C313-BC: THE RHÔNE VALLEY, WHITE BURGUNDY & CHAMPAGNE by Opimian2

CELLAR ORDER FEB 20 - MAR 25, 2024

THE RHÔNE VALLEY, WHITE BURGUNDY & CHAMPAGNE

Clement and Alexandre of Lamblin & Fils

OPIMIAN.CA

BC 313

EDITORIAL

France is where it's at! By Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Managing Directors

Literally, one out of every three bottles of wine sold and consumed in the world is made in France. Among Opimian Members, that percentage is even higher. For good reason. The French have a wine culture like none other and they protect it through regulation and, more importantly, through meticulous grape growing and winemaking.

What can we say about Champagne that hasn't already been said? These celebratory wines speak for themselves! It's fair to say that Carole Doyard's Champagnes elevate every occasion. The Cuvée Immersion in Collector's Corner was such a huge hit last year, that we convinced Carole to put a few bottles aside for you this year.

Within that national pride, individual wine regions take their wines very seriously and rise to the top of an already elevated class. The three regions featured here belong to this elite club. The Rhône Valley, White Burgundy and Champagne have proven themselves for centuries. The wines in the Cellar continue that tradition.

À votre santé!

The Southern Rhône, with its classic GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) blend, provides an endless array of wine-drinking pleasure. Our Rhône partners, too numerous to mention here, wowed our Masters of Wine this year. The scores were outstanding! In addition to the south, if you've never explored the Northern Rhône, the birthplace of Syrah, this is your chance. The Northern Rhône produces Syrah unlike other region in terms of style, and it the benchmark with which all other French Syrah’s are compared against. The white burgundies from our long-time partner, Lamblin Fils, mainly from Chablis, express Chardonnay in a way that even ABC'ers (anything but Chardonnay) love. The clean, fresh, crisp wines are a delight and belong in every cellar. Lamblin has graciously provided a wide range of price points to appeal to every budget. Speaking of Lamblin, make sure to stock up on their Folies Parisiennes on pages 22 and 23. They have informed us that they will be rebranding this everyday drinker next year so this will be the last time it is being offered., and, with Michel and Didier retiring, a new generation is taking over to carry on the legacy. You'll notice that, by popular demand, we have increased the Everyday Drinking section from two pages to three. While we can't promise to do so in every Cellar (sourcing Opimian quality wines at this price point is a constant challenge), we were delighted to do so for you here.

CELLAR 313 — EDITORIAL

Michael & Greg COUPS DE COEUR.......................................................................... P5 CANADIAN CORNER.....................................................................P6 CELLAR UP!........................................................................................P9 RHÔNE..............................................................................................................P10 Domaine des Romarins......................................................................... P11 Les Grandes Serres................................................................................... P12 Domaine Martin......................................................................................... P13 Domaine Berthet-Rayne..................................................................... P14 Château Saint-Bénézet......................................................................... P15 Domaine des Fontnobles.................................................................... P16 Château de Montmirail......................................................................... P17 Domaine La Rocalière........................................................................... P18 Domaine Les Ondines........................................................................... P19 Vignerons Ardéchois.............................................................................P20 EVERYDAY WINES....................................................................... P22 Domaine des Remizières................................................................... P25 Domaine Pichon....................................................................................... P26 CHABLIS/WHITE BURGUNDY......................................................... P28 Lamblin & Fils.............................................................................................. P28 CHAMPAGNE...............................................................................................P34 Champagne Doyard-Mahé............................................................... P35 SPIRITS..............................................................................................P40 COLLECTOR’S CORNER............................................................ P42

YOUR MASTERS OF WINE FOR THIS CELLAR

Toronto-based Igor Ryjenkov MW was the first in Canada to earn the prestigious Master of Wine credential in 2003. His wine business expertise has been informed by 24 year in the Ontario trade, first in retail, then in key buying positions, and lastly, in projects, most notably, developing the new 5-dot wine style matrix. Igor is one of Opimian’s Masters of Wines.

Jacky Blisson MW is an independent wine educator, writer, and consultant with over two decades of experience in all facets of the global wine trade. She is the first Master of Wine in Québec and one of only ten across Canada.

Ordering Made Easy

Legend

1. SELECT YOUR WINES Let yourself be inspired by Opimian’s Masters of Wine. Our custom chart features a list of symbols to help guide your selection.

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

Body Light - Medium - Full

Bottle size

Oak Light - Medium - Heavy

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

Number of bottles in case

Organic2

Aroma

Vegetarian2

3. LET US HANDLE THE REST The wines featured on this Cellar Offering are still at the producers’ wineries when you order them, so it is normal that the process takes a bit of time and effort on our side.

Taste

Vegan2

Serving temperature

Top 10 Members' Choice

Percent of alcohol1

Medal winner

Ideal with

Orange wine

Still unsure which wines to order? Contact us!

Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board. 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.

Residual Sugar Dry = 0-10g/l Louise Wilson MW: LW

1 2

Opimian.ca

Semi dry = 11-30g/l

Semi sweet = 31-50g/l

Jacky Blisson MW: JB

Michael Palij MW: MP

Sweet = 51+g/l

Igor Ryjenkov MW: IR

The alcohol percentage value is subject to change before delivery. This information is provided by our producers and may not reflect Canadian norms.

MemberService@Opimian.ca

1-800-361-9421

— CELLAR 313 MASTERS OF WINE

MASTER PIECE

Can’t Go Wrong with Rhône By Igor Ryjenkov MW

Let’s just jump straight to what really matters, and that is the style of the wines of Rhône. Could we be making generalizations about the 2nd largest French wine region with over 66,000 hectares planted with 34 different grapes? With 75% red wine and 94% of the volume made in its southern reaches, it is not unreasonable to seek some commonalities, especially if they remain applicable, even to the remaining fractions. The style of Rhône wines bridges the New and Old World divide. It has generous fruit, suppler acidity, softer tannins, and no edges, appealing to the palates shaped by Australian or Californian wines. Yet, it still offers the stamp of provenance, discipline, and a discrete delivery that attracts the European inclined palates. So, when in doubt, the wines of Rhône are a great choice that is likely to please most in your gathering. This style is shaped by several elements of the region, with climate and grape varieties playing pivotal roles. The Northern part of the Rhône Valley is largely a narrow river gorge from Lyon to Valence. The climate is continental but

CELLAR 313 — MASTER PIECE

moderate to warm overall, especially during the growing season. However, the exposure still matters for optimal ripeness. The South, a more open, rolling hills part of the valley between Montelimar, Avignon and Nîmes grows progressively Mediterranean towards the sea. Challenges such as the disruptive Mistral wind and the timing of precipitation during crucial growth stages contribute to vintage variations, but the overall climate helps smooth out peaks and valleys. The grapes are another important piece of the puzzle. Only Syrah is used in the Northern Rhône reds, at times field-blended with some Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne, which are the only white grapes used here - Viognier by itself, and the other two alone or as a blend. While the regional style description still applies, the nature of the grapes leaves a clear imprint. Top Syrah wines exhibit textbook notes of black olive, black pepper, and bacon in a structured profile, while the best Condrieus showcase flavors of peach, apricot yogurt, and an unctuous mouthfeel. In the South, which defines the Rhône style, the palate is significantly broader, with nearly three dozen grapes in play. In reality, Grenache is almost a constant in most Southern wines, Noir in reds, often with support of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan, and Blanc in whites, with a raft of other interesting grapes like Clairette, Bourboulenc or Picpoul. Some appellations require a proportion of grapes, like Côtes du Rhône, but some, like Châteauneuf, just list the permitted varieties and can be made as a blend or as a single grape alone. Speaking of appellations – Côtes du Rhône is the broadest and makes up nearly half of the Valley production. The next level up is Côtes du Rhône-Villages, tighter def ined areas

Toronto-based IGOR RYJENKOV MW was the first in Canada to earn the prestigious Master of Wine credential in 2003. His wine business expertise has been informed by 24 year in the Ontario trade, first in retail, then in key buying positions, and lastly, in projects, most notably, developing the new 5-dot wine style matrix. Igor is one of Opimian’s Masters of Wines.

COUPS DE COEUR

THIS CELLAR'S HIGHEST SCORING WINES BY OUR MASTERS OF WINE

EVERYDAY DRINKING GRANDES SERRES URBAN SERIES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, BLANC, ORGANIC 2022, LOT 4809, P12

CELLARING POTENTIAL DOMAINE DES ROMARINS, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES SIGNARGUES 2022, LOT 4781, P11

with stricter requirements that cover 95 communes. Another step up still is Côtes du Rhône Villages, enjoyed by 22 communes, with Plan de Dieu, Visan or Sablet often seen on the shelves. The peak of the pyramid are the Crus. The 16 of them include all of the Northern AOC/Ps, like Hermitage and Condrieu, as well as Southern Rhone’s Gigondas, Vaqueyras and the famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Châteauneuf was at the center of a couple of inflection points in the region’s history. While Romans planted the first vines in the area around 600 BC, with the fall of the empire the wine trade also declined. Its resurgence from 13th century on was thanks to the Popes’ move to Avignon, thus the area’s most famous wine owes its name to the Popes’ new digs. And much more recently, the modern French AOC system was born here when in 1936 Baron le Roy Boiseaumarie, a grower in Châteauneuf area, led the effort to set up the very first AOC, for “Côtes du Rhône” wines.

CHABLIS, AOC, FLEUR D'ACACIA, 2022, LOT 4827, P30

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES, AOP SAINTJOSEPH 2022, LOT 4792, P25

Another reason Châteauneuf's name often comes up is thanks to the "pudding" stones in its vineyards. Given the size of the valley, the soils vary widely, from granite in large parts of the North to clays, sand, and gravel in the south. However, the specifics of the soil in the Crus play a significant role. It is regularly cited that the Châteauneuf stones radiate the retained daily heat at night, but they do more – their light colour helps reflect sunlight to the grapes, and they also function as a shield for the topsoil, slowing the rise of its temperature and water loss. The interesting aspect of the best wines of Côtes du Rhône, such as Châteauneuf, is that while they are big wines, they don't necessarily offer more of everything but primarily excel in one thing—finesse, found in the quality of the tannins and the wine's overall pedigree. This is some of what shapes the “bridging” style of the Rhône Valley wines. Combine that with the fact that 13% - and growing - of the region is organic. The reasons for the title should be, at this point, self-evident.

— CELLAR 313 COUPS DE COEUR

CANADIAN CORNER FIND AN EVEN BIGGER CANADIAN SELECTION ONLINE! WWW.OPIMIAN.CA

4554

Pale yellow in the glass. Fermentation and nine months of neutral-oak aging was just enough to give the aromatics a characteristic twist without being oaky. With high intensity, it displays quince, yellow gooseberry, camomile and wax/ lanolin notes. The palate opens with a lifted, medium-plus acidity and is dry with a mediumplus extract and body. It has a nice length on the palate and clear oily/ creamy, gooseberry and quince fruit to a medium-plus finish. 2024-2028–ir

MELDVILLE BARREL SELECT SAUVIGNON BLANC, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2022

Sauvignon Blanc

$ 24

$ 144

13% Quince, yellow gooseberry, camomile, and wax/lanolin Creamy, gooseberry and quince, [2.00] Arugula and mesclun greens with goat cheese

1073

HARRIS BEACH RYE 51 CANADIAN WHISKY

Whisky

$ 65

This rye-forward whisky is loaded with personality. The nose is packed with orange zest, vanilla, toasted coconut, mince pie and crème caramel aromas. The initial sip opens with layers of grilled orange, apricot, dates and caramel before it transitions into a long spicy finish. Refined and polished, Beach’s signature smooth mouthfeel makes it easy to enjoy Rye 51 straight; however, its versatile style makes it perfect for classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned.– lw Whisky

45%

Orange zest, toasted coconut, mince pie Grilled orange, apricot, date, caramel Finish

CELLAR 313 — CANADIAN CORNER

Allspice

4664

PEARL MORISSETTE FURIE RED BLEND, LINCOLN LAKESHORE VQA, 2020

PEARL MORISSETTE NIAGARA VINEYARDS COUP DE CŒUR, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2021

Chardonnay

Cabernet Franc

$ 50

3678

$ 300

Ambient yeast, no new oak and extended lees contact make this quite unlike most Bordeaux blends you encountered, so it is best to approach it as advertised – a red blend. Stylistic choices aside, it is still clearly a quality wine. It has a deep opaque ruby appearance. The nose offers medium-intensity aromas with a balsamic element, notes of tomato leaf/tomatillo, sour black plum, chokeberry, wood spice/clove, a touch of game, bell pepper stew, and pickling spices appear with some air. On the dry palate it shows a medium-plus acidity and a medium-plus frame: extract, super-fine powdery tannins and body, a nice length and intensity, with replays and echoes of the aromas – dark fruit, balsamic notes, graphite, earth/ beet juice, game and tomato, and a long finish. An introvert for sure, it has a poise, a breed and a persistence. 2024-28, but could keep for up to a decade.–ir

$ 45

$ 270

The 2021 Pearl Morissette Coup de Cœur captures the essence of the Niagara region in a glass. It is a notably aromatic example of Chardonnay made from vines grown in the red clay soils of the 24-hectare Redfoot vineyard. The property, located in the Lincoln Lakeshore viticultural area, is heavily influenced by the moderating effect of Lake Ontario. Here, the mild climate and the long growing season allow the grapes time to slowly ripen while they develop maximum flavour. Elegant from the first aromas through to the extended finish, this wine offers an expressive bouquet of honeydew melon, peach, apple and lemon scents that are reinforced on the palate. Elevage in 10% new oak demi-muid and 90% foudre, in addition to eight months spent on lees, adds depth and texture to the wine. Fresh acidity perfectly supports the fruit creating a seamless balance. This wine is immediately delightful but also has the capacity to evolve in cellar. The best part? Opimian Members now have exclusive access to this small-lot Canadian gem. It is not even available at the winery! 2023-2028–lw

4220

CLOUDSLEY CELLARS HOMESTEAD VINEYARD PINOT NOIR, VQA TWENTY MILE BENCH, 2019 Pinot Noir

$ 50

$ 300

The 2019 Cloudsley Cellars Homestead Vineyard Pinot Noir is a single-vineyard wine crafted from fruit grown in Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench appellation. This is a Burgundian-style Pinot with an evolving bouquet of cherry, leather, balsamic and cured meat. Upon the first sip, the palate expresses notes of cherry, strawberry and raspberry framed with fine grained tannin. An excellent match for beef carpaccio. 2023-2025–lw

11.5%

12.5%

Balsamic, tomato leaf/tomatillo, sour black plum, chokeberry, clove, game, bell pepper stew and pickling spices

Honeydew melon, peach, apple, lemon

Cherry, leather, balsamic, cured meat

Dark fruit, balsamic notes, graphite, earth/ beet juice, game and tomato

Honeydew melon, peach, apple, lemon, [2.00]

Cherry, strawberry, raspberry

Guinea Hen

Salmon cakes with lemon aioli

Beef carpaccio with arugula and Parmigiano-Reggiano

11.5%

Shipping fees may apply. — CELLAR 313 CANADIAN CORNER

MEMBER BENEFITS We are always looking for ways to make your Opimian Membership more valuable than having exclusive access to world-class, magnificent wines. Here are just a few of the exceptional benefits you enjoy as a Member: ReCork We have partnered with the pioneering company ReCork to recycle our corks from our cellar tastings, events, and dinners – if you would like to do the same learn more by visiting their website. www.recork.com

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REFER-A-FRIEND

Jagged Ridge Wine Racks Save 10% on wine racks @ Amazon PROMO CODE: Opimian10 tinyurl.com/JRRacks

Talk about a win-win. Have a friend, family member, or co-worker join Opimian and you will each get a case of wine to celebrate. Not only is the wine worth far more than the cost of the Membership, but you'll also have more people to share in the joy of wine. Just direct them to opimian.ca, be sure they enter your Member Number when prompted and add the Promo Code Opimian24 when prompted for that too. We'll take take care of the rest.

Blue Grouse Cellars 5% off wine cabinets, cooling units, glassware & Accessories PROMO CODE: Opim23 www.bluegrouseshop.com Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) & Zoomer Magazine Complimentary year of Membership - One year of Zoomer for $19.95 Go to shop.carp.ca/ CCO22MWCQ Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Opimian Wine Club members can enjoy 20% off the cost of a TIFF Membership. Take your love of film to the next level with free tickets to TIFF Cinematheque, Festival, and year-round Member pre-sales, discounts across TIFF Bell Lightbox, and so much more. PROMO CODE: 23OPIMIAN Le Maitre D Gourmet Food Exclusive access & special pricing. Packages designed to compliment your Opimian wines. www.lemaitred.com International Wine & Food Society The IW&FS of Toronto arranges monthly events combining wine and food which include dinners and tastings; all designed to be innovative, educational, enjoyable and of high quality. Opimian members have special access to IWFS events

CELLAR 313 — UP TO THE MINUTE

OPIMIAN ON SOCIAL MEDIA

UP TO THE MINUTE

OPIMIAN TRAVEL June, 2024 Niagara, Canada Spend a luxurious long weekend in Canada's foremost wine region. The best of accommodation, dining and transportation. Mark your calendars for exciting destinations in 2025! We will be heading to Bordeaux in April, Italy in May, and Burgundy in September! More details to come. All of these trips will be offered to the entire Membership by email in advance of the registration period. If you would like to be added to the specific TRAVEL email list, please send an email to Anaïs, our Events Coordinator, at aphilippe@ opimian.ca.

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PLEASE KEEP YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION UPTO-DATE One of the biggest disappointments we hear from Members and especially wine program subscribers is when their orders do not go through due to an expired credit card. Please keep yours up-to-date. You can update the information in your dashboard. It's stored in a safe, encrypted database so you have no worries there. If you have any trouble doing so, please contact Member Service.

OPIMIAN EVENTS Producer Tastings Coming to a City Near You in 2024! Producer Tastings will be rolling out across the country in 2024, with the first stops in Toronto and Montreal. These events are a chance to taste last year’s vintage of a range of wines in the current cellar. Each tasting will focus on several producers and may include special guests! Keep an eye on your emails and check the Cellars for more information. Carole Doyarde (Eastern Canada) - Late February / Early March Maurico Lorca (Western Canada) - Late April Save the date for a Riedel Winetasting featuring Maximilian Riedel June 14, 2024 - Toronto, Canada Stay tuned to your emails for more information!

Information available on our blog at WWW.OPIMIAN.CA/BLOG

CELLAR UP! WINES TO SHAPE YOUR CELLAR

Cultivate your curiosity while building a balanced Cellar:

Chablis is a chardonnay like no other. Its crisp acidity gets the attention of sommeliers and wine lovers around the world. No wonder it's a Member favourite.

A white wine from the Rhône? You bet! This is a wonderfully refreshing wine for everyday drinking, with a blend that has so much going on that you'll be discovering new layers sip after sip.

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES, AOP CROZESHERMITAGE, 2022, LOT 4790, P25

GRANDES SERRES URBAN SERIES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, BLANC, ORGANIC 2022, LOT 4809, P12

CHABLIS, AOC, 2022, LOT 4822, P29

DM EMPREINTE, CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ, CHARDONNAY, BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU NV, LOT 4835, P38

Everyone should keep a bottle of Champagne in their cellar for special occasions and the occasional treat, even when just celebrating life. We know one member who stocked up enough to enjoy one bottle per week for an entire year. Now, that's living!

Here is a full-bodied red that you can enjoy as soon as it arrives, and cellar the others for up to seven years. This AOP is known for its high-quality grapes and superior winemaking.

DOMAINE DES ROMARINS, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, 2022, LOT 4779, P10

LOT 4848 $ 1326

Cellar Up! has been designed to offer you the full Opimian experience. A mix of classics and must-haves, sprinkled with new products and unique tasting experiences.

Make sure to read the tasting notes on this one on Page 11 Its nose and palate are a unique mix of unusual and perfectly paired elements. You'll experience the depth that only Rhône grape varieties and terroir can provide.

— CELLAR 313 CELLAR UP!

RHÔNE

It is not a huge challenge to understand the attraction of the Rhône Valley and its wines. With a history dating to ancient Rome, and later serving as a base for Catholic Popes centuries later, this stretch of France from Lyon to the Mediterranean Sea, following the flow of the Rhone River, is a world of wine in itself. It offers wines of every colour and style from an extensive roster of grape varieties including benchmark expressions of several – notably Syrah, Grenache and Viognier. Its very location predestines these wines to deliver reliable softer acidity and plusher tannins in reds, along with ample body and generous fruit making for an easy-to-understand style that usually quells all arguments regardless of individual preferences. So, what challenge?

DOMAINE DES ROMARINS, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022

14.5%

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan

$ 33

4779

4780 REGION FOR THIS CELLAR

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

$ 198 1500ml

$ 78 $ 234

Lifted, crushed carnations/marigolds, prune, walnut essence, licorice/chicory root Prune spread, marigold, walnut essence, chicory root Vegan lentil tacos

Magnums signed by the winemaker.

From 20- to 30-year-old vines, half Grenache with Syrah and Carignan. It has a deep purple opaque appearance and medium-plus intensity, lifted aromas of crushed carnations/ marigolds, prune, walnut essence and licorice/chicory root elements. With a medium acidity on the palate, it is dry and shows a medium-plus extract, medium fine squeaky-textured tannins, medium-plus body and length, and an attractive fruit intensity of prune spread, marigold, walnut essence, chicory root flavors and medium-plus, warm finish. 2024-2028–ir

photo — The legacy of four generations of winemakers, Domaine

des Romarins is now run by Benoît (left) and Xavier (right)

DOMAINE DES ROMARINS The core of this Rhône offer is made up of the fares of small – often familyrun – producers in the area: some with decades of history; some that are new. There are some that have scaled up, and some that remain small-sized artisanal craftworks. In all cases, however, the wines have the up-close and personal attention of the very real people who are passionate about their terroir and its expression in their wines. A case in point: based in the village of Domazan, just outside and to the west of Avignon, Domaine des Romarins is generations of the Fabre family building upon the foundations laid by their great-grandfather. The current estate caretakers, Xavier and Benoit, continue a tradition that started in 1892. Their respect for their land is encapsulated by their conversion to organic farming, with 2024 as the first fully certified vintage.

4782

DOMAINE DES 3 LYS TRUFFES NOIRES AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, 2022

Grenache, Syrah

$ 38

4781

$ 228

DOMAINE DES ROMARINS, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES SIGNARGUES, 2022

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre

$ 41

$ 246

From 30- to 50-year-old vines, with 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and Mourvèdre. A deep opaque ruby in the glass. It leads with medium-plus intensity lifted aromas – a candied note, then prune spread, marigold/ carnation, spice/ginger, tar and cold smoke tones. It is dry on the palate with a low yet adequate acidity, has a medium extract, medium fine-textured tannins and a medium body. The structure is completed by nice length and persistence of red and black plum spread, floral notes, cold smoke, ginger snaps, lees and game elements and a medium-plus finish. 2024-2028–ir

The 2022 vintage of Domaine des 3 Lys is a classic Côtes du Rhône combining the velvety smooth, red berry vibrancy of Grenache with the firmer, more dark-fruited character of Syrah. This fresh, mediumbodied red wine drinks very well on its own but will also pair well with a wide variety of mild to subtly spiced dishes. Established in 2015, Domaine des 3 Lys belongs to Yann Soulairac and Elise Bosse-Platière, owners of Châteaux Saint-Bénezet and Bellefontaine. 2024-2027–jb

14%

photo — Domaine des Romarins wines are the fruit of rigorous work and a perpetual quest for balance and finesse.

14%

A candied note, prune spread, marigold/ carnation, spice/ginger, tar and cold smoke

Red cherry, plum, licorice, nutmeg

Red and black plum spread, floral, cold smoke, ginger snaps, hints of lees and game

Red and dark fruit, hints dark chocolate

Grilled lamb with shawarma spices

Mild rogan josh

— RHÔNE DOMAINE DES ROMARINS

LES GRANDES SERRES Nestled in Châteauneuf-du-Pape's sun-soaked vineyards, Grandes Serres echoes a rich narrative. Established in 1977, Romain Leroy, since 2022, leads with a singular vision—making Grandes Serres a white wine specialist in a Rhône dominated by reds. Beyond vines, it has evolved into a vibrant French winery--a cultural haven where pleasure and innovation converge.

4810

GRANDES SERRES URBAN SERIES, AOP CAIRANNE, 2023

Grenache, Clairette, Roussanne

$ 43

4809

GRANDES SERRES URBAN SERIES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, BLANC, ORGANIC, 2023 Grenache, Marsanne, Clairette, Roussanne

$ 37

$ 222

$ 258

The 2022 vintage was warm in the southern Rhône Valley, and this definitely comes across on the nose of this Cairanne white wine with its heady, almost candied, notes of peach, melon and passion fruit. The palate is slightly fresher though still quite tropical in flavour profile. Finishes with a pleasing hint of minty herbs. 2024-2027–jb

A fragrant, light white wine with intense floral, stone fruit and candied lemon aromas on the nose. The palate is quite lively with ripe pear and apricot flavours underscored by pepper and herbal hints. An every day quaffing white wine with a touch of refreshing bitterness on the finish. 2024-2026–jb 13.5%

4811

GRANDES SERRES URBAN SERIES WHITE POPE, AOP CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, 2022

Bourboulenc

$ 86

$ 258

The Bourboulenc grape is a little-known variety used as a blending component in southern Rhône white wines. It is exceedingly rare to have a 100% Bourboulenc bottling – and even more so from the prestigious Châteauneufdu-Pape appellation. This cuvée is brimming with exotic spice, ripe stone and tropical fruit and tangy citrus notes. The palate is more earthy and savoury with a creamy textural core, and lingering toasty oak hints. 2025-2033–jb

14%

13.5%

Honeysuckle, lemon, apricot, peach

Peach, melon, passion fruit

Preserved lemon, peach, pineapple, mixed spice

Pear, white pepper, apricot, herbal

Ripe peach, tropical and citrus undertones

Lemon, apple, peach, savoury nuances

Grilled octopus

Artichoke risotto

Sesame-crusted tuna tataki

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Romain Leroy in the heart of the harvest!

4783

DOMAINE MARTIN, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU, 2021

4784

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

$ 43

DOMAINE MARTIN, AOP RASTEAU, 2022

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

$ 258

$ 45

$ 270

This is 70% Grenache, the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre from 25-year-old vines on average. A black, deep purple opaque appearance. It displays medium-intensity aromas of prune and prune spread, toffee, chocolate, dried blueberry with a floral lift on the nose. Dry with a medium acidity, it has a medium-plus extract, medium medium-textured tannins, medium-plus body and nice length and fruit intensity with prune, dark chocolate brownies and dried blueberry tart to the fore, with a mediumwarm finish. 2024-26–ir

DOMAINE MARTIN Based in the commune of Travaillan – a part of the Côtes du Rhône-Village Plan de Dieu appellation after its promotion in 2004 – and right in the heart of the region between Châteauneuf and Gigondas, the Martin family has been making wines here since 1905. David and Eric, the great-grandsons of Julian, the founder, are now running the estate which has grown from five hectares then to 72 today with 62 hectares in Côtes du Rhône AOC.

GSM THE RHÔNE'S CLASSIC BLEND --PERFECTLY BALANCED

Average age of vines is 30 years here: 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah and Mourvèdre. The wine shows a very deep ruby color and medium intensity aromatics of marigold, licorice, walnut essence, prune spread, and starch/burlap tones. It is dry on the palate with a medium-minus acidity, a medium extract, medium fine-textured tannins, a medium body and lovely length and fruit featuring toffee, prune spread, marigold and gingerbread, closing with a medium-warm finish. 2024-26–ir 15%

15%

Marigold, licorice, walnut essence, prune spread, starch/burlap hints

Prune and prune spread, toffee, chocolate, dried blueberry, a floral lift

Toffee, prune spread, marigolds and gingerbread

Prune, dark chocolate brownies, dried blueberry tart

Juniper-braised squab

Sumac-scented couscous salad with fireroasted cherry tomatoes and chickpeas

photo — Domaine Martin has been sharing its family passion for wine for over 70 years.

— RHÔNE DOMAINE MARTIN

DOMAINE BERTHET-RAYNE

NEW

4786

In 1920, Raoul Raymond ripped up a swathe of his family’s cherry trees to plant vineyards. He was convinced that their land, in the heart of Châteauneufdu-Pape, would yield excellent winemaking grapes. His son Emile carried on the tradition, converting their entire Domaine de Cigalons property to grape vines. In the 1970s, Emile’s son-in-law took over, creating the Domaine Berthet-Rayne which still maintains its proud family heritage.

4785

DOMAINE BERTHET-RAYNE, CUVÉE "VIEILLI EN FÛT DE CHÊNE" AOP CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, 2020

Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise

$ 94

$ 282

The oak-aged Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine Berthet-Rayne is more powerful and savoury in expression. Aromas of truffle, baked dark fruit and woody nuances feature on the nose. The palate is similarly complex with layers of ripe fruit interwoven with espresso and gamey hints. Finishes on a pleasantly warming note with firm tannins. 2024-2036–jb

DOMAINE BERTHET-RAYNE LES CIGALONS AOP CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, 2022

15% Truffle, plum, mocha, cedar

Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah

$ 70

Stewed black fruit, espresso, savoury

$ 420

This Châteauneuf-duPape red pays homage to the original family estate, Domaine de Cigalons, established by Raoul Raymond in 1920. The 2022 vintage is full bodied and ripe-fruited with layers of jammy red berries, cherry, floral nuances and wild herbs. The palate is slightly more savoury, earthy and herbal. Finishes dry, with broad, structuring tannins. Needs a little time to harmonize. 2025-2035–jb

Époisses de Bourgogne

NEW

4787

DOMAINE BERTHET-RAYNE, CUVÉE CADIAC, AOP CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, 2020

Grenache, Mourvèdre

$ 113

The 2020 Cuvée Cadiac is another fullbodied, densely structured offering from Domaine Berthet-Rayne. Intense aromas of crushed dark fruit are lifted by fresh herbal and earthy notes. The palate is quite broad with layers of red and dark fruit laced with oak-derived spice. Needs time soften and integrate further. 2025-2038–jb

14.5%

$ 339

15%

Raspberry, black cherry, violet, thyme

Plum, black cherry, eucalyptus, cedar

Plum, earthy, savoury, dried thyme [2.50]

Baked red and dark fruit, earthy, spiced

Venison casserole with puff pastry

Spicy pork banh mi

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — At Domaine Berthet-Rayne, harvesting is done by hand to preserve the quality of the grapes, and to sort out the best bunches.

CHÂTEAU SAINT-BÉNÉZET Château Saint-Bénézet is located in the picturesque Costières de Nîmes, the most southerly of Rhône Valley vineyards. Since its establishment in 1999, the estate has passed on to the second generation: under their stewardship, the property has grown to over 200 hectares of vines which are farmed according to Terra Vitis-certified sustainable viticulture methods. The wines offer good value and easy drinkability.

4788

CHÂTEAU SAINT-BÉNÉZET LES HAUTS DE COSTE-RIVES ROUGE AOP COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES, 2022

Grenache, Syrah

$ 22

$ 264

The “Les Hauts de Coste-Rives” vineyard is grown on dazzling soils of rounded quartz stones that reflect heat back into the vineyard. This red is a blend of Grenache and Syrah with ripe dark fruit flavours interlaced with herbal and peppery nuances. Medium bodied and unoaked with smooth tannins. 2024-2026–jb

13.5% Ripe dark fruit, hint brambles, cracked pepper Tangy, mixed dark fruit, herbal undertones Oven-roasted pork belly with hoisin glaze

photo — The Berthet-Rayne estate is above all a story of passion, savoir-faire and transmission.

— RHÔNE CHÂTEAU SAINT-BÉNÉZET

4812

DOMAINE DES FONTNOBLES AOP VACQUEYRAS, 2021

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

$ 49

$ 294

The 2021 vintage Vacqueyras boasts lovely freshness to balance its powerful, warming palate. Despite its youth, this is already a complex wine with underlying truffle and tar nuances that bring considerable nuance to the baked dark fruit aromas. The flavours are fresher and more lifted than the nose, and the tannins are quite well-constructed with a fine, chalky edge. Good moderate term ageing potential. 2024-2029–jb

4813

DOMAINE DES FONTNOBLES, AOP GIGONDAS, 2022

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

$ 58

$ 348

The 2022 Gigondas is still very young with a forward ripe-fruited character and underlying earthiness. The palate is bold with layers of tobacco and dried herbs underneath its vibrant dark fruit. Finishes with a lifted freshness and quite grippy tannins. Will need time to reveal its full potential. 2025-2032–jb

14.5% Cassis, plum, dark cherry, tar Cassis, plum, tea leaf, tobacco Beef daube with olives, cloves and orange

DOMAINE DES FONTNOBLES Domaine des Fontnobles is nestled at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail Mountains in the reputed southern Rhône appellation of Vacqueyras. This south-facing site is sheltered from the area’s powerful mistral winds allowing for optimal grape ripening. The family-run estate has been handed down over several generations. Today, their vineyards span 40 hectares with plantings in neighbouring Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise.

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

14.5% Candied blackcurrant, plum, herbal, tar Cassis, dark cherry, tobacco Moroccan tagine with ginger and dried fruit

photo — Domaine des Fontnobles - here family traditions yield exceptional wines.

CHÂTEAU DE MONTMIRAIL Château de Montmirail is another family-run property founded in 1960 by Maurice Archimbaud and, since 2018, run by his grandchildren, Philippe and Sylvie. Maurice pioneered planting on the steep slopes of Dentelles de Montmirail, and today the estate draws on 45 hectares of vineyards split between Vacqueyras and Gigondas for their concise, but impactful, range of award-winning wines.

4798

CHÂTEAU DE MONTMIRAIL, LE GRAMINIER, AOP GIGONDAS, 2022

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

$ 51

$ 306

Made of 75% Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre. It shows a black, deep purple opaque color. On the nose, we find medium intensity aromas of tar, lifted black fruit: prune and prune spread, black olive and blueberry tart. The palate is dry with a medium acidity, a medium extract, medium fine-textured tannins and a medium body, showing nice length and creamy coating presence with prune and prune spread, blueberry tart and essence, and chocolate flavors leading to a medium-plus finish. A nice balance – and a really good value. 2024-2030–ir

4799

DOMAINE DU MURINAIS, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP CROZES-HERMITAGE, 2022

Syrah

$ 50

$ 300

This wine is all Syrah, from Domaine du Murinais' 55-year-old vines. It is a black, deep purple opaque color here. The medium intensity aromas are those of mulberry preserve, black olive and bacon, and cream/ toffee. With a shy-of-medium acidity, it is dry with a medium-plus frame: extract, squeaky powdery ripe tannins and body, showing lovely length and fruit intensity of black plum, cream/toffee, bacon/black olive and tar, closing with a medium-plus warm finish. Overall styling is leaning into a very ripe spectrum. 2026-2032–ir

15%

13%

Prune and prune spread, black olive and blueberry tart

Mulberry preserve, black olive, bacon, and cream/toffee

Prune and prune spread, blueberry tart and essence, chocolate

Black plum, cream/toffee, bacon/black olive and tar

Cajun-seasoned rotisserie chicken

Lamb belly kebabs

photo — View of the Gigondas vineyards and the famous Dentelles de Montmirail rocks.

— RHÔNE CHÂTEAU DE MONTMIRAIL

DOMAINE LA ROCALIÈRE Domaine La Rocalière is relatively young – established only in 1995 in the Tavel area – and since 2009 managed by Severine Lemoine with her sister, Melanie Borrelly, taking over their father, Jacques Borrelly, who co-founded the business with their grandfather. It owns 20 hectares each in Tavel and Lirac appellations, with the average age of vines at 30 years. The organic approach is both the result of, and the reason for, their unwavering focus on the well-being of their vines – and the gentle winemaking approach that honours the quality of the grapes that they are able to get from their vineyards.

NEW

4800

NEW

DOMAINE LA ROCALIÈRE TAVEL LE CLASSIQUE, AOC TAVEL, 2022

Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah

$ 47

4801

DOMAINE LA ROCALIÈRE LIRAC ROUGE LE CLASSIQUE, AOC LIRAC, 2020

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

$ 282

It has a light ruby rose appearance with attractive medium intensity notes of red berry/strawberry compote, fresh fleshy red plum and hint of oily lees. The palate has a medium acidity, is dry with a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and length with flavours of strawberry, melon and red fleshy plum. It is quite fruity, but not candied or confectionary, with a mediumplus finish. 2024-2026–ir

$ 50

A third each of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. A black, deep purple opaque in appearance. The nose shows mediumintensity aromas of tar, marigolds, chocolate, cold coals and red plum preserve. On the palate it has a medium acidity, is dry, with a medium-plus extract, medium-plus fine tannins and medium-plus body. It continues with a nice length and fruit intensity with gingerbread, chicory root, floral and red plum preserve flavours and closing with a medium-plus warm finish. 2024-2028–ir

14.5%

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

$ 300

14.5%

Red berry/strawberry compote, fresh fleshy red plum, hint oily/lees

Tar, marigolds, chocolate, cold coals and red plum preserve

Strawberry, melon and red fleshy plum

Gingerbread, chicory root, floral and red plum preserve

Brandade de morue

Carpaccio de boeuf

photo — Séverine and Mélanie from Domaine de la Rocalière make a conscious effort to maintain a personal touch in their operations. The majority of their tasks are still done by hand.

NEW

4802

NEW

DOMAINE LES ONDINES, LES ONDINES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES SÉGURET, 2022

Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir

$ 42

$ 252

At 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, it has a very deep ruby color and medium-intensity aromas of red plum reduction, cream, hint of fennel, milk chocolate and chicory root. The acidity is low but adequate, it is dry on the palate and shows a medium extract, medium fine soft-textured tannins and a medium body with nice length and persistence of red plum reduction, creamy, fennel, milk chocolate, a hint of earthy/gingerbread flavors and a medium finish. 2024-2026– ir

4803

NEW

DOMAINE LES ONDINES, LES ONDINES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES SABLET, 2022

Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir

$ 42

$ 252

Half and half Grenache and Mourvèdre. A very deep ruby appearance here. The nose shows a medium intensity range of pickling-spice notes, black plum reduction, toffee and red currant jam. The palate is dry with a low adequate acidity, a medium extract, medium-plus fine squeaky-textured tannins and a medium-plus body. With a nice length and intensity, it comes across with a straightforward yet stacked set of flavours of pickling spices, black plum reduction and toffee, closing with a medium finish. 2024-2026–ir

15%

4804

DOMAINE LES ONDINES, CLOS DES FRÈRES, AOP VACQUEYRAS, 2021

Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault

$ 62

$ 372

50-year-old vines. The wine shows a black, deep purple opaque color, and slightly shy aromas of dark fruit, chocolate and floral notes with pasty/ lees/chives overtones. With a medium-minus acidity, the palate is dry and medium in size – extract, fine-textured tannins and body, with lovely length and fruit, if somewhat stacked right now – and black plum, chocolate, tar and cold coals. It has a nice overall presence and a mediumplus finish. 2024-2028–ir

14.5%

Red plum reduction, cream, hint of fennel, milk chocolate and chicory root

Pickling spices, black plum reduction, toffee and red currant jam

Dark fruit, chocolate, floral notes, pasty/ lees/chives

Red plum reduction, creamy, fennel, milk chocolate, hint earthy/gingerbread

Pickling spice, black plum reduction and toffee

Red and black plum, chocolate, tar and cold coals

Roasted root vegetables with balsamic glaze

Roast turkey with dark berry compôte

Lamb curry

DOMAINE LES ONDINES Jeremy Ondes leads this relative newcomer, founded in 2003 in the area of Garrigues de Sarrians, southwest of Vacqueras and facing the Dentelles de Montmirail range. A quick study, Domaine Les Ondines enjoy more than 57 hectares with the lion’s share of it in Vacqueyras – and with plans to add 10 more there in the next three years. The conversion to organic viticulture in 2009 was somewhat a formality, since it had already been practiced.

photo — Jérémy Onde grazes his sheep in the vines for upkeep - this is viti-pastoralism.

— RHÔNE DOMAINE LES ONDINES

VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS A cooperative founded in 1967, Vignerons Ardéchois counts 14 wineries and 6,000 hectares of collective vineyards among its assets. Whatever they do has a massive potential impact on their corner of the Rhone Valley. The good news is that not only do they use all-organic fertilizers and encourage cover-crop growth, but they also have a number of programs aimed at reducing the use of agrochemicals in the vineyards, improving management of waste and water and monitoring their impact on native wild species such as bats, bees, owls and otters.

4816

VIOGNIER GRÈS DU TRIAS, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2023

NEW

4815

GRAND AVEN BLANC, AOP CÔTES DU VIVARAIS, 2023

Viognier

$ 36

$ 216

A medium-yellow colour in the glass. On the nose, it has a medium intensity, pretty typical for the grape: an aromatic set of pear, peach, cantaloupe, yogurt, cream and quite unctuous. It is dry with a mediumminus acidity on the palate, has a mediumplus extract, a medium body and nice length and fruit with pear, peach, honeydew melon and yogurt flavours closing with a mediumplus finish. 2024-2025–ir 14.5%

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Grenache Blanc, Marsanne

$ 41

$ 246

It has a light-yellow hue with medium intensity aromas of hay, herbs, glue, almond/ marzipan and tobacco leaf. It is dry with a lower-than-medium acidity, a medium-plus extract, a medium texture, a medium-plus body and a pleasant length and intensity with herbs, tobacco, glue and almond notes and a medium finish. 2024-2025–ir 14%

Pear, peach, cantaloupe, yogurt, cream, unctuous

Hay, herbs, glue, almond/marzipan and tobacco leaf

Pear, peach, honeydew melon and yogurt

Herbs, tobacco, glue and almond notes

Coronation chicken with lightly curried mayonnaise

Wine-steamed clams with saffron

photo — The Vignerons Ardéchois wineries are located in the southern Ardèche.

4817

ARDÈCHE PAR NATURE 3 BOTTLES EACH: ROSÉ AND WHITE

$ 32

ARDÈCHE PAR NATURE ROSÉ, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIN BIOLOGIQUE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2023

$ 192

This is an instant party solution with two colours of organic wines – don’t forget to chill the lighter-hued ones, though! It can be a nice injection of organic component to any spread, or a nice way to keep with the theme if the menu also happens to be sustainable or organic-focused.

THE PERFECT WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE ORGANIC WINE TREND

Grenache, Merlot

It displays a medium salmon appearance and medium-intensity aromas of cranberry, red plum compote, strawberry reduction, minerals with lees/oily notes showing quite a bit of character. The dry palate has a medium acidity, a medium extract, a softplus texture, a medium body and a cushy mouthfeel with red plum reduction/skins, strawberry cream-cheese tart, hint bitter/ endive flavours, and a medium warm finish. 2024-2025–ir 13% Cranberry, red plum compote, strawberry reduction, minerally, lees/oily Red plum reduction/skins, strawberry cream cheese tart, hint bitter/endive Salade Niçoise

ARDÈCHE PAR NATURE BLANC, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIN BIOLOGIQUE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2023

Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc

A medium-yellow hue in the glass. The nose has medium-intensity steely, hay, herbs and yellow plum pit aromas. On the palate, it shows a medium acidity, it’s dry with a medium extract, a medium texture and a medium body, nice length and fruit intensity of lemon, mineral and yellow plum pit elements closing with a medium finish. 2024-2025–ir 12% Steely, hay, herbs, yellow plum pit Lemon, mineral, yellow plum pit Classic Greek salad

photo — Vignerons Ardéchois' unique aging vinothèque, 50 metres underground, right in the natural cave of the Aven d'Orgnac.

— RHÔNE VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS

STOCK UP! OFFERING FOR THE LAST TIME!

4819

FOLIES PARISIENNES L'HÉRITAGE FRANÇAIS, LE BLANC DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2023 Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc

$ 22

$ 264

Sourced from Languedoc in southern France, this unoaked blend of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc and Ugni Blanc is a simple, easy drinking white wine. Fresh, light bodied and dry with bright fruity aromas. Great for sipping while preparing supper. Drink upon release. 2024-2025–jb 12.5% Peach, apple, lemon Mixed stone and citrus fruits [0.50] Garden vegetable terrine

CELLAR 313 — ONTARIO

EVERYDAY WINES 4820

FOLIES PARISIENNES L'HÉRITAGE FRANÇAIS, LE ROSÉ DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2023

WINES TO SAVOUR ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault

$ 20

$ 240

A fresh, light-bodied rosé with discreet earthy, red fruit aromas and flavours. Finishes dry and smooth. Another easy quaffing wine from the sunny Languedoc region of southern France. Chablis-based Lamblin & Fils source these Vin de Pays wines as an affordable value addition to their range. Drink now. 2024–jb 13% Red apple, wild berry hints Apple, earthy, red berry [1.00] Ratatouille

4821

FOLIES PARISIENNES L'HÉRITAGE FRANÇAIS, LE ROUGE DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2023

LAMBLIN & FILS CÔTES DU RHÔNE, AOC, 2022

Syrah, Grenache

Grenache, Syrah

$ 20

4834

$ 240

The Folies Parisiennes red from Lamblin & Fils is a blend of Grenache and Syrah grapes from Languedoc. Red and dark fruit aromas mingle with hints of spice on the nose, echoing on the palate. This medium-bodied red finishes with firm tannins. Serve slightly chilled. 2024-2025–jb

$ 23

$ 276

The Côtes du Rhône red from Lamblin & Fils is a classic Syrah and Grenache blend. The nose offers pretty red and dark fruit aromas underscored by subtle spice. The palate is similarly flavoured but finishes on an earthier, slightly firmer note. Fresh, medium bodied, and tannic. 2024-2026–jb

12.5%

13.5%

Red and dark fruit, hints of spice

Red cherry, plum, baking spice

Red and dark fruit, hints of spice [1.00]

Plum, garrigue, earthy hints

Moroccan lamb stew

Herb-crusted grilled sirloin with Gorgonzola-cream sauce

— LAMBLIN & FILS EVERYDAY WINES

EVERYDAY WINES WINES TO SAVOUR ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

4789

CHÂTEAU SAINT-BÉNÉZET, LES HAUTS DE COSTE-RIVES, ROSÉ, AOP COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES, 2023

DOMAINE DES FONTNOBLES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, 2022

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Marselan

Grenache, Syrah

$ 21

4814

$ 252

The definition of a fruity, dry southern French rosé with its pale pink colour and lifted citrus and red berry fruit. Drinks very well on its own or an easy pairing option for salads, quiche, grilled vegetables, and more. Good everyday rosé to herald in the spring! 2024-2025–jb

$ 22

The 2022 vintage Côtes du Rhône red cuvée from Domaine des Fontnobles is intense and spicy on the nose with notes of cherry clafouti and macerated plum. The palate is medium in body, with a warming, fleshy character tapering to quite firm tannins. 2024-2026–jb

12.5%

$ 264

14.5%

Citrus, red berry, subtle herbal hints

Cherry pie, plum liqueur, clove, cinnamon

Citrus, red berry, subtle herbal hints

Baked red and dark fruit, savoury

Smoked salmon salad with arugula and crème fraîche

Cassoulet with chicken, duck, pork and cannellini beans

CELLAR 313 — ONTARIO

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES

4790

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES AOP CROZES-HERMITAGE, 2022

Syrah

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES, AOP SAINT-JOSEPH, 2022

4792

In 1973, the Desmeure family took the bold decision to stop selling their grapes to the local co-operative. Since making the move to exclusively estate-bottled wines, Domaine des Remizières has expanded from an original four hectares to over 36. Based in Mercurol, in the northern Rhône appellation of CrozesHermitage, the estate also produces white and red wines from Saint-Joseph and Hermitage.

Syrah

$ 64

$ 384

13.5% Violet, white pepper, cassis, eucalyptus Gamey notes, plum, cassis, cigar box Coffee-maple brined grilled pork chops

4791

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES, CUVÉE VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP CROZES-HERMITAGE, 2022

$ 306

This is quite a modern style of Crozes-Hermitage brimming with fresh and baked dark fruit aromas, hints of violet and licorice. The palate is quite concentrated with sweet and tart fruit flavours and lingering cocoa notes. Still very youthful with brisk acidity and firm tannins. 2024-2031–jb

4793

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES CUVÉE EMILIE ROUGE, AOP HERMITAGE, 2022

Syrah

$ 51

A classic SaintJoseph with its trademark white pepper, floral and dark fruit notes with subtle, underlying gaminess. This is a very well-balanced, age-worthy Syrah with good concentration and freshness throughout. The tannins are ripe and well-formed, but still quite firm. Decant or cellar for a couple more years before serving. 2025-2035–jb

$ 76

$ 228

This Crozes-Hermitage Vieilles Vignes cuvée is produced from 55-year-old plantings of Syrah grown on pebbly clay-limestone soils. This is a full-bodied red with classic northern Rhône smoked, meaty undertones to the attractive dark fruit. The palate is taut and grippy with lip-smacking acidity. Needs time for the oak spice and tannic structure to fully integrate. 2025-2035–jb

13.5%

14%

$ 132

$ 396

The 2022 vintage “Cuvée Emile” Hermitage is still in its infancy but already shows excellent long-term ageing potential. Fragrant aromas of ripe dark fruit mingle with hints of leather, smoke and refreshing menthol nuances. The palate is equally flavourful with a dense, powerful structure, lingering oaked notes and firm yet finegrained tannins. Definitely worth cellaring at least four to five years before opening. 2026-2040–jb

14%

Violet, cassis, plum, licorice

Plum, black cherry, violet, cumin

Cassis, plum cranberry, leather, smoke

Black cherry, plum, cocoa, sweet tobacco

Tangy dark fruit, meaty, smoked nuances

Gamey, plum, cassis, white pepper

Barbecued soy-sesame oil marinated chicken thighs

Smoked eggplant Parmesan

Charcuterie board of meats, cheese and olives

— RHÔNE DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES

4795

SYMPHONIE, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, MAISON CHRISTOPHE PICHON, 2022

Syrah, Grenache

$ 48

$ 288

Syrah with 15% Grenache aged for 10 months in barriques. A black, deep purple opaque in the glass. On the nose, it is of medium intensity with creamy, polished presence, and notes of tar, hickory, hints of cold smoke, orange chocolate and lard/ black olive tapenade. Dry on the palate, it has a medium acidity, and medium-plus frame: extract, fine medium-textured tannins and body with lovely length and fruit of custard plum tart, tar, smoke, lard/olive tapenade, orange chocolate, nuts, roots/ earth and floral elements, closing with a medium-plus warm finish. 2024-2028–ir

4794 VIOGNIER A RHÔNE WHITE FROM AN ICONIC AOP

CHRISTOPHE PICHON PÈRE & FILS, AOP CONDRIEU, 2022

Viognier

$ 98

DOMAINE PICHON Domaine Christophe Pichon, based in the village of Chavanay just south of Condrieu, is a father-and-sons team that tends to 30 hectares covering some of the most enviable names in the wine world: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Cornas and more. With 35 years of experience at the helm, Christophe’s efforts to craft some of the best wines of each appellation are now complemented by his sons’ contributions with formal studies in the field and stagiaires with the Antipodean wineries.

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

$ 294

From 45-year-old vines, it was barrelfermented and 70% of the blend then aged for 9-10 months in barrels. It shows a medium yellow appearance and a mediumplus intensity, typically decadent and ample aromatic range of peach, pear, apricot yogurt, toast, lees/oil and Poire Williams. The palate is dry, showing a medium acidity, mediumplus extract, soft-plus texture and a mediumplus body with a lasting presence and a nice fruit intensity that follows the nose: peach/ apricot yogurt, pear, creamy/oily and Poire Williams notes. A long finish. 2024-25–ir 13.5%

13.5%

Peach, pear, apricot yogurt, toast, lees/oil and Poire Williams

Creamy, polished, tar, hickory, cold smoke, orange chocolate and lard/black olive tapenade

Peach/apricot yogurt, pear, creamy/oily and Poire Williams

Custard plum tart, tar, smoke, lard/olive tapenade, orange chocolate, nuts, roots/earth, floral

Roast chicken salad with apricot

Vegetable pad Thai

photo — Christophe, Corentin, Isabelle and Alexis work as a family.

4796

MAISON CHRISTOPHE PICHON ALLÉGORIE, AOP CORNAS, 2022

Syrah

$ 101

$ 303

The only all-Syrah AOC in Northern Rhone, from 15- to 70-year-old vines, it spent 14 months in barrels with some new. It has a black, deep-purple opaque hue and medium intensity, sugared plum, Poire Williams, chocolate brownie and prune spread aromas. The palate is dry with a shy-ofmedium acidity, a medium-plus extract, medium-plus medium-textured squeaky tannins and a medium-plus body. It all is followed by nice length and fruit persistence showcasing Poire Williams, plum preserve, chocolate brownie and medium-plus warm finish. 2025-2030–ir

4797

CHRISTOPHE PICHON PÈRE & FILS PROMESSE, AOP CÔTE RÔTIE, 2022

Syrah, Viognier

$ 108

$ 324

With 6% Viognier, from 50-year-old vines with 14 months in first- and second-fill oak. A black, deep purple opaque appearance. A little shy on the nose with dark fruit, toffee/cream, tar, chocolate brownie, cold smoke and black olive elements. With a medium acidity, it is dry, with medium-plus dimensions: extract, fine tannins and body, a lovely length, nice poise, presence and depth of fruit (if not yet fanned out), black plum and olive, tar/smoke, hickory and bitter chocolate towards a medium-plus finish. Certainly shows its breed and pedigree. 2026-2034–ir 13.5%

13%

Sugared plum, Poire Williams, chocolate brownie and prune spread

Dark fruit, toffee/cream, tar, chocolate brownie, cold smoke and black olive

Poire Williams, plum preserve, chocolate brownie

Black plum and olive, tar/smoke, hickory and bitter chocolate

Herbed grilled lamb chops with honey-spice glaze

Pork tenderloin with garlic, rosemary, thyme and oregano seasoning

— RHÔNE DOMAINE PICHON

FRANCE

BURGUNDY

Chablis/ White Burgundy

Bourgogne, in eastern France, produces the most soughtafter Chardonnay wines in the world. Chablis, in the northwest, is reputed for its cool climate and chalky, Kimmeridgian limestone marl soil producing taut and mineral white wines with racy high acidity and lingering salinity. The Petit Chablis and Chablis regional tier appellations offer great value, while Chablis’ Premier and Grand Cru terroirs deliver complexity, concentration and finesse. As you travel southward through Bourgogne, the Chardonnay wines become richer and riper, culminating in the heady, stone fruit-scented white wines of the Mâconnais. The catch-all Bourgogne appellation is a good starting point in terms of affordability.

LAMBLIN & FILS Lamblin & Fils is one of the oldest estate wineries in Chablis. The family can trace its grape-growing roots in the village of Maligny to 1690, while their focus on commercial winemaking dates to the late 1800s. In the early- to mid-1900s, Henri Lamblin was instrumental in Chablis’ grape growers’ syndicate, drafting new laws to advance the region. His son, Jacques, was the first to open international markets for the family’s wines. Today, cousins Clément and Alexandre represent the 12th generation: their estate includes renowned Grand Cru vineyard plots in Les Clos and Vaudésir, among their many other fine terroirs.

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Harvest in the top of Chablis 1er crus Vaillons.

Magnums signed by the winemaker

CHABLIS, AOC, 2022

Chardonnay

$ 55

4822

4823

$ 330 1500ml

$ 115 $ 345

This is a classically styled Chablis from Lamblin & Fils: light in body with a steely, linear structure. With a little time in the glass, the nose reveals attractive herbal, floral, green fruit, and mineral nuances. These notes echo on the palate, with a savoury undertone and lingering salinity on the finish. 2024-2029–jb 12.6%

photo — A helper in the vineyard.

4824

BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ AOC, 2021

Aligoté

$ 40

$ 240

The Aligoté grape, long overcropped and produced in a neutral, high-acid style best for Kir cocktail blends, is experiencing a serious renaissance in Bourgogne: Lamblin & Fils Aligoté is a great example: very clean and crisp with refreshing green fruit and herbal notes. The palate is racy and precise with a dry, lifted finish. 2024-2027–jb 12.5%

Chamomile, green apple, wet stone, lemon

Lemon, green apple, fresh cut herbs

Lime, apple, nectarine, savoury [1.30]

Green herbs, lemon, apple, apricot [1.50]

Oysters on the half shell with green apple mignonette

Pan-seared scallops with lemon butter

— RHÔNE LAMBLIN & FILS

4825

BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY, AOC, 2022

Chardonnay

$ 42

4826

MÂCON-VILLAGES, AOC, 2022

Chardonnay

$ 252

An easy-drinking, unoaked Bourgogne Chardonnay with bright orchard fruit and earthy aromas. The palate is light in body with lively acidity and a taut structure. Drinks well on its own as an apéritif wine but would work just as well alongside a variety of mild cheeses and canapés. 2024-2027–jb

$ 48

$ 288

The sunshine and warmth of the Mâconnais are definitely on display in this ripe-fruited Chardonnay. Aromas of nectarine, pear preserves and white flowers feature on the nose. Crisp acidity and refreshing hints of bitterness on the finish balance the bold yellow fruit flavours nicely. 2024-2027–jb

13%

12.5%

Fresh hay, apple, pear, lemon

Nectarine, pear tart, honeysuckle

Lemon, lime, green apple, earthy [0.70]

Yellow stone fruit, apple, preserved lemon [0.50]

Mild cheeses and canapés

Comté cheese

4827

CHABLIS, AOC, FLEUR D'ACACIA, 2022

Chardonnay

$ 55

$ 330

The Fleur d’Acacia cuvée develops seductive floral notes over time. This 2022 vintage is still very youthful and mineral laced with peppery, spiced notes overlaying its tangy fruit. Zesty high acidity is tempered by attractive custard cream hints on the palate, tapering to a more taut, tart fruited finish. Good moderate term ageing potential. 2024-2031–jb 12.5% Wet stone, white pepper, anise, lemon Custard, yellow apple, pear, lemon [0.60] Chicken tandoori

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Manual harvest in Chablis Premier Crus.

NEW

4828

CHABLIS, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOC, 2022

4829

Chardonnay

$ 55

CHABLIS, CUVÉE EVASION, AOC, 2022

$ 330

The Chablis Vieilles Vignes cuvée hails from a prime Chablis vineyard site with Kimmeridgian limestone marl soils. The deep-rooted Chardonnay vines were planted over 35 years ago. This is quite a complex wine with notable minerality and earthiness on the nose. The palate has pure, piercing acidity balanced by a subtly creamy, rounded core. 2024-2029–jb

$ 70

4833

BOURGOGNE PASSETOUTGRAINS, AOC, 2022

Pinot Noir, Gamay

$ 210

The Evasion cuvée is fermented and aged in used oak barrels with the goal of imparting a textural fullness and subtle spiced character without a heavy oak imprint. Classic flinty, herbal, green fruit notes mingle with toasty spiced notes on the nose. The palate is medium weight with lip-smacking acidity and a savoury finish. Needs a little time to integrate further. 2025-2033–jb

$ 42

$ 252

The Bourgogne Passetoutgrains appellation is dedicated to Pinot Noir and Gamay blends. The 2022 vintage from Lamblin & Fils is a good example of the simple, easy-drinking pleasure these reds can offer. This is a light bodied wine brimming with vivid red fruit flavours, vibrant acidity, and a subtle, pleasant rusticity on the finish. Serve chilled. 2024-2026–jb

13%

Savoury, wet stone, hay, lemon, lime blossom

Toasty, spiced oak, flint, lemon, herbal

Red cherry, plum, baking spice

Buttery, green apple, lemon, green herbs [0.60]

Apple, lemon, vanilla, savoury [0.70]

Plum, garrigue, earthy hints [1.20]

Sushi

Grilled lobster with lemon-chive butter sauce

Herb-crusted grilled sirloin with Gorgonzola-cream sauce

photo — Clement and Alexandre in the heart of the vineyard.

13.5%

— RHÔNE LAMBLIN & FILS

ARTICLE

The Distinctive Wines of Chablis By Jacky Blisson MW

Along both banks of the Serein River in northern Bourgogne, there lies an illustrious wine region surrounding an unassuming village of the same name. Its vineyards are dedicated to just one grape: Chardonnay. While this popular white variety is planted around the globe, most experts agree that there is Chardonnay… and then there is Chablis. A Singular Terroir The vineyards of Chablis grow in a semi-continental climate known for its chilly winters, punishing spring frosts and temperate summers. In this cool climate, the vines thrive due to their mainly south facing slope side exposures. While the climate of Chablis is important to understanding the wines, even more significant is its soil. “The wines of Chablis have one sole religion: the Kimmeridgean” explains French wine writer and Bourgogne expert, Jacques Fanet. Many millions of years ago, Chablis lay under a shallow, tropical sea. Overtime, the skeletal remains of marine organisms deposited on the ocean floor were compressed into limestone. Periodic erosion on areas of exposed land led silty clay to sink into the water, mixing with the limestone to form marl. The Kimmeridgean soils of Chablis are these alternating bands of pure chalky, limestone, teeming with Exogyra virgula fossils (small comma-shaped oysters), with layers of marl. This Upper Jurassic era soil type is to be found in all of Chablis’ best vineyards. It is thought to be the key factor behind the wines’ classic flinty, oyster shell aromas and salinity of flavour. A Precise Vineyard Hierarchy There are four appellation (AOC/P) tiers in Chablis, based on the quality of vineyard sites. On the cooler hill tops and plateaux,

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

where Portlandian limestone soils are more common (weathered limestone, with less clay and marine sediments), the wines are classified as Petit Chablis. They tend to be crisp, fruity, unoaked early drinking wines. The next level up is by far the largest and is simply called Chablis. This appellation covers wide swathes of gentle, rolling hills throughout the region. Styles can vary but Chablis wines tend to have subtle minerality, lively acidity, and discreet citrus, orchard fruit flavours. More complex, concentrated wines are to be found from the Chablis Premier Cru AOC. This designation covers 40 specific vineyard plots (referred to as climats in Bourgogne). Premier Cru vineyards on the left bank (ie. west of the river) tend to face south-east exposing them to gentle morning sun. They are often more taut and racy. In comparison, right bank Premier Crus, facing south-west to the warmer afternoon sun, are generally riper and more opulent. The Chablis Grand Cru AOC is reserved for just seven climats on the right bank of the Serein, overlooking Chablis town. They grow in one continuous line on a steep slope, facing south and south-west. Here, the Kimmeridgian soils are very close to the surface. The wines are powerful, steely, and highly complex with impressive ageing potential. To preserve their purity of flavour, freshness, and verve, most Chablis wines are unoaked. Only in the Premier and Grand Cru tiers, do we see subtle use of French oak to add to their depth of texture and flavour.

JACKY BLISSON is one of Opimian's Masters of Wine.

DOUBLE MAGNUM

4831 4830

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU CASE - 3 BOTTLES EACH: VAILLON AND FOURCHAUME

$ 72

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, FOURCHAUME, AOC CHABLIS 1ER CRU, 2022 SIGNED BY THE WINEMAKER Chardonnay

$ 432

3000ml

$ 416

Situated on the right bank of Chablis, with a southwest-facing orientation, the Fourchaume Premier Cru is known for its ripe fruit and powerful personality. This 2022 vintage is true to type with its intense notes of ripe citrus and orchard fruit, its florality and stony minerality. The palate is full bodied and steely with a highly concentrated core and savoury finish. 2025-2035–jb

IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR PALATE

An excellent opportunity to compare contrasting terroir expressions from two of Chablis’ most famous Premier Cru sites: the powerful, concentrated wines of Fourchaume versus the sleek, racy character of those from Vaillon.

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, VAILLON, AOC CHABLIS 1ER CRU, 2022

Chardonnay

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, FOURCHAUME, AOC CHABLIS 1ER CRU, 2022

Chardonnay

The 2022 vintage of Lamblin & Fils Premier Cru Vaillon has a crystalline purity to it, typical of this left bank vineyard. Discreet floral and citrus notes gain in intensity as briny, mineral notes emerge. The palate is medium-bodied and silken in texture with racy acidity, good depth of tangy citrus and green fruit flavours and notable persistence. Very elegant and vivid throughout. 2024-2033– jb

13%

White flowers, preserved lemon, lime, oyster shells

Wet stone, citrus blossom, ripe lemon, apple

Lemon, lime, green plum, gooseberry [0.60]

Lemon, apple, savoury, mineral [0.40]

Baked sea bream with a lemon-cream sauce

Oysters Rockefeller

13% Wet stone, citrus blossom, ripe lemon, apple Lemon, apple, savoury, mineral [0.40] Oysters Rockefeller

— RHÔNE LAMBLIN & FILS

FRANCE

CHAMPAGNE

Champagne Contrary to popular belief, the méthode champenoise did not create the very first sparkling wine or invent méthode traditionnelle: we have to thank the monks of Limoux’s SaintHilaire Abbey for the former – and the English scientist Christopher Merret, pre-dating the work of Dom Perignon, for the latter. But they certainly harnessed that knowledge and refined many aspects of classic sparkling wine production (wire-muzzle, riddling and pupitre) which over 200 years took Champagne’s “devil’s wine” – refermenting wine in the bottles tended to explode in the cellar – to one of the most successful wine names in the world. Today, it is so inextricably linked to celebrations that we forget that Champagne is a high-quality wine which takes years to make. Keeping this in mind would certainly help one enjoy it even more the next time a cork is popped.

FIND THE CHAMPAGNE DIDIER - DUCOS L'ABLUTIEN BRUT NV IN 375 ML OR 750 ML FORMATS ON OPIMIAN.CA!

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ Dating to 1927, and created by an eventual co-founder of CIVC, the Champagne Interprofessional Committee, Maurice Doyard, the Doyard-Mahé is situated in the Premier Cru village of Vertus, the south of Épernay, in the heart of Côte des Blancs, the area prized for its Chardonnay. Carole Doyard is in charge today and represents the fourth generation of the family behind the label. Since they use only their own fruit, the wines are Chardonnay-centric and even though they apply a light touch in winemaking, the wines benefit from a much more personal attention only a small grower can provide.

photo — Carole Doyard pictured above.

— CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ

ARTICLE

Bottle Sizes for Every Enthusiast By Seema Pal DipWSET, Opimian's Marketing Assistant

Various bottle sizes are gaining in popularity due to their practicality, cost efficiency, and not to mention being impressive at gatherings. Champagne Bottles The various Champagne bottle sizes serve as a significant factor influencing the extensive and popular range of bottle sizes. This diversity caters to different types of occasions and party sizes, providing options for everyone to enjoy. Some say that there's a Champagne suitable for every occasion. Examples of non-standard (750 mL) bottle sizes include Mini (200 mL), Half (375 mL), Magnum (1.5 L), Jeroboam (3 L), Methuselah (6 L), Salmanazar (9 L), and Nebuchadnezzar (15 L). Champagne is a superb example to showcase why various bottle sizes are

CELLAR 313 — ARTICLE

becoming more popular. It is now common for airlines to carry 200 mL Champagne bottles as a practical option for travellers. For any celebratory event, such as ringing in the new year, weddings, anniversaries, etc. we think of popping open a perfectly chilled Champagne. What better than being able to acquire the perfect-sized bottle to accommodate any party size, large or small?

Today, it is highly economical and stands as the most mass-produced size, fitting seamlessly into the concept of "12 in a case" for global distribution.

Not just that, but the “wow factor” upon entering a gala dinner when being presented with a mini bottle of Champagne allows the guests to feel both special and welcomed. Conversely, a Jeroboam of Champagne never fails to invoke a roomful of excited reactions when it is brought out to serve dozens of guests! There is nothing better than being cost-effective (albeit slightly) whilst impressing your guests simultaneously.

Another interesting concept when it comes to non-standardized bottle sizes is the changes in ageability. Wine contained in smaller bottles of wine ages faster, while wine in larger bottles of wine ages slower when compared to the 750 mL standard size. When opening larger corks from an aged large format bottle, consider using a “cork fork” or “butler’s thief” device (such as an “Ah-So”) to maneuver the cork out gently using prongs instead of risking breakage with a standard corkscrew.

Wine Bottles Over 90% of the world’s wine bottles are 750 mL sized! How did the standard bottle size become so popular? In 1975, European legislation declared that the 750 mL size was the new standard, leading to its massive popularity. This shift is theorized to be based on the fact that 750 mL is a size that French glassblowers could consistently produce over 300 years ago.

The standard bottle also sits comfortably in the hand, making it easy to pour for moderately sized crowds. However, some question whether a wine with 15% alcohol should be packaged in the same size as a wine with 8% alcohol.

Bottle Sizes to Explore Try one of the many suggested sizes of Champagne Doyard-Mahé or the winemaker-signed Domaine des Romarins, AOP Côtes du Rhône Magnum or any different bottle sizes from this Cellar! Cheers to the diversity in bottle sizes and the moments they enhance!

SEE THE NEXT PAGE FOR ALL AVAILABLE SIZES!

4836

DM EMPREINTE, CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ, CHARDONNAY BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU NV Chardonnay

$ 78

12.5% Under-ripe hazelnut with milk, hint acrid, chalk, oily/marrow and yellow fruit Lemon, chalk, hazelnut w/milk, thistle [9.00]

$ 468

A déguster à l’apéritif

A light yellow in appearance. On the nose, it shows a medium intensity aromatic set with under-ripe hazelnut with milk, a hint acrid, chalk, oily/marrow and yellow fruit components. With a medium-plus acidity and extra dry on the palate, it offers a lazy grippy mousse, a medium-plus extract, a medium texture and a medium-plus body with lovely length and intensity of lemon, chalk, hazelnut with milk and thistle flavors and a slightly oily, rich presence gliding to a medium-plus finish. 2024-2028–ir

photo — Carole Doyard has around six hectares of Chardonnay, all on Premier Cru land around the village of Vertus, and only uses the best juice from her grapes to produce Doyard-Mahé Champagne.

— CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ

HALF BOTTLE OR MATHUSALEM? PICK YOUR CHAMPAGNE SIZE!

375 ml Half bottle Lot 4835

750 ml Standard bottle Lot 4836

1500 ml Magnum Lot 4837

3000 ml Jeroboam Lot 4838

DM EMPREINTE, CHAMPAGNE DOYARDMAHÉ, CHARDONNAY BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU NV

4837 4838

375ml

4836

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

1500ml

$ 45

4839

$ 270

Wood Case

$ 78

4840

$ 468

Wood Case

$ 170 $ 510

3000ml

Wood Case

Chardonnay

4835

4500 ml Rehoboam Lot 4839

$ 552 $ 552

4500ml

$ 920 $ 920

6000ml

$ 1174 $ 1174

Carole Doyard will personally sign the Magnum, Jeroboam, Rehoboam, and Mathusalem bottles for Opimian Members.

6000 ml Mathusalem Lot 4840

4841

CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ DM EXTRA BRUT DÉSIR, CHARDONNAY BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU Chardonnay

$ 89

$ 534

It shows a light-yellow hue and a mediumintensity nose with a floral, almost perfumelike lift, fleshy yellow plum, butter and lemon/peel. The dry palate follows with a medium acidity, a lazy grippy mousse, a medium extract, a medium texture and a medium-plus body, nice length and persistence of yellow plum, lime and lemon with peel, mineral notes, nuts and butter and a medium-plus finish. 2024-2028–ir

4842

DM MILLÉSIME EXTRA BRUT, CHARDONNAY BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU, 2015

Chardonnay

$ 126

DM MILLESIME BRUT, CHARDONNAY BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU, 2013

Chardonnay

$ 378

A light-yellow color in the glass. The nose offers medium-intensity, mature aromas of caramel, lemon preserve, toast, butter and yellow flowers (mimosa?). With a medium acidity, it is extra dry and has a lazy mousse with a slight edge, a medium extract, a soft texture and a medium body. It is quite long on the palate with persistent and nice creamy, butter, toast, caramel, lemon preserve and chalky flavours onto a long finish. 2024-2026–ir

12.5%

4843

1500ml

$ 249

$ 747

Still a rather light-yellow color for a 10-year-old wine. A little shy on the nose, its aromas feature yellow fruit/plum, lemon, chalk and slightly acrid, nut milk note. The palate is dry and has a medium acidity, a lazy mousse with an edge, a medium extract, a soft texture and a medium body. The length and intensity are in proportion to the rest of the palate showing yellow fruit, nuts, toast, lemon, plum and chalk and a medium finish. 2024-2025–ir

12.5%

Floral lift, fleshy yellow plum, butter and lemon/peel

Caramel, lemon preserve, toast, butter and yellow flowers

Yellow fruit/plum, lemon, chalk, slightly acrid

Yellow plum, lime and lemon with peel, mineral notes, nuts and butter [4.00]

Creamy, butter, toast, caramel, lemon preserve and chalk [4.00]

Yellow fruit, nuts, toast, lemon, plum and chalk [8.00]

Carpaccio de Saint-Jacques et feuille d'huître.

Acadian sturgeon caviar

Foie gras blinis

photo — Carole with her eldest son, Luka.

— CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ

Spirits

PRÀBAN NA LINNE Founded in 1976 by Sir Iain Noble, the Gaelic Whiskies company is located on the Sleat Peninsula of the Isle of Skye and is one of the very few remaining independent businesses in the Scotch trade. Their brand family includes the famed Te Bheag. “Praban Na Linne” is a Gaellic expression describing the enterprising “small smugglers’ ventures on the sound of Sleat.” Sir Iain was an early proponent of keeping their whiskies “unchillfiltered” – that is, not subjecting them to low temperature pre-bottling to stabilize them and instead allowing them to keep their inherent properties resulting in a softer and smoother palate.

4845

AM PRÀBAN GAELIC SCOTCH WHISKY

700ml

$ 71

4846

$ 426

This has a medium amber color. On the nose it has a medium-plus intensity with notes of butterscotch, smoke, golden raisins and malt/bread. It eases onto the palate with a soft attack, followed by a glycerol feel, and shows a mid-weight presence and almost perfume-like flavours of malt and smoke. It warms the tongue rather quickly as it moves towards butterscotch, oily and a warmcoating long finish with malt/bread and butterscotch notes.–ir Whisky

40%

CÙL NA CREAGAN 12 YEAR OLD, BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

700ml

$ 113

$ 678

A pretty medium-copper amber color. The nose offers medium intensity, buttery notes with bread/malt, a hint of iodine and a medicinal element. The mediumplus palate opens with a soft supple attack followed by flavours of bread, oil, butterscotch, nuts and oatmeal. The warming here is slow and gentle and builds to a nice length and a medium-plus hot finish.– ir

43%

Whisky

Butterscotch, smoke, golden raisins and malt/bread

Butter, plastic, bread/malt, iodine and medicinal

Malt, smoke, butterscotch

Bread, oil, butterscotch, nuts and oatmeal

Long, oily and warm

Medium-plus and hot

CELLAR 313 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Eilean Iarmain, Isle of Skye

- home to the Gaelic Whiskies & Gaelic Gins.

UISGE LUSACH THE GAELIC GINS – DRY

Gin

A water-white pour. On the nose you get medium-intensity star anise, juniper, floral, an almost vanilla-like toffee note and essential oils from orange peel. With a soft, slightly sweet attack on the palate, it shows a light to medium weight, a medium length, a warm midway and subtle notes of star anise, peel oils and a medium warm finish.–ir Main botanicals: Coriander, cardamom, cassia bark, angelica and lemon peel Gin

40%

Star anise, juniper, floral, vanilla/toffee and orange peel oils

UISGE LUSACH THE GAELIC GINS - 2 BOTTLES EACH: DRY, SWEET AND SPICED

4847

$ 101

700ml

$ 606

This is a trio of gins with an historic and traditional, once illicit, pot-still used to perform the vapour infusion. “Uisge Lusach” – pronounced “oosh-ga looseack' – which translates as “herbal water” or “spirit;” or, as the producer suggests, it could also be interpreted as a “water of health.” This could be a cool and one-of-a-kind set to add to your bar or your gins collection.

Star anise and citrus peel oils Medium and warm

UISGE LUSACH THE GAELIC GINS – SPICED

UISGE LUSACH THE GAELIC GINS – SWEET

Gin

A water-white in the glass, it has medium intensity aromas and leads with orange peel oils and implied sweetness. The palate follows with a soft attack with the sweetness building slowly and is mid weight in size. The warmth build is delayed but there; it has a nice length, a glycerol-like presence and a warm, orange peel-infused finish.–ir

A water-white in appearance. The medium-intensity nose features clove and nutmeg notes upfront, then orange peel sweetness and oiliness in the background. The palate opens softly, is dry, mediumplus in weight and a glycerol-like presence with a nice length and notes of wood spice, star anise and hints of orange peel. The subtle spice and alcohol combine into a sharp warmth towards the finish. Not overtly spicy-hot early – just with added flavours of spices – although the spice heat spikes up in the end.– ir

Main botanicals: Cardamom, orris root, thyme, roast hazelnuts, honey, lemon

Main botanicals: Allspice, liquorice root, almonds, mace, orange peel, sage

Gin

40%

Gin

Orange peel oils and implied sweetness

Clove, nutmeg and orange peel

Glycerol and orange peel

Wood spice, star anise and hints of orange peel

Warm and citric

Sharp spice warmth

— SPIRITS PRÀBAN NA LINNE

COMPARE & CONTRAST THESE CHABLIS CHAMPIONS

CHABLIS GRAND CRU, VAUDÉSIR AOC CHABLIS GRAND CRU, 2022

4832

CHABLIS GRAND CRU CASE 1 BOTTLE EACH: LES CLOS AND VAUDÉSIR (SIGNED WOOD CASE)

$ 152

$ 304

LAMBLIN GRAND CRU The Grand Cru vineyards of Chablis are situated on the region’s best terroir, a westfacing hillside overlooking the town. It is here that Chablis takes on its most complex, ageworthy form. This Grand cru mixed case is a fascinating opportunity to compare two of Bourgogne’s ultimate terroirs.

CELLAR 313 — COLLECTOR’S CORNER

Chardonnay

CHABLIS GRAND CRU, LES CLOS, AOC CHABLIS GRAND CRU, 2022

Chardonnay

A masterful wine alive with layers of flinty, wet stone-scented mineral aromas over earthy, mushroom hints, notes of ripe lemon, citrus blossoms and apple. The palate is full bodied and highly concentrated, with a firm, bracing structure. Finishes with a touch of refreshing bitterness. Very long and multifaceted. Needs time to unwind and reveal its full aromatic array. 2025-2040–jb 13%

The Les Clos terroir is one of Chablis’ most ageworthy vineyards. This cuvée is still quite discreet and mineral-driven at present, led by complex earthy aromas. The palate already has a commanding presence with its bracing acidity, powerful structure and huge concentration of peppery, saline and herbal flavours. Cellar for at least two to three years further and decant an hour before serving.–jb 13%

Flint, preserved lemon, white flowers, apple

Flint, wet stone, oyster shells, earthy

Highly mineral, chalky, savoury, grapefruit [0.70]

Lemon, lime, green apple, lingering salinity [0.90]

Blanquette de veau

Lobster risotto with saffron and fresh chives

DM REFLET DE CRAIE, CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ, MILLÉSIME 2002

Chardonnay

DM CORAIL DE MER, CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ, MILLÉSIME 2002

RARE WINES TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR

Chardonnay

A medium yellow color here. A mediumintensity nose offers darker spectrum aromas – rye bread crust, thistle milk, lemon peel, butter/oil/bone marrow with an acrid/ under-ripe hazelnut note. On the palate, it is dry and has a medium acidity, a lazy mousse with a soft foamy attack, a medium extract, a soft texture and a medium body. Lovely length and fruit intensity complement the structure with flavours of citrus peel, rye bread crust, oil/butter, nuts, a yellow floral note (ragweed?) and a little sappy snap on the medium-plus finish. 2024-2026–ir 12.5%

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

A medium yellow in appearance, it displays medium-intensity aromas of butter, lemon oil, toast, nuts and a floral lift. With a medium acidity, it is dry and showing a very lazy subtle mousse, a medium-plus extract, a medium body, and a long length and really good fruit persistence with grapefruit, lemon peel bitterness, toast, nuts and oily feel all folded into a quite seamless flavour amalgam and a medium-plus to long finish. 2024-2026–ir

12.5%

Rye bread crust, thistle milk, lemon peel, butter/oil/bone marrow, under-ripe hazelnut

Butter, lemon oil, toast, nuts and floral

Citrus peel, rye bread crust, oil/butter, nuts, a yellow floral note, hint sappy [8.00]

Grapefruit, lemon peel bitterness, toast, nuts, oily [8.00]

Crab and shrimp étouffée

Red snapper and braised leeks with Chardonnay cream sauce

4844

COFFRET IMMERSION 2002 1 BOTTLE EACH: IMMERSED AND NON-IMMERSED

$ 485

$ 970

This case has two bottles of 20+ year-old, high quality Champagne: one aged tens of metres under open seawater; the other was aged conventionally in the cellar. A rare chance to compare and contrast the resulting wines for yourself.

SUNKEN TREASURE TO COMPLETE A CHAMPAGNE COLLECTOR'S CELLAR

— CELLAR 313 COLLECTOR’S CORNER

Bottle Shop Please visit Opimian.ca for your province's pricing on these wines.

CHAMPAGNE DIDIER DUCOS L'ABLUTIEN BRUT

Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

4805

375ml

Half Bottle

$ WEB $ WEB $ WEB

4806

$ WEB

A medium golden yellow in the glass. It has a medium-plus intensity aromas of yellow plum, buttered oatmeal, fresh quince, starfruit and candied lemon. The palate is extra dry with a medium acidity, lazy but grippy mousse, a medium extract, a medium texture, a medium body, and nice length and intensity of grapefruit pith and skin, yellow plum and rye bread toast flavors, and a medium-plus to long finish. 2024-2028–ir 12% Yellow plum, buttered oatmeal, fresh quince, starfruit and candied lemon Grapefruit pith and skin, yellow plum and rye bread Creamy Risotto with Seafood

CELLAR 313 — BOTTLE SHOP

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Meet Markus Molitor, “Mr. 300 Points” Grape

Grape

Germany’s most awarded winemaker $ 00

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Grape

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In 2015, three of his wines from the 2013 vintage received a rating of 100 points from The Wine

$ 00

Description Description Advocate; thus his nickname, “Mr. 300 points” (Herr 300 Punkte in German). WeDescription are pleased to

announce that Opimian has secured a small allocation of these outstanding wines from this brilliant winemaker. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your hands on these top-scoring wines, as they usually sell out in record time! Only at Opimian.ca beginning February 27. LIMITED TIME – LIMITED QUANTITIES – WEB ONLY

EVO

Aroma

16°C

Aroma

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Aroma

16°C

Taste

12%

Taste

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

Pairing

photo — XXX

Pairing

— REGION VINEYARD