 2018, produced by Javier Ochoa, is a blend of 40% Garnacha, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was made according to the “sangrado”, known as saignée or bleeding method, traditional to the region. Medium pink in colour, it is a more serious style of rosé with less fruit and a more vinous style. Grapes were lightly crushed, and the skins left in contact with the juice for four to six hours before fermentation.
Finca la Reñana vineyard, owned by Bodegas Luis Alegre, was planted in 1948. It is located at 595 metres above sea level between Laguardia and Elvillar in the Alavesa region of Rioja. Vines are cultivated on limestone base soils mixed with fine sand. The 2013 is brick ruby in colour with aromas of ripe cooked fruits. It is smooth on the palate with vanilla, cooked fruit and treacle flavours – perfect for drinking over the next few years. Produced from a blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano and Mazuelo, it was matured in new French oak barrels for 16 months.
Murcia
This family-run company has vineyards in various wine regions around Spain, with many in the southeast in the hills, inland from Valencia, in the regions of Jumilla and Utiel-Requena. These regions are currently improving in quality and reputation.
“Our family is dedicated exclusively to the world of wines and works with the objective to group together different Designations of Origin from Spain.“
Sauvignon Blanc, Airen
$ 19.33 $ 116.00
This white wine from the southern region of Jumilla is a 50:50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Airen. It is light and refreshing with white fruits and limey flavours.
1535 GENIO ESPAÑOL, ORGANIC, DOP JUMILLA, 2018
Monastrell $ 21.33 $ 128.00
Discover tradition. DOP Jumilla is one of the oldest in Spain.
A great value red wine made from the Monastrell grape. The wine was aged for two to three months in French and American oak, but this does not distract from the ripe red berry aromas. It is medium in weight with a firm acidity, giving it a tangy sour cherry finish and has good depth. On top of that it is made from organic grapes! These were grown on the family’s oldest vineyards around Murcia at 600 to 800 metres in altitude.
The Bobal grape comes from Utiel-Requena. It is the most widely planted variety in the region and the second most grown black grape in Spain after Tempranillo. Recently, its reputation has been improving. Biftu 2017 has aromas of cooked berry fruits and raspberry jam. It is soft and light on the palate with fresh berry fruit flavours and crushed cherries, leading to a bitter cherry finish. Grapes were grown on old bush vines with an average of 55 years of age. The wine was matured for five months in barrels produced from Hungarian and French oak.
An exuberant and youthful nose with aromas of plums and red berries. This is a soft juicy Ribera del Duero with berry flavours, blueberries and some floral notes. It is medium bodied and supple with soft tannins and an intense finish. The vineyard is located in La Aguilera. After fermentation and maceration on skins for 20 days, the wine underwent malolactic in 330-litre American oak barrels and was matured a further nine months.
bitter cherries
Casserole-roasted rabbit with herbs
floral, red berries
Intensely fruity
Albondigas (Spanish meatballs) in red sauce
The Ferrer Family were previously majority owners of the sparkling wine company Grupo Freixenet, which is now joint-owned by German sparkling wine company Henkell & Co. As part of the merger, Pedro Ferrer recently bought back six wine estates, including three in Rioja DOCa, Ribera del Duero DO and Priorat DOQ.
“The 2017 vintage for us has been one our best, with the healthiest grapes we’ve ever grown. The purity of the fruit made it very exciting to craft our wines.“
A wine with great intensity of fruit – it is youthful, soft and light to medium bodied, with some grip on the finish. A Tempranillo to drink any or every day of the week! Solar Viejo Tempranillo was produced from 100% Tempranillo picked during good weather in late September into October. The estate, in the hilltop village of Laguardia, was founded in 1937 by the Santa Maria Lopez family. It was purchased in 2004 and renamed Solar Viejo by the Ferrer Family. Vanesa Insausti has been the winemaker since 2007.
After a rainy winter, the growing season in 2016 was extremely dry. Tempranillo in the higher altitude sites was picked around October 10th. After fermentation, the wine was matured for 12 months in American and French oak barrels, conferring mellow coconut and vanilla aromas. It is medium bodied with more red fruit flavours coming through on the palate alongside more coconut. It has a tangy acidity and soft finish.
1540 SOLAR VIEJO RESERVA, BODEGAS SOLAR VIEJO, DOCA RIOJA, 2014
Tempranillo, Graciano
$ 30.33 $ 182.00
Matured for 12 months in oak, the 2014 Reserva has vanilla spice and nutmeg aromas in the foreground with dark fruits behind. It is a blend of Tempranillo with 30% Graciano – a variety that is notoriously difficult to grow but which produces interesting dark perfumed wines with high natural acidity. In the mouth, soft fruit flavours with raisins, figs and dried fruits emerge, creating a complex wine which remains lively due to its fresh acidity.
1541
ORUBE CRIANZA, BODEGAS SOLAR VIEJO, DOCA RIOJA, 2016
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano
$ 28.17 $ 169.00
Orube 2016 is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 10% Graciano. With a mellow bouquet conferring notes of vanilla, coconut, resin and dark fruits, it is medium bodied with juicy mid-palate fruit flavours of red cherries and dates. It is elegant with a velvety texture and fine tannins. Orube Crianza was matured for 12 months in American and French oak barrels.
Another female winemaker is responsible for Bodegas Valdubón — Gloria Díaz Díaz has been at Valdubón in Ribera del Duero for five years. The estate was founded by a small group of investors and growers in 1997, then purchased by Pedro Ferrer in 1999.
Verdejo, Viura
$ 22.83 $ 137.00
Rueda, one of Spain’s top regions for white wine, is located west of Ribara del Duero and the winery at Milagros. Valdubón 2018 Verdejo is refreshing with fresh lime, gooseberry and quince flavours. It is a blend of Verdejo with 15% Viura. Grapes were picked at night, destalked and left to macerate on skins for five to eight hours. The free-run juice was then fermented at low temperature with the wine matured on its fine lees for two months.
Quince, smooth, [00]
Salmorejo (cold Spanish tomato and bread soup)
1543 VALDUBÓN TEMPRANILLO, DO RIBERA DEL DUERO,
Tinta del País (Tempranillo)
Valdubón Tempranillo is vibrant in colour with intense fruity aromas with plums, raspberries and cherries all present in abundance. This is a light to medium bodied red which is deliciously easy to drink and flavoursome. Tinta del País grapes were grown in vineyards around the villages of Roa, Milagros and Pardilla in Ribera del Duero. Picking began on September 27, followed by de-stemming and a light crushing of grapes into tank.
2019-2021, M8 D9
raspberries, cherries 18°C
cherry acidity
Just two decades back, the Priorat region in north eastern Spain was a somewhat forgotten back water. Its steep hillsides are difficult to farm and many of the old stone walled terraced vineyards had been abandoned. Once a thriving region in the mid 1880s, phylloxera, civil war and Franco had each taken their toll. Todays its contoured vineyards, Llicorella soils and hot dry climate are prized for growing Cariñena and Garnacha. The quality of the wines produced has stimulated interest and investment in the region. Bodegas Morlanda is located at Bellmunt del Priorat in the south of the region. The winery is surrounded by approximately 70 hectares of land, with about 22 hectares of terraced vineyards planted on steep slopes between 600 and 700 metres. The wines are made by Judit Llop, making it a hat trick of lady winemakers — you go girls!
Find out more about the Priorat region in Vino Etcetera.
A blend of 50% Cariñena and 50% Garnacha, the varieties were harvested separately by hand into small 18-kilo boxes. After a second sorting at the winery, grapes were destemmed, fermented in tank then matured in 300-litre French oak barrels for 18 months. Mas de Subira 2017 is a savoury wine with aromas of wild herbs and meat. It is pure and linear in structure with treacle and raisin flavours with a bright, vibrant acidity. A wine with great depth of flavour, the oak is integrated and seamless. Wines have been produced by Judit Llop since 2003. Daughter of a vigneron in Tarragona, Judit worked for Bodegas Torres in Spain and Viña Errazuriz in Chile before joining Bodegas Morlanda.
with duck, black olives, and tomato ragù
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.
DELVE INTO A VERSATILE SELECTION of bottles and explore the four corners of the world of wine. This program features both early drinkability and mid-term aging potential bottles so you can enjoy some now and lay the others down. Throughout the year, Select Plus members receive one mixed case of six bottles per Cellar Offering. These wines may all be enjoyed young but will benefit from some maturing time. The ideal program for those who wish to expand their horizons and refine their palate one bottle at a time.
A COLLECTOR’S DREAM. Dedicated to the spirit of our Founders, this program features wines that are exclusive to this program and don’t appear on our Cellar Offerings. Made up of six bottles of a premium wine with a dedicated back label and a special message with tasting notes from the producer, each of the cases you will receive represents some of the very best our producers have to offer. These bottles offer long-term aging potential so you might want to free up space in that cellar … or start building one.
The Founders’ Choice supplier for this Cellar Offering is Diva California