C291-NT: South Africa and Tuscany

CELLAR ORDER DEC 14, 2021 – JAN 17, 2022

SOUTH AFRICA & TUSCANY 100 TOP-SCORING WINES AND SPIRITS Opimian.ca OPIMIAN.CA

NT 291

a Red Wine Rich lot 3090

Talosa Rosso di Montepulciano, DOC, 2020 Sangiovese, Merlot, Canaiolo= For three generations, the Talossa Estate, owned by the Jacorossi family, has brought Talosa to the top in terms of Italian winemaking.

Viticulture in the region dates back to the Etruscan civilization in the sixth century B.C. The area thrived during the Renaissance and the Talosa cellar itself was built in the 16th century. Visiting is like stepping back in time: the brick passageways contain a series of vaults and niches where the barrels are placed.

With such a rich history, the winemakers aim to respect and honour terroir and tradition. Edoardo Jacorossi Mottini, third generation, is now Managing Director at Talosa.

All of the harvest is done manually. Talosa’s Rosso di Montepulciano, awarded almost every year around the world since 2009, is made of Merlot and Canaiolo combined with 85% Sangiovese. Relatively closed at the time of tasting, it has spicy and walnut aromas with red fruit and plum flavours emerging on the palate.

Walnut, spices

Plums, red fruits

2022-2024, M7 D8

18°C

14%

Sausage-stuffed roast pork loin

in History

$34/750 ml $204/Case of 6

EDITORIAL

Holiday Greetings Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Managing Directors

The prevailing sentiment this season is more joyous than last year, and perhaps even more so than many years past.

As we cautiously move toward a post-pandemic normal, the people in our lives and the celebrations we create together are more treasured than ever. Over 800,000 bottles of Opimian wine appear at Members' tables every year. What a privilege it is to be a part of so many lives and so many celebrations.

Now to your holiday reading. Among the detailed listings of 68 wines, there are no fewer than five articles for your education and entertainment. Add to that the regular recommendations throughout and you have lots to enjoy for the holiday season.

Together for a second year, South Africa and Tuscany provide a complete selection of Old World and New World wines to delight your palate.

Our featured wine this Cellar is Rosso di Montepulciano from Talosa. Most of you will have heard of this very famous Italian DOC. Leading the charge from South Africa is Nick Pentz and his team at Groote Post. The broadening of their range continues to impress, so you will find even more of their wines to choose from this year.

As promised, the ever-popular Warwick reds are back this year. The Bosman Family Vineyards values and commitment to fair trade and sustainability, have us bringing them back year after year.

Always worth noting is Opimian's good fortune to have access to wines that are in high demand globally. It's the deep relationship between the winemakers and you, Opimian Members, that have Aristea, Richard Kershaw MW and Vilafonté putting aside such sought after wines for us here in Canada.

OPIMIAN SUGGESTS.................................................................................. P5 COUPS DE COEUR....................................................................................... P7 GROOTE POST VINEYARDS................................................................... P8 WARWICK WINE ESTATE........................................................................P12 BOSMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS............................................................P16 ARISTEA WINES...........................................................................................P22 RICHARD KERSHAW WINES.............................................................P26 TOP VALUE WINES................................................................................... P30 VILAFONTÉ......................................................................................................P32 COLLECTOR’S CORNER SPIRITS................................................... P36 FATTORIA SORBAIANO.........................................................................P40 FATTORIA DI CINCIANO........................................................................P44 TALOSA..............................................................................................................P48 CANTINA VIGNAIOLI DEL MORELLINO DI SCANSANO...... P50 CELLAR UP!.....................................................................................................P52

Not to be outdone, Member favourites from Tuscany are back. Both in the printed Cellar as well as in our regular 'Web Exclusive' section, wines from Sorbaiano, Cinciano, Chioccioli Altadonna, Il Veltro, Seraphicum and so many more are here for the ordering. As dreams of travel begin to become reality, we've featured this beautiful region in our wine tourism article.

Finally, you'll notice an increased presence of spirits in C291. Well, get used to it. In answer to your many requests for a more extensive selection, your procurement team have made a special effort to source the same quality of spirits that you have come to expect of Opimian wines.

On behalf of the Board of the Directors, the staff and our hundreds of producers, we wish you and your families a warm, safe, and joyful holiday season. Let's all raise a glass to one another – together through the joy of wine. Cheers!

CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA................................................................... P54 COLLECTOR’S CORNER....................................................................... P58

Greg & Michael

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CELLAR 291 — EDITORIAL

OPIMIAN SUGGESTS OUR PICKS FOR THIS CELLAR MANAGING DIRECTOR

GREG RINEHART

Greg's wine style gravitates towards less serious styled rosés and whites. He believes that all events should start with a glass of bubbly! However, when done right, there is no better red grape for producing lighterbodied wines of elegance and complexity than Pinot Noir.

SERIOUSLY OLD DIRT BY VILAFONTÉ, WO WESTERN CAPE, 2020, LOT 3066, P33

LOOSE CANNON CAP CLASSIQUE, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2017, LOT 3049, P20

CINCIANO BIANCO, IGP TOSCANA, LOT 3083, P45

MANAGING DIRECTOR

MICHAEL LUTZMANN

Michael has level 3 training from WSET. Before discovering more about wine through training, he only drank heavy reds. While those are still favourites, his palate pleasers now include the full spectrum with dessert/fortified wines edging toward the top of the list.

VILAFONTÉ SERIES M, PAARL, 2018 (WOOD CASE), LOT 3067, P33

WARWICK ESTATE TRILOGY LIBRARY CASE, LOT 3038, P14

TALOSA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO RISERVA, DOCG, 2016, LOT 3091, P49

— CELLAR 291 OPIMIAN SUGGESTS

5

An exciting and entrepreneurial spirit has transformed the industry from seeing wine as a by-product of brandy to its current focus on quality. Many of today’s top Cape wine producers, like Opimian’s Aristea and Kershaw, didn’t exist twenty years ago.

Since the 90’s, winemakers have planted vineyards to explore new areas in both cool and warm climate regions. In parallel, South African winemakers have become enamoured with the country’s old vineyards in hotter dry farmed regions – grapes which were previously used for brandy production.

However, it’s not all been smooth sailing in the Cape Winelands. The Cape suffered severe drought conditions after three years of low rainfall. Just as it was recovering, Covid hit. The toll of Covid on the South African wine trade was exacerbated by four government-imposed alcohol bans. These lasted a total of more than 161 days, preventing domestic sales and restricting exports of wine. Simultaneously, there was a major decline in wine tourism. For wineries dependent on domestic sales, this meant cash flow issues or worse. Earlier in the year, a reported 18,000 jobs, 80 wineries and 350 grape growers were at risk. Lack of sales also meant full tanks and less space to receive incoming grapes at harvest.

Against this background, I spoke to Corlea Fourie, Vineyard and Wine Manager at Bosman Family Vineyards and Lukas Wentzel from Groote Post about the challenges and joys of being a winemaker in the Cape for the 2021 vintage. Harvest is what winemakers everywhere look forward to with anticipation and excitement. It is the culmination of the yearly cycle in the vineyard and preparation in the winery. It is a relatively short but very busy period when the fruits of the vignerons’ labour are revealed. All those ideas that have been taking shape in winemakers’ minds since the previous harvest can finally be enacted upon.

After years of drought and water restrictions, the 2020-21 growing season saw good water replenishment of soils. Both Corlea and Lukas report that cool summer conditions meant grapes ripened slowly, developing exceptional colour and flavour. Deciding the

6

CELLAR 291 — MASTER PIECE

MASTER PIECE

South African Winemaking | Resilience and Optimism Jane Masters MW is Opimian’s Master of Wine

South African wine quality is on par with wines from anywhere around the world. The Cape's proximity to the cool Atlantic and the warmer Indian Ocean, cloudless blue skies, sunshine, and abundance of mountain foothills combine to create an array of terroirs.

JANE MASTERS MW is one of 419 Masters of Wine worldwide. Every wine offered by Opimian is tasted and selected for its deliciousness and value

by Jane, our consultant Master of Wine.

COUPS DE COEUR THIS CELLAR'S HIGHEST SCORING WINES

GENERATION 8 CHENIN BLANC, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2021, LOT 3042. P17

EVERYDAY DRINKING

right moment to pick depends not only on when grapes are fully ripe, but also on the weather forecast and practical constraints of throughput and capacity in the winery. For many wine regions, this can mean harvesting before autumn rains set in. In South Africa, the previous years of drought meant getting the grapes in before sugar levels skyrocketed, acidity plummeted, and grapes started to raisin. In 2021, cooler temperatures and good weather meant winemakers could bide their time to pick at exactly the right moment with high natural acidity and phenolic ripeness. Both Corlea and Lukas were very happy. Grapes were generally picked a couple of weeks later than previous years with bunches in good numbers and berry size both contributing to the increase in yield. From my point of view, this translates into tasting deep coloured reds with lots of ripe forest fruit flavours and tannin structure. The white wines are also fresh and brimming with fruits, with both Bosman’s Generation 8 Chenin Blanc and Warwick’s First Lady Sauvignon Blanc as immediate Coups de Coeur.

WARWICK THE FIRST LADY SAUVIGNON BLANC, WESTERN CAPE, 2021, LOT 3036, P13

FEBO, TOSCANA, IGT, 2016, LOT 3081, P43

On the impact of Covid, out of adversity comes creativity. Corlea’s team quickly adapted to a new way of working with shifts designed to minimize contact, and meetings held outside. Masks were made for the company by the women’s club and Bosman made their own sanitizer. As with many wineries in South Africa, the company made huge efforts with social media and e-commerce to compensate for the disruption in sales channels.

During this time, Corlea also reported a change in customer preferences with environmental and sustainability aspects becoming more important.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

KERSHAW GPS KLEIN RIVER SYRAH, 2018, LOT 3058, P26

challenges for South African winemakers was not so much in the actual winemaking but in dealing with these operational issues. South Africa has proven itself to be resilient. It will overcome these difficulties and will continue to make high quality wines. To quote Mike Ratcliffe of Vilafonté: "the future is bright!"

The impact of COVID continues and has a knock-on effect all the way down the supply chain, affecting in particular the availability of glass bottles. The current shortage is due to production at local foundries being shut down for a period.

There is also limited availability of almost every single dry good: paper labels, closures, capsules, cartons – not to mention disruption of freight and ports.

Thus in 2021, it seems that many of the

— CELLAR 291 COUPS DE COEUR

7

SOUTH AFRICA

Groote Post Vineyards

PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR

DARLING HILLS South Africa’s wine production is centred around the Western Cape, with its Mediterranean climate influenced by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and a history dating back 300 years. Its traditional heart is at Stellenbosch, approximately 50 kilometres east of Cape Town. More recently, new growing regions further afield have established themselves and proven their ability to produce great wines.

At the same time, the value of old vines has been acknowledged. An abundance of mountains providing lower slopes with different exposures, combined with lots of sunshine come together to create localised conditions ranging from hot dry areas such as Swartland and Paarl, to the cool climates of Elgin and Hemel-enAarde, and everything in between.

Groote Post is a historic property on the Cape Atlantic west coast, approximately 70 kilometres north of Cape Town with views across Table Bay. In the Darling Hills region, the climate is cool and moderately dry due to the proximity of the ocean and the Benguela Current that runs up the west coast of Africa creating cool afternoon winds. Owned by the Pentz family, who were originally dairy farmers, the estate raises livestock as well as practising viticulture. Vineyards are mainly on south-facing upper slopes of the Kapokberg at altitudes of 200-450 metres.

Wines are made by Lukas Wentzel who lives with his family on the estate.

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CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Seasalter, a true reflection of cool climate Cape white.

3022

GROOTE POST SAUVIGNON BLANC, DARLING HILLS, 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

$ 25

3023

GROOTE POST MERLOT, DARLING HILLS, 2019

Merlot

$ 150

The Darling region is known in particular for the quality of Sauvignon Blanc produced.

Groote Post’s 2021 has quince and lime blossom aromas with a savoury edge which follows onto the palate. It is firm with a crisp acidity and citrus-pith finish. Sauvignon Blanc was planted at Groote Post in 1995 at an elevation of 280 metres.

$ 28

3024

SEASALTER SAUVIGNON BLANC/ SEMILLON, DARLING HILLS, CRAFTED BY GROOTE POST, 2021

Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

$ 168

$ 28

$ 168

Dense in colour, it has aromas of coconut and dark fruits. This is a medium- to full-bodied Merlot which is smooth and brimming with blackberries and cherry fruits. In order to achieve optimal ripeness, the team at Groote Post work hard in the vineyard removing leaves around the bunches of grapes and leaving just one bunch per shoot. This allows the sunlight and heat to fully ripen the grapes in what is one of the Cape’s cooler regions.

Distinctly mineral in style, it has aromas of flint and iodine with some passion fruit and lime. Produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc with 10% Sémillon, the vines were planted in 2001 on a southfacing slope at 250 metres.

The cooler summer and later harvest in 2021 allowed grapes to be left longer to accumulate maximum flavours. A small proportion were fermented in French oak barrels, but the oak is almost imperceptible.

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2023, M8 D9

Coconut, dark fruit

18°C

Mineral, flint, iodine

6°C

Dark and bitter cherries

14.5%

Lemon & lime acidity, [4.70]

14%

Italian fennel sausages

Goat cheese salad with dill

2022-2023, M8 D9 Quince, lime blossom

6°C

Citrus pith, crisp acidity, [1.70]

13.5%

Chargrilled squid

photo — Nick and Annelie Pentz, flanked by Peter (at the back), Nicola (in front) and Josh (on the right).

— SOUTH AFRICA GROOTE POST VINEYARDS

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NEW

GROOTE POST SHIRAZ, DARLING HILLS, 2020

3025

Shiraz

$ 28

3027

GROOTE POST CINSAULT, WESTERN CAPE, 2020

Cinsault

$ 168

The Darling region also has a well-earned reputation for Shiraz, and the ripe, warm cooked fruit and spice in Groote Post’s 2020 has lots of appeal.

It is a supple, smooth wine with good structure and lots of tannin. After fermentation in a combination of open-top and closed tanks, the wine was matured in 300-litre oak barrels with 25% new oak and a combination of both French and American oak. The oak is well integrated, combining seamlessly with the rich dark fruit flavours.

$ 29

Once upon a time, Cinsault was South Africa’s most widely planted grape used not only to make wine but also for brandy production. Subsequently, it was considered of little interest when other varieties became the focus.

Today, it’s back in favour thanks to its ability to tolerate high temperatures, resist drought and disease, and produce light, drinkable wines. The best grapes are grown on old dry-farmed bush vines which keep their yields in check. Pale ruby in colour, the 2020 has some earthy fruits and spices. It is light bodied with a raspberry finish.

2022-2025, M7 D8 Cooked fruits, spice Blackberries, spice

$ 174

2022-2023, M8 D9

18°C Earthy red fruits

16°C

Raspberry

13.5%

14.5%

Grilled lamb chops Ratatouille

3026

GROOTE POST RIESLING, DARLING HILLS, 2020

Riesling

$ 25

$ 150 2022-2023, M8 D9

Spice, resin, honey

6°C

Tangy fruit & spices, [6.70]

13%

Thai chicken salad with green papaya

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CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Given the cool climate in the Darling Hills, it’s no wonder that Riesling feels right at home here. The 2020 has lots of honey, spices and resin aromas. A touch of residual sweetness creates a soft wine with good weight balanced by the grape’s naturally high acidity giving a certain tanginess. Riesling was field-grafted onto Cabernet Sauvignon vines in 2007. Grapes were lightly pressed with only the freerun juice fermented at low temperature.

photo — Winemaker Lukas Wentzel looking to a bright future.

NEW

3028

NEW

GROOTE POST PINOT NOIR ROSÉ, LIMITED RELEASE, DARLING HILLS, 2021

Pinot Noir

$ 28

3029

GROOTE POST CHENIN BLANC, WESTERN CAPE, 2021 NEW

Chenin Blanc

$ 168

$ 28

3030

SALT OF THE EARTH SHIRAZ/ CINSAULT, DARLING HILLS, CRAFTED BY GROOTE POST, 2019

$ 168

Ripe fruits, pear drops and bonbon anglais give lots of appeal in this refreshing rosé made from Pinot Noir, planted in 2000 on the higher slopes at Groote Post at 450 metres. This plot was originally planted with a view to making sparkling wine – an experiment one harvest using leftover Pinot Noir grapes led to rosé, becoming a permanent feature in the wine portfolio.

The Chenin Blanc has aromas of fresh apples and lime with a savoury, earthy edge. More fresh fruits and herbs come through on the palate leading to a grippy limey finish.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2023, M8 D9

Shiraz, Cinsault

$ 36

$ 216

Initially a little muted on tasting, the wine benefitted from some aeration to reveal its dark fruit flavours. It has good concentration and weight. Shiraz was combined with Cinsault from 45-year-old dry-farmed bush vines (most vineyards at Groote Post are trellised and receive supplementary water from irrigation). Both varieties were harvested on the same day and cofermented in open-top tanks. The wine was matured in 500-litre French oak barrels with 50% new and 50% one year old.

2022-2024, M8 D9

Pear drops

6°C

Fresh apple, earth

6°C

Dark fruits

18°C

Ripe fruits, [3.90]

13%

Lime, [2.00]

13.5%

Dark fruits, smooth

14%

Pan-seared whitefish

photo — The Cape Dutch fort, built in the 1700s, is now home to Groote Post Vineyards.

Risotto with goat’s cheese

Red wine-braised ox cheek stew

— SOUTH AFRICA GROOTE POST VINEYARDS

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SOUTH AFRICA

Warwick Wine Estate SIMONSBERG

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CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Warwick was one of the first benchmark estates in Stellenbosch to be recognized internationally as a producer of premium wine. Long associated with the Ratcliffe family, Norma Ratcliffe, a doyenne of the Cape wine industry, developed the estate with her husband. Now under new ownership, the estate – situated in the foothills and midslopes of Simonsberg – makes a range of affordable wines and premium cuvées. The vineyards range between 240–360 metres and benefit from elevation and ocean breezes looking across to Table Mountain and Cape Town.

photo — Warwick wines are perfect to mark special occasions and create memories.

PRICE FREEZE

3036

WARWICK THE FIRST LADY SAUVIGNON BLANC, WESTERN CAPE, 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

$ 138

$ 23

PRICE FREEZE

3035

PRICE FREEZE

WARWICK THE FIRST LADY DRY ROSÉ, WESTERN CAPE, 2021

Pinotage

$ 23

3037

WARWICK THE FIRST LADY CHARDONNAY, WESTERN CAPE, 2021

Chardonnay

$ 138

$ 23

$ 138

Produced from South Africa’s Pinotage grape, this is an easy-drinking rosé with red berries and earthy notes.

Grapes were picked early to produce a light, refreshing style relatively low in alcohol at 11.5%.

Showing more restraint than the Sauvignon, First Lady Chardonnay has delicious nectarine and stone fruit flavours. It is supple with fresh lemon and oranges on the finish. A small proportion of the wine was fermented with oak to add some depth on the palate.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2023, M8 D9

A tantalizingly tasty Sauvignon with aromas of lime, elderflower and flint. On the palate fresh lime and tropical fruit flavours shine through and continue to linger on the finish, enhanced by its crisp acidity. Grapes were picked in the early morning hours, crushed and left for several hours on skins. The pressed juice was then fermented at low temperature to capture all its fruit character.

2022-2023, M8 D9

Red berries, earthy

6°C

Nectarine

6°C

Lime, elderflower, flint

6°C

Red fruit, [1.40]

11.5%

Stone fruits, lemon & orange, [2.69]

13%

Fresh lime, tropical fruit, [2.20]

13%

Cherry, Mozzarella, arugula and Parma ham salad

photo — JD Pretorius, Warwick's Cellar Master.

His vision for South African wines is for them to be recognized for their quality and uniqueness.

Chicken korma

Salmon poke with pickled ginger

— SOUTH AFRICA WARWICK WINE ESTATE

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MIXED CASE 3038

WARWICK ESTATE TRILOGY LIBRARY CASE

$ 73

$ 146

Trilogy is a blend of three Bordeaux grapes from the oldest vines on the Warwick estate. Each variety ripens at a different time and the proportion of each varies each vintage, according to growing-season conditions. Each is picked separately when fully ripe starting with the early Merlot variety, followed by Cabernet Franc a week or so later. Harvest concludes with late-ripening, thick-skinned Cabernet Sauvignon. Wines were matured in French oak barrels for around 26 months, with the very best barrels selected for Trilogy.

ONE BOTTLE EACH 2012 & 2013

WARWICK ESTATE TRILOGY, STELLENBOSCH, 2012

WARWICK ESTATE TRILOGY, STELLENBOSCH, 2013

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot A classic nose with leafy aromas and blackcurrant indicating the presence of Cabernet Sauvignon at 57% blended with 27% Cabernet Franc and 16% Merlot.

Despite being a year older, it has matured more slowly than the 2013. Smooth and supple on the palate, it has fine-grained tannins with spicy incense flavours and more blackcurrant. More structured on the palate, I would be inclined to drink the 2013 first.

Mature aromas of cooked and dried fruits, raisins, dates, apple and treacle. On the palate, the 2013 is supple and smooth with nice fresh mid-palate fruit leading to a grippy finish. Some Members may have a few bottles of the 2013 in their cellar: it was offered in Cellar 245, Lot 8868. The wine has matured nicely, fully integrating the oak and developing tertiary flavours. It is perfect to drink now and will hold for some years.

2022-2026, M7 D9

2022-2026, M7 D9

Blackcurrant, green leaf

18°C

Raisins, dates, treacle

18°C

Incense

14%

plums

14%

Beef short rib ragout with caramelized onions

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CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Rare beef fillet with pepper-honey sauce

photo — Warwick's tasting room team will tell you all about the history of the estate, and the ethos behind each wine.

3039

WARWICK PROFESSOR BLACK SAUVIGNON BLANC, STELLENBOSCH, 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

$ 28

$ 168

An elegant, more complex style of Sauvignon compared to First Lady, Professor Black has aromas of peaches, nectarines and cassis.

Sauvignon came from two blocks on the estate situated high up on Simonsberg: one planted in 2003, the other in 1985. Multiple pickings were carried out to harvest grapes at different levels of ripeness leading to complex aromatics and texture.

2022-2023, M8 D9 White peach, nectarine, cassis

6°C

Elegant and soft, [2.00]

13.5%

Steak tartare with asparagus

3040

WARWICK THE FIRST LADY CABERNET SAUVIGNON, WESTERN CAPE, 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 144

$ 24

Always popular with Members, First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon was noticeably missing from the lineup last year as the wine was not yet ready. The 2019 was worth the wait punching above its weight amidst other Cabernet wines. Floral and blackcurrant aromas precede a linear-structured palate with nice depth. Cassis and cocoa flavours combine with a firm acidity giving the wine real presence in the mouth. It is mediumbodied with good length.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Blackcurrant, floral

18°C

Cassis, lint

13.5%

Barbecue pork spareribs with black currantchipotle sauce

photo — Professor Black experimented with peach trees on the Warwick estate. Today he his remembered through this vibrant wine!

— SOUTH AFRICA WARWICK WINE ESTATE

15

SOUTH AFRICA

Bosman Family Vineyards WELLINGTON

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CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Petrus Bosman has been at the helm of this Wellington-based company north of Stellenbosch and Paarl. It has been in his family for eight generations. The farm originally produced wine up until 1957, then the family decided to focus on their vine nursery. Under Petrus, wine is once again an important part of the business with wines produced from grapes grown on the family’s vineyards in Wellington and Hemel-en-Aarde, made by the delightful and very skilled Corlea Fourie and her team. As well as producing great wines, Bosman Family Vineyards has spearheaded social and environmental projects in their own business and the local economy.

photo — Harvest time in Wellington, South Africa

PRICE FREEZE

3043

PRICE FREEZE

GENERATION 8 MERLOT, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2021

GENERATION 8 CHENIN BLANC, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2021

Chenin Blanc

Merlot

$ 23

3042

$ 138

$ 23

$ 138

A light- to medium-bodied Merlot, it has aromas of cooked forest fruits and apple.

The palate is supple with a vibrant acidity and lingering raspberry finish. Grapes came from a number of sites on schist soils in Hermon and on decomposed granite in Bovlei from plantings in 2001 to as young as 2013.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Forest fruits, apple

16°C

Raspberry, mulberries

14%

Creamy mushroom steak with caramelized garlic

3100

Chenin Blanc suits the South African climate.

The 2021 Generation 8 is a delicious example – and an immediate delight. Pale in colour, it has aromas of fresh apples and pears which continue on the palate. It is smooth and round with a perfect touch of almost imperceptible sweetness to balance the naturally crisp finish.

A small part of the Chenin grapes were dried in the sun before pressing, and another small portion left in contact with the skins to add texture and structure.

ADAMA RED, W.O. WELLINGTON

Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Primitivo, Nero d'Avola

$ 31

$ 186

2021-2025, M7 D9 Nutmeg, ginger

18°C

Red fruits

14%

Shanghai-style braised pork belly

Oaky aromas of ginger, nutmeg, spices and vanilla lie over a fruit currant background. More red fruit flavours emerge on the palate with a supple finish.

It is a blend of 52% Shiraz with Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Primitivo and just a splash of Viognier and Nero d'Avola. It was aged in both American and French oak.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Fresh apples, pears

6°C

Smooth, crisp finish, [4.80]

12.5%

Lemon-basted herbed chicken

— SOUTH AFRICA BOSMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS

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PRICE FREEZE

3044

PRICE FREEZE

GENERATION 8 SHIRAZ, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2021

Shiraz

$ 23

3045

GENERATION 8 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 138

Deliciously appealing varietal characteristics are at the fore as this wine brims with aromas of blackberries, plums and chocolate. More sweet, succulent dark fruits are apparent on the soft palate countered by its juicy acidity.

$ 23

$ 138

Generation 8 Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates the greater power and strength of the grape variety compared to Merlot or Shiraz. This is a medium- to full-bodied wine with spicy black fruits aromas. It has a good tannin structure – it was aged for a short period with oak – giving length and a bitter fruit finish. The Bosman farm at Bovlei is well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon with early summers and well-drained soils giving the grapes time to fully ripen.

2022-2024, M8 D9

OPTENHORST SINGLE VINEYARD BUSHVINE CHENIN BLANC, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2019

2022-2024, M8 D9

Blackberries, plums, chocolate

18°C

Spicy black fruits

18°C

Sweet dark fruits

14%

Bitter cherry

14%

Madeira-marinated Portuguese beef skewers (espetada)

3047

Mushroom “Bolognese” casserole

Chenin Blanc

$ 56

$ 168

Optenhorst vineyard was planted in 1952 and is the third oldest Chenin vineyard in South Africa. A complex, exuberant wine with a bouquet of ripe peach, apricot, orange blossom and hazelnuts. The old plot of Chenin Blanc vines had been earmarked for ripping out due to its low uneconomically sustainable yields: Corlea convinced the family to let her have a go before finally sealing its fate.

The grapes from Optenhorst vineyard had previously been mixed with other Chenin grapes, but that year the team pressed them separately, put the juice into barrel and left it. On tasting three months later, they were speechless. The 2019 is flavoursome with citrus lemon, zesty mandarin and mango flavours with a mineral acidity.

2022-2025, M7 D9 Peach, apricot, hazelnut, orange blossom

6°C

Citrus, mango, [1.70]

12%

Pork chops with apples, onions and grainy mustard

18

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Natasha Williams is a winemaker at Bosman Family Vineyards

MIXED CASE 3046

NATURE & SUN GRENACHE NOIR & FIDES GRENACHE BLANC CASE

$ 33

$ 198

Bosman Family Vineyards are constantly pushing boundaries. In winemaker Corlea’s words, “We are constantly trying something new here, using new practices and looking at ancient traditions and seeing how we can make something from that combination that is really good.” This case brings together two such wines exploring organic viticulture and orange wine production.

NEW

NATURE & SUN GRENACHE NOIR, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2020

THREE BOTTLES EACH NATURE & SUN AND FIDES

Grenache Noir

Nature & Sun is the wine range in which Bosman Family Vineyards explores organic winemaking. Produced from Grenache Noir grapes from bush vines planted in 2016, the vines are in a parcel called Gesamelike Wei – meaning “communal pasture.” Historically, the land was used for grazing by nomadic “Trek” farmers. Pale in colour, it has elegant floral aromas. It is light to medium-bodied with lashings of red fruits, and a cranberry finish.

NEW

FIDES GRENACHE BLANC, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2018

Grenache Blanc (orange wine)

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2025, M7 D9

Floral

18°C

Resin, orange, earth

6°C

Cranberries, red fruits

13.5%

Marmalade, [2.70]

13%

Pizza with Parma ham, buffalo Mozzarella and arugula

photo — Panoramic views of vineyard contours on the Bovlei Valley, Wellington

Vegetable steamed dumplings

Orange wines have recently been popping up around the globe (although the quantities produced remain low), but they are not new; in fact, they have been made for 6,000 years in Georgia in the Caucasus region, spanning Europe and Asia between the Black and Caspian seas. Orange wines are made from white grapes which are fermented on their skins in much the same way as red wines. The skins give the wine its golden-orange colour and add texture to the wine’s palate. Fides 2018 has earthy, resin and bitter orange aromas.

It is medium to full-bodied with a broad structure. Bitter marmalade and bruised apple flavours are held within layers of structure leading to a grippy tannic finish. Grenache Blanc was grown on bush vines planted in 2011 on decomposed granite. Fermentation lasted three weeks on skins with the wine matured in old Russian oak for six months.

— SOUTH AFRICA BOSMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS

19

NEW

3049

LOOSE CANNON CAP CLASSIQUE, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2017

Chenin Blanc

$ 36

$ 216

3048

Cap Classique is the term used in South Africa for sparkling wines produced using the traditional method (similar to Champagne in France) with the second fermentation in bottle. Produced from 100% Chenin Blanc, the 2017 has delicious, developed brioche aromas. It is mellow and smooth with a marked acidity leading to a crisp finish. The first fermentation was in barrel with the base wine left on lees for six months. This was then bottled on May 18, 2018, for the second fermentation and kept on yeast lees for a further 42 months before disgorgement and final preparation in September 2020.

TWYFELING CINSAUT, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2019

Cinsault

$ 44

20

$ 132

A smooth, mellow wine with oodles of red fruits. Jammy fruits, strawberry and raspberry are complemented with vanilla oak aromas which all continue onto the palate. This is a wine with great depth and purity. Cinsault was planted in 2003 at Hermitage-Kop (the variety was previously called Hermitage in South Africa) in Bovlei Valley – a site that had previously been planted to Cinsault in 1964.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

Brioche, mellow

6°C

Ripe jammy fruits, strawberry, raspberry

18°C

Smooth, crisp acidity, [6.00]

11%

Red fruit

14%

Aperitif

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

SPARKLING, RED OR WHITE: YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH BOSMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS!

Antipasto

photo — Loose Cannon pairs beautifully with a sunset!

ARISTEA MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BLANC BRUT, STELLENBOSCH, 2017, LOT 3053, P24

Q&A

Martin Krajewski Aristea Wines

Aristea is a project created by Opimian supporter and friend Martin Krajewski from Clos Cantenac in Saint Émilion, together with Matt Krone from the Cape and winemaking consultant Florent Dumeau. It is a partnership between three friends that have dared to dream of making the finest wines possible from the ancient lands of the Western Cape.

Wines that not only capture their long years of combined experience, but wines that will also reflect their individual identity and bring great happiness.

HOW WAS ARISTEA CREATED?

We started this wonderful adventure with just one thought in mind: to produce exceptional wines that encapsulate the wild spirit and raw beauty of this wonderful land and that make people smile. To realize those ambitions, we work carefully with the top wine farms in the region to source and access their finest fruit and we remain uncompromising in our attention to detail, employing only the best practices in our winemaking. We also promise to carefully observe and respect the traditional rigour and history

of the Western Cape on our long journey.

We are committed to adapting our work in such a way that it blends seamlessly with local craftsmanship and techniques, bringing a modern and creative approach to the production of our great wines.

WHICH WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES ARE USED AT ARISTEA? ARE SOME WINEMAKING TRADITIONS MORE IMPORTANT THAN OTHERS TO YOU? ARE THERE WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES TYPICAL OF SOUTH AFRICA?

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO SOUTH AFRICA IN THE FIRST PLACE? WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT WINEMAKING IN THIS COUNTRY?

They are a blend of old and new world techniques, from Bordeaux & South Africa, but also from other countries and different parts of France. Our techniques can be typical, but usually come with a huge twist, and sometimes they are outrageous statements that encapsulate our collective winemaking knowledge from many years of working around the world, our personalities and the heights that we aim to reach.

Friendships and a passion for wine - South Africa has been making wines for 350 years. That seems a reasonably good reason to challenge ourselves further!

HOW DID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AFFECT SOUTH AFRICA N WINEMAKING IN GENERAL, AND YOUR BUSINESS IN PARTICULAR?

It is well reported that COVID shut down the South African wine industry for long periods – but we have survived through resourcefulness, hard work and the will to win.

WHAT MAKES ARISTEA WINES RADICALLY DIFFERENT?

Aristea wines express a sense of place, crafted with skill and adventure by friends united in a single purpose: to capture the elegance and spirit of South Africa. The wines made here could never be made in Bordeaux. These boutique wines represent the true artisan nature of their making and are produced in limited quantities each year.

WHAT ARE ARISTEA’S CORE VALUES?

To produce only the best or nothing at all – we have followed that always and have therefore not produced some of the wines in difficult growing years. We also like to have fun and to bring joy to all who sample our wines!

— CELLAR 291 Q&A

21

SOUTH AFRICA

Aristea Wines STELLENBOSCH Matt Krone’s family have been winemakers in the Cape for over 300 years. Several years ago, Matt, the winemaker on the ground, teamed up with friends Martin Krajewski and Florent Dumeau from Bordeaux to create Aristea. The trio search out prime vineyards in premium regions including Stellenbosch and Hemel-enAarde producing high-quality grapes. Just a few barrels of each wine in the Aristea range are made – and only the best barrels are selected for the final assemblage.

22

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Matthew Krone in the cellar tasting the latest Aristea barrels.

3052

ARISTEA PINOT NOIR, HEMEL-ENAARDE RIDGE, 2020

ARISTEA CABERNET SAUVIGNON, STELLENBOSCH, 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir

$ 51

$ 270

Restrained earthy fruits, with more floral, red and sour cherry notes on the palate. It is supple with good acidity and will benefit from some bottle maturation before reaching optimum drinking. Pinot Noir grapes were selected from two sites at the end of the Hemel-en-Aarde ridge. Grapes were handpicked into small lug boxes and placed in a cold room overnight at 5°C. Whole berries were then placed into opentop fermenters and a cold maceration was carried out for 3-4 days. The wine spent 15 days on skins and was then racked to barrel.

It was matured in French oak barrels for 11 months with 10% new.

Intense aromas of violets, blackberries, menthol, undergrowth and smoke. It is starting to develop good complex tertiary notes. Linear in structure, it has creamy vanilla notes with nice blackcurrant flavours, a grainy texture and succulent finish. Cabernet Sauvignon from three carefully selected plots in Stellenbosch was carefully handpicked in the cool, early hours of March 19-20, 2019.

2022-2025, M7 D8

2022-2028, M6 D8

$ 88

3051

$ 264

Red cherry

18°C

Violets, blackberries, smoke

18°C

Sour red fruits, earth

13 %

Blackcurrant, creamy

14%

Vegetarian bean potjie

photo — Aristea capitata flower growing wild up on Table Mountain's slopes overlooking Cape Town.

$ 306

$ 45

3050

Bobotie with apricots and sultanas

— SOUTH AFRICA ARISTEA WINES

23

ARISTEA MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BLANC BRUT, STELLENBOSCH, 2017

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Perfectly mature and mellow, it has lovely brioche and oatmeal notes with fresh apple fruits. It is rich and smooth, yet elegant with good weight and complexity. Produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, a second bottle-fermentation with extended 46 months on yeast lees has produced its creamy texture and fine bubbles.

3055

ARISTEA CHARDONNAY, STELLENBOSCH, 2020

$ 40

3053

$ 240 $ 79

3054

Chardonnay

$ 49

$ 147

$ 237 2022-2023, M8 D9 Oatmeal, malt, fresh apples

6°C

Brioche, stone fruit, [6.70]

12%

Aromas of vanilla, limes and fresh pears lead to more ripe fruits on the palate. It is rich and smooth and perfectly balanced by the citrus acidity with lingering flavours of lemon, limes and stone fruits. Chardonnay was lovingly picked on February 14, 2020; it was fermented then matured in barrel for 11 months with 35% new, 35% second fill and 30% third fill.

Crab cakes with mango relish

2022-2024, M7 D9 Vanilla, lime, pear

6°C

Stone fruits, lemon, lime, [1.70]

13.5%

Chicken salad with peach and pecans

24

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Happy smiles of the Aristea cellar ladies bottling Chardonnay in Stellenbosch.

PRODUCERS' CORNER

Richard Kershaw MW | A Lifelong Learner Born and raised in the UK, Richard enjoyed a successful career as a chef before finding wine. After travelling extensively, he arrived in South Africa in 1999. Now a Master of Wine, Richard is pursuing his dream of making his own wine in the cool climate of Elgin in the Western Cape.

READ MORE ABOUT RICHARD ONLINE ON OUR BLOG.

THE SMUGGLER'S BOOT SAUVIGNON BLANC, 2021, LOT 3063, P29

Richard Kershaw experienced his first harvest in California in 1995. Soon thereafter, he travelled extensively through many wine regions worldwide with a round-the-world ticket, learning more about wine in each region, before eventually settling in South Africa in 1999.

Established in 2012, Richard Kershaw Wines create clonally selected, site-specific, cool climate wines. Each wine is made from 3-4 small parcels on terroir-specific plots with particular soil types. They have three full-time employees at the winery, in addition to consultants and seasonal workers. Richard’s wife and daughter also help out with marketing. Being a boutique winery, Richard does not wish to expand much, but rather concentrate on making great wines in small batches. He lets his wines ferment naturally, without the help of enzymes or added yeasts. When the wine is in barrels, Richard and his colleagues taste it every six weeks to monitor the progress. He uses délestage to give the wine oxygen, which helps with the fermentation process. In terms of maturation techniques, Richard has come up with a precise algorithm where he

matches the clone of the Chardonnay, Pinot and Syrah to the soil type. This then informs the oak program the wine will go through. Clones are made by taking a cutting or bud from a ‘mother vine’ and grafting it onto a specific rootstock. The newly planted or grafted vine is called a clone of the mother vine and is an exact replica, not a cross or hybrid.

Richard loves making wine. He thinks about it as a multifaceted discipline. Chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and physics all play a part in winemaking. He also loves the social aspect of wine. It is never boring! What he enjoys most about winemaking is that it is always evolving and he is able to apply his mind to many disciplines. Richard is a lifelong learner.

“Yesterday’s winemaking is today’s tradition, and tomorrow’s winemaking is today’s innovation.” Richard Kershaw is always up for a challenge! As a Master of Wine, he consults and visits wineries around the world to keep learning about new challenges and techniques. Lastly, Richard Kershaw loves the countryside, and wouldn’t trade his beautiful vineyard landscapes for anything!

When he’s not tasting his own wines, Richard enjoys Côte-Rotie wines, Côtes du Rhône, or Rioja. In his quest to always keep learning, he tries to drink 80% wines from overseas and 20% local wines. At the time of this article, he was opening his Smuggler's Boot Sauvignon Blanc to have with tuna for dinner.

— CELLAR 291 PRODUCERS' CORNER

25

SOUTH AFRICA

Richard Kershaw Wines ELGIN Richard Kershaw is based in Elgin, South Africa’s coolest wine region and a relatively new appellation. Renowned for growing high-quality apples, the region’s wines first drew attention in the 1990s. While Elgin is only approximately 40 kilometres from Stellenbosch, it is separated by the Hottentots Holland Mountains.

Indeed, Elgin Valley is a basin surrounded by mountains opening towards the ocean situated 10 kilometres inland.

PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR

CHECK OUT RICHARD'S PREMIUM MIXED CASE, PAGE 58.

26

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Richard in the barrel cellar in Elgin, on an unseasonably warm day, hence the shorts!

NEW

3057 3058

KERSHAW GPS KLEIN RIVER SYRAH, 2018

Syrah

$ 67

3056

KERSHAW GPS LOWER DUIVENHOKS RIVER CHARDONNAY, 2019

Pinot Noir

$ 68

Chardonnay

$ 201

$ 60

KERSHAW GPS HEMEL-EN-AARDE RIDGE PINOT NOIR, 2018

$ 180

$ 204

Stunning wine – this couldn’t be anything other than a Coup de Coeur. Aromas of vanilla, black and red fruits, toast and spice give an impression of depth and warmth.

The palate is smooth with a fine texture.

Quite light mid palate, it develops savoury flavours to complement the fruit and oak.

Klein River is one of the smallest wine wards in South Africa which was traditionally used as pasture for sheep and to grow wheat.

The Kleinrivier Mountains are Africa’s southernmost mountain range with vineyards planted on either side of the river. Two vineyard blocks of Syrah – one trellised, one bush vine – were planted twenty years ago on virgin shale-derived Glenrosa soil.

The nearby Akkedis Valley provides cool sea breezes from Walker Bay.

The world’s finest Chardonnay wines are generally grown on limestone soils: think Côte d'Or, Burgundy, Chablis and the like. So it is the limestone soil in the Lower Duivenhoks River vineyard that first attracted Richard’s attention. Just one grower planted a single block of Chardonnay to the CY95 Dijon clone. This is an elegant wine with poise and length.

Youthful, it has not developed the full toasty character on display in previous vintages, but rather a delicious creamy vanilla character and fine layers of texture.

Richard’s GPS series explores unusual vineyard sites outside of his home base in Elgin. In this case, two small parcels of Pinot Noir in a protected lee on Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge planted on Bokkeveld shale soils. The wine is a bright, transparent ruby colour with subtle floral and raspberry aromas. It is supple initially developing a juicy acidity which complements a layered silky texture.

More red fruits combine with herbal notes with some grip on the finish and refreshing sour cherry flavours. Grapes were picked by hand on March 5, 2018, at between 23.3°Bx and 23.6°Bx. Two Burgundian clones, PN777 and PN115, were used, with each clone and plot vinified separately. The wine spent 10-11 months in barrel with regular tasting in order for Richard and Dudley to increase their understanding of the impact of clonal, soil and barrel selection. The oak is neatly integrated with just a small amount of new oak used.

2022-2026, M7 D9

2022-2028, M6 D7

2022-2026, M7 D9

Vanilla, red & black fruits, toast

18°C

Nectarine, white fruits, vanilla

6°C

Floral, raspberry

18°C

Spices, savoury fruits

13 %

Lime, custard, [2.20]

13%

Red fruit, layered texture, sour cherry

13.5%

Barbecued pork baby back ribs

photo — Enjoying an al fresco lunch in Richard's garden, with our GPS Series wines.

Sage-butter chicken

Gruyere-vegetable gratin

— SOUTH AFRICA RICHARD KERSHAW WINES

27

NEW

3059

KERSHAW GPS CAPE SOUTH COAST SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC, 2020

Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc

$ 49

$ 147

Deliciously appealing aromas of white peach, elderflower, cassis and lime combine in a complex bouquet. On the palate, it is soft and smooth with no overt oak but some mellow spices finishing with firm lemon and lime acidity. It is a blend of 52% Sémillon from Hemel-en-Arde with 48% Sauvignon Blanc grown in Elgin; hence, the Cape South Coast appellation. Both varieties were handpicked separately. Sauvignon Blanc was immediately pressed and the clear juice fermented at low temperature. Sémillon was fermented in oak barrels, of which two-thirds were new, at a slightly warmer temperature to allow good oak integration.

3060

THE SMUGGLER'S BOOT GSM BLEND, 2019

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

$ 29

$ 174

A wine with savoury, spicy and floral notes of peony and lavender. It has more jammy flavours on the palate which is medium-bodied with a long, earthy finish and some grippy tannins. Produced from 51% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 9% Mourvèdre all grown in Swartland – a hot, dry region north of Cape Town on the northern side of Paardeberg mountain.

3061

THE SMUGGLER'S BOOT PINOT NOIR, 2019

Pinot Noir

$ 36

An intensely flavoured Pinot full of personality.

This wine puts many more expensive Pinots and classic Burgundies to shame! Aromas of wild strawberries and undergrowth lead to a palate with complex fruit and savoury flavours. After a three-day maceration in open-top fermenters, fermentation began spontaneously and a gentle délestage program was carried out. The wine was matured in a combination of 50% used French oak barrels and 50% “breathable eggs.”

2022-2023, M8 D9 Savoury celery, spice, peony

18°C

Jammy, lavender, earth

13.5%

Rosemary and peppercorn-spiced lamb chops

$ 216

2022-2024, M8 D9 Wild strawberry, undergrowth

18°C

Savoury, complex

13.5%

Pork loin with honey, pepper and lemon-zest glaze

2022-2023, M8 D9 White peach, elderflower, cassis

6°C

Lime, lemon, spices, [1.70]

13%

Butternut squash and hazelnut quiche

28

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — The new season's Spring growth - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Elgin.

3062

THE SMUGGLER'S BOOT CHARDONNAY, 2019

3063

Chardonnay

$ 33

Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

$ 198

Another stunning wine that could easily outshine many a white Burgundy. Intense and complex with aromas of vanilla toast, pineapple, and white peach. It is mediumbodied, with layers of toasty oatmeal, noisette and nectarine flavours. Four French Chardonnay clones were combined – CY95, CY96, CY76 and CY548. Handpicked between February 25 and March 18, 2019, the bunches were whole bunch pressed with half the juice fermented in old French oak barrels, half in breathable plastic eggshaped tanks. The wine was matured for eight months on yeast lees giving the wine its creamy texture.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Vanilla toast, pineapple, white peach,

6°C

Noisette, oatmeal, nectarine, [3.00]

13%

Pasta in clam sauce

THE SMUGGLER'S BOOT SAUVIGNON BLANC, 2021

$ 32

$ 192

Peach blossom and nectarine aromas lead to a smooth, round palate. This is a supple wine with good depth and a fine mineral finish. Sauvignon Blanc grown in Elgin and Hemelen-Aarde Ridge was cool fermented. The 2021 Sauvignon harvest was the latest ever picked by Richard due to cool weather during the growing season allowing an extended “hang” time for grapes to accumulate maximum flavours while retaining good acidity. A touch of Sémillon adds a little weight and depth to the final assemblage.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Floral, peach blossom

6°C

Nectarine, mineral, [2.00]

13.5%

Grilled shrimp with lemon-garlic butter

— SOUTH AFRICA RICHARD KERSHAW WINES

29

SOUTH AFRICA PRICE FREEZE

THE OLD MAN'S BLEND MERLOT · CABERNET SAUVIGNON · SHIRAZ, WESTERN CAPE, 2021 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

$ 19

3031

$ 228 $ 37

3032

$ 222

PRICE FREEZE

3033

THE OLD MAN'S BLEND SAUVIGNON BLANC · CHENIN BLANC, WESTERN CAPE, 2021

Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc

$ 18 Leafy aromas combined with mulberry and violet precede a soft, juicy palate. This is medium-bodied with flavours of raspberries and sour cherry.

Spicy and white peach aromas with more tangy lemon and other citrus flavours on the palate. It is a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc with 40% Chenin Blanc.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2023, M8 D9

Leafy, mulberry, violet

18°C

Spices, white peach

6°C

Raspberry, sour cherry

14%

Tangy citrus, [2.30]

13.5%

Grilled halloumi “burger” with caramelized onions and cremini mushrooms

30

$ 216

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Baked anchovies with capers, parsley and basil

TOP VALUE WINES FOR YOUR EVERYDAY DRINKING

HIGH QUALITY, UNBEATABLE PRICE

TUSCANY 3078

SOGATIA CHIANTI RISERVA, DOCG, 2019

Sangiovese

These top-value wines are our Members' favourites.

Order today and find out why!

$ 23

$ 138

A smooth, simple easy-drinking Chianti with nice cooked fruit flavours. It has a powdery texture and juicy acidity.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Cooked fruits

16°C

Easy drink, juicy

13%

Cheese and saffron rice balls in beef brodo

— SOUTH AFRICA & TUSCANY TOP VALUE WINES

31

SOUTH AFRICA

Vilafonté PAARL-SIMONSBERG The 42-hectare estate in the PaarlSimonsberg region, owned by South African Mike Ratcliffe and his American partners Zelma Long and her husband Phil Freese, is named after its ancient vilafontes soils which are between 750,000 and 1.5 million years old. The first vineyards were planted in 1996 on this unique site following a belief in the potential of the terroir to produce super-premium Bordeauxstyle blends. The winery has twice been nominated as “New World Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Vineyard manager Edward Pietersen and winemaker Chris de Vries focus on detail, working closely with founders Mike, Zelma and Phil as they strive for excellence.

32

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Mike Ratcliffe holding the first bottle of Seriously Old Dirt by Vilafonté 2020 being shipped to Opimian Members.

3067

VILAFONTÉ SERIES M, PAARL, 2018 (WOOD CASE)

Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 99

SERIOUSLY OLD DIRT BY VILAFONTÉ, WO WESTERN CAPE, 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec

$ 297

$ 240

$ 40

2018 Series M has subtle forest fruit aromas with mulberries, floral notes and a touch of coconut. It is smooth and round on the palate with a powdery, grainy texture, juicy acidity and layers of flavour. 2018 was the year I last visited the Cape winelands and the year most affected by drought with reservoirs so low, individuals were allocated a daily ration for personal use. Early in the growing season, Vilafonté had its irrigation water from the Berg River Water scheme cut to 45% of its usual allocation. Low soil moisture reduced vine vigour in early spring. The number and size of grape berries were reduced further due to unseasonable weather at flowering. Hence, 2018 was a small crop. Yet the vines not only survived sustained drought conditions, they produced ripe and concentrated grapes. 45% Merlot, 41% Malbec, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc, matured for 22 months in French oak with 24% being new.

Ripe plums, damsons and incense aromas lead to a soft, smooth palate. It is powdery in texture with mulberry flavours and medium body. It has good mid-palate fruit with nice evolution and a long, spicy finish. It is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc and was matured in older French oak barrels for 18 months.

2022-2028, M6 D8

2022-2028, M6 D8

Forest fruit, coconut, mulberries

18°C

Ripe plums, damsons, incense

18°C

Floral, red fruits

14%

Mulberries

13.5%

Vegetable-mushroom pasta

photo — The first block of Merlot planted on the estate - this forms an integral part of the Series M blend, bringing a dignified elegance to the wine.

3066

Duck liver parfait

— SOUTH AFRICA VILAFONTÉ

33

FOCUS ON

Vilafonté | Different by Design

SERIOUSLY OLD DIRT BY VILAFONTÉ, WO WESTERN CAPE, 2020, LOT 3066, P33

If Vilafonté wasn’t in high enough demand already, it’s just about to go viral. The prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition has just named Vilafonté Best Red Wine Producer of the Year!

From just 40 acres of vines, winegrower Edward Pietersen and winemaker Chris de Vries make remarkable blends from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. In just 25 years, this first-of-its-kind partnership between South African and American winemaking specialists, has created a world-class, iconic red wine.

Co-founder and managing partner Mike Ratcliffe has deep roots in the South African wine world and an equally enduring partnership with Opimian. His mother, Norma Ratcliffe, an Edmontonian, was one of the first women to make wine in South Africa. From the beginning, Mike and his small team have had an uncompromising determination to create wines of elegant complexity, structure, and longevity. If you have been fortunate enough to have tasted it, you’ll know that they've succeeded. If you haven’t had the pleasure, here is your chance.

In these pages, you will find the legendary Series M, a Merlot and Malbec dominant blend, offered on its own and in a vertical case.

Wines are matured in French oak barrels for approximately 22 months each year, with the proportion of new oak adjusted according to the barrels selected to produce the best assemblage.

34

CELLAR 291 — FOCUS ON

Seriously Old Dirt, their incredible second label, is what the winemakers call "your everyday Vilafonté". Certain barrels are not fully utilized in the blends of the iconic Series wines and are then finished into the Seriously Old Dirt.

The unique terroir where Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec thrive is influenced by the presence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

High density plantings encourage smaller vines, lower yields and highly concentrated fruit. The ancient vilafontes soil has been undisturbed for millenia, producing wonderful wines.

When you pull into the parking lot at the Vilafonté offices in Stellenbosch, there is no indication of the wonderful alchemy that is happening inside. In this unassuming, industrial building, the expert winemakers are transforming the juice from grapes grown in ancient vilafontes soils into these award-winning, classic wines.

Together, visionaries Dr. Zelma Long, Mike Ratcliffe and Dr. Phil Freese saw an opportunity to make some of the best wine in the world. Along with Chris de Vries and Edward Pietersen, they have succeeded. At a quarter century old, Vilafonté has hit its stride.

Opimian Members get to enjoy the fruits of their vision and labour.

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

RARE WINES TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR

VERTICAL CASE ONE BOTTLE EACH 2015, 2016 & 2017

3068

VILAFONTÉ SERIES M VERTICAL TASTING CASE (WOOD CASE)

$ 324

$ 108

VILAFONTÉ SERIES M, PAARL, 2015

VILAFONTÉ SERIES M, PAARL, 2016

Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon

VILAFONTÉ SERIES M, PAARL, 2017

Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon

Mellow aromas with ripe and cooked fruits, vanilla and black treacle. The fruit flavours on the palate cede to quite a firm chewy finish possibly from the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend giving structure.

2015 was an early harvest, with grapes picked two weeks earlier than the previous year starting on January 30. The final assemblage was 40% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Malbec. Matured for 22 months with 18% new oak.

Drinking nicely now, it will stay at its optimum for some years.

A year younger, but the 2016 is a little more developed with gamey savoury bouquet with aniseed, rose petal, cola and wet earth. It is quite firm with bitter black fruits on the finish.

2016 was the smallest crop per hectare on record. It saw the start of the drought with low rainfall the preceding winter and hot conditions in summer with wildfires on Simonsberg.

Weather cooled during harvest which ended under favourable conditions allowing picking to extend to March 8, despite an early start.

Bags of forest fruits, mulberries, raspberries and floral notes are complemented by dill and tarragon. It is supple on the palate with good weight and depth with jammy fruits, malted biscuit, vanilla and some savoury notes. 2017 produced an abundant crop despite the fourth year of below average rainfall. Postharvest rainfall the preceding year allowed the vines to build up reserves before winter dormancy. It is a blend of 42% Merlot, 39% Malbec and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon.

2022-2026, M7 D9

2022-2026, M7 D8

2022-2030, M6 D8

Ripe & cooked fruits, vanilla

18°C

Game, aniseed, rose, wet earth

18°C

Dill, tarragon, mulberries, game

18°C

Black treacle, stewed fruit

14%

Cola, savoury, bitter black fruit

14%

Malted biscuit, savoury

14%

Pan-seared duck breast with field berry gastrique

Chorizo and bean stew

Cheesy vegetable lasagna

— SOUTH AFRICA VILAFONTÉ

35

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

RARE SPIRITS TO ENHANCE YOUR BAR

WARWICK WINE ESTATE

3041

UITKYK POT STILL BRANDY, TEN YEAR OLD GRAND RESERVE

Brandy

$ 89

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CELLAR 291 — COLLECTOR’S CORNER

38%

$ 178

South Africa has a long history of producing fine brandies. In fact, for years the brandy industry was given priority over stillwine production. The first early European settlers to the Cape in 1652 brought their experience with them. Orange amber in colour, it has a mellow woody bouquet with vanilla, bitter orange and a touch of smoke. It is smooth and elegant with a lingering smoky taste. It was produced from Cinsault, Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanche and Cabernet Sauvignon wines and doubledistilled in a 2000-litre pot still. It was matured for 10 years in oak casks.

FOOD

DISCOVER MORE COCKTAIL RECIPES ONLINE ON OUR BLOG.

Happy Hour

BRANDY 101 There are three ways to enjoy your brandy: neat, on the rocks and in a cocktail. neat | Consume straight without any ice cubes. Pour your brandy in a snifter,also known as a brandy glass or bowl. Hold the glass in your hand and let your hand warm up the spirit. This will release the aromas of the brandy. This is the preferred method for high-end brandy aficionados. on the rocks | To refresh your palate, add a few cubes of ice in your glass. in a cocktail | To discover the hidden side of brandy. Depending on the cocktail, you can bring out different aromas in brandy, to showcase fruity, oaky, and even smoky aromas.

CLUB WARWICK’S ‘OLD FASHIONED’ Ingredients • 4 oz (120 ml) Uitkyk Pot Still Brandy, Ten Year Old Grand Reserve • 4 tsp brown or white sugar

When you look at this Cellar Magazine, picture yourself in spring, when these bottles hit our shores... and what goes well with spring? Cocktails! We invite you to try new ways to enjoy your spirits as we expand our selection this year.

• Juice and zest of 2 oranges or clementines – the zest taken off in large pieces • 4 oz (120 ml) Campari •

8 dashes of bitters (or to taste)

•

Large ice cubes or ice balls, to serve

•

Extra orange or clementine segments, to serve Soda water (optional)

THE CARDINALE TOSCANO

THE TUSCAN 75

•

Try this Tuscan take on the classic Negroni with Winestillery's Cardinale Toscano, a cocktail that incorporates London Dry Gin, Bitter and Dry Vermouth.

Ingredients

Method

Ingredients • 1 oz (30 ml) Winestillery London Dry Gin • 1 oz (30 ml) Winestillery Tuscan Bitter • 1 oz (30 ml) Winestillery Tuscan Dry Vermouth • Orange peel to garnish Method In an old fashioned glass, stir the London Dry Gin, Tuscan Bitter, and Tuscan Dry Vermouth with ice. Garnish with the orange peel.

• 25 ml Old Tom Gin

1.

Muddle the Uitkyk Pot Still 10 Year Old Grand Reserve Brandy, sugar and orange or clementine zest in a mortar and pestle (alternatively use a small bowl and the end of a rolling pin).

2.

Scrape into a 500 ml glass jar, or a vessel large enough to mix the rest of the cocktail in. Add the orange or clementine juice, Campari and bitters.

Stir through and adjust the orange juice and bitters to taste.

3.

Ready your glasses with your preferred ice shape and garnish with a twist of citrus, and segments if desirable.

• 125 ml freshly pressed lemon juice • 1 dash of simple syrup • Lemon peel to garnish • Altadonna Ororosa Spumanté Brut Rosé to top Method Pour gin, lemon juice and simple syrup into a shaker with ice, and shake. Strain into a flute glass (without the ice). Top with spumante and garnish with lemon peel.

4. For a long drink, top up with soda water.

— CELLAR 291 FOOD

37

3069

WINESTILLERY LONDON DRY GIN, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE

Dry Gin

$ 137

42%

$ 137

Herbal notes and green apple with a smooth texture and some earthy notes. Enrico used two distillation techniques: Carter and Bennet Technique, with Tuscan botanicals juniper, coriander and citrus peel.

38

CELLAR 291 — COLLECTOR’S CORNER

3070

WINESTILLERY OLD TOM GIN, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE

Gin

$ 144

42%

$ 144

Woody aromas with fennel, licorice root, cinnamon and cloves. More woody nutmeg flavours show on the palate alongside citrus and baked apple notes. It is naturally sweet with no addition of sugar or sweeteners.

3071

WINESTILLERY TUSCAN VODKA, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE

Vodka

$ 135

42%

$ 135

Distilled from fine wines, this has floral notes, quite broad on the palate with a mineral edge. Whereas most vodka is made from grain, Winestillery's, produced from wine, retains some berry character with a smooth clean finish.

WINESTILLERY Introduced last year to Opimian, Winestillery was established in the heart of Chianti Classico region in 2019 by the Chioccioli Altadonna family. Small batches of premium spirits are distilled by Master Distiller Enrico Chioccioli Altadonna in a specially designed 500-litre copper pot still named “Bacco”, after Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and festivity. Having originally trained as a lawyer, Enrico was so intrigued by the world of spirits he re-trained in the art of distillation. Spirits are distilled from wine, and he uses local Tuscan botanicals to produce complex aromatics and flavours.

NEW FROM WINESTILLERY

3072

WINESTILLERY TUSCAN DRY VERMOUTH, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE

Vermouth

$ 102

18%

$ 102

Pale golden colour, it has cooked white fruit aromas with apples, sponge pudding and bitter almond. The palate reveals cooked orange and peaches with a bitter orange and mandarin peel finish. Produced from local Trebbiano wines from ripe and lateharvested grapes.

3073

WINESTILLERY TUSCAN BITTER, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE

Bitter

$ 105

25%

$ 105

Mahogany in colour, it has an interesting complex bouquet with bitter orange, smoke, spice and a medicinal note. The palate is sweet with intense flavours that linger.

— CELLAR 291 COLLECTOR’S CORNER

39

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CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Paolo and Francesco, the nephew and uncle team heading the family winery, sitting in the garden behind the Villa Sorbaiano.

ITALY

TUSCANY NEW PRODUCER

Fattoria Sorbaiano MAREMMA Tuscany is undoubtedly Italy’s most famous wine region – its Chiantis have been drunk in copious quantities in trattorias around the globe.

Located in central Italy, it is bound by the Tyrrhenian Sea (part of the Mediterranean) to the west with vineyards found along the Maremma coastal region on low lying land.

Further inland, the Chianti Classico region in the hills between Florence and Sienna is at higher altitude, expressed by the Sangiovese grape as a more crystalline structure and purity in the wines. Other prestigious appellations named after hilltop villages such as Montalcino and Montepulciano developed local strains of Sangiovese over time – Brunello and Prugnolo Gentile. The majority of wines produced in Tuscany are red, but there are good white wines, rosés, sparkling and the local specialty dessert wine Vin Santo.

Fattoria Sorbaiano is located in the northern part of the Tuscan coastal Maremma region within the Montescudaio DOC. 27 hectares of vineyards are planted on grey and orange-brown sandstone soils with quartz. The DOC allows red wines to be made from 50% Sangiovese blended with any combination of a number of other grape varieties permitted in Tuscany.

NEW

3079

SORBAIANO ROSSO, MONTESCUDAIO, DOC, 2020

Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 168

$ 28

Red fruit and herbal notes lead to a fairly austere wine with some drying tannin and a chewy finish. It is a blend of 50% Sangiovese with 35% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from vines growing at 350-400 metres.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Herbal red fruits

18°C

Austere style with chewy tannins

13.5%

Pasta aglio olio e peperoncino

NEW

3080

PIAN DEL CONTE, MONTESCUDAIO, DOC, 2018

Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 192

$ 32

Floral and red fruit aromas continue on to the palate with sour red berry fruits.

Montescudaio wines can be labelled as a varietal, providing they contain at least 85% of the grape. In this case, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon was added. Matured with some oak, it is linear in structure with a marked crunchy cranberry acidity on the finish.

2022-2024, M7 D8 Floral, red fruits

18°C

Sour berries

14%

Aged Tuscan Pecorino

— TUSCANY FATTORIA SORBAIANO

41

WINE TOURISM

Travel Tuscany | Art, History, Food, Wine This Italian Treasure has it all!

Florence, the epicentre of Tuscany, is home to some of the most cherished art in the world. There is so much art, it’s hard to know where to begin. If seeing Michelangelo’s statue of David at the Accademia Gallery isn’t enough for you, simply walk over to The Gates of Paradise

by Lorenzo Ghiberti at the Duomo (you can’t miss it!). Still not sated? Then off to the Uffizi Gallery! There you’ll find Botticelli’s Birth of Venus on the second floor. This priceless painting lives among thousands of incredible objets d’art. Those who have enough after an hour or two, or those who can spend days and days looking at art will all be delighted with the city.

ART AND HISTORY Art and history are intertwined. You have the best of both right here. The Ponte Vecchio (literally ‘Old Bridge’), also in Florence, was built before 996 when it first appeared in a document. But Tuscany is far more than just Florence. First settled by the Etruscans around 1000 B.C., Tuscany includes ten provinces, all nestled between

42

CELLAR 291 — WINE TOURISM

the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas. A total of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie within its borders. Here is the laundry list: Florence (we’ve talked about that), Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli (you may have heard of a certain leaning tower), San Gimignano, Siena, Pienza, Valdorcia and The Medici Villas and Gardens. Every one steeped in history and every one worth a visit.

FOOD AND WINE That leaves us with food and wine. Let’s start back in Florence. A wonderful foodie walking tour will help you get your bearings (Tasteflorence.com). You’ll get up close and personal with some of the best purveyors of classic, Tuscan cuisine. From learning about Super Tuscan wine to the proper way to make Gelato (the really fluffy stuff is mostly air), Toni from Taste Florence knows what’s what.

variety is required to be the majority of any wine including the certification. Thus, the creation of the unofficial ‘Super Tuscan’ category. They break the rules and produce some incredible wines as a result. Taste as many as you can along the way. You’ll develop a sense of the diversity of wines from Tuscany despite its very narrow reputation. If you can wait, watch for an Opimian food and wine tour of Italy in the fall of 2022. If you can’t, reach out to our Member Service department and we’ll put you in touch with some of the producers in the area. You’ll be treated like royalty when you arrive.

Then, it’s off to visit some of our partners in the rolling hills of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Sangiovese is the grape of choice, mainly because of the DOC/G rules for winemaking. In general, this

CHIOCCIOLI FOSSIVÈNTO, CHIANTI CLASSICO, DOCG, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE, 2017, LOT 3076, P57

CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO, DOCG, 2020, LOT 3084, P45

NEW

3081

NEW

FEBO, TOSCANA, IGT, 2016

Merlot

$ 58

3082

VIN SANTO DI SORBAIANO, MONTESCUDAIO, DOC, 2012

Trebbiano

$ 174

A standout wine in the lineup, it has aromas of fresh blackcurrants, herbs, spices and a touch of savoury cheese rind. It is fine in texture with a velvet structure and lots of fruit on the palate. Medium-bodied overall, it is dense with nice tannins on the finish.

Merlot was blended with 15% Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was matured in large oak vats for 15 months.

2022-2028, M7 D9 Fresh blackcurrant, herbs, spice

18°C

Forest fruits

14%

Grilled veal scallopini with golden raisins and pine nuts

$ 62

$ 186

Sorbaiano’s 2012 Vin Santo has a complex bouquet with caramel, toffee, barley sugar and marmalade components. This sweet dessert wine, bright orange in colour, was made from Trebbiano grapes. These were picked and then hung on racks in a drying room for 4-5 months. After gentle pressing, the intensely concentrated juice was put into barrels and left to its own devices to ferment naturally and mature. It is sweet with delicious orange, other citrus and vanilla notes and a harmonious acidity giving balance and length.

2022-2028, M7 D9 Caramel, toffee, barley sugar

6°C

Orange, citrus, vanilla, [176.70]

14.5%

Chocolate-hazelnut panforte

photo — Villa Sorbaiano has been the family house since 1958.

— TUSCANY FATTORIA SORBAIANO

43

ITALY

TUSCANY

Fattoria di Cinciano CHIANTI Cinciano estate is tucked just inside the Chianti Classico DOCG on the west side. This is the traditional and longest-established heart of the Chianti Region and is considered the best. The 100-hectare Cinciano estate sits in a commanding position overlooking Elsa Valley and across to San Gimignano town. 24 hectares of vines are dedicated to Sangiovese grown on typical Alberese soils at altitudes between 250 to over 400 metres. Many of the cuvées are made in a similar manner with maturation in large oak casks – the difference between them comes down to the grapes, the specific plot and the age of the vines.

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CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Piazzetta, the heart of the Cinciano estate, where guests can relax, taste wines and eat at Osteria 1126, Cinciano's restaurant.

3084

CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO, DOCG, 2020

Sangiovese

$ 33

3085

CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA, DOCG, 2019

$ 39

$ 234

The 2020 Cinciano Chianti Classico has ripe and jammy dark fruits with a hint of hay on the nose. It is mediumbodied and supple with dark fruit flavours and a sour cherry finish. Made from Sangiovese grapes from 12- to 20-year-old vines, it was matured for three months in large old Slavonian oak casks.

Riserva is a step up from Chianti Classico with the DOCG requiring it to be aged for 24 months. Produced from older Sangiovese vines planted at 300 metres on Albarese soils, the Cinciano 2019 Riserva is deep plum in colour. The palate is supple and juicy with cherry fruits and a grainy texture.

Grapes were fermented and left on skins for 30 days, then the wine matured for 14-18 months in large casks.

2022-2027, M7 D8

2022-2026, M7 D8

Jammy dark fruits, hay

18°C

Plums

18°C

Black & sour cherries

14%

Cherry, juicy fruits

14.5%

Braised lamb with fava beans

CINCIANO BIANCO, IGP TOSCANA, 2020

Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Sangiovese

$ 198

3083

$ 162

$ 27

Intense aromas of cassis and white peach lead to a smooth palate with more nectarine and mandarin fruits. A blend of 50% Viognier, 30% Chardonnay and 20% Sauvignon, it has consistently scored highly over the years and is one of my favourite Italian whites.

Flavoursome with balanced acidity and persistent apricot and peach finish.

Ricotta ravioli alla marinara

2022-2023, M8 D9 Cassis, white peach

6°C

Mandarin, nectarine, [0.00]

13%

Tuna steaks with peas and mint

photo — View of the Elsa Valley from the main terrace of the Villa.

— TUSCANY FATTORIA DI CINCIANO

45

VERTICAL CASE 3086

CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA, DOCG, LIBRARY SELECTION

$ 42

$ 252

CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA, DOCG, 2016

Sangiovese

A supple wine with nice blackberry and cherry flavours. Dark fruits are a little shy on the nose. It has fine texture with some astringency on the finish.

2022-2028, M6 D8 Black fruits, soot

18°C

Blackberry, cherry

14.5%

Spaghetti Bolognese

CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA, DOCG, 2017

Sangiovese

2022-2026, M7 D8 Walnuts, red cherries

18°C

Dark fruit, bitter cherry

14.5%

Grilled veggie pizza with Pecorino

46

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

After what was a pretty tricky growing season in 2017, with frost and low yields, the 2017 Chianti Classicos are surprisingly good.

This has red cherry aromas with walnut character. It is supple and medium-bodied, slightly lighter than the 2016 with a fine texture.

Muted dark fruits come out on the palate with a bit of air, followed by lingering bitter cherries and some grip on the finish.

THREE BOTTLES EACH 2016 & 2017

photo — Three out of five members of the third generation of Cinciano: Matteo Garrè, Giovanna Beraldo and Pierenrico Beraldo.

CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE, DOCG, 2016 (WOOD CASE)

Sangiovese

$ 47

3088

$ 282 $ 103

3089

$ 309

2022-2028, M6 D7 Restrained fruit

18°C

Black and red berries

14.5%

Grana Padano

I had the opportunity to taste this wine at the Chianti Classico Collection tasting in London in May, 2021, against a serious lineup of some much more expensive Gran Selezione – and it showed well with earthy, marzipan and a bitter cherry aromas. It is medium-bodied with good palate weight and a cherry finish. The hierarchy of rules associated with Chianti Classico means that Riserva wines must be aged for 24 months, while Gran Selezione must be made from a single estate (all Cinciano wines are) and aged for 30 months. Cinciano uses its best grapes for this cuvée picked in the first half of October. It spent 20-24 months in large Slavonian oak casks.

Bottles of the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, 2016, will be signed by the winemaker.

GRAN SELEZIONE 2016 EARNED A PLATINUM MEDAL FROM DECANTER & 94 PTS FROM JAMES SUCKLING!

3087

CINCIANO CAMPONI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA, DOCG, 2018 (WOOD CASE)

Sangiovese

$ 270

$ 45

A firm structured wine with musky animal and tobacco aromas. It was produced from the oldest vines on the estate: 50 years old and producing very low yields. I would suggest decanting and airing this if you are going to drink it early in order to bring out more of the fruit. Initially, it can be quite hard and green on the finish but this should mellow with time.

2022-2028, M7 D8 Musk, tobacco

18°C

Austere fruit

12%

Onion-braised beef with roast potatoes and peas

photo — Gran Selezione 2016 is one of Cinciano's best vintages in the last 10 years.

— TUSCANY FATTORIA DI CINCIANO

47

ITALY

TUSCANY

Talosa MONTEPULCIANO

48

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Talosa estate, owned by the Jacorossi family, consists of 33 hectares of vineyards close to the hilltop town of Montepulciano in a cru called Pietrose. Vines sit at 350-400 metres altitude with southwest exposure to the sun. The main Talosa cellar, dating to the 16th century, is beneath the old town centre in a series of underground vaults and passageways between two of the city’s oldest palazzos. The temperature and humidity are constant at 14°C and 70% respectively, making it ideal for the maturation of traditional wines in large old oak vats.

photo — Edoardo Mottini Jacorossi and Cristian Pepi in the historic cellar, tasting samples of the new vintages.

NEW

3091

TALOSA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO RISERVA, DOCG, 2016

Sangiovese

$ 56

$ 336

A bouquet with dried fruit, tar, graphite and pencil shavings leads to a structured wine which reveals more succulent fruits on the palate. Blackcurrants and other dark fruits are enhanced by fine-grained tannins and a harmonious balance. Nice to drink now, it is not yet at its peak and has the structure and flavours to cellar well. Produced from 100% Sangiovese (locally Prugnolo Gentile), a careful selection of the grapes was done in the first half of October 2016. Matured for three years in a combination of new oak barrels and older oak.

2022-2028, M6 D7 Graphite, dried fruit, tar

18°C

Blackcurrant

14.5%

Tuscan steak with balsamic-marinated cherry tomatoes

photo — The new tasting room in the historic cellar.

Stocked on the wall are old vintages of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

— TUSCANY TALOSA

49

ITALY

TUSCANY

Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano SCANSANO The pretty medieval village of Scansano lies on an outcrop in the south of the coastal Maremma region. The village is home to Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano, a cooperative with 170 growers. Around Scansano and neighbouring Grossetto, growers cultivate vineyards on flatter, gentle low-lying slopes. The area has its own mesoclimate influenced by the proximity to the coast and the Albegna River, so that Sangiovese grown in this region is softer and rounder in style than most Chiantis. To reflect the different style, the grape is known locally as Morellino.

50

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — The Maremma Toscana's climatic conditions are ideal for producing a large variety of wines that express its varied terroir.

3093

VIN DEL FATTORE SANGIOVESE, MAREMMA TOSCANA, DOC, GOVERNO ALL'USO TOSCANO, CANTINA VIGNAIOLI SCANSANO, 2020

Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo

$ 31

3092 $ 186

Sangiovese, Alicante

On the lighter side of the medium-bodied spectrum, this wine is brimming with red fruits and floral notes on the nose and on the palate. Quite simple with some grip on the finish. Grapes were grown on relatively young vines planted on sandy, silty soils.

$ 29

16°C

Sweet fruits

14.5%

$ 174

A medium-bodied wine based on Sangiovese with a 5% splash of Alicante. It has interesting aromas of violets, black cherries and rosehip. It is supple with good mid-palate weight leading to some grip on the finish.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Red fruits, floral

ROGGIANO, MORELLINO DI SCANSANO, DOCG, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2020

2022-2024, M8 D9

Cured meats antipasto

Black cherry, violets, rosehip

18°C

Dark fruits

14%

Tagliatelle with white truffle and mushroom sauce

3094

VIGNABENEFIZIO, MORELLINO DI SCANSANO, DOCG, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2020

Sangiovese

$ 30

$ 180

2022-2025, M7 D9 Floral, rose

18°C

Ripe cherries, cooked red fruit

14.5%

Beef stew with pancetta and capers

My favourite of the 2020 wines produced by Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano. It is plum in colour with floral notes of rose. It is mediumbodied with a fine silky texture complemented by a firm acidity. Flavours of ripe cherries and cooked red fruits create a wine with depth – delicious now and in the coming years. Sangiovese (a.k.a.

Morellino) grown at 150 metres above sea level was picked at full phenolic maturity. Post fermentation and maceration on skins, the wine was matured in one- and two-year-old French oak barrels for six months.

— TUSCANY CANTINA VIGNAIOLI DEL MORELLINO DI SCANSANO

51

CELLAR UP! WINES TO SHAPE YOUR CELLAR

AROMATIC OR SWEET Dessert, rich foods like foie gras VIN SANTO DI SORBAIANO, MONTESCUDAIO, DOC, 2012, LOT 3082, P43

So you're a collector, or selecting wines for your own drinking pleasure, or you like nothing better than sharing a bottle with friends and family.

In all of these cases, a range of styles, varietals and price points will enhance your enjoyment.

It's a delight to go to your personal stash and decide which of your wines will go with the drinking occasion. The criteria are endless. The day of the week, who will be joining you, what you'll be eating with it, and even the time of year.

Use this guide to familiarize yourself with the various options in this Cellar, both here in print and online. You'll find a little more detail around the characteristics of many wine styles and the wines available specific to those styles.

We, as Members of Opimian, are so fortunate to have the advice of many wine experts who share their wisdom.

Cheers to your cellar!

FIND MORE CELLAR UP! SUGGESTIONS CHECK ONLINE. OUT MORE CELLAR UP! SUGGESTIONS ONLINE.

Dessert wines boast an array of complex flavours. The best are not only sweet but have brisk acidity to keep them alive and kicking. They complement sweet desserts and match well with hard cheeses and nutty flavours. Amongst the world’s benchmarks is the Tuscan speciality Vin Santo. Vinsanto di Sorbaiano Montescudaio DOC 2012 is a great example showing complex flavours and perfect harmony.

SMOOTH MEDIUM WHITE Poultry, mild cheeses, pork CINCIANO BIANCO, IGP TOSCANA, 2020, LOT 3083, P45

Smooth white wines which are dry with good acidity and pleasing fruit flavours are delicious to drink on their own and easy to match with food. They are great “go-to” wines when you just want something nice without thinking too hard. It is worth stocking up on these in your cellar! Cinciano Bianco, IGP Toscana 2020 fits the bill with cassis, white peach and nectarine flavours combined in a smooth frame.

MEDIUM RED Versatile; many meats without heavy sauces, casseroles THE SMUGGLER'S BOOT PINOT NOIR, 2019, LOT 3061, P28

Smooth, medium-bodied reds are fantastic food wines that pair well with a variety of food,s even slightly spicy dishes. The Smuggler's Boot Pinot Noir Western Cape 2019 has complex fruit and savoury flavours. A versatile wine with true Pinot character.

FULL BODY RED Heavy stews, many game meats, lamb, strong cheeses, even dessert ALTADONNA CHIANTI CLASSICO, DOCG, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE, 2019, LOT 3075, P55

Full-bodied red wines match nicely with hearty casseroles, hard cheeses and dishes such as lamb shanks, beef Wellington and Sunday roasts. The “body” in red wine is the combination of alcohol, tannin and acidity and there is a spectrum.

Many of them have the potential to age, becoming more complex and satisfying with time. Altadonna Chianti Classico 2019 is at the lighter end of this spectrum with good acidity and tannin structure supporting mellow spicy flavours.

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CELLAR 291 — CELLAR UP!

3096 TUSCAN WINES ARE PERFECTLY FOOD-FRIENDLY!

3095

SCANTIANUM SANGIOVESE TOSCANA, IGT, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2020

$ 162

$ 186

Deep ruby in colour with nice red fruit aromas. It is medium-bodied with nice weight and a round smooth mid palate. Sangiovese was combined with 5% each of Alicante, Ciliegiolo and Merlot from relatively young vines around the region. A short maceration and fermentation at low temperature creates an easy-drinking wine with some delicious bitter cherry flavours on the finish.

Produced from 100% Ciliegiolo grape, Capoccia has intense floral, muscat aromas with some blackcurrant. It is light- to medium-bodied with light, supple tannins supported by a marked acidity. Ciliegiolo is a grape habitually used in Tuscany as a minor component in blends and is named after the Italian word for cherry. Grapes came from selected plots planted over 15 years ago, mostly on sandy soils rich in silt. This is a flavoursome wine with a characteristic bitter cherry finish.

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

Red fruits

18°C

Floral muscat notes, blackcurrant

18°C

Bitter cherries

13.5%

Bitter cherries

13.5%

Pasta with tomato-almond pesto Trapanese

photo — Wine tasting at the Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano. The tasting is available for small and big groups alike.

Ciliegiolo

$ 31

Sangiovese

$ 27

CAPOCCIA RISERVA, ROSSO MAREMMA TOSCANA, DOC, CANTINA VIGNAIOLI SCANSANO, 2019

Vegetable risotto with goat’s cheese

— TUSCANY CANTINA VIGNAIOLI DEL MORELLINO DI SCANSANO

53

ITALY

TUSCANY

Chioccioli Altadonna CHIANTI

54

CELLAR 291 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

The estate in Gaiole is in the heart of the traditional Chianti Classico region with vineyards also in Quercegrossa. The entrepreneurial Chioccioli Altadonna siblings Niccolò, Enrico and Ginevra do everything in the vineyard and cellar themselves with guidance from their father Stefano – a consultant, winemaker and oenologist well known throughout Italy.

photo — Enrico and Niccolò Chioccioli in the vineyards.

3075

ALTADONNA CHIANTI CLASSICO, DOCG, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE, 2019

Sangiovese, Merlot

$ 33

3074

ALTADONNA ORAROSA VINO SPUMANTE BRUT ROSÉ, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE Sangiovese

$ 198

Savoury aromas with woodland and incense notes over plummy fruits in the background give great appeal. This is a mellow wine, smooth and round. On the palate more plums and other dark fruit flavours are supported by nice acidity and good tannin structure. Nice now with good potential. A blend of mainly Sangiovese with 10% Merlot.

$ 198

$ 33

Floral aromas of talc and rose petal continue through on to the palate. This sparkling wine is made, unusually, from 100% Sangiovese. Grapes were pressed and the juice fermented in pressurized tanks to capture the sparkle – a process known as the Charmat method. Floral notes are complemented by the wine’s body: it is dry with a crisp acidity.

2022-2026, M7 D8 Savoury, woodland, incense

18°C

Plums, dark fruits

14%

Rigatoni marinara

2022-2023, M8 D9 Talc, rose petal

6°C

Floral, crisp acidity, [5.00]

12%

Baked oysters with Parm and lemon

photo — Altadonna Chianti Classico in front of the fireplace makes for a cozy evening!

— TUSCANY CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA

55

Give the Gift ofWine This Holiday Season, make your friends and family happy by sharing the joy of Opimian wines.

When you get someone started on a subscription program, they will also receive a complimentary one-year Opimian Membership (value of $109 +tx).

For more details, go to Opimian.ca/giftshop/

MORE GREAT GIFT IDEAS AT OPIMIAN.CA/ GIFTSHOP/ A curated 6-bottle mixed case showcasing 3 wines from each Cellar for

$151

6 bottles of one exclusive premium wine with each Cellar for

$195

NEW

3076

CHIOCCIOLI FOSSIVÈNTO, CHIANTI CLASSICO, DOCG, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE, 2017 Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

$ 258

$ 43

Ripe cooked red fruits, pâtisserie, vanilla and floral notes create an ensemble that is interesting and fresh.

Fossivénto is a blend of 85% Sangiovese with 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah – the Chianti Classico DOCG stipulates a minimum of 80% of Sangiovese. The 2017 is medium-bodied, smooth with a grippy finish. It has good depth and length with persistent bitter cherry flavour. Matured in small French oak barrels for 14 months.

2022-2028, M7 D8 Cooked red fruits, patisserie, floral

18°C

Bitter cherry

14.5%

Braised wild boar with blueberries

NEW

3077

CHIOCCIOLI ALTORE, TOSCANA, IGT, CHIOCCIOLI, 2013

Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 109

$ 327

2022-2030, M7 D8 Wet earth, blackberry, olive

18°C

Green leaf, black fruit

14.5%

Braised chicken with sundried tomatoes and basil

photo — A bottle of Chioccioli Fossivènto is a perfect gift for the holidays!

Chioccioli’s “Super Tuscan” Altoré is a blend of equal parts of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon – so called Super Tuscan because the high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon is not permitted under DOCG regulations which dictate a minimum of 80% Sangiovese. Deep in colour, it has a complex and mature bouquet with blackberry, black olive, woodlands, green leaf, earth and some dusty oak. It is medium to full-bodied with good structure and not yet at its peak.

It is quite weighty with good fruit on the mid palate and a fine texture. Grapes were handpicked into small boxes and cooled overnight. After double sorting, the grapes were filled into open barrels and left to ferment with a long maceration on skins.

The wine was then matured in small French oak barrels for 18 months.

— TUSCANY CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA

57

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

ONE BOTTLE EACH GROENLAND SH9C, LAKE DISTRICT SH9C, LAKE DISTRICT SH22

RARE WINES TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR

KERSHAW DECONSTRUCTED GROENLAND BOKKEVELD SHALE SH9C, 2017

RICHARD KERSHAW WINES

MIXED CASE 3064

KERSHAW DECONSTRUCTED SYRAH

$ 122

$ 366

The Elgin region, 40 kilometres southeast of Capetown, is a is a relative newcomer which has very quickly developed a reputation for producing some of South Africa’s finest wines. Surrounded by mountains, the Elgin Valley is a basin situated 10 kilometres inland on a hexagonalshaped plateau at 300 metres. It is the coolest wine region in South Africa where temperatures rarely go above 35°C. Generally in the warmest month, February, daytime temperatures peak at around 23°C dropping to 14°C at night; occasionally, the region is shrouded in mist. Richard has long believed that Elgin has the credentials to produce world class wines from specific clones of certain varietals matched to specific terroirs within the region. He makes three Syrah wines each from a specific vineyard and a different single clone. The 2017 vintage started with a cool winter enabling good vine dormancy but with low rainfall.

Blustery conditions during flowering led to some uneven berry-set while a cool December slowed down ripening.

The bottles will be signed by the winemaker.

Syrah

CELLAR 291 — COLLECTOR’S CORNER

Syrah

Intense spicy oak, vanilla and cloves lie over a mulberry background. This is a medium-bodied wine which is structured and has good depth of flavours. It is silky in texture with fine tannins complemented by a long raspberry and chocolate finish.

The Groenland vineyard is in the northern part of Elgin in the footslopes of Groenland Mountains at 400 metres. Vines are planted on Bokkeveld shale over clay with a high iron content. The SH9c clone is known for producing well scented, delicately balanced wines with savoury character when planted in cool areas. Picked March 2017.

An elegant wine less expressive at the time of tasting and with less apparent oak. It has mellow aromas with red fruits and spice.

Similar red fruit character and vanilla come through on the palate. Very fine in texture.

SH9c from the Lake District in the west of Elgin is on decomposed granitic soils with pebbles and quartz known as “Cartref.” It is made from the same clone as the previous wine, produced in much the same way. Both were matured 17 months in 228-litre French oak barrels with 50% new. The difference in style is noticeable with the oak less apparent and more integrated in this wine at present.

2022-2028, M7 D9

2022-2026, M8 D9

Vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, mulberries

18°C

Red fruits, spice

18°C

Raspberry, chocolate

13.5%

Vanilla, elegant fine texture

13.5%

Lamb tagine with tomato and apricots

Beef and mushroom pot pie topped with 7-month aged Gouda

KERSHAW DECONSTRUCTED LAKE DISTRICT CARTREF SH22, 2017

Syrah

2022-2029, M6 D8 Fresh coconut, red fruits

18°C

Blackcurrant, smooth & round

13.5%

Lentil-sausage stew

58

KERSHAW DECONSTRUCTED LAKE DISTRICT CARTREF SH9C, 2017

Grown on Cartref soils in the Lake District, the SH22 clone produces fuller, finely structured wines. Aromas of fresh coconut, red fruits and blackcurrants lead to a smooth, round wine. This has more mid palate than the previous two wines, with fine velvet tannins and a warm finish. It was matured for 17 months in a combination of 228-litre and 500-litre barrels from selected coopers in Burgundy and Rhône using only French oak.

— CELLAR 291 COLLECTOR’S CORNER

59

Web Exclusives Please visit Opimian.ca for your province's pricing on these wines.

60

CELLAR 291 — WEB EXCLUSIVES NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

3097

IL VELTRO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO, DOCG, 2017

Sangiovese

$ WEB

3098

IL VELTRO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO, DOC, 2020

3099

Sangiovese

$ WEB

$ WEB

SERAPHICUM ROSSO TOSCANO, IGT, 2020

Sangiovese

$ WEB

$ WEB

$ WEB

An elegant wine with a complex mellow bouquet, mint, raspberry and a touch of vanilla. Initially soft on the attack and quite light mid palate, these lead to a savoury finish with layers of flavour and some good grip.

Dark fruits, undergrowth, tar and blackcurrant combine in a bouquet with good depth. It is medium to full bodied with a firm, solid structure and some chewiness on the finish.

Marked by the oak maturation, aromas of pencil shavings lead to a supple palate with succulent black fruits emerging. It is smooth with a fine texture.

2022-2028, M7 D9

2022-2028, M6 D8

2022-2026, M7 D8

Fruit, herbs, mint, raspberry, vanilla

18°C

Dark fruits, tar, undergrowth

18°C

Pencil shavings

18°C

Raspberries, savoury

14.5%

Blackcurrant

14.5%

Black fruits

13.5%

Tomato-herb cioppino

Baked eggplant-Mozzarella involtini in marinara

Casarecce with grilled Portobellos and Pecorino

— CELLAR 291 WEB EXCLUSIVES

61

2022 Cellar Schedule C290: Burgundy, Australia & New Zealand Opens November 9, 2021 Last day to order: December 13, 2021 Mail form by: November 30, 2021 Expected release: Spring 2022

Legend

C291: South Africa & Tuscany Opens December 14, 2021 Last day to order: January 17, 2022 Mail form by: January 3, 2022 Expected release: Summer 2022

Red - White - Rosé - Sparkling - Port/Dessert - Spirit

Bottle size

C292: Argentina, Chile & Alsace Opens January 18, 2022 Last day to order: February 21, 2022 Mail form by: February 7, 2022 Expected release: Summer 2022

Number of bottles in case

Aroma

C293: Rhône, Chablis, Champagne & Scotland Opens February 22, 2022 Last day to order: March 28, 2022 Mail form by: March 14, 2022 Expected release: Summer 2022

Taste

Serving temperature

C294: Spain & Austria Opens March 29, 2022 Last day to order: May 2, 2022 Mail form by: April 18, 2022 Expected release: Fall 2022

Percent of alcohol1

Ideal with Evolution Drink this year Will develop, drink within 2 years Meant for cellaring

C295: Bordeaux, Bergerac, Beaujolais & Cognac/Armagnac Opens May 3, 2022 Last day to order: June 6, 2022 Mail form by: May 20, 2022 Expected release: Fall 2022

Body Light - Medium - Great

C296: Veneto, Puglia & Northern Italy, Germany & Corsica Opens June 7, 2022 Last day to order: July 11, 2022 Mail form by: June 27, 2022 Expected release: Winter 2023

Oak Light - Medium - Heavy

C297: Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire & Provence Opens July 12, 2022 Last day to order: August 15, 2022 Mail form by: July 29, 2022 Expected release: Winter 2023

Organic2

Limited quantity

Vegetarian2

Overall top 10 from last year

C298: The United States, Portugal and the Port Bottle Shop Opens August 16, 2022 Last day to order: September 19, 2022 Mail form by: September 2, 2022 Expected release: Winter 2023

Medal winner

C299: Piedmont, Sicily, Le Marche, Abruzzo & Canada Opens September 20, 2022 Last day to order: November 7, 2022 Mail form by: October 25, 2022 Expected release: Spring 2023 1 2

If you have any questions or want to order, contact us: MemberService@Opimian.ca or 1 800 361-9421

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

Residual Sugar Dry = 0-10g/l Semi dry = 11-30g/l

Semi sweet = 31-50g/l Sweet = 51+g/l

The alcohol percentage value is subject to change before delivery.

This information is provided by our producers and may not reflect Canadian norms.

Ordering Made Easy 1. SELECT YOUR WINES Let yourself be inspired by Opimian’s Master of Wine, Jane Masters MW, and her detailed descriptions included in the Cellar Offering.

Our custom chart on the reverse side features a list of symbols to help guide your selection.

Still unsure which wines to order? Contact us!

2. PLACE YOUR ORDER There are four ways to order. The last day to order for each Cellar Offering can be found listed on the reverse. No orders will be processed after this time.

Full name _________________________________________________ Telephone ________________________________________________ Member no. ________________________________________________ Payment Methods

l Cheque Opimian.ca

1 800 361-9421

MemberService@Opimian.ca

Mail this form 14 days before end of the Cellar to Opimian Wine Club de Vin 300 - 2170 René-Lévesque West Montreal, QC H3H 2T8

l Use of wine credits

l Use credit card on file. Please go to your dashboard at Opimian.ca to update your credit card on file or contact Member Service.

Cellar Number Lot

Description

Date Number of cases

Cost/case

Total

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 listed on the reverse.

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), wine credits 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. In the case of any price discrepancy between printed materials and the website, the price published on the website prevails.

• All orders are by the case, with no minimum required.

Notes, as required by the law in the Province of Quebec • 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.

Notes, as required by the law in the Province of Alberta • All purchase transactions are completed pursuant to the laws in the Province of Alberta and are between you as the customer and Rocky Mountain Wine, Spirits & Beer (“Rocky Mountain”), an independent third party of Opimian Society (“Opimian”). All charges will appear on your credit card statement as Rocky Mountain.

• You hereby acknowledge and agree that your dealings with Rocky Mountain which are not related to an Opimian purchase, including payment and all other terms, conditions, representations and warranties related to such transaction, whether implied by law or by expressed agreement between you and Rocky Mountain, are solely between you and Rocky Mountain and not Opimian. You hereby acknowledge that Opimian is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of, or in connection with, or a resulting transaction, and you hereby release and waive any claims you may have against Opimian in connection thereof.

TOTAL

Notes to Member Service ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Processed on ________________________ (date)

Initials __________________

Tuscan BOTTLE SHOP

IL VELTRO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO, DOCG, 2017

IL VELTRO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO, DOC, 2020

SERAPHICUM ROSSO TOSCANO, IGT, 2020

LOT 3097

LOT 3098

LOT 3099

Fruit, herbs, mint, raspberry, vanilla

Raspberries, savoury

Dark fruits, tar, undergrowth

Blackcurrant

Pencil shavings

Black fruits

Tomato-herb cioppino

2022-2028, M7 D9

Baked eggplant-Mozzarella involtini in marinara

2022-2028, M6 D8

Casarecce with grilled Portobellos & Pecorino

2022-2026, M7 D8

14.5%

18°C

14.5%

18°C

13.5%

18°C

$54

$35

$29

$324

$210

$174

GO TO OPIMIAN.CA memberservice@opimian.ca

300-2170 RENÉ-LÉVESQUE WEST MONTREAL QC H3H 2T8 OPIMIAN.CA

1-800-361-9421