C292-BC: Alsace, Argentina and Chile

CELLAR

BC 292

ORDER JAN 18 - FEB 21, 2022

ALSACE, ARGENTINA & CHILE Winemaker and surfer, Charlie Villard from Villard Fine Wines

OPIMIAN.CA

VALUE ON EVERY PAGE

WINE OF LEGEND

LOT 3138

Zapam Zucum Cabernet Sauvignon by Mauricio Lorca, Vino Orgánico Argentino, La Rioja, 2021 A BRAND NEW CABERNET SAUVIGNON FROM ARGENTINA Mauricio Lorca is a trailblazer when it comes to making wines with fruity aromas and great complexity. In late 2018, he travelled to Vichigasta in La Rioja in search of the best terroir to make organic wines.

After a long search, Mauricio found a farm and was immediately taken by the climate, the soil and the fruit.

As he left the vineyards one day, the sun finally setting, he heard what sounded like bells, getting louder and louder. Hurrying to the exit, from afar, he heard the chilling scream of a woman.

Seeing his shock, his partner laughed it off and said "Be quiet! It's Zapam Zucum, she protects our fruits."

Zapam Zucum, in local legend, is a spirit in the form of a voluminous woman with black eyes and cascading dark hair who lives in the shadows and watches over the fruit on the vines. Mauricio Lorca decided to honour her through his organic Zapam Zucum organic wines.

Black cherries, blackberries, wet stone and just a hint of creosote combine to give lots of appeal to Zapam Zucum Cabernet Sauvignon. It is linear in structure with nice mid-palate fruit and a tight tannin structure.

Organic

18°C

13.5% 2022-2024, M8 D9

Blackberries

$ 21 Black cherries, wet stone, creosote

Smoked meat

$ 126

EDITORIAL

Value by Any Standard

Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Managing Directors

Value is subjective. Each of us judges value in our own way in every aspect of our lives.

When it comes to wine and Opimian, value not only includes the price/ quality ratio, but also exclusive access to world class wines, expert curation of the wines offered, detailed information on every bottle, and a relationship with the winemaker that you can't get elsewhere. In fact, value is what makes Opimian unique in Canada.

For this Cellar – Alsace, Argentina and Chile – these values are so prevalent that we didn't even need to create a centre spread for them.

The top values are on every page. From the everyday drinkers crafted by Echeverria and Lorca to the collectibles from Viña La Rosa and Villard, the relatively lower cost of production has these wines in very high demand.

This Cellar always sees the most cases ordered compared to any other in the season.

The incredible quality of Hunawihr wines from Alsace is even more accessible this year, with many of them offered in three packs. These perennial favourites are inside beginning on page 8 and include an article by Louise Wilson MW that shines a light on this small but mighty wine region.

We continue to seek and find new and interesting spirits for you. In addition to the Terrier Gin that sold so well last year, you'll find some liquid gold in the Clever Hazelnut Liqueur Cream. ​Keep watching your Cellars as we expand our spirits offering in the coming months.

As we approach the mid-point of our Canadian winter, let these pictures, wines, articles and features transport you to warmer climes and our year-round enjoyment of the best wines in the world. Discover thirty-five new wines, more mixed cases than ever, super premium choices in smaller pack sizes and wood cases. There's never been a better time to be a Member of Canada's Wine Club.

Michael & Greg

OPIMIAN SUGGESTS.................................................................................. P5 COUPS DE COEUR....................................................................................... P7 CAVE VINICOLE DE HUNAWIHR........................................................ P8 CELLAR UP!..................................................................................................... P18 FUEGO BLANCO MILLÁN.................................................................... P20 BODEGA Y VIÑEDOS MAURICIO LORCA ................................. P24 FINCA FERRER............................................................................................. P30 VIÑA ECHEVERRIA.....................................................................................P36 VIÑA LA ROSA...............................................................................................P42 LAS VELETAS.................................................................................................P48 VILLARD FINE WINES..............................................................................P52 COLLECTOR’S CORNER WINES..................................................... P58 COLLECTOR’S CORNER SPIRITS.................................................... P61

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CELLAR 292 — EDITORIAL

OPIMIAN SUGGESTS OUR PICKS FOR THIS CELLAR

PROJECT MANAGER, MARKETING

KIM TIEN HUYNH

Kim Tien is a foodie and loves to cook. Her wine journey started with Gewurztraminer wines and reds from the New World. Even though she regularly enjoys whites, rosés or sparkling, she has developed a taste for Pinot Noir and lighter reds, especially enjoying sharing wine on Fridays with her neighbours. She treasures big bold red wines to pair with food.

GEWURZTRAMINER RÉSERVE, AOC ALSACE, 2020, LOT 3103, P9

CORNELLANA SCHIST/COLLUVIAL CARMENERE WOOD CASE, LOT 3175, P58

FINCA FERRER MALBEC, ESTATE GROWN, GUALTALLARY, 2018, LOT 3150, WEB EXCLUSIVE

LAS VELETAS CUARTEL N° 5 CABERNET FRANC, VALLE DEL MAULE, 2018, LOT 3181, P51

EL BARRIO NATURAL WINE CASE, LOT 3160, P40

RIESLING GRAND CRU SCHOENENBOURG, AOC ALSACE, 2020, LOT 3107, P11

CO- 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 his list.

— CELLAR 292 OPIMIAN SUGGESTS

5

MASTER PIECE

The Relevance of Wine Competitions Jane Masters MW is Opimian’s Master of Wine

Have you ever been to an Oscar winning film to find it wasn’t your cup of tea? There are thousands of film festivals, but just because something wins an award doesn’t mean it is to your taste. Similarly, there are a multitude of wine competitions.

6

Wine competitions vary in scale and prestige, from local regional panels to large international operations such as the International Wine Challenge, the International Wine & Spirit Competition and the Decanter World Wine Awards. Each competition is set up and organized differently, and wines may be entered for a variety of reasons: a genuine desire to benchmark wines against peers, more exposure and recognition, or the hope a medal will allow a price increase.

Having been a senior judge over many years, I have witnessed the pros and cons of different tasting formats. There is no one right way, but two key factors determine good from bad. These are the calibre of the judges and the objectivity of the tasting.

It sounds like fun, but believe me, it is hard work tasting wines all day long – honestly! Even the most practiced judges become jaded after a day’s tasting. The more wines that are tasted, the more our senses of smell and taste are dampened. Red wine tannins accumulate in the mouth and alcohol has an impact, even with spitting. For the entered wines to be evaluated consistently and fairly (after all, producers pay to enter), tasters must be able to concentrate for hours. The taster’s breadth of tasting experience is also important. For example, a winemaker from Portugal may be a gifted taster but is not necessarily qualified to evaluate wines from Tuscany or Australia. Tasting objectively is important. Each taster must be able to independently assess each wine without being influenced by other judges. The most vocal judges are usually not the best tasters! Wines should always be tasted blind.

This usually means the bottles are wrapped. The best competitions will try and eliminate any possibility of identification.

For example, an unusual bottle shape would be decanted. Masters of Wine are often sought as competition judges. The rigour, tasting ability and stamina required to pass the exams puts them in good stead.

CELLAR 292 — MASTER PIECE

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

EVERYDAY DRINKING EXPRESIÓN RESERVE PINOT NOIR, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2020, LOT 3184, P53

CELLARING POTENTIAL PINOT GRIS LIEUDIT MUEHLFORST, AOC ALSACE, 2019, LOT 3109, P12

Awards provide wine drinkers some reassurance; however they are not a cast iron guarantee. Only a small fraction of the world’s wines are entered (there is a cost to enter and send samples), so there are many more wines out there equally as good or even better. Be wary of “Best in Class” wines in categories of obscure grape varieties, or little-known regions, as there may only have been one wine entered!

Some publications and wine critics publish wine scores out of 20 or 100 - each has their own method and style preferences.

Scores alone don’t tell you what a wine tastes like and also have limitations. A tasting is a snapshot in time. Wines continue to change and can be tasted at any stage in their life cycle. For example, many critics publish scores from the annual En Primeur tasting in Bordeaux, which in turn influence wine price.

However, the wines tasted are barrel samples, which will be aged for a further 12 to 18 months. The sample may not be representative of the final blend, or could have been taken from the best barrel. Either way, the final bottled wine will taste very different and may or may not live up to its score.

I use the principle of objective tasting as the basis of the Opimian wine selection process. For each Opimian Cellar Offering, I receive 150 to 180 wine samples. These are tasted away from

FUEGO BLANCO VALLE DEL SILEX FLINTSTONE MALBEC, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, SAN JUAN, 2018, LOT 3118, P21

MAURICIO LORCA GRAN BLEND, FINCA LOS ALTEPES, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2018, LOT 3143, P29

wineries and other external influences over the course of a week.

Wines are initially tasted in flights according to region, grape variety, style and price. Quality is determined according to intensity and complexity of aromas and flavours, harmony, structure, length and wine longevity. I am looking for wines that truly reflect the origin and style of wine and which offer good value for money. A simple, well-made wine can score highly. For an equal score, a more expensive wine has to deliver more.

After the initial tasting, some wines are compared in different ways. For example, different price levels of a particular grape will confirm the quality hierarchy – I should be able to taste a clear progression in concentration, depth and complexity as wine price increases. The same price levels across different regions will let me see which offers the best value. Some wines are tasted up to 5 times over the week to assess how they evolve with air. This gives me an idea of their cellaring potential and drinking window.

All this is done against a background of trade tastings and shows to stay abreast of what is happening around the world. It allows me to calibrate wine quality by region and vintage so that I can be fully confident in the quality of every wine I select for Opimian.

— CELLAR 292 COUPS DE COEUR

7

FRANCE

ALSACE

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr HUNAWIHR Given its location in northeast France, Alsace is surprisingly one of the sunniest spots in the country.

The Vosges Mountains create a rain shadow, so drought can be a problem under its clear blue skies. Alsace produces mainly white wines from aromatic grapes such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer not commonly found in other regions of France.

Hunawihr is a typical Alsatian village classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” It has around 500 inhabitants and sits in the heart of the winegrowing area. The Cave de Hunawihr is a cooperative with 110 members covering 200 hectares of vineyards in and around surrounding villages including some of the premium Grand Cru sites.

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CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Nesquick, Hunawihr's mascot, proudly poses with a bottle of Riesling.

3103

GEWURZTRAMINER RÉSERVE, AOC ALSACE, 2020

Gewurztraminer

$ 30

3101

PINOT BLANC RÉSERVE, AOC ALSACE, 2020

RIESLING RÉSERVE, AOC ALSACE, 2020

Riesling

Pinot Blanc

$ 25

3102

$ 180

$ 150

Pale colour with flavours of nectarine and apricot, a soft broad palate with some firm acidity and grip on the finish.

$ 26

$ 156

Flinty aromas with beeswax and wet stone precede a supple palate. More fruit comes out on the palate with good weight complemented by a firm mineral acidity and citrus pith finish.

A rich style with fresh aromas of orange blossom and citrus which follow through onto the palate. It is rich and medium-bodied with a long finish. Matches perfectly with the sweet and savoury dishes of Thai cuisine.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2023, M8 D9

Earthy white fruit

6°C

Beeswax, flint

6°C

Orange blossom

6°C

Nectarine, [3.00]

13.5%

Citrus pith, [3.00]

11.5%

Orange blossom, mandarin, [18.00]

14.5%

Baked cod with creamy lemon sauce

photo — Évelyne and Stéphan Grappe. Stéphan is the president of the Hunawihr cooperative.

Roast pork tenderloin with honey-garlic sauce

Pad see-ew noodles

— ALSACE CAVE VINICOLE DE HUNAWIHR

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NEW

3104

PINOT GRIS RÉSERVE, AOC ALSACE, 2020

Pinot Gris

$ 29

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

PINOT NOIR ROSÉ, AOC ALSACE, 2021

Pinot Noir

$ 174

$ 29

$ 174

A medium wine round in structure, with sweetness offset by a tangy acidity. It has aromas of baked apples and spice. A classic Alsatian style of Pinot Gris at the opposite end of the spectrum to Italian Pinot Grigio, it is rich and warm.

It has fresh red fruit characters on the nose and palate. Pinot Noir grapes were harvested by hand on September 30th and October 8th.

The juice was left to macerate on skins for 24 hours in the wine press, producing a vibrant and bright coloured wine.

2022-2023, M7 D9

2022-2023, M8 D9

Baked apple, spices

6°C

Grenadine, pomegranate

6°C

Tangy fruits, pith, [18.00]

13%

Redcurrant, [0.00]

13%

Haddock fish terrine with carrot and asparagus

10

3105

Poached salmon with pesto sauce

photo — Harvest day in the vineyard, under the church of Hunawihr.

3106

RIESLING LIEU-DIT SILBERBERG, AOC ALSACE, 2019

Riesling DISCOVER MORE WINES FROM ALSACE ONLINE, LOTS 3116-3117.

$ 36

$ 108

The Vosges Mountains and geological activity over millions of years have led to Alsace having a myriad of soils, expositions and terroirs. Silberberg, meaning “silver hill” in Alsatian, sits above the village of Rorschwihr. Riesling is cultivated on deep siliceous calcareous Muschelkalk soils.

The 2021 has mineral, wet earth aromas with nectarine and peaches. Supple with sour mandarin and nectarine flavours, it is powerful and weighty on the palate with a firm acidity.

2022-2024, M8 D9

3107

RIESLING GRAND CRU SCHOENENBOURG, AOC ALSACE, 2020

Wet earth, nectarine, peach

6°C

Mandarin, nectarine, [6.00]

13%

Choucroute garnie

Riesling

$ 41

$ 123

The best vineyard sites in Alsace are the Grands Crus. These are generally situated on the eastern foothills of the Vosges Mountains mid-slope between 200 to 400 metres with good sun exposure on a diverse range of soils. Immediately approachable, Schoenenbourg 2020 Riesling has intense aromas of limes, honey and nectarines.

More lime and green apple flavours dominate the palate with a lingering crisp green apple finish. Delicious to drink now, it can also be cellared. Schoenenbourg vineyards are on a steep slope between 260 and 380 metres to the south of Hunawihr, close to Riquewihr village.

2022-2026, M7 D9 Lime, honey

6°C

Nectarine, green apple, [6.00]

13%

Fish tacos with cilantro and lime crema

photo — The tasting room at Hunawihr, where you can try the best Alsace Grand Crus.

— ALSACE CAVE VINICOLE DE HUNAWIHR

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3109

PINOT GRIS LIEU-DIT MUEHLFORST, AOC ALSACE, 2019

Pinot Gris

$ 38

3108

RIESLING LIEU-DIT MUEHLFORST, AOC ALSACE, 2020

Riesling

$ 114

$ 35

3110

GEWURZTRAMINER LIEU-DIT MUEHLFORST, AOC ALSACE, 2017

Gewurztraminer

$ 105

A high scoring wine with lime cordial, hazelnut and touches of pineapple aroma. It is round and smooth with a harmonious acidity and flavours of stone fruits and nuts. It has good depth and persistent flavours with a fresh tangy acidity on the finish. Muehlforst lieu dit (a terroir not classified as Grand Cru but with an exceptional micro-climate) is located close to Grand Cru Rosacker on a hill between Ribeauvillé and Hunawihr with an exceptional southern exposure. Here, vines sit on the gentle slope on deep marly limestone soils.

$ 39

$ 117

Characterized on the nose by orange blossom, jasmine and bergamot. The sweetness on the palate is offset by a vivacious acidity and some bitterness on the finish giving great balance. It is mediumbodied with mandarin and lemon flavours developing into ripe tropical fruit and nectarine flavours.

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

Lime, pineapple, hazelnut

6°C

Orange blossom, jasmine, bergamot

6°C

Stone fruits, [7.00]

13%

Mandarin, tropical fruits, [14.00]

14%

Barbecued pork chops with lime and lemongrass

Quiche Lorraine

A standout wine in the lineup, it is fragrant with floral elderflower, fresh apples and notes of aromatic pears which continue on the palate. It is smooth with some sweetness and more flavours of pear tart, quince, lime and grapefruit. Both complex and elegant with a perfect acidity that gives a lift on the end.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Elderflower, fresh pears

6°C

Quince, lime, grapefruit, [15.00]

14%

Panko-breaded chicken “lollipops” with lemon-butter pan jus

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CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Hunawihr is a typical Alsatian village, named one the most beautiful in France.

MIXED CASE 3111

VENDANGES TARDIVES CASE

$ 63

$ 189

To produce sweet Vendanges Tardives wines, ripe grapes are left on the vines for several weeks after the main harvest has finished to “overripen.” The grapes become more concentrated in sugar and can develop noble rot giving rich, syrupy juice when pressed. 2018 was a good year for producing Vendanges Tardives with rainfall in the early half of the year providing water reserves for the hot summer months that followed.

October saw perfect conditions with warm days and cool nights allowing grapes to reach “surmaturation.”

ONE BOTTLE EACH RIESLING, PINOT GRIS & GEWURZTRAMINER

RIESLING VENDANGES TARDIVES, AOC ALSACE, 2018

Riesling

GEWURZTRAMINER VENDANGES TARDIVES, AOC ALSACE, 2018

Gewurztraminer

Baked apples, spices, honey, resin, earth and lime jelly are all in abundance. It is sweet yet relatively light-bodied with lemon and pineapple flavours becoming more waxy with candyfloss and bitter fruits on the finish.

Pineapple, waxy, [60.00] Apple brown Betty

6°C 12.5%

Pinot Gris

With intense orange blossom aromas, it has succulent fruits on the palate. Richly sweet exotic and candied fruits combine with a long bitter marmalade finish.

2022-2026, M8 D9

2022-2026, M7 D9 Resin, baked apple, honey

PINOT GRIS VENDANGES TARDIVES, AOC ALSACE, 2018

Orange blossom

6°C

Rich succulent fruits, marmalade, [90.00]

12.5%

Foie gras torchon with Asian pear

The aroma has a tarte tatin character with caramel, toffee, baked apple and spices. It is rich and smooth on the palate with a very sweet impression cut by the acidity. It is rounder and fuller than the Riesling with a barley sugar finish.

2022-2025, M8 D9 Baked apple & spice, caramel

6°C

Barley sugar, toffee, [80.00]

12.5%

Tarte Tatin

— ALSACE CAVE VINICOLE DE HUNAWIHR

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DID YOU KNOW?

Lieux-dits | A Sense of Place

By Louise Wilson MW

RIESLING GRAND CRU SCHOENENBOURG, AOC ALSACE, 2020, LOT 3107, P11

One of wine’s most intriguing qualities is its ability to reflect the region in which it was made.

It is thrilling to determine a wine’s provenance without seeing the label, strictly through evidence in the glass. We know this concept as terroir: the inputs of land, climate and maker that give a wine its sense of place. The more defined an area, the more the nuances of the location can shine through in the wine.

In the world’s most revered locations, long histories of vinification have allowed winegrowers to identify parcels of land that produce wines that are distinguished from those of the surrounding regions. Within the Alsace AOC, these delimited areas are referred to as Communales (villages) and Lieux-dits (single vineyards). The Alsace Grands Crus AOC are positioned at the pinnacle of the quality hierarchy. Within these designations, increasingly heightened production standards magnify the grape’s ability to express the unique aspects of the location.

Two outstanding Lieux-dits are those of Muehlforst, located in Hunawihr, and Silberberg, found in Rorschwihr. Due to extended daylight exposures, the south-facing slope of Muehlforst has the warmest micro-climate in Hunawihr.

Fortunately, water retained in the region’s deep marl and limestone soil protects the vines from summer drought. As a

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CELLAR 292 — DID YOU KNOW?

result, the wines of this Lieu-dit are known for their lively fruit intensity. Ten kilometres away, on the mineral rich soils of Silberberg, statuesque wines with mouth-watering acidity are produced. These refreshing examples are a chef’s dream for food matching, each sip cleansing the palate and amplifying the flavour of the dish. North of Riquewihr, is the Grand Cru Schoenenbourg, where vines cling to steep slopes at altitudes up to 380 meters. Here the ancient soils deliver concentrated wines with the capacity to age. Across these locations, the noble variety, Riesling is a particularly well-suited vector, echoing the subtleties of the land.

The wines of Alsace hold a special place in my passport of tasting experiences. The bottle that initially sparked my enthusiasm for wine was a curvy Alsatian Gewurztraminer, keenly selected by my more knowledgeable dinner companion.

The wine’s lychee and stone fruit perfume instantly transported me to the sunny foothills of the Vosges Mountains. That sip illustrated the ability of a well-crafted wine to take us to the place it was made, and in doing so piqued an interest in me that would evolve into a lifelong passion.

LOUISE WILSON MW lives in the Niagara region and is one of ten Masters of Wine based in Canada. She has worked in a number of different fields including export, retail, hospitality and education.

MIXED CASE 3112

CRÉMANT CALIXTE 5 CASE

$ 33

$ 198

THREE BOTTLES EACH BRUT BLANC & ROSÉ

CALIXTE 5 CRÉMANT D'ALSACE BRUT, AOC CRÉMANT D'ALSACE

Pinot Blanc

CALIXTE 5 CRÉMANT D'ALSACE BRUT ROSÉ, AOC CRÉMANT D'ALSACE

Pinot Noir

A crisp bubbly with aromas of slate, acacia, blossom and dried hops which continue onto the palate. It is well balanced with a fine texture and some bitter white fruits on the finish. Produced from 100% Pinot Blanc.

Produced from 100% Pinot Noir, it is a pale salmon orange colour. Aromas of dried flowers and redcurrants lead to a dry crisp palate. It has a fine mousse with acidity giving persistence.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2023, M8 D9

Slate, acacia blossom, dried hops

6°C

Dried flowers

6°C

Lime, mineral, [4.00]

12%

Crisp, fine creamy mousse, [6.00]

12%

Beer-battered fried halibut with tartar sauce

As an aperitif

— ALSACE CAVE VINICOLE DE HUNAWIHR

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MIXED CASE 3113

CRÉMANT CALIXTE ICE CASE

$ 33

$ 198

Crémant Ice is a festive sparkling wine to be enjoyed on ice. Produced according to the Traditional Method with second fermentation in bottle, it was matured for a minimum of a year.

NEW

CRÉMANT ICE BLANC DEMI-SEC, AOC CRÉMANT D'ALSACE

Pinot Blanc

A demi sec (sweet) bubbly which can be served with ice. It is foamy with some apple aromas and sweet pear flavours balanced by its lemon citrus acidity.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Bruised apple

6°C

Sweet pears, lemon, [5.10]

11.5%

Fried calamari with lemon-basil sauce

THREE BOTTLES EACH BLANC & ROSÉ

NEW

CRÉMANT ICE ROSÉ DEMI-SEC, AOC CRÉMANT D'ALSACE

Pinot Noir

Fresh aromas of talc, sherbet and herbs continue onto the palate.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Talc, sherbet, herbs

6°C

Sweet red fruits, [5.10]

11.5%

Shrimp scampi

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CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — The winery under the snow last winter.

NEW

3115

CHASSELAS FÛT DE CHÊNE, AOC ALSACE

Chasselas

$ 27

$ 162

Pale in colour with aromas of apples and melons, this has some nice spicy flavours.

On the palate it is supple and round with stone fruits and a sour lemon finish. An unusual wine in that Chasselas is scarcely planted in Alsace – but is commonly found in Swiss vineyards.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Apples, melon

6°C

Stone fruits, spice, lemon, [1.00]

12.5%

Asparagus flan

3114

PINOT GRIS, AOC ALSACE, 2021

Pinot Gris

$ 30

$ 180

Pale in colour, it underwent a shorter time on skins than the Pinot Noir rosé, and is brimming with fresh fermentation aromas of pear drops and bonbon anglais. It was fermented at low temperature using a number of different yeasts.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Pear drops

6°C

Round and fruity, [5.00]

13.5%

Avocado and salmon salad

photo — The 2021 harvest.

— ALSACE CAVE VINICOLE DE HUNAWIHR

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CELLAR UP! WINES TO SHAPE YOUR CELLAR

Quantity or Quality? When it comes to your wine cellar, choose both.

Wine can play a part in so many aspects of our lives. For some, it may be only for celebration. For many others, we enjoy wine for everyday meals, for gifting, for sipping on its own, as well as those special occasions that we all cherish.

SPARKLING Pairs with anything, celebrations, romance CALIXTE 5 CRÉMANT D'ALSACE BRUT, AOC CRÉMANT D'ALSACE, LOT 3112, P15

For Members looking for a sparkling aperitif, this is light and crisp with acacia and white fruits. Alsace produces sparkling wines using the same techniques as nearby Champagne.

NATURAL WINE Pairs naturally with earthy, vegetal favours like mushrooms and organic vegetables JCV CHARLIE VILLARD SEMILLON, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2021, LOT 3189, P55

At Opimian, we have the quality part covered every time. Our expert curation of the offering literally guarantees the quality of each wine, regardless of price. As for wines to stock up on, there is no better time to do so than during this Cellar.

Semillon fermented by native yeast has bay leaf and green fruit characters with a tangy earthy flavour. Bottled unfined, unfiltered and without additives, each bottle is a living wine and may vary.

Across all of the wine styles featured in C292, there are choices that make multi-case orders both affordable and approachable. Don't miss this opportunity to fill the racks that you have and perhaps even add to your storage capacity. Then you'll be prepared for the wonderful kaleidoscope of wine occasions in your future.

Versatile; many meats without heavy sauces, casseroles

MEDIUM RED FINCA FERRER ACORDEÓN MALBEC, ESTATE GROWN, GUALTALLARY, 2021, LOT 3145, P31

Supple and layered in texture, it is brimming with fruits and spices. Ideal in the cellar as a complement to many dishes.

MEDIUM FULL-BODIED RED Won't overpower lighter meat dishes but can take on heavier sauces and grilled beef and game HACIENDA DE MOLINA GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CARMENÈRE, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2020, LOT 3157, P39

A perfect barbecue wine, full of tannin and smoky flavours.

...AND FOR YOUR BAR FIND MORE CELLAR UP! SUGGESTIONS ONLINE.

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CELLAR 292 — CELLAR UP!

London Dry Gin TAPAUS TERRIER LONDON DRY GIN, WILD, MENDOZA, LOT 3128, P62

Cocktails are back! Stock the essentials and learn some classic recipes.

Q&A

Felipe Stahlschmidt | High Altitude Vivacious Wines Fuego Blanco

DON GENARO CABERNET SAUVIGNON, PERDRIEL, LUJAN DE CUYO, 2020, LOT 3121, P22

Fuego Blanco started in 2012 when José Millán went to Pedernal to visit a vineyard and immediately fell in love with the amazing landscape. In the following interview, Fuego Blanco's winemaker, Felipe Stahlschmidt answers Opimian's questions.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT WINEMAKING IN ARGENTINA? TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE TERROIR YOU ARE WORKING WITH.

We produce wines from really new regions with young vineyards, so every year is a surprise, and despite harsh climate conditions, year after year we are getting more balance and closer to the true identity of Argentinean wines. Argentina, mostly Mendoza, San Juan, Catamarca and Salta, are desertic with extreme conditions.

We are in a process where vines are adapting to the Argentinian climate and soil, so we should expect the wines will keep improving. Our only limitation is water. We need to be more efficient in each process to take care of this limited resource.

forward wine with typicity with each varietal. With Don Genaro wines, we try to deliver Argentinean traditions through every glass.

Elodia wines is a project that started in 2016 with the idea to harvest only the best Malbec throughout the Millán properties and to deliver a low-intervention terroir wine. Elodia wines are all made in the same manner and are a great way to enjoy different regions of Argentina in every sip!

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE VARIETALS TO WORK WITH AND WHY?

The easy answer is Malbec, and it makes sense because it’s the varietal that is the best suited to Argentinian terroirs. It delivers a wide range of qualities and characteristics like aromas, flavours, colour, concentration and tannins that allows you to be an artist and paint all the different combinations. It’s easy to work with Malbec in Argentina. We also have surprises, like Cabernet Franc. We only have a few Cab Franc vineyards planted in Argentina, but it is delivering some amazing wines.

With every new vintage, it’s a great adventure!

READ MORE Q&A FROM FELIPE ON OUR BLOG ONLINE.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WINEMAKER?

The association between wine and pleasure! The amazing thing about being a winemaker is that we make something that is only there to be enjoyed and to delight. Wine is a word that is often associated with good times: when we open bottles of our favourite wines to celebrate, as winemakers, we are part of this experience. On another note, to be surrounded by nature and great landscapes is certainly a perk of the job.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS ABOUT WINEMAKING YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT?

Climate conditions. We can work very hard to make the best wines and harvest the best grapes, but hail and frost can take it all away in a few hours. It’s the only thing we cannot avoid. Once the grapes are harvested, our work is just to express what Mother Nature gave us. You can make bad wine with great grapes, but you can’t make good wine with bad grapes! Our mission is simple: to stay true to our terroir.

TELL US ABOUT THE DON GENARO AND ELODIA WINES.

Don Genaro was a cousin of José Millán who took care of one of the estates and always rode his bicycle to see the vineyards.

José created Don Genaro wines in his memory. The spirit of these wines is “tradition”, so the idea was to create a fruit-

— CELLAR 292 Q&A

19

ARGENTINA MILLÁN FAMILY

Fuego Blanco PEDERNAL VALLEY Argentina’s vineyards are generally on the western side of the country close to the border with Chile. The Andes Mountain range, which divides the two countries, is a backdrop to most Argentinian vineyards and has a massive influence on the climate creating a rain shadow and desert conditions. At the same time, the Andes provide melted snow water for irrigation.

Argentinian vineyards are planted in the eastern foothills and are characterized by their high altitude with large temperature shifts between day and night. Cloudless blue skies and altitude means grapes are more exposed to the sun’s UV rays which in turn has a favourable effect on the ripening of grapes for tannins in particular, and other phenolic compounds so important in quality red wines. Argentinian Malbec has become recognized the world over.

José Jesús Millán Junior purchased, restored, and upgraded a traditional Mendoza winery abandoned for years. The majestic building is now recognized for its cultural heritage in the city of Mendoza.

JJ’s most recent winemaking endeavour is in Pedernal Valley in San Juan Province, 150 kilometres north of Mendoza city.

The altitude of the valley ranges from 1,250 to 1,500 metres. It is a new region - Fuego Blanco is one of just four or five producers in the Pedernal Valley – and the quality of its wines are excellent. The valley is isolated and self-contained and was previously used as land for grazing livestock. It has complex alluvial soils with high quantities of silex, limestone and gravel with very little organic material.

20

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Felipe Stahlschmidt is the Head Winemaker for the Millán family.

NEW

3119

FUEGO BLANCO VALLE DEL SILEX MALBEC-SYRAH, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, SAN JUAN, 2019

3120

FUEGO BLANCO VALLE DEL SILEX FLINTSTONE SILEX RED, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, SAN JUAN, 2018 Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Malbec, Syrah

$ 40

NEW

NEW

$ 240

A flavoursome wine with aromas of coffee liqueur and tarragon. Initially smooth on the palate, it is dense evolving to a grainy texture.

A blend of 60% Malbec with 40% Syrah, it is mediumbodied and round with black cherry and plum flavours.

Whole bunches of Malbec grapes were fermented in tank undergoing carbonic maceration. Syrah was vinified in a more traditional way. For eight months, the two varieties were blended and matured in large, used French oak casks.

2022-2026, M8 D9 Coffee, tarragon

18°C

Black cherries, plums, bitter cherry

14%

$ 46

$ 276

A voluptuous full-bodied wine which will benefit from some cellaring. Aromas of herbs smoke and black fruits, lead to a layered silky palate with toasty fruits and some grip on the finish. It is a blend of 60% Malbec with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah.

Each varietal component was vinified separately using indigenous yeast. The components were then blended and aged in oak 10-12 months.

3118

FUEGO BLANCO VALLE DEL SILEX FLINTSTONE MALBEC, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, SAN JUAN, 2018

Malbec

$ 276

$ 46

A knock-out wine and an immediate Coup de Cœur. This is a full-bodied Malbec with aromas of black olive, dark fruits, vanilla, toast, plums and herbs. A grassy herbal character on the palate is complemented by plummy fruits. Pedernal is the word for “flint” in Spanish, and the valley nestled in the foothills of the Andes, glacial in origin, is littered with flat calcareous stones and rocks.

The climate is dry and sunny with high thermal diurnal shifts and scarce rainfall. Malbec was fermented and matured in a combination of egg-shaped concrete tanks and 500-litre French oak barrels.

2022-2028, M6 D8 Herbs, smoke, black fruits

18°C

Toast, sumptuous dark fruits

14.5%

Chili-rubbed barbecued lamb Grilled herbed sirloin

2022-2028, M6 D8 Black olive, dark fruits, vanilla

18°C

Herbs, plums

14.5%

Braised bison short ribs with polenta

photo — La Casona is a historical space converted

to an art gallery for local artists since 2019.

— ARGENTINA FUEGO BLANCO MILLÁN

21

DISCOVER MORE FUEGO BLANCO WINES ONLINE, LOTS 3130-3131.

NEW

3122

NEW

DON GENARO RESERVE MALBEC, VALLE DE UCO, 2019

3123

DON GENARO GRAN RESERVE MALBEC-BONARDA, VALLE DE UCO/LAVALLE, 2019

Malbec

$ 31 NEW

$ 186

Floral notes of peony and hay precede a firm chewy palate. Black fruits emerge with some air and the wine has some mid-palate weight leading to a bitter cherry finish.

Grapes were grown at Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo to the south of Mendoza city.

Restrained aromas of coal and black fruits unfurl on the palate to reveal black cherry and blackcurrant.

Supple initially, it is robust with good depth and a tight, bitter fruit finish. Malbec from two estates in the Uco Valley: El Manzano in San Carlos planted at 1,250 metres and Finca Mantrax estate, to the west, at 1,350 metres. Grapes were picked in the early hours and fermented in traditional concrete tanks at 22°C-24°C for 20 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation were carried out in used French oak barrels.

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2025, M7 D8

3121

DON GENARO CABERNET SAUVIGNON, PERDRIEL, LUJAN DE CUYO, 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 26

$ 156

$ 36

$ 216

Subtle aromas of plum and violets lead to a light- to medium-bodied wine with supple tannins. Black cherry and raspberry flavours are simple but intense, complemented by the wine's silky texture, and finished with a firm acidity. Bonarda is Argentina’s second black grape. A late-ripening variety, it is planted at Llavalle at a lower altitude of 600 metres and further away from the cooling influence of the Andes.

2022-2024, M8 D9

Peony, hay

18°C

Coal, black cherry

18°C

Plum, violet

18°C

Black fruit, bitter cherry

13%

Blackcurrant

14%

Raspberry, black cherry

14%

Balsamic-roasted Brussels sprouts

22

Malbec, Bonarda

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Venison with juniper berry sauce

Grilled eggplant with balsamic glaze

photo — The harvest in Pedernal Valley.

MIXED CASE 3124

ELODIA SINGLE VINEYARD CASE

$ 41

$ 246

Named after JJ's mother Elodia. These are both single vineyard Malbec wines, made in much the same way and with no use of oak to reveal the flavours of the different terroirs in Uco Valley, Mendoza and Pedernal in San Juan province.

NEW

NEW

ELODIA SINGLE VINEYARD LOS CHACAYES ESTATE MALBEC, VALLE DE UCO, 2018

Malbec

ELODIA SINGLE VINEYARD PEDERNAL ESTATE MALBEC, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, SAN JUAN, 2018

Malbec

Initially closed with some aromas of slate, earth with a hint of plum and mellow aromas emerge with aeration: I suggest decanting before drinking. Firm rustic tannins become smoother and rounder with a bitter fruit finish. Finca Mantrax at Los Chacayes is in Tunuyán, the middle part of Uco Valley, at 1,250 metres. 40 hectares of Malbec were planted 15 years ago with grapes for this wine from a specific three-hectare parcel, Block #14 Chibaudel. Soils are alluvial in origin with the presence of large rolled pebbles and calcareous material amongst sand and silt. Grapes were picked the second week of April and fermented in concrete eggs after a 3–4-day cold soak.

2022-2026, M6 D7 Earth, slate, plum

18°C

Mellow fruits

14%

A refined wine with chocolate, plums and floral violet aromas. It is supple with good mid-palate fruit and a layered texture. It is medium to full-bodied, harmonious with a bitter cherry finish. The Millán family have a total of 100 hectares of vines planted in Pedernal Valley with 50 hectares of Malbec.

This wine was produced from two small parcels less than 1.5 hectares each – 23A & 23B – two of the highest plots on the estate at 1,500 metres. The colluvial soils contain flat angular stones with flint and silex in a complex matrix with sand and silt.

2022-2026, M6 D8 Violet, chocolate, plum

18°C

Bitter cherry

14.5%

Steak and kidney pie

Beef empanadas

THREE BOTTLES EACH LOS CHACAYES MALBEC & PEDERNAL MALBEC

photo — "Our essence, our valley, our wines, your emotions."

— ARGENTINA FUEGO BLANCO MILLÁN

23

PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR

ARGENTINA

Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca MENDOZA

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CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

The Province of Mendoza is the heart of Argentinian wine production with traditional vineyards and wineries on the southern edge of the city of Mendoza. One hundred kilometres further south, the Uco Valley is an exciting and dynamic region which has exploded in the last two decades. The Uco Valley covers three departments – Tupungato in the north, Tunuyan in the middle and San Carlos in the south. Mauricio Lorca has long believed in the potential of the Uco Valley. He has three vineyards in Tunuyan: Los Inicios and Los Barrancos in Vista Flores at 1,100 metres and Los Altepes Vineyard in Los Arboles at 1,250 metres. These are some of the highest-density vineyards with 5,500-6,750 vines/hectare. His philosophy is for each vine to produce just a small amount of grapes/wine with great concentration. His winery is in Perdriel south of Mendoza.

photo — The whole team from Bodega Mauricio Lorca at the winery in Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

3132

TEMÁTICO ARGENTINO JOVEN TORRONTÉS, LA RIOJA, 2021

Torrontés

$ 16

$ 192

A refreshingly light aromatic wine with aromas of lemon sherbet and boiled sweets.

The palate is balanced by a sour lemon acidity and some bitterness on the finish giving length. Torrontés grapes are cultivated in the Famatina Valley in La Rioja Province on traditional pergola-trained vines.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Lemon sherbet, boiled sweets

6°C

Lemon, floral, [1.80]

13%

Sea bass crudo with lime

3133

TEMÁTICO ARGENTINO JOVEN MALBEC, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2021

Malbec

$ 16

3134

TEMÁTICO ARGENTINO JOVEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 192

2021 Joven Malbec is a savoury wine with spice, green leaf and pickled gherkin aromas. It is medium to full-bodied becoming grainy with some chewy tannins and a sour berry finish.

$ 16

$ 192

A medium-bodied Cabernet with aromas of fruit confit and a touch of green pickle.

It is supple with silky tannins and a layered texture. 30% of the wine was aged in oak.

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

Pickled gherkin, green leaf, spice

18°C

Fruit confit, green pickle

18°C

Sour berries

13%

Dark fruits

13%

Dark chocolate truffles

Cremini mushroom risotto

— ARGENTINA BODEGA Y VIÑEDOS MAURICIO LORCA

25

3135

LORCA FANTASÍA MALBEC, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2021

Malbec

$ 26

$ 156

3136

LORCA FANTASÍA SYRAH, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2021

Syrah

$ 26

$ 156

Dried flowers, potpourri with some red fruits and a hint of leather precede a supple smooth palate. It is concentrated with good mid-palate weight and a firm acidity. Grapes were grown at 1,100 metres altitude in Los Barrancos vineyard at Vista Flores in Uco Valley.

Tar, tobacco, smoke, dried floral notes and leather combine in the nose. It has a supple smooth round palate and is medium-bodied with powdery tannins and a marked acidity.

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

Pot pourri, red fruit, leather

18°C

Dried flowers, smoke, tobacco, leather

18°C

Savoury fruit

13.5%

Raisins

13.5%

Red wine-braised bison stew

26

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

LOVE LORCA WINES? SUBSCRIBE TO THE MASTERS CASE TO RECEIVE A CURATED MIXED CASE!

Gruyère cheese steak fondue

photo — The Sauvignon Blanc harvest is done by hand.

3137

ZAPAM ZUCUM MALBEC

BY MAURICIO LORCA, VINO ORGÁNICO ARGENTINO, LA RIOJA, 2021 Malbec

$ 24

$ 144

Brimming with forest fruits with ripe aromas of raspberry and mulberries. It is mediumbodied with an astringent acidity finishing on nice bitter fruit flavours which persist.

Malbec was organically grown in Vichigasta, La Rioja Province, approximately 600 kilometres north of the city of Mendoza. This is one of Argentina’s driest wine regions.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Forest fruits, raspberry, mulberries

18°C

Bitter fruit

13%

Rosemary-marinated grilled brisket with charred tomatoes

THE BEST IN A BOX

$157 PER CELLAR

A CURATED 6-BOTTLE MIXED CASE SHOWCASING 3 WINES FROM EACH CELLAR.

— ARGENTINA BODEGA Y VIÑEDOS MAURICIO LORCA

27

NEW

3139

LORCA POÉTICO MALBEC, FINCA LOS ALTEPES, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2018

Malbec

$ 180

$ 30

A savoury wine with leather notes and a touch of dark chocolate. It is full-bodied with some grippy tannins giving a chewy, slightly austere finish. Grapes were grown on the Los Arboles estate at 1,250 metres.

Vines are planted at high density of 5,500 vines/ha and are trellised high. After fermentation in concrete tanks, the wine was matured for 12 months in 90% French oak and 10% American oak barrels.

2022-2026, M6 D8 Leather, dark chocolate

18°C

Savoury black fruits

14%

Rabbit stew

NEW

3140

LORCA POÉTICO CABERNET SAUVIGNON, FINCA LOS ALTEPES, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2018 MAURICIO'S PASSION FOR WINEMAKING IS EVIDENT IN EVERY BOTTLE.

Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 30

$ 180 2022-2026, M6 D8

Green bean, bell pepper

18°C

Herbaceous, blackcurrant, violet

14%

Pan-seared sweetbreads

28

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Herbaceous green bean and bell pepper characters follow onto the palate. Blackcurrant and violet flavours emerge in the mouth and complement savoury herbal flavours.

photo — Mauricio Lorca in his vineyards.

NEW

3141

NEW

LORCA POÉTICO CABERNET FRANC, FINCA LOS ALTEPES, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2018

Cabernet Franc

$ 30

3142

MAURICIO LORCA GRAN PETIT VERDOT, FINCA LOS ALTEPES, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2018, SPECIAL BOX Petit Verdot

$ 180

Mulberries and green bean aromas with a supple palate.

More red and sweet fruits emerge alongside herbal thyme and leafy flavours followed by a grippy finish.

$ 69

$ 207

Floral notes of peony and lilies are complemented by toasty oak flavours. This is a full-bodied wine with plums and blackberry flavours mid palate followed by tart black fruits and a chewy finish.

Grapes were picked by hand and fermented in concrete tanks followed by 18 months maturation in new French oak barrels.

NEW 2022-2025, M7 D9

2022-2028, M5 D7

Green leaf, mulberries

18°C

Peony, lily, vanilla toast

18°C

Red fruits, herbs

14%

Plums, blackberries

14.5%

Barbecued pork spareribs

Smoked Gouda

3143

MAURICIO LORCA GRAN BLEND, FINCA LOS ALTEPES, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2018, SPECIAL BOX Malbec, Syrah, Petit Verdot

$ 69

$ 207

An immediate hit, this is a concentrated wine with great balance. It has a complex bouquet with aromas of cedar, green beans, black cherry, undergrowth and vanilla. It is smooth with a layered texture and flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant and vanilla toast.

An elegant flavoursome wine which lingers on the palate finishing with bitter cherry, woody and savoury notes. It is a blend of 70% Malbec giving sweetness, 20% Syrah adding freshness and acidity and 10% Petit Verdot conveying structure. All grapes were grown in Los Arboles with each vine having produced just one kilogram of concentrated grapes, with a very strict selection.

2022-2028, M6 D8 Cedar, green bean, undergrowth

18°C

Blackberry, blackcurrant, vanilla

14%

Beef ragout with rosemary

photo — The eye-catching Loica Argentina, or longtailed meadowlark, can be observed in Mauricio's vineyards.

— ARGENTINA BODEGA Y VIÑEDOS MAURICIO LORCA

29

ARGENTINA

Finca Ferrer GUALTALLARY Gualtallary is a high-altitude region within the Tupungato Region in northern Uco Valley. It sits between the Tupangato mountain – one of the highest in the Americas – and the active Tupungatito volcano (which last erupted in 1987) with vineyards planted up to 1,600 metres.

Gualtallary has poor stony alluvial soils with layers of sand and limestone. Finca Ferrer is a family-owned winery established in 2003. It has 317 hectares of vineyards at 1,300 metres planted with Malbec, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo and Chardonnay. The 160C thermal amplitude, low night-time temperatures and solar intensity generate powerful finely textured wines. Finca Ferrer wines are all certified vegan.

30

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — The harvest with the Tupungatito in the background.

3146

FINCA FERRER ACORDEÓN CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ESTATE GROWN, TUPUNGATO, 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 29

$ 174

A mellow wine with ripe red cherries, toast and vanilla aromas. It is complex with lots of appeal. A supple attack is followed by a marked acidity cutting through the palate and a bitter olive finish.

3145

FINCA FERRER ACORDEÓN MALBEC, ESTATE GROWN, GUALTALLARY, 2021

Malbec

$ 29

$ 174

A flavoursome wine, it is deep plum in colour with spicy aromas with coffee and blackberries. It is supple and smooth with nice mid-palate fruit and a layered texture.

Ripe with a sour blackberry finish.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Coffee, blackberries

18°C

Red cherries, toasty

18°C

Sour blackberry, cherries

14.5%

Bitter cherries and olive

14.5%

Entrecôte with peppercorn sauce

photo — Oenologist Marcos Gutila tasting a sample

of Acordeon.

2022-2026, M7 D9

Roast rack of lamb

— ARGENTINA FINCA FERRER

31

7

2

FOOD

Where’s the Beef? | Take Your Wine Out for Dinner In these times of ethical eating, global warming concerns, and an explosion of vegetarianism, you might think that the era of grass-fed beef, served by a Gaucho at a classic Argentinian restaurant may be over. Think again!

The Argentine beef industry and the various restaurants around the globe that support it are alive and well. They may have had to morph from a flintstone-sized slab of meat to a more refined, varied plate, but with that mission accomplished, the restaurants are emerging from COVID intact.

We know what you’re thinking. This is Canada and we, too, have some of the best beef in the world. No question! Alberta beef in particular is famous worldwide. Again, grass-fed is king and results in a lower fat content that people are eating up – pun intended. Another stand out is Alberta raised Wagyu beef. This Japanese heritage breed made its way to our shores in the 90s and is hugely popular with professional and home chefs alike.

Now to the important part. Wine pairing. If you haven’t tried it already, make a point of having a wine from the same country/ region as the food you are eating. This matching of ‘terroir’, in some magical way, enhances both the wine and the food. The next time you order Argentinian beef, make sure to take along one of your heavy, South American reds.

Equally effective in matching your meal to your wine is weight.

By this we mean the body of the wine compared to the profile of the food. Beef is no shrinking violet. It stands up well to a heavy red from anywhere. Try a beefy Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile next time you have Alberta beef on your plate. Not only will it complement your dish, it will be very easy on your pocketbook.

32

CELLAR 292 — FOOD

Let’s address the comment above referring to taking one of your own bottles to the restaurant with you. Bring your own bottle/booze/wine (BYOB, BYOW) is an option available at a great many great restaurants across the country, however, rarely and sadly used. Most restaurant liquor licenses allow them to allow you to bring your own wine, provided it is commercially made and purchased from a legitimate source (no home brew – sorry). Most will charge a fee for opening the bottle for you at the table. This is referred to as the ‘corkage fee’.

Some, particularly in Quebec, do it for free. The standard markup for a wine by the restaurant is 200 – 300% of the original cost to them. The corkage helps to offset this legitimate profit. The highest we’ve ever seen is $45 per bottle, but the majority are in the $20 range. Think about it. One of your favourite Opimian wines in the $30 range would typically cost $60 – 90 at a restaurant. Take it there yourself, pay the $20 corkage and your total cost is only $50. Take one of your super-premium wines from Collector's Corner and the savings are even more substantial.

Here’s an example. One of Opimian’s Managing Directors, Michael Lutzmann, took a bottle of St. Emilion Grand Cru to Auberge du Pommier in Toronto. Corkage fee: $45. The bottle of Château Daugay was purchased for $67. A similar bottle on the wine list was $195. Even with the corkage fee, the total cost to Michael was half that of a younger wine on the list.

We are in the process of developing a list of BYOB Restaurants throughout the country. Your fellow Members have been very helpful in compiling it. Watch your email and the website for this comprehensive list. In the meantime, here is one in each province to get you started.

3

1. NOVA SCOTIA Eliot & Vine 2305 Clifton St., Halifax 902-332-1557 Eliotandvine.com Corkage fee: $25.00 2. QUÉBEC Bagatelle 4323 Ontario East, Montréal 514-254-3838 Bagatellebistro.com Corkage fee: Free 3. ONTARIO Auberge du Pommier 4150 Yonge St., Toronto (North York) 416-222-2220 Aubergedupommier.com Corkage fee: $45.00

5

4

4. SASKATCHEWAN Crave Kitchen & Wine Bar 1925 Victoria Ave., Regina 306-525-877 Cravekwb.com Corkage fee: $15.00 5. MANITOBA Preservation Hall Eatery & Wine Bar 655 Empress St., Winnipeg 204-783-2386 Preservationhall-eatery-winebar.com Corkage fee: $25.00 6. ALBERTA Charbar 618 Confluence Way SE (Simmons Building), Calgary 403-452-3115 Charbar.ca Corkage fee: $25.00 7. BRITISH COLUMBIA L'Abbatoir 217 Carrall St., Vancouver 604-568-170 Labattoir.ca Corkage fee: $40.00

1

6

— CELLAR 292 FOOD

33

3148

DISCOVER MORE FINCA FERRER WINES ONLINE, LOTS 3150-3151.

FINCA FERRER, COLECCIÓN 1310 MTS., BLOCK A6, MALBEC, GUALTALLARY, 2018

Malbec

$ 52 NEW

3147

FINCA FERRER ACORDEÓN ROSÉ, ESTATE GROWN, GUALTALLARY, 2021

Tempranillo, Malbec

$ 28

$ 168

A floral rosé with rosehip and pomegranate flavours. It is supple and well balanced produced from a blend of 70% Tempranillo and 30% Pinot Noir.

Malbec from a single parcel on the estate – Block A6.

Grassy aromas with fresh hay and red cherries lead to quite a light and tight structure. In the mouth it seems to develop more body with some firm bitter tannins and acidity enhancing black cherry flavours. Not yet at its peak, it will benefit from some cellaring. Matured for 16 months in a combination of new and one-year-old French oak barrels.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2026, M6 D7

Pomegranate, rosehip

6°C

Fresh hay, red cherries

18°C

Fresh fruits, [3.90]

13.5%

Black cherries

15%

Niçoise salad

34

$ 312

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Grilled steak with chimichurri

MIXED CASE NEW

FINCA FERRER, COLECCIÓN 1310 MTS., BLOCK A1, PINOT NOIR, GUALTALLARY, 2020

3149

FINCA FERRER COLECCIÓN 1310 MTS CASE

$ 300

$ 50

Pinot Noir

An intense Pinot Noir, translucent in colour, it oozes red berry fruits, red apples and cherries on the nose and palate. It has a juicy acidity with fine tannin structure and good balance. It has a light touch of oak after aging for 8-10 months in 70% French and 30% American oak.

THREE BOTTLES EACH PINOT NOIR & CHARDONNAY

2022-2026, M7 D9 Red berries, red apples, cherries

18°C

Red fruits

14.5%

Coq au vin

NEW

FINCA FERRER, COLECCIÓN 1310 MTS., BLOCK C2 CHARDONNAY, GUALTALLARY, 2019

Chardonnay

A restrained wine with aromas of fennel and aniseed with lemony acidity on the palate. It is relatively light and, despite fermentation in a combination of new French and American oak barrels, the oak is not obvious in tasting.

2022-2025, M8 D9 Fennel, aniseed

6°C

White fruits, lemon, [3.47]

14.5%

Trout with almond sauce

photo — "The land and the vineyard give us their best, while we contribute with our work of refinement."

-José Ferrer Sala, Founder.

— ARGENTINA FINCA FERRER

35

36

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Roberto Echeverria, chief winemaker at the Casa Nueva family winery, unveils new label designs depicting his grandmother's iconic paintings.

CHILE

Viña Echeverria MOLINA Chile, the long narrow country sandwiched between mountains, sea and desert has a long winemaking tradition and has seen new regions emerge in recent years. Terroirs are influenced by proximity to the cold Pacific Ocean air and altitude.

Vineyards are planted in the valleys between and foothills of the lower Coastal and high Andes Mountain ranges. Chile produces quality wines having a climate conducive to consistently ripening Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon. More recently, Chile is associated with Carmenère, a variety originally from Bordeaux which had been “lost” but was rediscovered in the 1990s.

This traditional family-owned winery and estate in Molina is in the eastern part of Curicó Valley, one of Chile’s oldest wine regions located approximately 200 kilometres south of Santiago. The family farm has 65 hectares and grows grapes organically. Winemaker Roberto Echeverria Junior’s latest passion is to produce low-intervention natural wines. This year, the range has been expanded and sits alongside traditionally produced old favourites.

3153

CASA NUEVA FAMILY WINES SELECTION CARMENÈRE, CENTRAL VALLEY, 2021

Carmenère

$ 15

$ 180

Black fruits, incense and green leaf aromas lead to a firm structured palate. This is a full-bodied wine with savoury and green flavours and a firm tannic finish.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Incense, black fruit, green leaf

18°C

Savoury, tannic

13%

Smoked brisket

3152

PROPUESTA, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

$ 150

$ 25

An intense vibrant wine in every sense.

Intense cassis aromas combine with fresh apples and lead to a supple palate.

It is medium-bodied and round with a refreshing acidity complemented by sour and bitter cherry flavours. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, it was matured in new French oak barrels for eight months.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Cassis, fresh apple

18°C

Sour & bitter cherry

13.5%

Lamb koftas

— CHILE VIÑA ECHEVERRIA

37

HACIENDA DE MOLINA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CARMENÈRE, CENTRAL VALLEY, 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère

$ 15

3155

$ 180 $ 28

3156

3154

CASA NUEVA FAMILY WINES SELECTION MERLOT, CENTRAL VALLEY, 2021

Merlot

$ 15

$ 180

$ 168

DISCOVER MORE CASA NUEVA WINES ONLINE, LOTS 3163-3164.

Vibrant in color with ripe plum and violet aromas. It is smooth with juicy sweet fruit flavours. It is easy drinking with good weight and concentration.

Savoury black olive aromas mingle with plums and dark fruits. It is medium-bodied with a fresh lifted acidity and some green bean flavours. Produced from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Carmenère.

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

Violets, plums

16°C

Olive, savoury with black fruit

18°C

Sweet juicy fruits

13%

Plums

13%

Roast pork loin with plum compote

38

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Sautéed medley of mushrooms

photo — Enjoy these classic Chilean varieties of Hacienda de Molina in two different formats!

NEW

3157

HACIENDA DE MOLINA GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CARMENÈRE, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère

$ 25

$ 150

3159

NEW

EL BARRIO CARIGNAN, MAULE VALLEY, NATURAL WINE FROM CHILE, 2021

Carignan

$ 28

BAKAN, LOW INTERVENTION GRENACHE TEMPRANILLO, MAULE VALLEY, 2020

Grenache, Tempranillo

$ 168

Mineral, graphite and soot aromas dominate the bouquet. It is medium-bodied with plummy fruits emerging in the mouth to complement smoky flavours with a lingering sour blackberry finish. After fermentation with extended skin maceration, it was matured in French oak barrels for 10-12 months.

A light-bodied red with intense flavours, it is brimming with berry fruits, raspberries and strawberries and blackcurrant cordial. A refreshing acidity leads to a sour cherry and cranberry finish.

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

Graphite, mineral

18°C

Raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrant cordial

14°C

Plum, smoky, blackberry

13.5%

Cranberry & sour cherry

13%

Gorgonzola with blackberry compote and fig mustard

3158

$ 28

$ 168

Concentrated with succulent red fruits.

Grenache and Tempranillo grapes from Maule were picked by hand and transported to Echeverria winery in Curicó, where they were de-stemmed and underwent cold maceration for four days. It was matured briefly in French oak barrels then bottled with no filtration or stabilization.

Asian spice-marinated flank steak with barbecue-charred vegetables

2022-2023, M8 D9 Earthy fruit

16°C

Ripe red fruits

13.5%

Ham hock cassoulet with cannellini beans and pancetta

photo — Time out for Roberto and rescue dog Rex in the family garden in Molina.

— CHILE VIÑA ECHEVERRIA

39

MIXED CASE 3160

EL BARRIO NATURAL WINE CASE

$ 26

$ 156

NEW

EL BARRIO CHARDONNAY, CURICÓ VALLEY, NATURAL WINE FROM CHILE, 2021

Chardonnay

THREE BOTTLES EACH CHARDONNAY & VIOGNIER

A cloudy wine with the appearance and aroma of pressed apple juice and fresh pears. It is supple with a broad structure and some refreshing spritz. Grapes were picked by hand, de-stemmed, pressed and cooled. A slow fermentation in tank lasted 25 days. The wine was bottled with no stabilization, filtration or addition of sulfites.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Pressed apple juice, pear

6°C

White fruits, [2.50]

13%

Braised chicken with apples and sweet onions

NEW

EL BARRIO VIOGNIER, CURICÓ VALLEY, NATURAL WINE FROM CHILE, 2021

Viognier

Delicate aromas of fresh white pear follow onto the palate. It is light and crisp.

2022-2024, M8 D9 White pears

6°C

Fresh white fruits, [2.50]

13%

Tagine of chicken with apricots and almonds

40

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Valencian winemaker Victor Rivera brings European influences to the team, overseeing all the Casa Nueva blends.

3162

3161

EL BARRIO CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CURICÓ VALLEY, NATURAL WINE FROM CHILE, 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon

LA BALIZA COOL CLIMATE SYRAH, COLCHAGUA VALLEY, 2019

Syrah

$ 31

$ 186

Floral soapy aromas with rose petals evolve into blackcurrant with some air. This is a light-bodied, easy-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon with vibrant red and black fruit character and sour blackberry finish.

A relatively light but flavoursome wine. It has aromas of cooked red fruits and savoury spices with nutmeg, ginger and vanilla. The palate is smooth with fine tannins and nice mid-palate weight. Grapes come from the Ucuquer vineyard, an emerging coastal region in Rapel Valley, influenced by the ocean breeze from the Rapel River Basin. In summer, daytime temperatures never exceed 25ºC. Matured 15-18 months in French oak barrels with 25% new.

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

$ 25

$ 150

Floral, blackcurrant

18°C

Cooked red fruits, nutmeg, ginger

18°C

Red and black fruits, blackberry

13.5%

Vanilla, fruit

13.5%

Grilled skirt steak with balsamic-cranberry glaze

Seared magret with ginger-honey sauce

— CHILE VIÑA ECHEVERRIA

41

CHILE

Viña La Rosa CACHAPOAL VALLEY

42

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Located in the Peumo district of the Cachapoal Valley, Viña La Rosa is owned by the Ossa family. Peumo, located 140 kilometres south of Santiago between the 33rd and 34th parallels, has become a distinguished region for the calibre of its Carmenère, amongst other varietals. Having virtually no rainfall during the growing season until May combined with its colluvial soils creates conditions for the late-ripening variety to fully mature. Viña La Rosa has vineyards in three sub-valleys of Cachapoal with diverse soils alluvial, colluvial and volcanic origin formed 85-120 million years ago.

photo — Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in the Palmeria Estate, laid out with a new bush-vine or Gobelet vine training system, to prepare viticulture for climate change.

3167

CORNELLANA SAUVIGNON BLANC, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

$ 15

3165

CORNELLANA CHARDONNAY BRUT SPARKLING WINE, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2021

Chardonnay

$ 21

3166

$ 180

CORNELLANA MERLOT, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2021

Merlot

$ 126

A refreshing bubbly with stone fruits, nectarine and green apple flavours. It has a firm acidity and crisp finish.

$ 15

$ 180

Soft and light red with flavours of pomegranate, cranberry and other red fruits. It is easy drinking with a soft finish.

Always a popular and high-scoring wine, 2021 Cornellana has lots of Sauvignon character. Alluring aromas of lime gums, guava and passion fruit are followed on the palate by a crisp lemon and lime acidity. It is flavoursome and refreshing.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2023, M8 D9

Stone fruits, vegetal

6°C

Pomegranate, cranberry

18°C

Guava, passion fruit

6°C

Nectarine, green apple, [10.00]

12%

Red fruits

13%

Lemon, lime, [2.00]

12%

Sushi

photo — Head-Winemaker Gonzalo Carcamo contemplating the final product on the same ground on which it was produced.

Garlicky red wine linguine with Parmesan

Ahi poke bowl

— CHILE VIÑA LA ROSA

43

3168

CORNELLANA RESERVE CHARDONNAY, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2021

CORNELLANA RESERVE ROSÉ, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2021

Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Pinot Grigio, Malbec, Pinot Noir

Chardonnay

$ 18

3169

$ 216

A wine with masses of appeal – it has banana and vanilla aromas complemented by stone fruits, nectarines and peaches on the palate. Ripe with a crisp acidity.

$ 18

$ 216

Produced from an odd mix of five grape varieties, herbal aromas complement pink grapefruit and other citrus flavours. It is crisp with a redcurrant and lemon astringency.

3170

CORNELLANA RESERVE PINOT GRIGIO, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2021

Pinot Grigio

$ 18

$ 216

Spicy cooked and fresh apples with melon are complemented by a zesty lemon acidity. It was fermented in tank and kept on fine lees for four months.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2023, M8 D9

Herbs, pink grapefruit

6°C

Spices, cooked apple

6°C

Redcurrant, lemon sherbet, [2.00]

12%

Fresh apple, melon, lemon zest, [2.00]

12.5%

Cobb salad

Spaghetti alle vongole

2022-2024, M8 D9 Banana, vanilla, stone fruits

6°C

Nectarines, peaches

12%

Avocado and mango crab salad

44

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — The Ossa family's country house, in the middle of the national park they founded, Palmeria de Cocalan.

3172

CORNELLANA RESERVE CARMENÈRE, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2021

Carmenère

$ 18

$ 216

Peumo is considered one of the best terroirs to grow the late-ripening Carmenère grape.

The 2021 Reserve is bright in colour with ripe blackcurrant, blueberry and herbal aromas.

It is smooth and concentrated with the same herbal and black fruit flavours on the palate.

It was aged for six months with oak.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Ripe blackcurrant, blueberries, herbs

18°C

Bitter black fruits, herbs

14%

Spicy paneer tikka

3171

CORNELLANA WINEMAKERS SELECTION RESERVE PINOT NOIR, PEUMO, 2020

Pinot Noir

$ 26

$ 156

Rosehip and red berry aromas continue onto the palate with more red fruits and herbal character leading to a savoury finish. It has a supple easy drinking style.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Rosehip, red berries

14°C

Red fruits, herbs, savoury

13.5%

Grilled Portobello mushrooms with red pepper reduction

— CHILE VIÑA LA ROSA

45

CORNELLANA "ROCA COLUVIAL" CARMENÈRE, PEUMO, 2019, LOT 3175, P58

WINE TOURISM

Peumo | Heartland of Carmenère

by Philip Reedman MW

It is said that great wine is made in the vineyard.

For this great wine we’ll drive south from Chile’s capital city, Santiago, enjoying spectacular views of the Andes mountains on our left. After two hours we’ll arrive at Peumo. A sub-region within Cachapoal Valley DO, Peumo is the heartland of top-quality Carmenère in Chile, and therefore by definition, of the world.

Carmenère originated in Bordeaux, but en-route to Chile in the 19th century, confusion set in, and it became known as Merlot.

Shortly afterwards, in the wake of Phylloxera, Bordeaux was replanted and Carmenère did not make the replanting list.

Châteaux owners didn’t replant Carmenère because in so many vintages it just wouldn’t ripen properly in the cool, maritime climate of Bordeaux. And so Carmenère disappeared from the viticultural stage. Fast forward to 1994 when a French ampelographer (a scientist who studies and identifies grape varieties) ‘rediscovered’ Carmenère growing in Chile under its assumed identity of Merlot. In 1998, Chile officially recognized the variety and the rest is history. They’re even replanting Carmenère in Bordeaux!

As the Bordelais knew, Carmenère is a late ripening grape variety; it is often picked four weeks after other red varieties are safely fermenting away in the cellar. Making a great Carmenère wine requires a long growing season so that the grapes ripen fully without the threat of a cold and wet autumn. In this, Peumo excels. Peumo is close enough to the moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean for the vines to get off to an early start in spring, spared from the risk of devastating spring frosts.

But Peumo is inland, and sufficiently sheltered to have the warm summers and mild autumns which allow Carmenère to thrive. Water-retentive silty-clay soil nourishes the vines even on the hottest days, allowing the winemaker to pick gloriously ripe, flavour-packed grapes.

So, while Carmenère may be Peumo, Peumo is more than Carmenère. Select the right vineyard site and Peumo, you'll discover that it makes wonderful Syrah, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc too.

It’s all about selecting the right vineyard conditions: altitude, soil and slope, to get those pristine, bright flavours into the wines.

Viña La Rosa’s Peumo Carmenère is a rich, full-bodied, smooth red wine. It is filled with dark fruit flavours, spices and hints of exotic truffle. Excellent with game meats, grilled steak and matured cheeses, you can enjoy this now or keep it for up to three years. Peumo; we’re confident you’ll love it.

Philip Reedman MW lives in Adelaide, South Australia. Philip is an educator for the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and is involved in education through the Institute of Masters of Wine. He works as a consultant to a number of wineries and vineyards in South Australia and internationally.

46

CELLAR 292 — WINE TOURISM

NEW

3174

CORNELLANA BARREL RESERVE ORGANIC, CABERNET FRANC, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2020

Cabernet Franc

$ 35

DISCOVER MORE VIÑA LA ROSA WINES ONLINE, LOTS 3176-3177.

3173

CORNELLANA WINEMAKERS SELECTION BARREL RESERVE, CARMENÈRE, PEUMO, 2020

Carmenère

$ 31

$ 186

Graphite and smoke aromas precede a supple attack on the palate evolving to a marked firm acidity. The mid-palate is smooth and concentrated with fresh vibrant fruits, blackcurrants with a touch of green leaf and a sour cherry finish. It was aged in French oak for nine months.

Oaky characters dominate the bouquet with graphite pencil lead, cloves and roasted coffee. Fruit flavours emerge in the mouth with mulberries and cooked cherries. It is full-bodied, supple with good mid-palate weight leading to silky tannins on the finish and a more integrated oak character.

2022-2026, M6 D7

2022-2026, M7 D9

Graphite, smoke, blackcurrant

18°C

Graphite, pencil lead, cloves, roasted coffee

18°C

Sour cherries, green leaf

14%

Mulberries, cooked cherries

14%

Roast turkey with plum-maple sauce

photo — Cynthia Ortiz, winemaker responsible for red wines at Vina La Rosa.

$ 210

Grilled chorizo sausage and veggie kebabs

— CHILE VIÑA LA ROSA

47

CHILE PIAMONTE

Las Veletas MAULE VALLEY

48

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Maule Valley is one of Chile’s historic wine regions stretching back centuries. It lies 290 kilometres south of Santiago and has some of Chile’s oldest vineyards. What started as a hobby for Raul Dell’Oro to regenerate old Pais and Carignan vineyards became a full-blown investment in planting new vineyards, building Las Veletas winery and developing a business. Piamonte vineyards lie in the foothills of the Coastal Range Mountains on the southwestern side of Maule at Alquihue in San Javier.

Vines are planted at 175-250 metres of altitude on granitic soils containing red clays and slate. The climate is cooler with more rainfall than other regions.

photo — Visitors tasting wines at Las Veletas' cellar door and tasting room.

3178

LAS VELETAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON - CABERNET FRANC, VALLE DEL MAULE, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

$ 32

$ 192

A mellow, complex wine with spicy notes and dark fruits, it is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc. Showing some nice development with nutmeg, allspice, vanilla and cola aromas leading to a fine silky texture with more bitter fruits and spicy flavours. It is warm and fresh with a nice marked acidity. Matured for 12-14 months in French oak barrels.

2022-2026, M7 D8 All spices, nutmeg, cola, balsamic

18°C

Bitter dark fruits, spices

13.5%

3179

LAS VELETAS PETIT VERDOT CABERNET FRANC, VALLE DEL MAULE, 2020

Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

$ 34

$ 204

Cola, cinnamon spices and dark fruits come together. It is supple and medium-bodied with bitter fruits, cherries and tantalizing lingering notes of black licorice. It is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Petit Verdot planted between 1995-2000.

2022-2028, M6 D8 Cola, cinnamon

18°C

Bitter cherry, black liquorice

13.5%

Boeuf Bourguignon

Roasted pork shoulder with cilantro and tomato pebre sauce

photo — Palmenia Toloza and Rene Baeza taking a short break during the Carmenère harvest.

— CHILE LAS VELETAS

49

3180

LAS VELETAS PAÍS, VALLE DEL MAULE, 2020

País

$ 32

$ 192

País, known as the Mission grape in California, was introduced to Maule by European settlers centuries ago. Previously associated with high-volume wine production, País grapes from old vines are changing perceptions. This País vineyard, planted in 1915, was rejuvenated by Raul.

The 2020 is translucent garnet colour with ripe blackcurrant aromas. It is supple and easy drinking with black fruit flavours followed by savoury meaty notes.

2022-2025, M8 D9 Blackcurrant

18°C

Black fruits, savoury meaty notes

12.5%

Citrus-marinated roast pork tenderloin

50

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

NEW

3181

NEW

LAS VELETAS CUARTEL N° 5 CABERNET FRANC, VALLE DEL MAULE, 2018

Cabernet Franc

$ 41

3182

LAS VELETAS CUARTEL N° 60 CARMENERE, VALLE DEL MAULE, 2017

Carmenère

$ 246

$ 41

$ 246

Musky, earthy aromas combine with floral and red cherry notes. Smooth initially, it develops a grainy texture on the palate with a grippy finish with lingering flavours of dried fruits and bitter licorice adding length.

Perfect for drinking now and over the coming few years.

2022-2025, M8 D9 Floral, red cherry, musk

18°C

Licorice, raisins

14%

Slow-cooked estofado beef stew with tomato and paprika

An interesting bouquet with ripe and cooked red cherries, vanilla, tar, ink and digestive biscuit. It is smooth with rich, ripe fruit flavours combined with mellow cherry menthol and spices. Produced from a selection of the best Carmenère on the estate, it was matured in French oak barrels for 16-18 months.

2022-2025, M8 D9 Red cherries, vanilla, tar

18°C

Cherry menthol, spicy ripe fruits

14%

Dark chocolate

photo — The Maule Valley is one of Chile’s historic wine regions.

— CHILE LAS VELETAS

51

CHILE

Villard Fine Wines CASABLANCA VALLEY Situated in the cool Casablanca Valley, Villard was established in 1989 by Thierry Villard, one of the first boutique wineries in the region. The 30-kilometre long, east-west running Casablanca Valley starts just 25 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean, and the influence of the Humboldt Current flowing up the west coast of Chile from the Antarctic makes it much colder than equivalent latitudes in California. Cold morning air keeps regional temperatures low and often produces foggy conditions.

Today, Thierry’s son Jean Charles is responsible for winemaking. JC makes a range of cool-climate varietal wines which includes natural and orange wines.

PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR

52

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — The entrance and garden of the winery at Chile's first family premium boutique winery.

3184

EXPRESIÓN RESERVE PINOT NOIR, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2020

Pinot Noir

$ 186

$ 31

A high-scoring wine with cherry peony, mulberry and minty aromas. It is soft and silky smooth with layers of flavour and a round structure. Mulberry flavours give way to savoury character and lingering bitter cherry finish. It was matured in a combination of small French oak barrels, large foudres and tanks.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Mulberries, peony, mint

18°C

Savoury spice, bitter cherry

14%

Spice-rubbed grilled salmon steaks

3183

EXPRESIÓN RESERVE CHARDONNAY, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2020

Chardonnay

$ 30

$ 180

Aromas of apple strudel, spices, grapes and lemon curd give lots of appeal. This is a supple wine with a round palate with sweet ripe white fruits, fresh apples and pears. It has a crisp acidity with some citrus pith and a touch of cinnamon on the finish.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Apple strudel, lemon curd

6°C

Pears, apple, cinnamon

13.5%

Grilled prawns with fruit salsa and cilantro

— CHILE VILLARD FINE WINES

53

3186

LE PINOT NOIR GRAND VIN, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2020

Pinot Noir

$ 44

3185

LE CHARDONNAY GRAND VIN, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2020

Chardonnay

$ 264

$ 39

TANAGRA SYRAH, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2020, WOOD CASE

Syrah

$ 234

A classic Pinot style, it has musky earthy aromas with a tight linear structure and will benefit from some keeping.

The palate is balanced but not very expressive with redcurrant flavours and a savoury finish.

A rich and ripe Burgundianstyle Chardonnay. It is supple with more ripe cooked fruits, toast and fresh lemon flavours harmoniously combined in a wine with nice weight and balance. Chardonnay was grown on deep sandy soils and harvested by hand with whole clusters directly pressed. The pressed juice was left to settle then fermented in French oak barrels using a combination of old and new. It was matured a further 14 months.

2022-2028, M6 D7

2022-2023, M8 D9

Musk, earthy fruit

18°C

Butterscotch, clove, toast, apple

6°C

Savoury, redcurrant

13.5%

Apple crumble, lemon, [2.95]

14%

Pecorino and leek flatbread

3187

$ 87

$ 261

Dark fruits are masked behind toasty oak characters. The palate is medium to fullbodied with fresh dark fruits and vanilla flavours followed by some chewy tannins giving a grainy texture. Syrah grapes from bush vines were picked and crushed by hand into barrel. After a cold maceration, the wine was fermented and left on skins for an extended 30 days before maturation in American and French oak barrels. It spent a total of 22 months in barrel with 80% new and 20% one year old.

Chicken Caesar pasta salad

2022-2028, M6 D7 Toast, woody, vanilla

18°C

Fresh dark fruits, blackcurrant, vanilla

14%

Osso buco with gremolata

54

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Brutus and Antu are the Villards' Australian cattle dogs. They can often be found roaming the vineyards.

3189 3188

JCV CHARLIE VILLARD RAMATO PINOT GRIGIO, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2020

$ 222

$ 222

Cloudy and orange-pink in colour, it has earthy farmyard fruits combined with pomegranate and redcurrants. It is smooth and supple. Pinot Grigio grapes were fermented on skins for several months.

Picked on March 31, it was fermented in tank by native yeast with regular pumping over.

Cloudy but bright yellow in colour, JCV Nature has herbal leafy aromas with bay leaves, curry and a hint of compost. On the palate, greengage and gooseberry flavours combine with a tangy sour lime finish. Grapes were picked on March 29 by hand, and a spontaneous fermentation was carried out in tank through to dryness with 12% alcohol. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2023, M8 D9

Pomegranate, redcurrant

6°C

Herbal leafy, bay leaf, greengage

6°C

Farmyard, earthy fruit, [1.23]

12.5%

Tangy lime, gooseberry, [2.00]

12%

Steamed mussels in tomato-garlic broth

photo — Charlie Villard in the bush vines of Tanagra, during the May harvest.

Sémillon

$ 37

Pinot Grigio

$ 37

JCV CHARLIE VILLARD SEMILLON, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2021

Creamy sweet pea risotto

— CHILE VILLARD FINE WINES

55

REVEAL THE REMARKABLE A CONNOISSEUR’S DREAM. Exclusive to this program, Founders Choice wines are not available elsewhere in the Cellar Offering and won’t be for another five years.

Dedicated to the spirit of our Founders, this program presents only the finest wines. From our producers’ cellars to yours, this is an opportunity to experience another level of quality. This case of one premium wine is curated with the potential to age.

Included in your six bottle case, you will find tasting notes and a special message from the producer to treasure. The Founders Choice producer for this Cellar is Chile's Villard Fine Wines.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

$219

Via your Dashboard at Opimian.ca

Email MemberService@Opimian.ca

Call 1-800-361-9421

per Cellar Offering

LE PINOT NOIR GRAND VIN, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2020, LOT 3186, P54

Q&A

Charlie Villard | A Family Affair Villard Fine Wines

Villard Fine Wines was established in 1989 by Thierry Villard as Chile’s first family boutique winery. Over the last three decades, it has consistently been recognized as one of the best wineries of the Casablanca Valley.

Over the last decade, using the Valley’s exceptional terroir and unique characteristics, the new generation has introduced innovating winemaking techniques to create new super premium wines of structure and elegance. Villard Fine Wines have been awarded countless medals and accolades, and the winery was named one of the top 100 wineries in the world in 2021 by World’s Best Vineyards.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT WINEMAKING IN CHILE?

My mother is from Chile and my parents decided to come back to Chile and start a winery 32 years ago. The special thing about winemaking here is the consistency of the climate. There is also so much to create and reinvent!

READ MORE OF CHARLIE'S Q&A ON OUR BLOG ONLINE.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JVC AND GRAND VIN WINES – WHAT WAS THE OUTLOOK IN CREATING EACH, AND HOW ARE THEY BEST ENJOYED?

The Grand Vin wines were created many years ago by Thierry. They are elegant wines made for serious gastronomy. The JCV wines are wines that I have created recently adapted to the current market, for extreme wine lovers or “wine freaks.” These wines are great for wine bars, and are well liked by younger people, whereas the Grand Vin series are food wines that go superbly with fine dining.

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU START SURFING, AND HOW OFTEN ARE YOU ABLE TO SURF?

I started surfing when I was around 16 years old, Chile is a great place for surfing with huge waves. I go almost every weekend and when a big swell arrives, winemaking has to wait until the following week.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK AT VILLARD FINE WINES? WHICH WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES DO YOU USE?

Ten people work at the winery full time, and seasonal workers complete the team during the harvest. The winemaking techniques we use are focused on respecting the grapes and trying to intervene as little as possible. Fermenting temperatures are very important to have very smooth and well controlled fermentations to be able to achieve the best expression of the terroir.

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

At the beginning of the pandemic, we were so afraid to get infected that we picked the 2020 harvest by ourselves, not allowing anyone to enter the winery. Our life was 100% inside the winery. The country was closed to tourism for more than 18 months, which really affected our business. The worst part for us was that restaurants were closed worldwide, which had a dramatic effect on our sales, as 70% of our business is done with the hospitality industry.

— CELLAR 292 Q&A

57

NEW FROM VIÑA LA ROSA

MIXED CASE 3175

CORNELLANA SCHIST/ COLLUVIAL CARMENERE WOOD CASE

$ 73

$ 292

Two Carmenère-based wines from 2019 vintage. Carmenère grapes were grown on two disctinctive soil types – schist soils of Cornellana and colluvial soils of La Rosa.

TWO BOTTLES EACH SCHIST & COLLUVIAL

CORNELLANA "ROCK-SOIL SCHIST" CARMENÈRE, PEUMO, 2019

Carmenère

Carmenère, Cabernet Franc

A savoury wine with pure green bean aromas, it is medium to full-bodied. The same green flavours are present on the palate which is supple initially developing grippy firm tannins.

After some aeration, mellow blackcurrant and red fruits emerge. It will benefit from some time in bottle before reaching its optimum for drinking. Grapes were grown on slopes of ancient soils from the cretaceous period with high amounts of minerals. Classified geologically as volcanic sedimentary, the soils contain a high amount of fractured rocks.

The palate is rich and concentrated with ripe fruit and supple tannins. It is youthful with fresh blackcurrant flavours and should mature nicely. Predominantly Carmenère with 5% Cabernet Franc. Carmenère was grown in the Peumo area on the colluvial soils of the coastal mountain range. Soils are deep and fertile with a combination of sand, clay and silt almost in equal parts.

Vine roots can go deep to obtain water and nutrients to ensure full maturity and fine tannins.

2022-2028, M6 D7

2022-2030, M6 D8

Green leaves, plums, mulberries

18°C

Apple, blackberry, grass

18°C

Raspberries, bitter cherry

14%

Blackcurrant

14.5%

Grilled tiger shrimp with tomato-basil sauce

58

CELLAR 292 — COLLECTOR’S CORNER

CORNELLANA "DEEP-SOIL COLLUVIAL" CARMENÈRE, PEUMO, 2019

Pan-seared quail with blackcurrant sauce

NEW FROM VILLARD FINE WINES A textured and elegant style of Chardonnay, it has creamy and lime custard aromas with chamomile. Layers of white fruit flavours emerge and persist giving length and depth.

Chardonnay grapes were handpicked March 29, 2019, and whole-bunch pressed. It was fermented and matured for 12 months in new 300-litre French oak barrels with 10% going through malolactic fermentation.

3190

ARGANAT CHARDONNAY, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2019

RARE WINES TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR

Chardonnay

$ 72

Arganat Chardonnay comes in a beautiful wood case. Each bottle will be signed by the winemaker.

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

$ 216 2022-2026, M7 D9

Creamy, lime custard, camomile

6°C

White fruits, [1.78]

14%

Creamy vegan spinach and basil polenta

— CELLAR 292 COLLECTOR’S CORNER

59

PRODUCERS' CORNER

Casa Tapaus | Source of Treasures Founded in 2017 by the Millán family, Casa Tapaus is located in the area of Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo. It is the first distillery in Mendoza to open its doors to visitors, to delight them with its exquisite spirits and high-end liqueurs, all made with natural products, with wine as a source of inspiration and raw material.

Tapaus is a word of Huarpe origin that means "hidden treasure".

As its name suggests, Casa Tapaus gives us the opportunity to find the hidden spirit in wine.

José Millán saw a gap in Argentina’s spirit market: most of the spirits in the country were imported. He saw this as an opportunity to make his own, and Casa Tapaus’ first spirit ever made was a London Dry Gin with some botanicals from Argentina. Now they have six different gins, grappa, brandy, liquors and soon, whisky.

Mariana De la Cruz is the Master Distiller at Casa Tapaus. The distillery is a separate business from the other Millán family wineries: (Argentinian regulations dictate that they should be completely separate). The only real link is orujo (pomace), must and wine that are delivered from the wineries to the distillery in order to make some of Casa Tapaus’ spirits.

GIN Casa Tapaus produces a line of Terrier gins (London Dry, Citric, Spicy, Wild, and Pink) inspired by a breed of English dogs.

According to Casa Tapaus, "The Terrier breed, like our gins, has a determined, energetic and restless character. Qualities that represent the spirit of our house and work team".

TAPAUS TERRIER LONDON DRY GIN, SPICY, MENDOZA, LOT 3129, P62

60

The botanicals used in the range of gins are from Argentina, although the juniper berries are imported from Europe. The intention is to create great spirits with Argentinian flavours. For instance, in the Tapaus Terrier Gin Pink Special Edition, Malbec must is used to add sweetness to the gin. They also use peppers, lemon peel, orange peel and grapefruit peel among other aromatics, which makes a real difference in terms of intensity and aromas.

For Opimians who wish to visit the Millán family distillery and wineries, they can’t miss the Abrasado Restaurant in Mendoza, which has a great bar. It even won the 2022 Great Wine Capital’s People Choice Award for Best Wine Tourism Restaurant.

CLEVER Some things just happen by accident, and Clever Hazelnut Cream Liqueur was a great experiment! Three years ago the team decided to make some hazelnut liquor and to have some bottles only for special occasions and celebrations. José Millán tasted it and loved it! He took a few bottles for himself, and two months later Casa Tapaus was making 10,000 litres for their partners in Argentina.

HOW TO ENJOY CLEVER HAZELNUT CREAM LIQUEUR In a wine glass, pour two scoops of ice cream (sweet cream flavour), 60 ml (2 oz) of Clever Hazelnut Cream Liqueur. Add two chocolate chip cookies, then drizzle some caramel cream over the glass. Yum!

NEW FROM CASA TAPAUS Casa Tapaus is a boutique distillery at Perdriel in Luján de Cuyo, just south of Mendoza city. It was purchased by the Millán family in 2017 and produces a range of premium spirits and liqueurs. Tapaus means hidden treasure in the native Huarpes language from Mendoza.

3125

CLEVER HAZELNUT CREAM LIQUEUR, MENDOZA

Hazelnut liqueur

$ 96

18.5%

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

RARE SPIRITS TO ENHANCE YOUR BAR

$ 96

Intense hazelnut aromas with vanilla cream, praline and caramel are hugely appealing. It has a sweet creamy palate with just the right balance between rich sweetness and alcohol.

This is liquid pudding! The same hazelnut, vanilla and creamy flavours persist in the mouth making it very moreish. Shake this bottle before opening. Once opened, the bottle should be consumed within six months.

— CELLAR 292 COLLECTOR’S CORNER

61

NEW FROM CASA TAPAUS

3127

TAPAUS TERRIER LONDON DRY GIN, CITRIC, MENDOZA

Gin

$ 92

40 %

$ 184

Aromas of fresh lemon zest, sherbet lemon and boiled sweets follow through onto the palate. It is supple with a sweet impression offset by a touch of bitterness and citrus pith on the finish. Seven botanicals were used: fresh lemon, tangerine, orange peel, juniper berries, coriander seeds, cardamom and clove.

62

CELLAR 292 — COLLECTOR’S CORNER

3128

TAPAUS TERRIER LONDON DRY GIN, WILD, MENDOZA

Gin

$ 92

40 %

$ 184

A more savoury gin with herbal and woody notes with angelica, sandalwood, juniper and just a hint of citrus mandarin. Fresh pink grapefruit peel and dry goji berries complement the woody notes with a touch of fruit.

3129

TAPAUS TERRIER LONDON DRY GIN, SPICY, MENDOZA

Gin

$ 92

40 %

$ 184

With black peppercorn and woody, earthy notes with nutmeg and juniper, the palate is very spicy with lots of crushed peppercorns.

No less than three different kinds of pepper were used alongside nutmeg seed and fresh lemon peel.

3126

TAPAUS TERRIER GIN PINK SPECIAL EDITION, MENDOZA

Gin

$ 92

40.5 %

$ 184

Infused with hibiscus flowers, this gin has a delightful pink hue.

It has appealing floral and fruity aromas with mandarin and goji berries. It was made using 12 botanicals with fresh pink grapefruit peel, juniper berries, three kinds of pepper, cinnamon sticks, lemon peel and dry cloves. It has some sweetness from the addition of Malbec juice after distillation to get the balance between sweet and sour/bitter.

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

CHILE

3163

CASA NUEVA FAMILY WINES RESERVA ROSÉ, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2021

Pinot Noir

$ WEB

$ WEB

Pale pink in colour, 2021 Casa Nueva rosé has delicious strawberries and cream aromas with a touch of fresh fennel. It is refreshing on the palate, supple and easy drinking with raspberry flavours, a touch of residual sweetness and a dry crisp finish.

2022-2023, M8 D9 Strawberries & cream, fennel

6°C

Raspberries, [6.00]

12.5%

Barbecued vegetables skewers with honeymustard glaze

64

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

3164

CASA NUEVA FAMILY WINES GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon

$ WEB

3176

CORNELLANA RESERVE SHIRAZ, PEUMO, 2021

Shiraz

$ WEB

A medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with good midpalate weight, it is round with spices and black fruit flavours and a bitter cherry finish.

$ WEB

3177

CORNELLANA WINEMAKERS SELECTION SPECIAL RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC, PEUMO, 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

$ WEB

A light-bodied Shiraz with aromas of red apple, red cherry and vanilla. On the palate, it is mellow with a bitter cherry twist.

$ WEB

$ WEB

An intriguing Sauvignon with more subtle yet complex aromas of fennel, aniseed, dried camomile, hops, white peach and floral notes. It is medium-bodied with midpalate weight and depth of flavour. 90% of the wine was fermented in stainless steel followed by six months in contact with fine lees and 10% in concrete egg-shaped tanks.

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2025, M7 D8

2022-2023, M8 D9

Spices, petrol, black fruit

18°C

Red apple, cherries, vanilla

18°C

Fennel, dried camomile, hops, white peach

6°C

Bitter cherries

13.5%

Mellow fruits, bitter cherry finish, [2.00]

13%

Floral, [2.00]

12%

Black Angus burger with smoked Gouda and caramelized onions

Chilean short rib plateada

Tiradito with lime juice, ginger and cilantro

— CELLAR 292 WEB EXCLUSIVES

65

ARGENTINA

3130

FUEGO BLANCO VALLE DEL SILEX CONTRAVIENTO MALBEC ROSÉ, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, SAN JUAN, 2021 Malbec

$ WEB

FUEGO BLANCO VALLE DEL SILEX CONTRAVIENTO MALBEC, VALLE DEL PEDERNAL, SAN JUAN, 2019

Malbec

$ WEB

$ WEB

3150

FINCA FERRER MALBEC, ESTATE GROWN, GUALTALLARY, 2018

Malbec

$ WEB

$ WEB

$ WEB

Malbec grapes from two regions within San Juan Province – Pedernal Valley and Ullum Valley at 1,500 and 1,000 metres, respectively – were used to produce this brightly coloured rosé. A pretty serious style of rosé with a touch of residual sugar giving mid-palate weight with flavours of sherbet.

This is a savoury wine with aromas of hay and grass over a fruit background. It is medium-bodied with peppery flavours, supple rich mid palate and bitter cherry finish.

The vineyard is planted at 1,450 metres on sandy soils rich in limestone and flint.

Oaky, coconut and vanilla aromas lie over a ripe and cooked fruit compote background. It is mediumbodied with quite an austere acidity forcing its way through on the palate. Sour blackberries and cherries with a chewy finish. 80% of the wine was matured in French oak barrels, 20% in American oak for 12 months.

2022-2023, M8 D9

2022-2024, M8 D9

2022-2026, M7 D8

Sherbet

6°C

Celery, fresh hay

18°C

Coconut, vanilla, fruit compote

18°C

Astringent red fruits, [4.60]

12.5%

Grassy, peppery, bitter cherry

14%

Blackberries, cherries

15%

Mild Indian curry

66

3131

CELLAR 292 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Tacos carne asada with cilantro and lime

Carpaccio

ALSACE

3151

FINCA FERRER SYRAH, ESTATE GROWN, GUALTALLARY, 2020

Syrah

$ WEB

3116

PINOT NOIR, AOC ALSACE, MÉDAILLE D'OR GILBERT & GAILLARD, 2020

Pinot Noir

$ WEB

$ WEB

$ WEB

Pinot Noir is the only black grape authorized in the Alsace AOC. Red apple aromas lead to quite a grippy palate with structure and a nice bitter cherry finish.

2022-2025, M7 D8

2022-2023, M8 D9

Pencil shavings, cedar, plum

18°C

Red apples

18°C

Sour fruits, chocolate

14.5%

Bitter cherries, grippy, [0.00]

14.5%

Five spice-braised pork belly

RIESLING VIEILLES VIGNES, AOC ALSACE, 2020

Riesling

Cedar and pencil shavings are complemented by plum and chocolate aromas. It is medium-bodied but relatively light. Mellow fruits emerge on the palate with grainy tannins and a refreshing acidity.

Lamb chops with rosemary

3117

$ WEB

$ WEB

A flinty Riesling with some astringent limey fruits and spicy notes. It is well balanced with good depth and a sour lemon and lime finish.

Produced from grapes from vines a minimum 25 years old. As vines age, their roots burrow deeper for nutrients and water producing ripe, concentrated grapes.

2022-2024, M8 D9 Spices, limes

6°C

Flinty sour lemon, [6.00]

12.5%

Pan-fried trout with lemon vinaigrette

— CELLAR 292 WEB EXCLUSIVES

67

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 __________________

s u n o B

Bottle Shop!

WEB EXCLUSIVES

Cornellana Reserve Shiraz, Peumo, 2021, Lot 3176

Finca Ferrer Malbec, Estate Grown, Gualtallary, 2018, Lot 3150

$ 19

$ 34

$ 228

$ 204

Cornellana Winemakers Selection Special Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Peumo, 2021, Lot 3177

Finca Ferrer Syrah, Estate Grown, Gualtallary, 2020, Lot 3151 $ 34

$ 29

So many great wines, we couldn’t fit them in.

$ 174

Casa Nueva Family Wines Reserva Rosé, Curicó Valley, 2021, Lot 3163 $ 18 $ 216

$ 204

Fuego Blanco Valle del Silex Contraviento Malbec Rosé, Valle del Pedernal, San Juan, 2021, Lot 3130 $ 22

Chile

Argentina

Casa Nueva Family Wines Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Curicó Valley, 2020, Lot 3164

Alsace

Fuego Blanco Valle del Silex Contraviento Malbec, Valle del Pedernal, San Juan, 2019, Lot 3131

$ 28 $ 168

$ 32

Riesling Vieilles Vignes, AOC Alsace, 2020, Lot 3117

Pinot Noir, AOC Alsace, Médaille d’Or Gilbert & Gaillard, 2020, Lot 3116

$ 25

$ 31

$ 150

$ 186

GO TO OPIMIAN.CA memberservice@opimian.ca

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

$ 132

1-800-361-9421

$ 192