CDEREK CPEARL
PEARL MORISSETTE
The positive influence of Derek Barnett on the Canadian wine industry cannot be overstated. Since 1991 when he began making wine for Southbrook, Derek has been honing his craft and making great wines.
After introducing Karlo Estates wines to Opimian Members - where Derek is also the winemaker - we began to talk to him about his own project, Meldville Wines. One of our Masters of Wine, Louise Wilson, tasted these wines and immediately knew you needed to have them. So much so that we’ve created this mini-Cellar to do just that.
SPECIAL OFFERING
When asked to describe his wines in three words, Derek said ‘Rich, balanced wine’. Wine writers agree. Barnett has been described as an ‘A-list Artisan’, a ‘winemaking legend’, and a ‘pioneer’ for Canadian wines. He is still helping several others throughout Ontario as a winemaker but Meldville Wines are his and, as a result, he pays very close attention.
Meldville Wines specialize in small-batch, limited-edition wines created by Barnett. He focuses on premium vinifera varietals that grow best in Niagara’s vineyards -- Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste some of the best wines Canada has to offer.
OPIMIAN DEREK IS PROUD BARNETT TO OFFER YOU
MELDVILLE WINES two mixed cases of Pearl Morissette wines
Originally from the United Kingdom, Derek Barnett came to Ontario in the from the Niagara 70s and began to work at the Don Head Region. For aHilllimited Dairy Farm in the Richmond / Maple area. In the following 28 years of Derek’s timeevolved only! employment there, the business into Southbrook Farms, gaining its winery license in 1991. With the guidance of industry friends, Derek not only taught himself how to make wine, within ten years he was awarded Winemaker of the Year in Ontario. In 2001, Derek became the winemaker and partner at Lailey vineyards in Niagara where he specialized in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His talent was again recognized in 2015, when he was named as Wine Person of the Year by the National Capital Sommelier Guild.
photo — Photo by Rick Vansickle
François Morissette, vigneron, Pearl Morissette
LAST DAY to order: October 4,
2020
It's been a long time coming … but here it is! Opimian's first Canadian wine in many years. An hour outside of Toronto, there's a winery whose trailblazing vision of Niagara has gained recognition and admiration extending far beyond our Canadian borders. Pearl Morissette's artisanal methods, its dedication to an ethos of spirit and integrity and the determination to stay the course have resulted in transparent and textured wines of world class. The beauty of Niagara's true identity and its yearly metamorphosis pulsates through every bottle and has earned the wines both a devoted following home andDerek a place on the tables Thatatsame year, established his of over 30 Michelin-star restaurants abroad. own portfolio, Meldville, named after his childhood home inRegion's Swindon, England. "The Niagara Pearl Morissette estate produces some of Canada's most Today, Derek crafts Meldville winessofrom unique wines through methods conventional that they have become unconventional. Beamsville’s Estatequantities Winery with ProducedLegends in very limited and with minimal intervention in the vineyard, fruitPearl grownMorissette on the property around wines and reveal the beauty of the Niagara Peninsula. The property Niagara. His approach to winemaking has rated #17 in Canada's Best 100 Restaurants". also boasts Restaurant Pearl Morissette, always been “hands off” with the aim to keepFrançois the wines as natural asavant-garde possible. vigneron from Québec, was trained in Burgundy. Morissette, the For example, when using oak, ithe is always Upon his return to Canada, found partner Mel Pearl with whom he created second fill barrels, ensuring flavour the or Pearl Morissette estate,the where he produces "luminous and inspiring wines". profile imparted is subtle and balanced. Taste his wonderful wines exclusively through Opimian! Derek’s expertise is in high demand he also consults at the Karlo Estates, Maelstrom and Schatz wineries in Ontario.
2 WEEKS ONLY! ORDER BETWEEN OCTOBER 25 AND NOVEMBER 7
3759
MELDVILLE SAUVIGNON BLANC, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2019
Sauvignon Blanc
At one point in my wine journey, I became obsessed with Sauvignon Blanc and drank it exclusively for a year. As a result, I’ve tasted quite a few expressions. Meldville is one of the best value Savvies I have come across in Niagara. In the winery, more than 48 hours of skin contact before pressing has amplified this wine’s flavour and texture. It is packed with lime, melon and tropical fruit notes. Crisp, clean and refreshing – it’s guaranteed to make your mouth water. 2022-2024 –lw 12.5% Gooseberry, lime, hay, honeydew melon Kaffir lime, melon, passionfruit, [3.00] Green papaya salad
3757
MELDVILLE MUSCAT BUBBLE, VQA ONTARIO, 2021
3758
MELDVILLE PINOT GRIS, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2021
Muscat Ottenal Pinot Gris The pronounced bouquet of the 2021 Meldville Bubble is filled with the expressive Muscat perfume of melon, peach and apricot. The palate follows suit recalling flavours Turkish Delight and fruit salad. Its delightfully sweet finish makes this cheerful wine a heavenly match for confetti angel food cake. At the same time, its lower abv (9%), also makes it a welcome brunch companion. Alternatively, this is the ideal sparkler for classic cocktails such as the French 75. 2022-2023 –lw
The 2021 Meldville Pinot Gris has a rich profile of ripe red apple, melon, honey and flowers with an appealing twist of grapefruit on the finish. Six months of lees contact in mature French oak barrel has resulted in a satisfying, mouth filing texture while the fresh acidity is the perfect counterpoint to the fruit. Ready to enjoy with or without a meal. 3 barrels produced. 2022-2024 –lw
9% Melon, peach, apricot Turkish Delight, fruit salad, [37.00] Chilled as an aperitif, or pairs well with dessert
2
DEREK BARNETT — MELDVILLE WINES
12.5% Ripe red apple, melon, honey, floral Ripe red apple, melon, honey, grapefruit, [4.00] Cheese plater
3761
MELDVILLE BARREL SELECT CHARDONNAY, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2019
Chardonnay
3760
MELDVILLE BARREL SELECT SAUVIGNON BLANC, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2021
Sauvignon Blanc
Meldville’s 2019 Barrel Select Chardonnay is an elegant wine with all the bells and whistles. The aromatics are reminiscent of baked apple, buttered toast and white flowers. The palate is rich and weighty with flavours of ripe red apple, peach and flakey, buttery pastry - all wrapped in luxurious oak. Delicious paired with Salmon Wellington. 4 barrels produced. 2022-2026 – lw
The fruit for the 2021 Meldville Barrel Select Sauvignon Blanc was harvested from mature vines of Lizak Vineyard in Beamsville. In this plot, exposure to the moderating effects of Lake Ontario provides the grapes extended hang time, allowing for the accumulation of maximum depth of flavour. The result is a rich wine with a lemon hue and a leafy bouquet of lime and guava. The concentrated palate delivers an array of citrus, melon and herb flavours. Aging in neutral barrels adds a satisfying depth and texture as opposed to typical oak aromas and flavours. Less than 5 barrels produced. 2022-2025 – lw
13.5%
3
13%
Baked apple, buttered toast, white flowers
Lime, guava, leafy
Ripe red apple, peach, puff pastry, [4.00]
Lemon, lime, melon, herb, [3.00]
Salmon Wellington
Seared scallops with grapefruit beurre blanc
DEREK BARNETT — MELDVILLE WINES
3762
MELDVILLE PINOT NOIR, VQA NIAGARA PENINSULA, 2018
Pinot Noir
3763
MELDVILLE BARREL SELECT PINOT NOIR, VQA NIAGARA PENINSULA, 2019
Pinot Noir
The Meldville 2018 Pinot Noir expresses a delightful balance of fruit and savory notes. The nose is classic for the grape variety with aromas of cherry, balsamic, soy and a hint of mushroom. The palate is layered with flavours of cherry, strawberry, umami and brown sugar. This wine is beginning to evolve, signalled by its pale brick hue and tertiary character. Enjoy over the next three years in the prime of its drinking window. 10 barrels produced. 2022-2025 –lw 12.5% Cherry, balsamic, soy, mushroom
Although it was difficult for him to land on a single answer, winemaker Derek Barnett shared that Pinot Noir and Syrah are his two favourite red wine varieties. The evidence is in the glass, with both of Meldville’s Pinot Noirs scoring top marks during the tasting. Made from hand harvested grapes grown in the warmth of the Vagner Vineyards in Niagara on the Lake, the 2019 Meldville Barrel Select Pinot Noir is a study in complexity. The bouquet is layered with aromas of rose, cherry and red currant with a nuance of herb and smoke. The palate is a complement of fruity and savory flavours with notes of rhubarb, cherry, strawberry, herb, talc and umami. Ready to open, with the quality and balance to continue to evolve over the next decade. Four barrels produced. 2022-2032 –lw 12.5%
Cherry, strawberry, umami, brown sugar Roast chicken with wild mushrooms
Rose, cherry, red currant, herb, smoke Rhubarb, cherry, strawberry, herb, talc, umami Christmas turkey
4
DEREK BARNETT — MELDVILLE WINES
3764
MELDVILLE CABERNET FRANC, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2016
3765
MELDVILLE BARREL SELECT SYRAH, VQA NIAGARA PENINSULA, 2020
Syrah
Cabernet Franc
Do the wines of Niagara have the potential to age? Derek Barnett’s wines confirm that they can. With 6 years under its belt, this 2016 Cabernet Franc it is still very much alive. Time in bottle has developed a complex nose with highlights of cherry, strawberry and fresh herb accompanied by notes of licorice, floral and vanilla. The palate also offers the classic reauvigd and green profile expected from this variety, with flavours of raspberry, red currant, rhubarb and spearmint. 10 barrels produced. 2022-2026 – lw
Syrah or Shiraz? What’s the difference? Fruit led versions of this variety, such as many from Australia, are usually called Shiraz while the more savory bottlings, typical of those of the Northern Rhone, tend to be referred to as Syrah. In Ontario, both grape names are used, customarily indicating to which style camp the wine belongs. Meldville’s expression, from the outstanding 2020 vintage, sings “Syrah” with a meaty, peppery profile complementing its dark berry fruit. A backbone of mouthwatering acidity makes this an excellent food wine. Think pepper crusted sirloin. Less than 4 barrels produced. 2022-2032 –lw
13.5%
13%
Cherry, licorice, strawberry, herb, floral, vanilla
Black pepper, blackberry, cured meat
Raspberry, red currant, rhubarb, spearmint
Blueberry, black currant, blackberry, pepper
Vegetarian chili
Pepper-crusted sirloin
MIXED CASE 3766
MELDVILLE WHITE WINES CASE: 2 BOTTLES EACH: CHARDONNAY, SAUVIGNON BLANC, PINOT GRIS
MELDVILLE BARREL SELECT CHARDONNAY, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2019
Chardonnay
This collection of wines from the Lincoln Lakeshore appellation in Niagara, Ontario showcases top examples of the white wine varieties grown in the region. Each wine that carries the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) seal is guaranteed to have been produced from 100% Ontario grapes and has been approved by a tasting panel of industry experts. 13.5% Baked apple, buttered toast, white flowers Ripe red apple, peach, puff pastry, [4.00] Salmon Wellington
MELDVILLE BARREL SELECT SAUVIGNON BLANC, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2021
Sauvignon Blanc
MELDVILLE PINOT GRIS, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2021
Pinot Gris
This collection of wines from the Lincoln Lakeshore appellation in Niagara, Ontario showcases top examples of the white wine varieties grown in the region. Each wine that carries the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) seal is guaranteed to have been produced from 100% Ontario grapes and has been approved by a tasting panel of industry experts.
This collection of wines from the Lincoln Lakeshore appellation in Niagara, Ontario showcases top examples of the white wine varieties grown in the region. Each wine that carries the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) seal is guaranteed to have been produced from 100% Ontario grapes and has been approved by a tasting panel of industry experts.
13%
6
12.5%
Lime, guava, leafy
Ripe red apple, melon, honey, floral
Lemon, lime, melon, herb, [3.00]
Ripe red apple, melon, honey, grapefruit, [4.00]
Seared scallops with grapefruit beurre blanc
Cheese plater
DEREK BARNETT — MELDVILLE WINES
MIXED CASE
3767
MELDVILLE RED WINES CASE: 2 BOTTLES EACH: PINOT NOIR, SYRAH, CABERNET FRANC
MELDVILLE BARREL SELECT SYRAH, VQA NIAGARA PENINSULA, 2020
Syrah
Crafted from three of the region’s top varieties in three distinct vintages, this collection of Meldville red wines from iconic winemaker Derek Barnett is the perfect way to explore the best of the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario. 13% Black pepper, blackberry, cured meat Blueberry, black currant, blackberry, pepper Pepper-crusted sirloin
MELDVILLE PINOT NOIR, VQA NIAGARA PENINSULA, 2018
Pinot Noir
MELDVILLE CABERNET FRANC, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2016
Cabernet Franc
Crafted from three of the region’s top varieties in three distinct vintages, this collection of Meldville red wines from iconic winemaker Derek Barnett is the perfect way to explore the best of the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario.
Crafted from three of the region’s top varieties in three distinct vintages, this collection of Meldville red wines from iconic winemaker Derek Barnett is the perfect way to explore the best of the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario.
12.5%
7
13.5%
Cherry, balsamic, soy, mushroom
Cherry, licorice, strawberry, herb, floral, vanilla
Cherry, strawberry, umami, brown sugar
Raspberry, red currant, rhubarb, spearmint
Roast chicken with wild mushrooms
Vegetarian chili
DEREK BARNETT — MELDVILLE WINES