Let yourself be inspired by our detailed descriptions or use your personal wine profile to find out which wines best suit your palate. Our custom chart also features a variety of symbols (explained below) that can guide your selection.
Still unsure which wines to order? Opimian’s Wine Concierge is always available to help you make an informed choice. Contact our Wine Concierge at 1-800-361-9421 or by email at concierge@opim.ca.
2. place Your order
There are five ways to order
• Online: Go to opim.ca, sign in and select Order Now
• Email opim@opim.ca with your selection.
• Call 1-800-361-9421
• Fax your order to 514-481-9699
• Mail your order*
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.
Expected arrival for shipments from this Cellar Offering is end-July 2018. 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. You can follow the status of your shipment at all times at opim.ca.
conditions of purchase
• Accepted payment methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or cheque payable to Opimian.
• Prices include all applicable federal and provincial mark ups and taxes.
• A valid 2018 membership card is required to order and pick up.
• Bottle prices are for reference only. All orders are by the case, with no minimum required.
• Last day to order from this Cellar Offering: May 4, 2018 Important: no orders will be processed after this deadline.
* Deadline for mailing orders: April 23, 2018. Please allow 10 days for delivery by Canada Post.
notes (as required by the SaQ’s operating procedures
• A member ordering from this Cellar Offering requests that Opimian acts as the member’s agent in ordering the wines from the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) and requests that Opimian remits the funds enclosed (minus any administration fees) to the SAQ to pay for the wines ordered.
• The prices as shown are the estimated costs to be charged by the SAQ plus an administration fee and consolidation charges.
Sweetness scale Grams/litre Examples
[00] 0 - 3
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds
[01] 4 - 6 Some New World varietals, some reds
[02] 7 - 12 Champagne, Sparkling, Rosés, few reds
[03] 13 - 20 Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou
[04] 21 - 34 Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry
[05] 35 - 50 Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace
cover — Spanish Palate. Barcolobo: re-igniting grape-growing traditions abandoned over 100 years ago. This 21-year-old Tempranillo vine is already producing fantastic quality grapes.
c ellar 257 — Quebec
Portugal
Cellar 257 |
Spain, Portugal and Mâcon
Spain
Spain and Portugal form the Iberian Peninsula on Europe’s western edge, and are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Spain boasts the highest acreage under vine than any other country in the world. It ranks third in terms of wine production due to its infertile soils, dry conditions and widely spaced vines. Spain also cultivates the largest number of old vines over a century old, a regular theme in this cellar offering. To the west, Portugal specializes in growing many of its own indigenous varieties. Previously mixed in field blends, more recently grapes such as Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca have come to the forefront of winemaking.
Spain and Portugal are complemented with white wines from the Mâconnais, in southern Burgundy. The 2017 vintage was a very successful one after a series of very small harvests.
Opimian’s Wine Consultant Jane Masters MW, tastes, selects and writes the commentary for each of the wines in the cellar offerings. Her aim is to find exclusive wines around the world that offer great value to Opimian members through regular visits to wine producers and trade shows. A Master of Wine since 1997 (one of 369 globally), Jane was elected as Chairman of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine in September 2016. Jane trained as a winemaker at the Bordeaux Institut d’Œnologie after a degree in Biological Chemistry and worked for UK retailer Marks & Spencer sourcing and managing the Wine & Drinks Category for 13 years.
“We dive deep into local roots to show them in our wines. Every single wine has its own personality and mirrors the terroir and the spirit of local community.“
photo — Sala de Barricas (barrel room) at the Vallobera winery in Rioja cellar 257 — Quebec
Spain Spain
Zaragoza Axial Vinos
9622
Javier San Pedro r ández, Tem P ranillo, do Ca. r io J a, 2017, Bodega S vallo B era
Tempranillo
$25.00 $150.00
The San Pedro family has been growing grapes in Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa for centuries, but Javier San Pedro Rández was the first to make and market his own wine in 1992. Deep in colour, it has a floral aroma of violets with a soft, smooth palate and flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry. It is medium-bodied with a long bitter cherry finish.
Axial Vinos was set up in 1999 by Louis Geirnaerdt, a Dutchman passionate about Spanish wines. Along with his wife Eugenie, he owns three wineries in Navarra, Campo de Borja and Cariñena. They work closely with grape growers and wine producers around Spain.
blackcurrants, blackberries, cherries
Spanish beef and chorizo stew
9623
Javier San Pedro r ández, Crianza, do Ca. r io J a, 2015, Bodega S vallo B era
Tempranillo
$27.17 $163.00
Spicy and cedary oak aromas dominate black cherry fruits in Javier San Pedro Rández Crianza 2015. It was matured for 12 months in new and seminew American and French oak. It has more fruit on the palate with flavours of black and red cherries, smoke and spice. The oak will integrate with more time in bottle.
Smoke, spice, red cherries
Smoked paprika-glazed baby back ribs
2018-2021, M8 D9
Floral, violets 16°c
2018-2022, M7 D9
cedar, spice, black cherries 16°c
9624 Fin C a vallo B era, do Ca. r io J a, 2015, Bodega S vallo B era Tempranillo
$47.00 $282.00
The San Pedro family owns some of the most impressive vineyards in Rioja; 110 hectares, all at high altitude up to 700 metres. It also owns the oldest Tempranillo vineyard in Rioja Alavesa. Finca Vallobera is produced from the best selection of these Tempranillo grapes. The 2015 will benefit from some cellaring for the oak to fully integrate. It has sweet red berry fruits, nutmeg and oaky notes. It is soft on the palate with lively berry fruits, red cherry, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg leading to a firm, tannic structure with a long, ripe finish. This is a concentrated and elegant wine. After fermentation, 40% of the wine was matured in French oak and 60% in American oak for 14 months.
9625 l a m irada al Sur, Blan C o, do CalaTayud, 2017
Macabeo
$21.33 $128.00
La Mirada al Sur Blanco is produced from 100% Macabeo (Viura) grown on vines planted high in the mountains of Calatayud between Madrid and Zaragoza. The grapes were fermented at low temperature to produce a wine with pear drops and lemon citrus flavours, with a crisp finish. In recent years the old vines of Calatayud have been rediscovered and the region has become a source of good value quality wines.
drops,
lemon, citrus, [00]
fritters
2018-2024, M6 D9
Sweet red berry fruits, nutmeg 18°c
Red cherries, berries, vanilla, cinnamon
Moroccan lamb tagine with chick peas on couscous
2018-2019, M8 D9
Pear
melon 6°c
Whitebait
photo — The Vallobera vineyard at the foothills of Sierra cantabria is the oldest Tempranillo vineyard in Rioja Alavesa. cellar
9626
l a m irada al Sur, Tin T o, do CalaTayud, 2017
Garnacha
$21.33 $128.00
Subtle aromas of woodland fruits precede a supple palate, with flavours of red cherries and balanced acidity. Louis has a passion for Garnacha and his mission is to produce the best varietal wines. The grapes for La Mirada al Sur Tinto come from ancient old bush vines, many of them up to 100 years old.
9627
Produced from grapes grown on vines aged 50 to 100 years old, the grapes were de-stemmed, lightly crushed and left on skins for 10 hours. The juice was slowly fermented at 11°C, producing a wine with some lees aromas. It is concentrated with good depth and a grippy finish. Albada refers to the ancient songs sung by local vine growers in Calatayud; it also means dawn.
Flinty, nutty 6°c
Structured, mineral finish, [00]
Poached seafood salad
9628
eSP eranza, v erde J o, do rueda, 2017
Verdejo
$26.67 $160.00
Esperanza Verdejo has intense aromas of pears and pear drops with succulent white fruit flavours. It is light to medium-bodied with a long lemon and lime citrus finish. Esperanza is produced from 100% Verdejo grapes, grown in Rueda around the village of Santiuste. After a 24-hour skin contact, the juice was fermented at 18°C and remained on lees for approximately two months.
intense pears, pear drops 6°c
White fruits, lemon, lime, [01]
lime chicken tacos
2018-2020, M8 D9
Woodland fruits 16°c
Soft, supple, red cherries
Albondigas with mushrooms
2018-2019, M8 D9
2018-2019, M8 D9
photo — esperanza winemaker Fernando Vegas and his team
S pain
S pain
Toro, Zamora
Spanish Palate
Nicola Thornton and winemaker Alvaro Martín are the dynamic duo behind Spanish Palate, a company formed to showcase the full array of wine styles from Spain, all produced by small independent wineries.
“We believe that Spain is one of the most exciting wine-producing countries in the world with many wines, varietals and regions to discover.“
photo — Today, there are still producers in Toro that maintain traditions such as using horses to work the vineyards.
9631
Crianza,
A new wine launched by winemaker Josep Maria Suriol. Mellow fruits, ripe melon, peaches and stone fruits with mango, and a hint of toast give Leonor de Carrera Cava Brut lots of appeal. On the palate it has a creamy mousse with a long lemon finish. It is produced from 50% Xarel-lo, 25% Macabeu and 25% Parellada, using the traditional method. The wine was matured on lees for 12 months after the second fermentation in bottle. It is named after the original owner of the 35-hectare vineyard.
Bodegas D. Mateos is a family winery based in the Rioja Baja at Aldeanueva de Ebro. To the east of the DO, Rioja Baja has a Mediterranean influence with a warmer climate. The family first planted vineyards in the foothills of Yerga Mountain over seven generations
ago, in 1886. Dense ruby in colour, this is a big, concentrated Rioja. Mellow vanilla aromas, spices and cooked fruits exude from the bottle upon opening. Rich and smooth on the palate, it has dense ripe fruits complemented by good acidity and a long oaky, bitter cherry finish. The grapes were left to cold macerate for four days followed by fermentation at 28°C with regular punching down. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in oak, followed by maturation for 14 months in new French (85%) and American (15%) oak barrels.
concentrated, bitter cherry, oaky finish
Slow-cooked Rioja and garlic beef brisket with mashed potatoes and greens
Mango, toast, [02]
Vietnamese spring rolls with prawns and mango
photo — Mateo, owner, winemaker and 7th generation of grape growers at bodegas D. Mateo in the Rioja baja region
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
$77.33 $464.00
La Mateo Reserva 2013 is delicious now, yet has lots of potential for the future. Mellow dark fruits, blackcurrants and black cherries lead to a pure palate that is linear in structure with marked acidity. La Mateo Reserva has a long smoky, black liquorice finish. The soils of Rioja Baja are varied and the warmer climate allows Garnacha and Mazuelo to reach full maturity. La Mateo Reserva 2013 is a blend of 65% Tempranillo, 30% Garnacha and 5% Mazuelo grown on 55-year-old vines. The grapes were destemmed and underwent a cold maceration. They were then fermented in tank with extended maceration on skins. The wine was matured for 18 months in new French oak barrels with 5% American oak.
Two wines that will earn your high praises.
9633 l oe SS Blan C o, do rueda, 2017, Bodega S m iguel y ruano
Verdejo
$28.83 $173.00
Rueda produces some of Spain’s best white wines. Loess 2017 has delicious honey and mineral notes with balanced acidity and long mango and guava flavours. It is produced from a fourhectare plot planted in 1998 on a terrace overlooking the Duero River. Low-trellised Verdejo vines are cultivated on sand and pebbly soils with a limestone clay subsoil. After some skin contact at low temperature, the grapes were pressed and the clear juice fermented at 16°C. The wine was matured on lees with regular bâtonnage to give it its creamy round texture.
2018-2026, M6 D8
Dark fruits, blackcurrant, black cherry 18°c
black liquorice
braised lamb shanks with coriander, fennel and star anise
2018-2020, M8 D9
honey, ripe fruit 6°c
broad, mango, [00]
bocata de calamares – squid sandwich with aïoli
photo — The loess vineyards planted in Roa in 1998 total 27.62 hectares of Tinta del País, also known as Tempranillo.
9634
l oe SS i n SP iraT ion, Tem P ranillo, do r i B era del d uero, 2016, Bodega S m iguel y ruano
Tempranillo
$29.00 $174.00
Loess, named after the sedimentary soils formed by wind-blown silt, was established by Jaime Saez de La Hoya in 2001. It covers six distinct parcels planted on different soils around Ribera del Duero. A complex, layered wine with great class, Jaime’s 2016 Inspiration is completely in keeping with the 2015 offered last year. It is a blend of different components of Tempranillo, each matured for around nine months in French oak of varying ages. Intense mellow aromas of red cherries, redcurrants and vanilla precede a soft palate with pure acidity, a fine-grained texture and a long bitter cherry finish.
9635
8 r o S a S n egra S, a n C ien T v ine S, do Toro, 2015, r om P e S eda S
Tinta de Toro
$29.83 $ 179.00 new
70 to 100-year-old bush vines are planted on Toro’s rolling hills, on sandy alluvial soils. 8 Rosas Negras 2015 has spicy, oaky, cola aromas with plums, and a savoury and smoky edge. The grapes were picked by hand between September 25th and September 30th and underwent a cold soak for four days prior to fermentation. The wine was aged for eight months in 50% French and 50% American oak barrels. It is concentrated with vibrant acidity and grainy texture, finishing with chewy bitter cherry and liquorice notes.
pork
2018-2024, M6 D9
Red cherries, redcurrants, vanilla 18°c
bitter cherry
braised short ribs, confit potatoes and crispy leeks
2018-2024, M6 D8
Spicy, oak, cola, savoury 18°c
bitter cherry, liquorice
Slow-roasted
shoulder with potatofennel purée
photo — 80-year-old bush vines of Tinta de Toro at Rompesedas
9636
Bo Ta S de Barro, o ld v ine Tem P ranillo, do r i B era del d uero, 2016, S Pani S h PalaT e
Tempranillo
$25.33 $152.00
Spain has more old vines than any other country in the world. Botas de Barro is a range of wines produced from old vines in different regions around Spain and is named after the many pairs of old boots that roamed the fields as the vines were tended to over the years. In Ribera del Duero, centenary old bush vines of Tempranillo, known locally as Tinta Fino or Tinta del País, are planted on sandy, gravelly limestone soils at 850 metres. The large differences between day and night temperatures produce finelytextured wines with good natural acidity. The 2016 vintage has mellow blackcurrant fruits leading to a soft, smooth palate with finegrained tannins and a juicy fruit finish. It was matured for four months in American oak.
9637
Bo Ta S de Barro, o ld v ine
g arna C ha, do a lman S a, 2016, S Pani S h PalaT e
Garnacha Tintorera
$25.33 $152.00
Almansa is located on infertile flat plains in the southeast of Spain and has a hot, semi-arid climate. Its indigenous grape Garnacha Tintorera is unusual. Its pulp is deep red in colour like its skin, producing intensely-coloured wines quite high in alcohol, with good natural acidity. Botas de Barro Old Vine Garnacha 2016 has dark fruits, chocolate and coffee flavours with a succulent mid-palate, bitter cherry and liquorice finish.
coffee-rubbed grilled Rib-eye steak with sweet potato fries
2018-2021, M7 D9
Dark fruits, blackcurrant 18°c
Juicy fruits, smooth
Spanish chorizo and Serrano ham pizza
2018-2020, M8 D9
Dark fruit
chocolate, coffee, bitter cherry
9638
Bo Ta S de Barro, o ld v ine m ona ST rell, do Jumilla, 2016, S Pani S h PalaT e
9639
Produced from Monastrell grapes (Mourvèdre) harvested from 60-year-old ungrafted bush vines, this wine has sweet fruity aromas of cooked fruits, blueberries and confiseries. This is a supple wine with pure flavours and a slightly chewy finish. Jumilla neighbours Almansa in the southeast of Spain, close to Valencia, between the Mediterranean coast and the higher inland plains of Castilla-La Mancha. It is the driest and one of the hottest wine regions in Spain, with just 300 millimetres of rainfall per year, and is most suited to Monastrell.
Bo Ta S de Barro, Tin Ta de Toro, do Toro, 2016, S Pani S h PalaT e Tinta de Toro $25.33 $152.00
Toro is one of the oldest wine regions in Spain, and thanks to its sandy soils, which prevented the spread of phylloxera, it has vineyards as old as 140 years old. Tinta de Toro is a local Tempranillo clone, producing tiny, thick-skinned berries highly concentrated in flavour. Bright ruby in colour, Botas de Barro Tinta de Toro 2016 is a medium to fullbodied wine with flavours of red and black fruits and liquorice. The old untrellised and unirrigated bush vines are spaciously planted on poor, sandy soils. It was matured in American oak for five months.
cooked fruits, blueberries
chewy finish
Paella with rabbit and snails
2018-2021, M7 D9
Fresh red apples 18°c
Red and black fruits, liquorice
Tuscan lasagna
photo — Álvaro Martín and nicola Thornton, the creators behind Spanish Palate and the botas de barro brand, pictured in the old vines of Almansa
Monastrell
$25.33 $152.00
Bar C olo B o l a r in C onada, v ino de la Tierra de Ca ST illa y l eón, 2016, Bar C olo B o
nature reserve and natural habitat for purple herons, deer, wild boar and eaglets. Barcolobo has 20 hectares of vineyards with 10 hectares of Tempranillo on rocky, sandy soils. Mellow fruit aromas are complemented by savoury smoky bacon notes. On the palate, succulent, juicy red fruits shine through with vanilla, coffee, and a bitter chocolate and cherry finish. All the grapes were harvested by hand with careful selection in the vineyard and at the winery. It was matured in French and American oak.
La Rinconada estate lies in a U-bend of the Duero River as it flows from Ribera del Duero eastwards to Toro and then on towards Portugal. La Rinconada, meaning “cut” or “corner”, refers to the sickle shape of the land, almost forming an island
Bar C olo B o, v ino de la Tierra de Ca ST illa y l eón, Fin C a l a r in C onada, 2013, Bar C olo B o
Tempranillo, Syrah, c abernet Sauvignon
$40.00 $240.00
La Rinconada estate works with the University of León and the Instituto de la Viña y el Vino (institute of vine and wine research) under the supervision of Dr. Enrique Garzón Jimeno. In addition to Tempranillo, the estate cultivates five hectares each of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields are kept low and inputs are minimal. A blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2013 is dense in colour with liquorice aromas, spices and woodlands. It is rich and concentrated on the palate with flavours of dark fruits and treacle, sour cherry acidity and a bitter treacle finish. The grapes were harvested early in the morning between October 2nd and October 8th. Each varietal was vinified separately and matured for 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, and 60% second and third fill.
2018-2022, M7 D9
Mellow fruits, smoky bacon 18°c
Red fruits, coffee, bitter chocolate, vanilla
braised venison with bacon and wild mushrooms
2018-2022, M8 D9
liquorice, spices, woodland 18°c
Treacle, sour cherry, bitter treacle
braised wild boar shanks with sweet soy and star anise
photo — barcolobo winemaker Ramiro carbajo keeps a close eye on the development of his French oak barrels of Syrah.
S pain
S pain
Catalonia
Bodegas Concavins
Montblanc, Barberà de la Conca
Clos Montblanc is located in Conca de Barberà in Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain. It is close to the fortified town of Montblanc and monastery of Poblet. The climate is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, with hot summers and cold winters.
“Our wines obtain their character from indigenous varieties together with foreign grapes in a symbiosis of character and added personality.“
9643
m on TB lan C 362 Bru T Cava r e S erva, m è T ode Tradi C ional, do Cava
Macabeu, x arel-lo, Parellada
$24.67 $148.00
Fresh aromas of quince, pears and other white fruits lead to a soft, creamy palate with fruit and lemon sorbet flavours. It is a blend of 50% Macabeu, 30% Xarel-lo and 20% Parellada grown on the calcareous clay soils in Conca de Barberà, and produced in the traditional method with the second fermentation in bottle.
2018-2019, M8 D9
Pears, quince 6°c
Fresh fruits, lemon sorbet, [01]
oysters on half shell with Meyer lemon mignonette
9644
m on TB lan C 362 m a C a B eu/ Chardonnay, do CaTalunya, 2017
Macabeu, chardonnay
$21.00 $126.00
A light to mediumbodied wine with flavours of fresh apples, lemon and guava. Macabeu and Chardonnay are cultivated on clay loam soils.
Winemaker Josep Vadrí carried out a short maceration on skins, then fermented the juice at low temperature.
2018-2019, M8 D9
Fresh apples 6°c
light to medium-bodied, guava, lemon, [00]
Grilled lemon-garlic shrimp
9645
m on TB lan C 362 Chardonnay, do CaTalunya, 2017
chardonnay
$34.00 $204.00
This barrel-fermented Chardonnay has intense banana, ripe melon and toast aromas with a hint of butterscotch. It was fermented in new French oak barrels from various origins; Nevers, Tronçais and Allier forests. It is soft and smooth on the palate with rich sweet fruits, and round with oaky vanilla and toasty flavours. Malolactic fermentation was carried out and the wine was matured in barrels for up to four months.
9646
m on TB lan C 362 r o S aT, do CaTalunya, 2017
Tempranillo, Pinot noir
$21.00 $126.00
Deep in colour with a vibrant grenadine hue, Montblanc 362 Rosat 2017 has aromas of red apples and berry fruits with some blackcurrant flavour. Produced from 80% Tempranillo and 20% Pinot Noir, it is soft and well-balanced.
9647
oaky vanilla, toast, spicy, [00]
butternut Squash risotto
m on TB lan C 362 Tem P ranillo/ Ca B erne T, do CaTalunya, 2017
Tempranillo, c abernet Sauvignon
$20.83 $125.00
Produced from a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, Montblanc 362 Tempranillo/Cabernet has savoury aromas with dark fruits. It is dense and concentrated on the palate with blackberry fruits and a sour berry finish.
2018-2020, M8 D9
banana, ripe melon, toast, butterscotch 6°c
Roasted
2018-2019, M8 D9
Red apples, berries 6°c
blackcurrant, [00]
Salt cod brandade
2018-2021, M8 D9
Savoury dark fruits
18°c
concentrated, blackberry, sour berries
braised rabbit with tomatoes and fresh herbs
photo — Founded in 1163, the medieval walled town of Montblanc was once considered one of the most important in catalonia.
9648
m on TB lan C 362 Syrah/Sam S ó, do Con C a de Bar B erà, 2015
Samsó, Syrah
$24.33 $146.00
Syrah and Samsó (aka Carignan) are cultivated on black slate and quartz soils known as Llicorella, with grapes harvested mid to late October.
Deep in colour, the Montblanc 362 Syrah/Samsó 2015 has aromas of blackcurrant chew, potpourri, fresh earth and cinnamon. Smooth and spicy, it has a liquorice flavour with bitterness giving length. The grapes were fermented between 25°C and 28°C then matured for up to 16 months in new oak barrels. A blend of 77% Samsó and 23% Syrah, the vines were planted 15 years ago.
2018-2022, M7 D9
blackcurrant chew, tea, potpourri 18°c
Spicy, liquorice
osso buco with roasted fennel and saffron potatoes
9649
m on TB lan C 362 m erlo T, do Con C a de Bar B erà, 2015
Opimian Discovery –the perfect place to start! Visit opim.ca
9650
m on TB lan C 362 Syrah, do Con C a de Bar B erà, 2015
Syrah
$26.67 $160.00
2018-2024, M6 D8
Musky, savoury spice 18°c
bitter cherry, liquorice
Deep in colour with ripe dark fruits and black cherry aromas, Montblanc 362 Merlot 2015 is youthful and medium-bodied with a linear structure. It was matured for 12 months in American oak barrels, conferring mellow oak notes with a long savoury and smoky finish complemented by fresh sour fruits. 20-year-old Merlot vines are cultivated on loose and well-draining limestone soils.
2018-2022, M7 D9
cherries, ripe dark fruits 18°c
oaky notes, savoury smoky finish
Grilled bison burgers
A savoury wine with musky spice and balsamic aromas, it is quite austere in style with flavours of bitter cherry and liquorice; it should soften and open-up with some cellaring. After malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, it was transferred to and matured in used American oak barrels for 12 months.
black
beef daube
Merlot
$25.83 $155.00
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, Montblanc 362 Reserva 2013 has an intense bouquet with green leaves, woodlands, smoke and incense. The palate is firm with smoky flavours and chewy tannins. The vines were planted 25 years ago on clay loam soils. After fermentation and maceration on skins, it was aged in barrels for 18 to 24 months. Showing some nice complex characters, it is ready to enjoy now and over the next few years.
2018-2022, M8 D8
leafy, woodlands, smoke, incense
18°c
Smoky, chewy
Wild boar stew with black olives
photo — French and American oak barrels are used for aging.
Madrid Vinoselección S pain
S pain
Vinoselección, based in Madrid, was started by Massimo Galimberti as a weekend hobby, when he would tour Spain looking for interesting wines to uncork and share with friends. It went on to become Spain’s first wine club. Over the years, Vinoselección has developed relationships with selected wineries across Spain.
“Our wines are born in the best area of Ribera del Duero. They are wines with character and personality, made in a modern style; powerful, rich and elegant.“
–Bodegas Portia
photo — bodegas Portia boasts 46 stainless steel fermentation tanks, 10 for microvinification, 6 for refrigeration and 10 for storage.
Order online at opimian.ca
9652 v iña e izaga Crianza, do Ca. r io J a, 2015, v ino S e izaga
Marked by 14 months spent in French and American oak barrels, Viña Eizaga Crianza 2015 has aromas of coconut and cloves which dominate the fruit. It is medium-bodied and structured and will benefit from more time in bottle.
Carlos and Javier García Carralon farm 40 hectares of vineyards around Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa.
9653
a l Far v endimia Sele CC ionada, do Ca. r io J a, 2015, Bodega S valdela C ierva
This wine is complex with musky and spicy aromas of ginger and red cherries. It is light to medium-bodied with flavours of mulberries, red cherries, and vanilla toast, with a powdery bitter cherry finish; it is elegant and succulent. The grapes were harvested from specific plots of 60-yearold bush vines cultivated in Llano, Espinilla and Río las Cañas de Baños de Ebro. It was matured in French oak barrels for 13 months.
red cherries,
2018-2024, M6 D8
coconut, cinnamon, cloves 18°c
Red fruits
Red wine braised rabbit with chickpeas and chorizo
2018-2022, M7 D9
Spice, ginger, musk, red cherries 18°c
Mulberries,
vanilla toast, bitter cherry
Roast suckling lamb and Savoy cabbage with green chilli and cumin
photo — located in Rioja Alta, Valdelacierva has 125 hectares of vineyards with vines that range between 25 and 130 years old.
cellar 257 — Quebec
9654
Por T ia Sele CC ión de Familia, do r i B era del d uero, 2015, Bodega S Por T ia
Tinta del País
$34.67 $208.00
Intense aromas of ripe fruits, cherries and red apples are complemented with spicy oak, cedar and pencil lead. Portia Selección de Familia 2015 has juicy fruits with a red cherries mid-palate and a toasty oak finish. It has a fine-grained texture. The grapes were grown around Roa de Duero, Gumiel de Mercado, Sotillo de la Ribera and Villanueva de Gumiel. After fermentation at 26°C, the wine was matured in French oak barrels for 10 months. Bodegas Portia is owned by the Riojan group Faustino. The wines are made and matured in the state-of-the-art winery designed and built by world famous architect Norman Foster.
9655
e naT e r e S erva Privada, do Somon Tano, 2014, Bodega e naT e Tempranillo, c abernet Sauvignon $38.67 $232.00
Drinking deliciously now and for the next four to six years, Enate Reserva Privada 2014 has a developed complex bouquet with intense meaty aromas, coffee and coriander. It is soft and smooth on the palate with good mid-palate fruit, black cherries, fine-grained tannins and great balance. It is a blend of 70% Tempranillo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Each was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels for 12 months.
9656 Braó, do m on TS an T, 2015, aC ú ST i C Celler
c arinyena, Garnatxa
$49.67 $298.00
Produced from Carinyena (Cariñena) and Garnatxa (Garnacha) grown on 70 to 80-year-old vines at 300 to 700 metres in altitude, Braó 2015 has restrained earthy fruit aromas. On the palate it has flavours of blueberries, black cherries and vanilla. It is soft and smooth with delicious ripe fruits, cherry menthol flavours and fresh acidity. Montsant consists of harsh barren soils. Winemaker Albert Jané is fascinated by its old gnarly vines, all but abandoned in the past. Braó means courageous, brave, strong. It is named in recognition of these vines that struggled to grow over the years. The grapes were picked by hand and fermented with regular pigeage. After pressing using a small wooden vertical press, the wine was aged for 13 months in new and one-year old French oak barrels.
2018-2024, M6 D9
Ripe fruits, cherries, red apples, cedar 18°c
Red cherries, toasty oak
Grilled filet mignon with Yukon Gold potatoes and chimichurri sauce
2018-2022, M7 D9
complex, coffee, meaty, coriander 18°c
black cherry
Seared venison strip-loin with braised lentils and black cherry chutney
Roast duck with wild mushroom risotto and dried cherry gastrique
photo — Albert Jané produced his first vintage of braó in 2004 and has received accolades with each passing vintage.
Carvoeira Quinta da Barreira portugal p ortugal
As well as running his small family Quinta da Barreira estate, José Gaspar is a winemaking consultant around the Lisbon and Tejo regions, and works on projects in areas around Portugal.
“Everything is done with the consumer in mind; our watchword is: make an enjoyable wine which shows good value for money.“
–Fausto J. Montenegro Vieira Cardoso, Vintner, Alteia Wines
photo — The Douro region is easily recognizable with its unique landscape of terraces cut into the valley where vines grow.
9657
Quin Ta da Barreira r e S erva, Touriga n a C ional/Ca B erne T Sauvignon, v inho r egional l i SB oa, 2016
Touriga nacional, c abernet Sauvignon
$25.33 $152.00
Produced by José Gaspar at his family estate, created by his grandfather in the 1950s, Quinta da Barreira is located 50 kilometres south of Lisbon. His Reserva 2016 is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has floral and lavender notes complemented with smoke, pencil lead and damson fruits in the background. It is a supple medium-bodied wine, easy to drink with a soft finish.
2018-2020, M8 D9
Floral, lavender, smoke 16°c
fruits
spiced beef curry with sweet potatoes
9658
Tágide a rin T o, Chardonnay, m o SC aT el, v inho r egional l i SB oa, 2017, Quin Ta da Barreira
Arinto, chardonnay, Moscatel
$24.00 $144.00
Pale in colour, floral in nature, it is light-bodied with refreshing fresh lemon and lime flavours, and has a crisp finish.
lemon, lime, [00]
and scallop ceviche
2018-2019, M8 D9
9659
Tágide Syrah, v inho r egional l i SB oa, 2016, Quin Ta da Barreira
Syrah
$23.50 $141.00
Tágide Syrah has intense mellow aromas of coffee and cherries. Light to medium-bodied, it is soft on the palate with flavours of red fruits, strawberry, cherry menthol and vanilla. This wine is named after the Tagus River, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula which flows into the Atlantic Ocean close to Lisbon.
2018-2020, M8 D9
intense coffee, cherries 18°c
Vanilla, red fruits
chili colorado
Damson
Thai
Floral 6°c
Shrimp
photo — The Tejo River is credited for the Tejo region’s distinct terroir ideal for the cultivation of Portugal’s native grape varieties.
cellar 257 — Quebec
9660 m iranda Bran C o, do C v inho v erde,
Cave S Cam P elo l oureiro, Trajadura, Arinto $21.67 $130.00
This simple light spritzy wine has pear flavours and zesty acidity, offset with some residual sweetness. Vinho Verde is produced in the far north of Portugal, close to the border with Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. This is Portugal’s coldest and wettest region. It is a blend of 40% Loureiro, 30% Trajadura and 30% Arinto.
9661 Cam P elo l oureiro, do C v inho v erde, 2017, Cave S Cam P elo
spritzy, [02]
A more fragrant and powerful Vinho Verde wine, with intense aromas of apples, pears and apple blossom, it was produced from the indigenous Loureiro grape. Flavours of apples and pears continue on the palate, leading to a long green apple finish. Campelo Loureiro is dry with good balance.
Green apples, mineral, [00]
Rissóis de camarão – Portuguese shrimp croquettes
2018-2019, M8 D9
Pear drops
6°c
light,
Sushi
2018-2019, M8 D9
Apple, pears, apple blossom
6°c
photo — harvest at caves campelo; established in 1951, it is one of the most well-known houses in the Vinho Verde Doc
2017,
9663 a lT eia, v inha S v elha S, do C d ouro, 2014, v inho S a lT eia
9662 v indimeiro, Tin T o, do C d ouro, 2016, Carvalho l ima Wine S
Tinta Roriz, Touriga nacional, Touriga Franca
$23.17 $139.00 new
Produced from Portugal’s three most famous indigenous grapes, Vindimeiro Tinto 2016 is a blend of 50% Tinta Roriz, 30% Touriga Nacional and 20% Touriga Franca, all grown in the Douro Valley. It is mediumbodied with dark fruits, some acidity and firm tannins.
2018-2021, M7 D9
fruits 18°c
Structured, firm tannin
cavatelli with slow-cooked ragù of lamb, olives and mushrooms
Touriga Franca, Tinta da b airrada, Malvasia Preta and other local grape varieties
$38.17 $229.00
Alteia is a blend of traditional grape varieties from the Douro Valley grown on very old vines. The 2014 has some floral and blackcurrant aromas, with a touch of calfskin leather adding complexity. It has a fine, silky texture with medium to full body and a spicy, leather finish. It is a complex wine with the potential to age.
Spicy, leather
Portuguese feijoada
Dark
2018-2026, M6 D7
Floral, blackcurrant, calfskin 18°c
photo — Meticulous hand-harvesting at Alteia Wines ensures careful selection of the best grapes.
Touriga Franca, Touriga nacional, Tinta Roriz
$29.00 $174.00
Made by José Pinheiro, this medium-bodied red has flavours of plums, cherry fruits and a sour cherry finish. The vines are planted on the terraced schist slopes of the Douro Valley. The grapes were picked by hand, crushed and fermented at 22°C. It was aged for eight months in new French oak.
Touriga nacional, Souzão, Touriga Franca
$43.67 $262.00
Abastado Grande Reserva 2012 boasts complex, developed autumnal aromas, with forest floor, marmite and some floral notes. It is soft and rich on the palate. Dense with firm acidity and fine tannins, it ends with black cherries and smoke. The majority grape is Touriga Nacional blended with 19% Souzão and 1% Touriga Franca. After fermentation, the wine spent 12 months in new French oak barrels and was bottled in June, 2014.
Intense mellow aromas of dried fruits, raisins, nuts and vanilla lead to a sweet attack with dried fruit flavours, dried apricots, treacle and sweet candied fruits. Produced from a blend of traditional grape varieties grown in the Douro Superior sub-region, the grapes were de-stemmed, crushed and fermentation carried out for two to three days, then arrested by the addition of wine brandy. It was matured in large old casks for ten years.
Dried fruit with walnuts and almonds; apricot almond tart; aged cheddar
2018-2022, M8 D9
Plums, cherries 18°c
Sour cherries
charcuterie
2018-2029, M6 D8
Smoky, earthy, forest floor 18°c
Rich black cherries, smoke
crimini mushroom risotto
Ready to drink
Dried fruits, raisins, nuts 18°c
candied fruits, treacle, smoky, [08]
photo — Gesprove wines resting after bottling; temperature, light and humidity are important factors that are considered.
9667 Sone T o Por T o v in Tage 2015, g e SP rove
blend of traditional Douro grape varieties
$70.50 $423.00
Vintage Port is the highest quality port, made from the best grapes, and only declared in the best years. 2015 was a hot growing season with 40% less rain than the norm. Soneto 2015 is youthful, dense purple in colour with aromas of blackcurrant leaf, cigar ash and smoke. This is a concentrated, structured port, sweet with a firm grippy finish. Fermentation was arrested by the addition of high proof wine brandy to produce a port with 20% alcohol. This was matured 18 months in old wooden vats and will develop nicely over the coming years.
2018-2030,
Smoke, blackcurrant, ash 18°c
Sweet, black cherries, chocolate, [08]
9668
a genda da v inha, Colhei Ta Sele C ionada, do C d ão, 2016, So C iedade a grí C ola Boa S Quin Ta S
Touriga nacional, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz
$25.00 $150.00
Only indigenous varieties are permitted in the Dão region; in this case Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro and Tinta Roriz. Agenda da Vinha 2016 is an easy-drinking wine with some grip. It is produced by Nuno Cancela de Abreu, whose family has been making wine in the region since the 1800s. It has aromas of fresh blackcurrants and smoke, and is mediumbodied. The grapes were left to cold soak for two days prior to fermentation.
Fresh blackcurrants, smoky 16°c
Soft, grippy finish
Seared duck breast with fried potato dumplings, celeriac mash and blackcurrant sauce
9669
Fon T e do o uro r e S erva, do C d ão, 2015, So C iedade a grí C ola Boa S Quin Ta S
Touriga nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro, Jaen
$34.00 $204.00
Cooked sweet fruits and violet aromas lead to a medium-bodied wine with fresh red berries and sour fruits.
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro and Jaen were cultivated on poor acidic granitebased soils. After a long fermentation and malolactic fermentation, the wine spent nine months in Allier French oak barrels.
cooked fruits, violets 18°c
Sweet berry fruits, sour finish
Veal medallions with tomato and olive sauce
M5 D8
Smoked venison tartlets; flourless chocolate-hazelnut cake; le ciel de charlevoix
2018-2020, M8 D9
2018-2024, M6 D9
photo — Sociedade Agrícola boas Quintas founder and winemaker nuno cancela de Abreu represents the 4th generation of farming and winemaking traditions.
cellar 257 — Quebec
9670
Quin Ta da Bi C a v inha S v elha S, do C d ão, 2014
Jaen, baga, Rufete, Alfrocheiro, Alvarelhão, Touriga nacional, other traditional grape varieties
$37.17 $223.00
A full-bodied and dense wine, it is an assemblage of traditional grape varieties grown on the historic Quinta da Bica estate in the Dão region. Deep in colour, it has aromas of fresh apples and blackcurrants over a smoky, savoury marmite background. The grapes were cultivated on the estate’s granite and clay soils with wines made under the supervision of Paulo Nunes. Soft and smooth, it has the potential to develop.
9671
Cavalo n egro, v inha S v elha S, v inho r egional Te J o, 2016, g oanvi
Touriga nacional, Aragonez, Alicante b ouschet
$29.17 $175.00 new
Made by winemaker
Carlos Eduardo, Cavalo Negro was matured half in French, half in American oak barrels. Oak currently dominates dark fruits with spicy aromas of nutmeg and pencil shavings. The palate is juicy, smooth and medium-bodied with flavours of coffee, chocolate and black cherries. Ripe fruits lead to a long chocolate finish.
coffee, chocolate, black cherries
Venison tenderloin with cocoa-roasted beets and honey cap mushrooms
2018-2026, M6 D8
Fresh apples, blackcurrants, savoury marmite 16°c
Smooth
oxtail stew with creamy polenta
2018-2022, M8 D9
nutmeg, pencil shavings, dark fruits 18°c
photo — Quinta dos Vales: after the cooling period and before processing, the manually-harvested grapes undergo an additional selection process.
9672
e n C o STa do So B ral Sele CT ion Bran C o, v inho r egional Te J o, 2017, e n C o STa do So B ral
Fernão Pires, Arinto, Malvasia
$28.83 $173.00
Encosta do Sobral Selection Branco is medium yellow in colour with intense fruity and floral aromas with melon, fresh apples and pears. The same flavours follow through onto the palate and persist. Winemaker Pedro Sereno matured 35% of the wine in used French and American oak barrels for four months.
2018-2019,
intense fruit, floral 6°c
Melons, apples, pears, [00]
9673
Ca B eço da Pedra, v inho r egional Te J o, 2015, e n C o STa do So B ral
Dark fruit aromas are complemented by a hint of tobacco and autumn leaves. This is a soft, succulent wine, medium-bodied with red fruit flavours and balanced with refreshing acidity and a sour cherry finish. It is a blend of Aragonez and Castelão matured in French oak for eight months.
9674
m ar Q uê S do S vale S Sele CTa r e S erva, v inho r egional a lgarve, 2014, Quin Ta do S vale S
Aragonez, c astelão, Syrah
$30.17 $181.00
This wine is produced in the Algarve in southern Portugal, a region better known for golf courses and its tourism than its wines, but the wines are good. The climate is hot and dry. Quinta dos Vales is situated in the west of the region at Estômbar, close to the coast with 44 hectares of vines. The Marquês dos Vales Selecta Reserva 2014 has appealing aromas of red and dark fruits, blackcurrant chews and spice. A blend of Aragonez (Tempranillo), Castelão and Syrah, it is concentrated and supple with good midpalate fruit. It was aged in French oak.
Smooth, supple
M8 D9
caldo verde with shrimp, sausage and spinach
2018-2020, M8 D9
Dark fruits, hint tobacco, autumn leaves 16°c
Red fruits, sour cherry
Pork stew with cockles and spicy red pepper sauce
2018-2022, M8 D9
Red and black fruits, spice 18°c
beef Wellington
photo — The encosta do Sobral vineyards are planted on the sunny slopes of Junceira and Serra.
cellar 257
Quebec
9675
m arQuêS doS valeS duo, Touriga FranC a & Touriga n aCional, v inho regional a lgarve, 2015, QuinTa doS valeS
Touriga Franca, Touriga nacional
Marquês dos Vales DUO is made from Portugal’s two flagship grape varieties, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, and demonstrates the quality of Portuguese wines. While quite restrained, it has aromas of balsamic, cedar and pencil lead. More juicy fruits emerge on the palate with flavours of black cherries and black berries, complemented with a fine layered texture and good acidity. After fermentation in stainless steel, it was matured for twelve months in French oak barrels.
Juicy fruits, black cherries, blackberries
Roast grouse with blackberries and port wine jus
2018-2026, M6 D8
balsamic, pencil lead, spice 18°c
photo — At Quinta dos Vales vinification is a combination of traditional and modern techniques.
photo — Mâconnais vineyards near lugny cellar
Southern Burgundy Paul Sapin
After a series of small harvests in Burgundy, 2017 was a relief for Burgundian grape growers, during a year when many other regions were struck by severe April frost. A warm spring led to early budburst, flowering and rapid fruit set, although there was some local hail in the Mâconnais. The 2017 Mâcon wines are showing good fruit and balance.
9678
Paul Sa P in m â C on-v illage S, l a Colle CT ion, ao P, 2017
chardonnay
$28.17 $169.00
Pale lime in colour, Paul Sapin’s 2017 Mâcon-Villages has aromas of melon, pineapple and lemon with a hint of hazelnut. It is soft and mediumbodied with ripe fruits and a persistent finish. Chardonnay was grown on the gentle slopes of the Mâconnais at the southern end of Burgundy.
9679
Paul Sa P in m â C on-l ugny, l a Colle CT ion, ao P, 2017
chardonnay
$29.00 $174.00
Slightly deeper in colour and riper in style, the MâconLugny has aromas of quince and wet stone. With more presence in the mouth, it has good mid-palate fruit and a pithy finish. The small village of Lugny gives its name to the appellation. The soil around Lugny is comprised of soft limestone over layers of marl, loam and broken pebbles.
Ripe white fruits, [00]
butternut Squash agnolotti with toasted hazelnut cream sauce
Mineral, citrus finish, [00]
baked chicken with mushroom risotto
2018-2020, M8 D9
Melon, pineapple, hazelnut 6°c
2018-2020, M8 D9
Quince, fresh apples 6°c
9680
Paul Sa P in Sain T-v éran, l a Colle CT ion, ao P, 2017 chardonnay
Restrained with a flinty aroma, it is elegant with white fruits and fennel. The palate is pure, almost Chablis-like in style, with a long lemon and guava finish, and a creamy texture. A small part of the wine was fermented in barrel and the balance in tank after some skin contact. The wine was matured on lees. Coming from the southernmost appellation around the village of Saint-Véran, Chardonnay vines are cultivated in the shadows of the great rocks of Solutré and Vergisson.
2018-2022, M7 D9
White fruits, smoky, fennel 6°c
lemon, guava, [00]
creamy seafood stew
9681
Paul Sa P in Pouilly-v inzelle S, l a Colle CT ion, ao P, 2017 chardonnay
$44.50 $267.00
More opulent in style, this is a soft, rich wine with smoky mineral aromas, complementing fresh apples and yeasty notes. The village of Pouilly-Vinzelles takes its name from the Latin “vincella”, meaning small vine. The appellation is smaller and less well-known than neighbouring PouillyFuissé, but makes wines of equal distinction and ageing potential.
2018-2022, M7 D9
Fresh apples, mineral, smoky, yeasty 6°c
opulent fruit, mineral finish, [00] olive oil-poached salmon with fingerling potatoes
photo — Fuissé, a commune in the Saône-et-loire, is one of four communes that form the Aoc PouillyFuissé.
cellar 257 — Quebec
Red berries and banana fruits precede a soft, smooth palate. Coeur des Lanciers Rouge is light to medium-bodied and easy-drinking.
Salmon in colour with a yeasty nose and soft red fruits, it has refreshing acidity. A light fresh wine with grapefruit, lemon citrus flavours and crisp acidity.
2018-2019, M8 D9
Grapefruit 6°c
Guava, lemon, [01]
Pan-seared Tilapia with grapefruit-avocado salsa
2018-2019, M8 D9
Yeasty, red fruit 6°c
Red berries, crisp, [01] crisp asparagus, prosciutto and brie tartines
2018-2020, M8 D9
Red berries, banana 16°c
photo — Thierry coulon (right) and his team preparing the blend for the coeur des lanciers red
Our Programs
Opimian’s wine programs are designed to help you develop your palate at each stage of your journey. It starts with Discovery; once you’ve cultivated your curiosity and explored the wine world, you can graduate to Select Plus — the “next level” mixed cases, with both ready to drink wines and wines for aging. After you’ve challenged your palate and started your cellar, it’s time to start collecting with Founders’ Choice — premium wines available exclusively through this program. You do not have to worry about deadlines or ordering procedures since Opimian automatically places an order on your behalf with every new Cellar Offering. Your preferred payment will be used, then your wine is shipped and you will receive a Pick Up Notice indicating where to pick it up. Visit opim.ca for more information.
EAGER TO LEARN your way around the world of wine or simply enjoy a selection of bottles for everyday drinking? The Discovery program has it all. Over the course of the year, members enrolled in this program receive one mixed case of six bottles from a featured supplier per cellar offering. These wines are all for immediate drinking so you can indulge in one or two the moment they get to you. Whether you’re new to Opimian or fancy hopping on an introductory tour of the world of wine, we recommend this route.
DELVE INTO A VERSATILE SELECTION of bottles and explore the four corners of the world of wine. This program features both early drinkability and mid-term aging potential bottles so you can enjoy some now and lay the others down. Throughout the year, Select Plus members receive one mixed case of six bottles per Cellar Offering. These wines may all be enjoyed young but will benefit from some maturing time. The ideal program for those who wish to expand their horizons and refine their palate one bottle at a time.
A COLLECTOR’S DREAM Dedicated to the spirit of our Founders, this program features wines that are exclusive to this program and don’t appear on our Cellar Offerings. Made up of six bottles of a premium wine with a dedicated back label and a special message with tasting notes from the producer, each of the cases you will receive represents some of the very best our producers have to offer. These bottles offer long-term aging potential so you might want to free up space in that cellar … or start building one.
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The Select Plus supplier for this cellar offering is Spanish palate
The Discovery supplier for this cellar offering is Quinta da Barreira
The Founders’ Choice supplier for this cellar offering is Quinta da Barreira
