cellar
MB
273 Order between
January 20 and
February 24, 2020
ARGENTINA AND CHILE
Ordering Made Easy Legend Grape variety Red - White - Rosé Sparkling - Port 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
1. SELECT YOUR WINES Let yourself be inspired by our detailed descriptions to find out which wines best suit your palate. Our custom chart on the left also features a variety of user-friendly symbols that can guide your selection. 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 Last day to order for this Cellar Offering is Monday, February 24, 2020 at 9 a.m. EDT. No orders will be processed after this time. 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, Monday-Friday, 11am - 6pm ET. • Mail your order by February 14, 2020. Please allow 10 days for delivery by Canada Post. 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 July 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.
Conditions of Purchase • Accepted payment methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or cheque payable to Opimian. • Prices include all applicable federal and provincial markups and taxes. • A valid membership card is required to order. • Bottle prices are for reference only. All orders are by the case, with no minimum required.
Oak Light - Medium - Heavy Organic
Vegan/vegetarian Limited quantities Limited Very limited Extremely limited Less than 100 cases available Members’ Choice 2019 favourite Opimian Suggests Starting a cellar Medal Winner Discovery 2019 Discovery Program Case - C264 Select Plus 2019 Select Plus Program Case - C264 M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature
22
D—Degree of Drinkability (1-10) D1 = needs time D10 = ready to drink
OPIMIAN WINE CLUB DE VIN —
300 - 2170 RENÉ-LÉVESQUE WEST MONTREAL QC H3H 2T8
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
Cellar 273 Argentina and Chile
Chile produces some of the best-value wines in the world, with Cornellana and Echeverría offering fantastic wines at fantastic prices. Across the Andes, my trip to Argentina in February 2018 reminded me of the huge influence the Andes have on wine styles. This season, we introduce two producers in two new regions — Finca Ferrer in Gualtallary and Bodega Los Toneles in Pedernal Valley. Malbec remains a specialty of Argentina and for good reason. In this Cellar Offering, you will find no fewer than seven Malbecs, reflecting the breadth of styles produced.
JANE MASTERS MW, OPIMIAN’S MASTER OF WINE Every wine offered by Opimian is tasted and selected for its deliciousness and value by our consultant Master of Wine, Jane Masters MW. Jane also chooses the mixed cases for Opimian’s Discovery and Select aPlus subscription programs for members to discover wines in an easy and enjoyable way, as well as wines for the premium Founders’ Choice program. Jane has an in-depth knowledge of the world of wine. Her aim is to share her experience and love of wine with members in an easy and informal manner. She is one of 390 Masters of Wine worldwide and was elected Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine 2016-2018 by her peers.
cover — The white-faced horses at Las Veletas, Pin Pon and Candela,
under the old Carignan vineyards.
Argentina Chile
FEATURED Finca Ferrer ----------------------------4 Bodega Los Toneles---------------------8 Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca----- 12 Antiyal--------------------------------- 16 Villard Fine Wines--------------------- 20 Las Veletas---------------------------- 24 Viña Echeverría------------------------ 28 Viña La Rosa-------------------------- 34
— CELLAR 273 MANITOBA
3
4
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
ARGENTINA
Gualtallary, Tupungato
Finca Ferrer
On my trip to Argentina in 2018, Gualtallary (pronounced “gual tah jah ree”), a sub-region of the Uco Valley, stood out for the quality of its wines. Based at the southern end of the valley, it is one of the newest areas for vine growing, within the shadow of the Tupangato and Tupungatito volcanoes. It reaches up to 1,700 metres and has the greatest concentration of limestone in the soils. Finca Ferrer, located at 1,300 meters above sea level, is strongly influenced by the Andes. The estate, established by José Ferrer Sala in 2003, enjoys bright blue skies: more than 300 sunny days a year, chilly nights and just 14 centimetres of rain a year. Finca Ferrer winemaker Daniel Ekkert produces elegant and flavoursome wines.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
photo — Finca Ferrer’s modern winery was built
in 2010, after many years of research to understand the land.
— ARGENTINA FINCA FERRER
5
NEW
1676
ACORDEÓN CHARDONNAY, ESTATE GROWN, GUALTALLARY, 2019 Chardonnay $ 22.00
ACORDEÓN MALBEC, ESTATE GROWN, GUALTALLARY, 2018 Malbec
$ 132.00
Tasted as a tank sample, Acordeón Chardonnay 2019 has appealing fresh lemon, peach and pear aromas with a touch of spice, leading to a fresh crisp finish. It was fermented in stainless steel. 2020-2022, M8 D9 Lemon, peaches
1677
$ 22.00
Deep plum purple in colour, Acordeón Malbec 2018 exudes flavour — youthful aromas of violets and blueberries with a hint of spice and cola lead to a supple and vibrant wine on the palate. It has lots of pure fresh fruit flavours combined with mellow oaky vanilla notes. It is medium bodied with good depth.
6°C
Pears, spice, [01]
2020-2023, M8 D9 Violets, blueberries, cola
Caramelized peach and potato salad with roasted almonds and feta cheese
$ 132.00
18°C
Pure fresh fruits, vanilla Ribeye steak with black pepper sauce
1678
ACORDEÓN SYRAH, ESTATE GROWN, MENDOZA, 2018 Syrah $ 22.00
$ 132.00
Intense blueberry and blackberry aromas are very appealing. Acordeón Syrah is smooth on the palate with some floral violet notes and a fresh finish. All grapes cultivated on the 317-hectare estate were picked by hand, producing yields of around six tons per hectare. Oak was not used.
Learn more about new supplier Finca Ferrer in Vino Etcetera.
2020-2023, M8 D9 Blackberries, violets
18°C
Blueberries Stuffed aubergine en papillote with cucumber and yogurt sauce
6
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
photo — Estate-grown Malbec grapes achieve exceptional phenolic ripeness in Gualtallary, thanks to its altitude and long, bright sunshine hours.
Gualtallary’s high altitude vineyards produce fresh and balanced wines. Order these today!
NEW
1681
FINCA FERRER, COLECCIÓN 1310 MTS., BLOCK A6, MALBEC, GUALTALLARY, 2015 Malbec
NEW NEW
1679
FINCA FERRER MALBEC, ESTATE GROWN, GUALTALLARY, 2015
1680
FINCA FERRER SYRAH, ESTATE GROWN, GUALTALLARY, 2017
$ 55.00
$ 330.00
Intense and hugely concentrated, I just love this wine. Developing nicely, is has a mellow bouquet with cooked fruits, patisserie and some mint with savoury oak notes in the background. In the mouth, it is concentrated with lots of oak and savoury fruit. It has a grainy texture with dark fruits, spice and lasting bitter cherries on the finish. 80% of the wine was matured using oak staves, and the balance spent 11 months in French oak barrels.
Plums and mulberries with savoury spices and oak aromas are all present. This is a full-bodied wine which develops quite a grippy finish. It is concentrated with good depth and should certainly develop well with a little more bottle aging.
A complex wine with layers of flavour, great balance and depth. Malbec grapes came from one specifically selected plot — Block A6. Quantities produced are extremely limited. Sweet vanilla oak, sweet tobacco and dark fruits combine to create a mellow bouquet. The smooth palate reveals layers of spices and ripe black fruits, complemented by the fine texture. After fermentation and aging in tank, Colección 1310 Block A6 Malbec was matured in French oak barrels and larger casks for 15 months prior to bottling in June 2018.
2020-2025, M7 D9
2021-2025, M6 D8
2020-2025, M7 D9
Malbec $ 30.00
Mellow cooked fruits, mint
Syrah $ 180.00
18°C
$ 30.00
Mulberries, savoury spices
$ 180.00
18°C
Mellow sweet vanilla, tobacco, dark fruit
18°C
Patisserie, dark fruits, savoury oak
Concentrated dark fruit
Complex layered spices and fruit
Beef carpaccio served with capers, onions, olive oil and lemon juice
Caprese lasagna
Coq au vin
photo — Small tanks and barrels allow Finca Ferrer to make small batch, site-specific fermentations, like the 1310 Colección wines.
— ARGENTINA FINCA FERRER
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CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
ARGENTINA
San Juan Province Millan S.A.
Bodega Los Toneles San Juan Province, the second largest wine producing province in Argentina after Mendoza, has a long history of grape growing for both eating and wine production. However, Pedernal Valley in the south-west of is one of the province’s newest wine regions. Developed in the last 15 years, it is making a name for itself. Pedernal Valley is a highaltitude, self-contained valley, close to the border with Mendoza province, and is free from vine diseases. Today there are a total of 800 hectares of vines planted in Pedernal, with the Millan family farming 100 hectares. Vines are planted on complex flinty limestone soils, previously virgin land cleared and blasted. The dry and windy climate means drip irrigation is a must.
photo — Mr. Gimenez harvests the Fuego Blanco Vineyards in Pedernal Valley, during the last week of March.
— ARGENTINA BODEGA LOS TONELES
9
NEW
1683
FUEGO BLANCO, VALLE DEL SILEX, CONTRAVIENTO CHARDONNAY, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, SAN JUAN, 2019 Chardonnay $ 20.00
NEW
1684
FUEGO BLANCO, VALLE DEL SILEX, CONTRAVIENTO MALBEC, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, SAN JUAN, 2018 Malbec
$ 120.00
$ 19.00
$ 114.00
Fresh white fruits, pear drops, and mellow biscuit aromas make this a very pleasant and easy drinking Chardonnay. Grapes were harvested in the early morning hours. After a slow soft pressing, the juice was fermented at low temperature, with 25% aged in French and American oak barrels for six months.
Intense aromas of blackcurrants, some green bean and smoky notes lead to a supple palate. This is a medium bodied wine with concentrated dark fruit flavours and good mid palate weight. It is long, finishing with bitter cherry and liquorice notes. Produced from 100% Malbec, 40% of the grapes were grown in the Pedernal Valley vineyard, and the remaining 60% were grown in the lower and warmer Ullum Valley at an altitude of 1,000 metres.
2020-2021, M8 D9
2020-2023, M8 D9
White fruits, pears
10
16° C
Blackcurrant, green bean, smoke
18°C
Biscuit, well balanced, [00]
Dark fruits, bitter cherry
Zucchini noodles with fresh herbs, garlic and fried capers
Blue cheeseburger with caramelized onions and truffle aioli
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
photo — Two visitors enjoying La Casona, the art gallery located in Bodega los Toneles’ winery.
NEW
1685
FUEGO BLANCO, VALLE DEL SILEX, MALBEC, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, CUYO, 2017 Malbec $ 180.00
$ 30.00
Aromatic with delightful floral, violets and red cherry fragrances, this is a medium to full bodied wine. On the palate, more dark black fruit flavours emerge and while there is no obvious oak, it has a firm savoury finish. A very concentrated and mellow wine, it’s perfectly balanced with the potential to develop. Malbec vines are cultivated on slopes at 1,450 metres. Grapes were fermented with indigenous yeast in concrete eggs, then the wine matured in used French oak barrels for eight months. 2020-2025, M7 D9 Floral, red cherries
18°C
Dark fruits, savoury Rack of lamb with mint sauce
NEW
1686
FUEGO BLANCO, VALLE DEL SILEX, FLINTSTONE CABERNET FRANC, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, CUYO, 2016 Cabernet Franc $ 47.00
$ 282.00
2020-2025, M6 D8 Coconut, spicy, red cherries
18°C
Black cherry, red fruits Mushroom pizza
photo — The winemaker samples wine from a small barrel.
Intense spicy oak, coconut and vanilla are layered over sweet red cherry fruit aromas. The oak is less dominant on the palate, which reveals nice black and red fruit flavours. This is a complex wine with a long black cherry finish. 70% of the wine was fermented in eggshaped concrete tanks and the balance in 500-litre French oak barrels. After completion of the malolactic fermentation, the two components were combined and matured a further 12 months in the concrete eggs.
— ARGENTINA BODEGA LOS TONELES
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CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
photo — The winery was built in a modern classical style and is equipped with the latest technology in the production of wines of the highest quality.
ARGENTINA Mendoza
Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca
The 2019 vintage was an absolute success story for Mauricio Lorca, with all his wines scoring high marks in this tasting. Indeed, the vintage is generally being hailed as one of the country’s best of the past ten years. Mauricio’s red wines are all concentrated and smooth, and I can’t wait to see how they develop over time.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
1687
LÍRICO WINEMAKER’S WINES EXTRA BRUT, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, NV
TEMÁTICO ARGENTINO JOVEN TORRONTÉS, LA RIOJA, MENDOZA, 2019 Torrontés
Chardonnay, Viognier $ 132.00
$ 22.00
1688
$ 15.00
$ 90.00
A refreshingly crisp and relatively low alcohol bubbly at just below 12%, Extra Brut is a blend of 90% Chardonnay with 10% Viognier.
The Torrontés grape is a specialty of Argentina and is grown mainly in the north of the country to produce aromatic floral wines. Mauricio’s version is always deliciously balanced and fresh. His 2019 has an intense lemon sherbet nose. On the palate, it is light bodied yet concentrated in flavour with depth and a long crisp finish.
2020-2022, M8 D9
2020-2021, M8 D9
White fruits, lime
6°C
Lemon sherbet
Lemon, [02]
Crisp, lemon, [00]
Tomato and goat cheese tarts
Peruvian ceviche
6°C
— ARGENTINA BODEGA Y VIÑEDOS MAURICIO LORCA
13
1689
LÍRICO WINEMAKER’S WINES SAUVIGNON BLANC, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2019
1690
Sauvignon Blanc $ 19.00
TEMÁTICO ARGENTINO JOVEN MALBEC, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2019 Malbec
$ 114.00
$ 15.00
$ 90.00
A mineral Sauvignon Blanc with gunflint and smoky aromas complemented by floral notes. It has a firm acidity with flavours of fresh lime and other citrus fruits and a sour crisp finish.
Youthful red fruit aromas are combined with raisins, figs and a hint of herbs. Temático Joven Malbec is medium bodied with some structure and nice mid-palate fruit. 30% was matured with oak.
2020-2021, M8 D9
2020-2022, M8 D9
Mineral, gunflint, floral
5°C
Red fruits, herbs, dried fruits
16°C
Lime, citrus, [00]
Figs, sour cherries
Lemon grilled sole with black pepper
Juicy homemade hamburger with fig jam, goat cheese and arugula
Argentina and Malbec go together like bread and butter. Explore its expressions with a few bottles!
1691
LÍRICO WINEMAKER’S WINES MALBEC, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2019 Malbec $ 19.00
$ 114.00
Parma violets, blueberries and redcurrant aromas are all on display. Lírico Malbec 2019 is medium bodied with a supple velvety texture. It has good mid palate and a long bitter chocolate and cherry finish. Malbec grapes, selected from vineyards between 30 and 50 years old, were picked by hand the second and third week of March. 30% was matured with oak. 2020-2024, M7 D9 Parma violets, blueberries, redcurrants
18°C
Bitter chocolate, cherries Stuffed bell peppers filled with wild rice and mushrooms
14
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
photo — Mauricio Lorca’s philosophy is based on ensuring that modern vineyard management is used to bottle exactly what nature provides.
NEW
1694
LÍRICO WINEMAKER’S WINES TANNAT, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2019 Tannat $ 19.00
$ 114.00
Oak currently dominates the nose with cedar and pencil lead characters. On the palate, Lírico Tannat is fuller bodied than Mauricio’s other red wines, with blackberry flavours showing through and a grippy finish. Originally from the south-west of France, quite a bit of Tannat is planted in Uruguay, but it remains relatively uncommon in Argentina.
NEW
1692
TEMÁTICO ARGENTINO JOVEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon $ 15.00
1693
LÍRICO WINEMAKER’S WINES PETIT VERDOT, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2019 Petit Verdot
$ 90.00
$ 19.00
$ 114.00
Violets and black cherries typify this Cabernet Sauvignon with blueberry flavours emerging on the palate. It is supple and medium bodied, developing some firmness on the finish. Grown at 1,050 metres, the intensity of the sunlight at this altitude leads to Cabernet Sauvignon developing thicker skins and concentrated aromas.
Deep purple in colour with floral hints and spices on the nose, more blueberries and cherries emerge on the palate. Lírico Petit Verdot is medium bodied with a supple mid palate and grainy texture. Vines are planted at high altitude and high density, producing just two bottles of wine per vine.
2020-2023, M7 D9
2020-2024, M7 D9
Violets, black cherries
18°C
Floral, spice, blueberries
18°C
2021-2024, M7 D8 Cedar, pencil lead
18°C
Blueberries
Cherries
Blackberries
Cabernet-braised beef short ribs
Tender pork spareribs
Grilled steak with blue cheese and jalapeño chilis
photo — Los Barrancos Vineyards are located in Vista Flores at 1050 meters above sea level. 135 acres are planted to different grape varieties.
— ARGENTINA BODEGA Y VIÑEDOS MAURICIO LORCA
15
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CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
CHILE
Paine Maipo Valley
Antiyal
The Maipo Valley is renowned for the quality of its Cabernet Sauvignon. It is the closest wine region to Chile’s capital Santiago: Antiyal at Paine is a 40-minute drive directly south from the centre. This idyllic spot sees vineyards, wildflowers and olive trees growing alongside chickens and livestock, creating a natural and diverse haven for all kinds of life. Álvaro Espinoza is a leading light in biodynamic viticulture, as well as a celebrated winemaker. He and his wife Marina chose this spot to plant their first vineyard in 1996. The vineyards are all farmed biodynamically, using home made composts and treatments. The wines are vibrant in character, fine in texture and layered with flavours which reveal themselves in time.
photo — Antiyal’s wine cellar at Escorial de Paine,
with the amphora-shaped Dolia tank.
— CHILE ANTIYAL
17
1697 1696
PURA FE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MAIPO VALLEY, ANTIYAL, 2018
PURA FE CARMENÈRE, MAIPO VALLEY, ANTIYAL, 2018 Carmenère $ 36.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère
$ 216.00
In the tasting, I found the 2018 wines to be of great quality but requiring a little time to reach their optimum for drinking. Pura Fe 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon will certainly benefit from some cellaring. Deep in colour, it has a savoury herbal nose with subdued dark fruits in the background.
2018 Pura Fe Carmenère was the exception to the rule – it is already deliciously approachable with expressive ripe fruits, cooked cherries, floral and almond notes, menthol and cumin all present. It has a silky texture with blackcurrant flavours leading to a nice grippy finish and great balance.
2021-2028, M6 D8
2020-2025, M7 D9
$ 36.00
Savoury, herbs
18
$ 216.00
18°C
Ripe fruits, almond, floral
18°C
Dark fruits
Cooked fruits, cherry menthol, blackcurrant
Spaghetti and meatballs
Grilled sausage served with chard and rhubarb
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
Antiyal is dedicated to biodynamic agriculture.
1698
KUYEN BY ANTIYAL, MAIPO VALLEY, 2018 Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Petit Verdot $ 54.00
$ 324.00
Kuyen, meaning “moon” to the indigenous Mapuche people, is an elegant and layered wine which has not yet reached its peak. It has a mellow oaky and fruit bouquet with notes of black pepper and other spices. It is produced from a blend of 47% Syrah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenère and 6% Petit Verdot, grown on the older vineyard plots. The palate is supple with rich red fruit flavours combined with vanilla and a zesty acidity. The wine was matured for 12 months in French oak with 20% new. 2020-2028, M6 D7 Mellow oaky notes, dark fruits, black pepper
18°C
Vanilla, red fruits
1699
ANTIYAL, MAIPO VALLEY, 2017 Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah $ 100.00
$ 600.00
Antiyal 2017 has buttery patisserie aromas over a dark fruit background with a touch of smoke. Medium to full bodied, it has a silky texture with a good firm flavoursome finish. Quite restrained in character for the time being, it shows lots of potential for future drinking with good structure and ripe tannins. A blend of 45% Carmenère, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah, grapes were picked by hand and underwent a cold soak for three days before natural fermentation occurred. It was matured for 18 months in French oak barrels with 70% new, 25% one-year-old and one concrete egg. 2022-2030, M6 D7 Buttery patisserie, dark fruits, smoke
18°C
Dark moody fruits Ratatouille, pappardelle with duck ragù
Braised lamb shanks with risotto and porcini foam
photo — The Sauvignon Blanc vineyard at Antiyal, where the owners often host wine tastings and music nights.
— CHILE ANTIYAL
19
20
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
CHILE
Casablanca Valley
Villard Fine Wines Villard Fine Wines set up by Frenchman Thierry Villard was one of the first small family owned vineyards and boutique wine companies in Chile. Based in Casabanca Valley, the region has since become one of Chile’s most prestigious for growing grapes under cool climate conditions — the region is less than 25 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. Thierry’s son Jean-Charles is now winemaker, having studied viticulture and oenology and lived and worked in many different wine regions of the world.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
photo — Jean-Charles Villard, tasting his Tanagra wine
in the Tanagra Syrah vineyard.
— CHILE VILLARD FINE WINES
21
1700
EXPRESIÓN RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2019 Sauvignon Blanc $ 25.00
1701
EXPRESIÓN RESERVE PINOT NOIR, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2018 Pinot Noir
$ 150.00
Deliciously aromatic with green apple, gooseberry and lime perfume. Expresión 2019 Sauvignon Blanc is soft and smooth with flavours of ripe green apples, pears and other seeded fruits.
$ 25.00
Green apples, limes, gooseberry
$ 150.00
2020-2022, M8 D9
6° C Blackcurrant cordial
LE CHARDONNAY GRAND VIN, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2018 Chardonnay
Translucent in colour, the 2018 Expresión Reserve Pinot Noir has a youthful and pleasing aroma of blackcurrant cordial. This is a light bodied wine with red cherry flavours and a redcurrant astringency and acidity giving length.
2020-2021, M8 D9
1702
$ 36.00
$ 216.00
Despite a large proportion being fermented in oak barrels, the Grand Vin is not an overtly oaky wine. Instead, it has aromas of nectarines and passion fruit. It is soft and smooth on the palate with more stone fruits, slightly unripe nectarine and lemon flavours. It is well balanced with medium weight and a long elegant finish. Chardonnay was picked on March 23 and 24, 2018, whole bunch pressed and the juice left to settle. Nearly half the juice was fermented then matured in a combination of new to four-year-old barrels, the balance in a conical oak tank.
18°C
Pears, apples, [00] Red cherries, redcurrants Asian pear and shrimp salad Duck supreme
2020-2024, M7 D9 Nectarine, passionfruit
6°C
Lemon, nectarine, [00] Steamed Alaska king crab with Chardonnaylemon-herb splash
22
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
photo — Jean-Charles and his father Thierry ride a tandem bike in front of their Sauvignon Blanc Vineyard.
1703
LE PINOT NOIR GRAND VIN, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2018 Pinot Noir $ 44.00
1704
TANAGRA SYRAH, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2017 Syrah
$ 264.00
$ 552.00
$ 92.00
A concentrated Pinot Noir, subtle in character with youthful aromas of mulberries and red cherries. This has bright fruit and nice depth with a long cherry finish. Vines are planted around the winery, with grapes harvested by hand and a second sorting and selection on arrival at the winery. Grapes were left to cold soak for seven days, followed by fermentation at 24°C to 26°C with regular pump overs. The wine was matured in a combination of French oak barrels and foudres for ten months but has no dominant oak character.
Everything involved in the production of Tanagra is done by hand. Grapes are picked by hand, crushed by hand and placed directly by hand into barrel for the fermentation. This is an intense wine, with exuberant dark fruit aromas of crushed blackberries and blackcurrants complemented by raspberry yoghurt notes. After a seven-day cold soak, fermentation took place in barrels with skins remaining in contact with the juice for a total 30 days. It is supple, rich and smooth with vanilla and red fruit flavours leading to a savoury finish. It was matured for 17 months in a combination of 72% French oak and 28% American with 80% new.
2021-2026, M6 D7
2020-2025, M6 D8
Mulberries, red cherries
18°C
18°C
Cherry, almond
Red fruits, vanilla, savoury
Catalan braised rabbit (cooked with tomatoes, carrots, almonds, and garlic)
Spiced chicken with Syrah barbecue sauce and sautéed fennel
photo — Villard Fine Wines’ new winery was built
in 2015.
Crushed blackberries, blackcurrant, raspberry yoghurt
— CHILE VILLARD FINE WINES
23
24
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
CHILE
Maule Valley Alquihue, San Javier
Las Veletas
The Maule region, located 250 kilometres south of Santiago, is one of Chile’s oldest winegrowing regions. Vines were first planted there by the Spanish at the start of colonization. Old Carignan and País vines on the Piamonte estate have been painstakingly rejuvenated by Raul Dell’Oro and his team, and new vineyards have been planted. Partnering with winemaker Rafael Tirado, the pair produce the Las Veletas range from grapes grown in this dry Mediterranean climate cooled by chilly winds coming in from the Pacific Ocean in the evenings.
photo — Red autumn leaves blanket the vineyards at Las Veletas. Rex the dog sniffs the Carignan leaves.
— CHILE LAS VELETAS
25
1706
LAS VELETAS PAÍS, VALLE DEL MAULE, 2018 País $ 28.00
$ 168.00
1707
LAS VELETAS PETIT VERDOT CABERNET FRANC, VALLE DEL MAULE, 2018 Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc $ 30.00
$ 180.00
País was once Chile’s most planted wine grape. Today that accolade goes to Cabernet Sauvignon. País was originally brought to America by Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century and spread throughout the continent — it is also known in Argentina as Criolla Grande and Mission in California. Recently there has been a surge in interest for old País vines in Maule. Las Veletas País is produced from vines planted in 1915 and revitalized by Raul Dell’Oro. The 2018 is translucent ruby in colour with aromas of freshly crushed redcurrants. This is a light bodied red with sour fruits and savoury flavours.
My favourite wine in the line up of Las Veletas, this is a blend of 55% Petit Verdot and 45% Cabernet Franc. It is a full-bodied wine with mellow forest fruits, lavender and mint flavours. Initially soft on the palate, it is structured with a grainy texture, layered flavours and a firm savoury finish. It was aged for 12 months in French oak. Not fully mature, it merits some cellaring prior to drinking.
2019-2022, M8 D9
2020-2028, M6 D8
Redcurrants
26
14°C
Forest fruits
Cranberries, savoury
Lavender, mint
Grilled salmon with redcurrant glaze
Boeuf Bourguignon
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
18°C
top left photo — The País grape variety is also called Mission in California.
1708
LAS VELETAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON CABERNET FRANC, VALLE DEL MAULE, 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc $ 28.00
1709
LAS VELETAS GRENACHE MOURVÈDRE CARIGNAN, VALLE DEL MAULE, 2018 Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan
$ 168.00
Displaying nice developed aromas of truffles and undergrowth with a whiff of smoke, the 2016 Las Veletas Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc is soft and mellow on the palate. This is a medium bodied wine with a velvet texture and a bitter liquorice finish, perfectly reading for drinking. Vines are planted on granitic soils with red clay and slate at the highest points.
$ 28.00
$ 168.00
This blend of 54% Grenache, 26% Carignan and 20% Mourvèdre has subdued, moody dark fruit aromas with a hint of coal in the background. It is supple with more damson and chocolate flavours emerging in the mouth and is medium bodied with soft tannins. A long and even growing season in 2018 with moderate temperatures and the odd shower resulted in a late harvest with grapes picked the last week of April. Matured for 12 months in French oak barrels, it should continue to develop nicely over some years.
2020-2023, M8 D9 Leafy undergrowth, smoke
18°C
Liquorice Grilled stripped steaks with miso-truffle butter
2020-2025, M8 D9 Dark fruits, coal
18°C
Damsons, chocolate Plum-glazed pork belly
bottom photo — Autumn is also harvest season in Chile.
The sun caresses the Coastal Mountains with its warm rays.
— CHILE LAS VELETAS
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CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
photo — Roberto Echeverria, fourth-generation winemaker, sampling barrels in the winery.
CHILE Molina Curicó Valley
Viña Echeverría
1710
The Echeverría family came from the Basque region of Spain to Chile in the 1750s. Roberto Echeverría Sr’s maternal grandfather settled at Molina, in the Curicó Valley, in the 1930s, and established vineyards. Roberto Echeverría Sr transformed the business in the 1990s, travelling the world with his wife Gloria selling their wines, bringing back ideas and putting Chile firmly on the world wine map. Today, their children — Roberto Jr, Paulina, Viviana and Diego — have taken up the baton.
LUMINOS SPARKLING WINE BRUT ROSÉ, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2017 Pinot Noir, Chardonnay $ 18.00
$ 108.00
Pinot Noir grapes were left for a short time to macerate on skins, giving the Luminos Rosé quite a deep pink colour. Combined with Chardonnay, the result is a wine with earthy rosehip and berry fruit aromas. It is smooth with tangy raspberry and cranberry characters. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Rosehip
6°C
Raspberry, cranberry, [02] Charcuterie and cheese platter, as an apéritif
— CHILE VIÑA ECHEVERRÍA
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1711
PROPUESTA, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc $ 20.00
$ 120.00
A delicious wine with lots of toasty oak and vanilla character complemented by cooked black fruits, blueberries and patisserie aromas. It is medium bodied with a soft smooth palate. Smoky black fruit flavours emerge in the mouth, leading to quite a firm finish. It is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc and spent eight months in new French oak barrels. 2020-2023, M7 D9 Toast, vanilla, cooked black fruits
18°C
1712
CASA NUEVA SELECTION CARMENÈRE, CENTRAL VALLEY, 2019 Carmenère $ 14.00
$ 168.00
A rustic wine with aromas of sweet dark fruits, prunes and pipe tobacco. It is medium bodied with mid palate weight to support some astringency on the finish. Carmenère grapes were hand-picked on May 1st and underwent a cold maceration for 12 hours prior to fermentation. 2020-2022, M8 D9 Sweet dark fruits, tobacco
18°C
Prunes, stewed fruits Beef enchiladas
Blueberries, patisserie, smoke Oven-roasted pork chops with caramelized onions and blueberry plum chutney
1713
CASA NUEVA SELECTION MERLOT, CENTRAL VALLEY, 2019 Merlot $ 14.00
$ 168.00
Appealing plummy fruit aromas lead to sour cherry and cranberry characters on the palate with a tart finish. It is light to medium bodied with no use of oak. 2020-2022, M8 D9 Plums
18°C
Sour cherries, cranberries Pizza Margherita
30
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
top photo — Little birds nest in Echeverría’s
sustainable vineyard.
NEW
1714
CASA NUEVA SELECTION SYRAH, CENTRAL VALLEY, 2019
HACIENDA DE MOLINA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CARMENÈRE, CENTRAL VALLEY, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère
Syrah $ 168.00
$ 14.00
$ 14.00
$ 168.00
Deep and bright in colour, 2019 Casa Nueva Selection Syrah has succulent fruits with blackcurrant and blueberry flavours preceding a juicy red cherry finish.
Earthy and mineral characters on the nose give way to reveal sour cherry and smoky notes on the palate. This is a medium bodied wine with grip and a sour plum twist. It is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Carmenère. Each variety was harvested at maturity — April 18th for Cabernet Sauvignon and May 1st for Carmenère.
2020-2022, M8 D9
2020-2022, M8 D9
Blackcurrant,
bottom photo — Bottles racked for ageing in the old family cellar.
1715
18°C
Earthy
18°C
Blueberries, red cherries
Sour cherry, smoky
Lamb, rosemary and garlic pie
Pastel de choclo (Chilean beef and corn casserole)
— CHILE VIÑA ECHEVERRÍA
31
1716
HACIENDA DE MOLINA RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON MERLOT, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot $ 16.00
$ 192.00
1717
CASA NUEVA FAMILY WINES ROSÉ, PINOT NOIR, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2019
Brimming with forest fruits, Hacienda de Molina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2019 has aromas of summer pudding, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. It is ripe and mellow with a firm structure, fine powdery texture and delicious vanilla and fruit flavours. 40% of the blend was matured in used French oak barrels for five months.
Quite a serious rosé with yeasty doughy aromas over a strawberry background, it was produced from Pinot Noir left for a short cold maceration on skins to give it its pale salmon pink colour. It is medium bodied with a touch of residual sweetness balanced by a firm crisp acidity and lemon sherbet flavour.
2020-2023, M8 D9
2020-2021, M8 D9
Summer pudding, forest fruits
32
18°C
Pinot Noir $ 16.00
$ 192.00
Strawberry, bread dough
Vanilla, blackberries, raspberries
Lemon sherbet, [01]
Grilled turkey burgers with roasted eggplant
Spicy slow-cooked goat curry
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
6°C
photo — Viña Echeverría privileges long-term relationships with their workers. They have been with the family for over 15 years!
Cab Sauv or Sauv Blanc? These two French grapes thrive in Chile.
1718
CASA NUEVA FAMILY WINES RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2019 Sauvignon Blanc $ 16.00
$ 192.00
A typical expression of Sauvignon Blanc with lemon, lime, gooseberry and some green leaf flavours. It is crisp and refreshing. Grapes were harvested by hand on the morning of April 23rd, destemmed, gently pressed and juice chilled.
1719
CASA NUEVA FAMILY WINES RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon $ 16.00
2020-2021, M8 D9 Gooseberries, green leaf
6°C
Subtle fruit
1720
CASA NUEVA FAMILY WINES GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
$ 192.00
$ 138.00
$ 23.00
Youthful and quite muted at time of tasting, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is quite light in body with some bitter cherry flavours and a marked acidity on the finish.
A medium to full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 Gran Reserva has some floral aromas complemented by blackcurrants and smoke. It is fine in texture with silky tannins and flavours of black cherries and other dark fruits. It was fermented with selected yeast then matured for ten months in French oak barrels.
2020-2023, M7 D8
2020-2024, M7 D9
18°C
Blackcurrant, floral, smoke
18°C
Lemon, lime, [01]
Bitter cherries
Black cherries
Porchetta with herbs
Grilled filet mignon with vegetable kebabs
Flank steak roulade with roasted potatoes
— CHILE VIÑA ECHEVERRÍA
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CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
photo — A gallery view at the historic house “Casona Antigua” in La Palmería Estate. This is a summer vacation home for the Ossa family.
CHILE Cachapoal Valley Rapel
The Viña La Rosa estate has been in Ismael Ossa’s family for six generations. 680 hectares of vines are cultivated in the Peumo zone of the Cachapoal Valley, which is famed for the quality of Carmenère wines produced. The traditional Hacienda house is surrounded by vineyards and fruit orchards, but these are anything but traditional. The young and dynamic team employ the latest technology and knowhow in the vineyards and in the winery to make modern flavoursome wines.
Viña La Rosa
Cornellana Estate
1721
CORNELLANA RESERVE CARMENÈRE, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2018 Carmenère $ 17.00
1722
CORNELLANA WINEMAKERS SELECTION BARREL RESERVE CARMENÈRE, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2018 Carmenère
$ 204.00
$ 28.00
$ 168.00
Carmenère is winemaker Gonzalo‘s passion and Peumo is considered the best region to grow it. The valley generally doesn’t get any rain until late autumn, allowing the late ripening Carmenère grapes to reach full maturity without undue stress to the winemakers. The 2018 Reserve is deep in colour with dark smoky fruit aromas over a background of green leaves. It is medium bodied and supple with an herbal edge and a long finish.
A firmer style of Carmenère with aromas of green beans and leaves over a dark fruit background. Initially supple on the palate with herbal flavours, it becomes quite firm and structured, opening up in the mouth to reveal more dark fruit character. It was matured for nine months using a combination of French oak barrels and staves.
2020-2023, M8 D9
2020-2022, M8 D9
Dark smoky fruits, green leaf
18°C
Green bean, leaf, dark fruit
18°C
Herbs
Dark fruit, herbs
Marinated pork loin with tomato confit
Roasted sweet potatoes with chili yogurt and mint
— CHILE VIÑA LA ROSA
35
1723
CORNELLANA MERLOT, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2019 Merlot $ 13.00
1724
CORNELLANA RESERVE SYRAH, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2018 Syrah
$ 156.00
A relatively light-bodied red, the Cornellana Merlot 2019 has herbal fruit notes with a chewy bitter cherry finish.
$ 18.00
$ 216.00
A light to medium bodied Syrah oozing with flavour. It has floral aromas of peonies, Parma violets and roses, combined with red cherries. On the palate, more red berry flavours emerge. It is elegant and concentrated with a satisfying finish. 2020-2022, M8 D9
2020-2022, M8 D9 Herbs
18°C
Bitter cherry
Peonies, Parma violets, red cherries
18°C
Red berries Grilled tuna with eggplants and peppers
Pan-roasted veal chop with merlot pan sauce
1725
CORNELLANA BARREL RESERVE CABERNET FRANC, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2018 Cabernet Franc $ 25.00
$ 150.00
A dense full-bodied red with restrained aromas of fresh hay, spice, blackcurrant and musky notes. In the mouth, dark fruits and smoky flavours are complemented by a tannic grainy texture.
2021-2024, M6 D7 Fresh hay, blackcurrant, musk
18°C
Dark fruits, smoke Bison prime rib roast
36
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
photo — Viña La Rosa’s winemaking team, from left to right: Gonzalo Carcamo, Cynthia Ortiz, Eugenio Maffei and Juan Carlos Acevedo.
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Who doesn’t love bubbles? Order this wine today and receive it in time for summer fun!
1727 1726
CORNELLANA SPARKLING WINE CHARDONNAY BRUT, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2019
CORNELLANA SAUVIGNON BLANC, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2019 Sauvignon Blanc $ 13.00
Chardonnay
$ 156.00
A bottle of fizz for any occasion — similar to Prosecco in style but with a slightly more serious side. It has aromas of white fruits, pears and lime which lead to a tangy citrus lemon palate with refreshing acidity.
A regular Opimian favourite, Cornellana Sauvignon Blanc 2019 is very drinkable indeed, with aromas of pear drops, lemon and limes. More citrus flavours are present in the mouth with a long limey crisp finish.
2020-2021, M8 D9
2020-2021, M8 D9
$ 15.00
White fruits, pears, lime
$ 90.00
6°C
Pear drops, lemon, lime
6°C
Lemon, [02]
Citrus, crisp, [00]
Goat cheese and smoked salmon puff pastry bites
Coriander lime chicken salad
photo — Sunset in La Palmería national park, close to Viña La Rosa’s vineyards which are surrounded by the native Chilean palm.
— CHILE VIÑA LA ROSA
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CORNELLANA WINEMAKERS SELECTION SPECIAL RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2019
1728
Sauvignon Blanc $ 25.00
$ 150.00
Deliciously aromatic with gooseberry and intense elderflower aromas, the same flavours follow through onto the palate, lingering on the finish. This wine has great intensity. The juice was fermented with a small amount of acacia oak staves for added flavour. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Gooseberry, elderflower
6°C
Lime, gooseberries, [00] Grilled Mahi Mahi with mango salsa
1729
CORNELLANA RESERVE CHARDONNAY, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2019 Chardonnay $ 204.00
$ 17.00
Viña La Rosa was founded in 1824. Taste the difference six generations of expertise can make.
Aromas of cooked fruits, pears and fresh apples are complemented with toasty spicy notes and lead to a soft supple palate. Cornellana Reserve Chardonnay has nice weight with a long spicy finish. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Spice, toast, cooked pears
6°C
Fresh apples, spices, [00] Seared scallops with herb-butter pan sauce
38
CELLAR 273 — MANITOBA
photo — Carmenère leaf in autumn, depicting the leaf’s nerve system.
NEW
1730
NEW
CORNELLANA RESERVE PINOT GRIGIO, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2019
CORNELLANA RESERVE ROSÉ, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2019 Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Grigio $ 17.00
1731
$ 204.00
$ 17.00
$ 204.00
1732
CORNELLANA WINEMAKERS SELECTION SPECIAL RESERVE ROSÉ, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, PEUMO, 2019 Pinot Noir $ 25.00
Produced from Pinot Noir, despite being a different grape variety, the Reserve Rosé is a more Provence style of rosé: pale in colour, with understated fruit and some complexity. The palate is soft and smooth with nice depth. It is relatively light in alcohol at 11.7% and is very moreish.
Lots of white and yellow fruit flavours with fresh apples, pears, white peaches and nectarines create an appealing impression. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing with a firm crisp acidity and lingering fruit flavours.
This is an intensely aromatic rosé with strong aromas of blackcurrants, strawberries and fresh apples. An easy drinking wine with a soft smooth impression on the palate, it has some depth and a flavoursome red berry finish.
2020-2021, M8 D9
2020-2021, M8 D9
Vinous, red fruits
6°C
Smooth, complex, [00]
Fresh apples, pears
6°C
Blackcurrant, strawberries
White peach, nectarine, [01]
Fresh apples, red berries, [00]
Tarragon chicken with cream sauce
Moist chocolate cake with red berries
photo — Syrah plantings at the Cornellana Estate,
in the “Hidden Valley” vineyard.
$ 150.00
2020-2022, M8 D9 6°C
Warm octopus salad with fennel and new potatoes
— CHILE VIÑA LA ROSA
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OPIMIAN SUBSCRIPTION CASES
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