C260-QC

Order between July 13 and August 17, 2018

Burgundy, Loire Va LL ey, Languedoc- r oussi LLon and Pro V ence

Legend

Grape variety Red White Rosé

Sparkling

Bottle size

Number of bottles in case

Aroma

Taste

Serving temperature

Ideal with Evolution Drink this year

Will develop, drink within 2 years

Meant for cellaring

Concentration

Light Medium

Great Oak Light

Medium

Heavy

Limited quantities

Limited

Very limited

Extremely limited

Less than 100 cases available

Members’ Choice

Most ordered by Opimian members

Opimian Suggests Starting a cellar

Medal Winner

Discovery

Opimian Discovery 2017 C251

Select Plus

Opimian Select Plus 2017 C251

Ordering Made Easy

1. select your Wines

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@Opimian.ca.

2. Place your order

There are five ways to order

• Online: Go to Opimian.ca, sign in and select Order Now

• Email MemberService@Opimian.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-october 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 Opimian.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: august 17, 2018 Important: no orders will be processed after this deadline.

* Deadline for mailing orders: August 7, 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

[06] 51 - 74 Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat

[07] 75 - 100 Auslese, Beerenauslese

[08] 101 - 139 Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port

M—Degree of Maturity (1-10)

M1 = lay down

M10 = fully mature

d—Degree of Drinkability (1-10)

D1 = needs time

D10 = ready to drink

[09] 140 - 179 Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port

[10] 180 > Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese

cover — Family and friends are invited to Domaine de la Jasse to help hand-harvest the fruit that will later be transformed into the great juice they love: wine!

Cellar 260

Burgundy, Loire Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence

The vast majority of wines in Cellar Offering 260 were produced during the 2017 vintage and have turned out extremely well. Following a series of difficult and small harvests in Burgundy, my fingers are crossed in the hope that 2017 has broken the mould. In Burgundy, 2017 produced a good quantity of high quality grapes, and this at a time when global wine production was at an all-time historic low; 18% below the five-year average in France. The Loire, while improved compared to the tiny 2016 crop, was still down 7% on the five-year average, and Southern France, which is not usually concerned with frost, was hit badly as well. Despite the heartbreaking and economic impact of the frost, Opimian producers have made a strong effort to keep prices steady.

Having suffered serious frost damage in April 2016, Burgundian growers were perhaps better prepared than vignerons in other regions, and worked collectively to protect vines from catastrophe. Between April 19th and April 29th, 2017, early morning temperatures were closely monitored, with many vignerons walking their vineyards at 4:30 a.m., when the threat of frost was most severe, and its potential effect most damaging. The icy temperatures cannot only damage the young buds, but if the sky is bright and clear, the rising sun’s rays can burn young shoots and leaves completely. Bales of straw had been piled up along roadsides, and on April 28th were lit throughout the region, creating a smoke screen to minimize damage.

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 370 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 have great respect for the soil and place great importance on aromatic purity.“

Burgundy

La Rochepot Domaine Billard Père et Fils

After a drastically small vintage in 2016, it was a relief for Jérôme and Elisabeth Billard for spring 2017 to pass without disaster. The rest of the growing season went well and resulted in a good, high-quality crop. The 2017 wines were tasted as barrel samples and will be matured for a further two to three months. Life as a vigneron is never certain, and as I wrote this at the beginning of May 2018, Jérôme told me that he spent a night on tenterhooks, as temperatures dropped dangerously low. However, the forecast for the days that followed indicated unseasonably warm temperatures, and there was hope the danger would pass.

9808

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, La Justi C e, ao C, 2017

chardonnay

$32.83 $197.00

La Justice vineyard lies on a plateau at 400 metres, looking down over views of the villages of Saint-Aubin and Auxey-Duresses, with Meursault and the main valley in the distance. It is a lovely spot from which to contemplate the region. The first vines were planted by Jérôme and his father in 1982. La Justice 2017 has appealing white fruits, melon, pears and nutty aromas. It is wellbalanced with good depth, succulent lemon flavours and a mineral finish.

9809 a uxey-d uresses, ao C, 2017

A little lighter in weight than the 2016, Billard’s 2017 Auxey-Duresses has herbal red fruits, strawberry leaf and red cherry flavours. It is supple and light-bodied, with succulent red fruits on the finish, and is perfect for drinking over the next few years. The Auxey-Duresses appellation borders the commune of La Rochepot, where Jérôme lives with his family and is the elected mayor. The appellation lies in a side shoot valley, starting north of Meursault village, just west of the main valley.

9810

s aint-r omain, La Com B e Bazin, ao C, 2017

chardonnay

$43.83 $263.00

Ripe tropical fruit aromas of passion fruit and pineapple, complemented by a hint of coconut, exude from the glass. Soft and ripe on the palate, La Combe Bazin 2017 has good mid-palate weight leading to a fresh apple, lemon and long roasted pineapple finish. La Combe Bazin, in the Saint-Romain appellation, lies to the east of the village. 1.35 hectares of vines are planted on calcareous marl soils with bands of clay. The grapes were picked on September 5th and the wine was matured on lees for ten months in barrel, with 25% new Allier oak.

2018-2021, m8 D9

Tropical fruits, pineapple, coconut 6°c

Passion fruit, lemon, cooked pineapple, [00]

chicken coconut curry

9811

s aint-a u B in 1er Cru, Vignes m oingeon, ao C, 2017

chardonnay

$50.50 $303.00

Aromas of ripe pineapple and melon precede a stony mineral character with some coconut. On the palate, it has a taut lemon and lime acidity with green apples and a mineral finish, and will repay some cellaring. Jérôme cultivates 0.75 hectares of Premier Cru Vignes Moingeon and is the only vigneron to produce a wine solely from this site. Vignes Moingeon lies to the north of the Saint-Aubin appellation, just west of the village of Gamay. Vines are planted on southeast facing slopes of white marl soil. Saint-Aubin lies in a side valley which leads up to La Rochepot from the main valley, connecting at PulignyMontrachet. Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Vignes Moingeon was fermented and matured on lees in Tronçais oak barrels for eight months, using a third new oak.

[00]

Named after the medieval fortifications around the region, Les Castets is a Premier Cru to the west of the appellation and village of Saint-Aubin. Jérôme has a small plot of just 32 ares facing south, southeast. It is intensely perfumed with aromas of red fruits, raspberries, cherry menthol and wine gums. It is fine and elegant on the palate with lively juicy acidity. Fresh fruit flavours are followed by a lingering savoury finish; it will benefit from more time in barrel and bottle. Pinot Noir was hand-picked on September 7th and, after strict sorting at the winery, fermented in open-top tanks with regular punching down. The wine is matured in Vosges and Tronçais oak barrels for nine months with a third new.

Jérôme owns a tiny plot in the ChassagneMontrachet appellation in the lieu-dit known as “Les Morichots”, to the east of the appellation, below the main slope, on flatter terrain. The 2017 is bright in colour, with intense red cherry and cherry menthol aromas, and a leafy twist. It is a pure wine with great depth of flavour, light to medium-bodied with soft ripe tannins and a long finish of cherries and herbs. It was matured in Vosges oak barrels for nine months with 30% new oak.

Jérôme’s 0.5-hectare plot at Les Tavannes in Pommard neighbours the Premier Crus of Les Petits Épenots and Les Grands Épenots. While it is not a Premier Cru, it has very similar soils. Once an ancient river bed, it contains large alluvial rolled galets and calcareous loam soil. The 2017 is complex with aromas of red apples, cherries, herbs and oregano. It is rich with good weight and plenty of fresh sweet fruit flavours. A wine with great personality, it is supple and juicy with a long finish, and once again scored highly in my tasting in terms of value for money. It was matured in Allier oak barrels for nine months with a third new oak.

“Our region has wonderful little estates where passion for the soil and love for the craft unite people in the pursuit to continue with this exceptional wine heritage.”

Ternand Bernard Perrin

A selection of individual small producers from across the Burgundy region.

s aint-Bris s au V ignon, ao C, d omaine Pierre s orin, 2017

Sauvignon blanc

$30.83 $185.00

Having had his Sauvignon crop completely wiped out in 2016, mother nature was kinder to Pierre Sorin in 2017, producing a high quality and good crop. He is back in business with his 2017 Saint-Bris Sauvignon. This young winemaker created his own domaine in 2014, purchasing four hectares of vines after working with his parents, and continues to farm and make wines for both. His 2017 Saint-Bris Sauvignon is pale in colour with floral aromas of lime blossom combined with fresh lime and slate. It is light to mediumbodied with racy acidity and a mineral flinty finish; a good alternative to Sancerre.

mineral, [00]

Haddock and leek risotto with goat cheese

$32.33 $194.00 9817

Côtes

Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de n uits, B L an C , ao C, d omaine

9818 d omaine Bonnardot, Côte de n uits-Vi LL ages, ao C, 2015

Pale in colour, but intense in aroma,

Domaine Sorin

Coquard Bourgogne

Côtes d’Auxerre 2017 smells of cranberries and raspberry crush. It is light-bodied with a pure supple palate, revealing fresh red berry fruits complemented by an herbal edge and long finish. The grapes were picked, destemmed and sorted, then fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in concrete tanks with no use of oak.

Domaine Thévenot-LeBrun & Fils at Mareylès-Fussey is located in the heart of the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits appellation, north of Beaune and west of Nuits-Saint-Georges. The family domaine has been run by Nicolas Thévenot-Le-Brun, representing the fifth generation, since 2009, with all its vineyards within two kilometres of the winery. The 2016 white Hautes-Côtes de Nuits is a savoury wine with iodine and fresh sea air aromas. On the palate it is quite firm, but opens up in the glass to reveal white fruits, finishing with a citrus pithy character and good balance. It is a blend of 75% Pinot Blanc and 25% Chardonnay, and was fermented at low temperature in tank with a proportion of the Pinot Blanc aged in new oak barrels for eight months.

$297.00

A delicious Côte de Nuits-Villages with lots of life ahead, this is the first time I have tasted a wine from Domaine Bonnardot, and it stood out in the tasting. It has an intense ruby colour with concentrated aromas of cherry menthol and spice giving it lots of charm from the offset. It is soft and juicy on the palate, medium-bodied with good weight leading to a succulent and long finish. A family domaine of 20 hectares based at Villers-la-Faye in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, I will definitely be dropping by when next in the area. The Pinot Noir vines, aged between 70 and 80 years old, are in four distinct parcels in the communes of Premeaux-Prissey, Comblanchien and Corgoloin. After a cold soak, the grapes were fermented by natural yeast and left to macerate on skins for 28 days. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in barrel, with 10% new oak, and the wine was matured for a further twelve months before bottling in December 2016.

Firm, citrus pithy finish, [00]

butter-basted halibut steak with capers

Succulent fruits, concentrated coq au vin

Côte de n uits-Vi LL ages, Les Perrières, d omaine d ésertaux-Ferrand, ao C, 2015

Pinot noir

$53.83 $323.00

Another tasty 2015 Côte de Nuits-Villages which scored highly in the tasting, Les Perrières is vibrant and is pure Pinot Noir style with great appeal. Intense red fruit aromas lead to a soft juicy palate. It is supple and concentrated with good aging potential. The family domaine at Corgoloin, in the Côte de Nuits, was established in 1899 by Amable Désertaux. He was from Beaune and sold winemaking

equipment. His wife was from the village of Corgoloin and inherited three hectares of vines. They built a house, a fully equipped winery and a cellar, but it remained a small affair and sold its grapes for much of its history. Today, the 20-hectare estate is run by Christine Désertaux, her brother Vincent and his wife Geneviève. Les Perrières is a parcel of 2.6 hectares, with Pinot Noir vines between 15 and 60 years old. The grapes were harvested by hand, destemmed and underwent a cold soak. Fermentation over 15 days was followed by twelve months maturation in oak barrels, but the focus remains on a pure Pinot Noir style.

9820

d omaine du Vieux Co LL ège, ao C Fixin, Les C H am P s des C H armes, 2016

Pinot noir

$55.83 $335.00

Eric Guyard farms 25 hectares of vines in the appellations of Fixin, Marsannay and GevreyChambertin. When I visited him in September 2016, he was in the middle of harvest and it was becoming all too clear just how hard his vineyards had been hit by frost that spring. In Fixin, he lost 75% of his crop. Fortunately, the resulting wine is delicious. Medium ruby in colour, spicy aromas combine with red cherry fruit giving depth and great balance between the oak and fruit. It is supple and rich with succulent flavours and a long finish. Eric has 1.2 hectares of forty-year-old vines in the south of the appellation, in the Champs des Charmes. Vines face east on a gentle slope between 273 and 279 metres on dense clay-rich marl soils. It was matured for twelve months in oak barrels, 30% new.

“Luckily, the Loire region escaped most of the frost which hit Europe in April and May 2017. The grapes were very sound and the harvest came two weeks early, at optimal maturity.“ – Marc Vappereau, Winemaker

Alligny-Cosne Maison Foucher Lebrun

Maison Foucher Lebrun specializes in wines from the Loire Valley and is owned by the Picard family, who also produces wines in Burgundy. While the Loire crop was relatively small due to April frost, production was down 7% against the five-year average, the region produced high quality wines in 2017 and 8% more than the tiny 2016 harvest. The damage was heterogeneous with some appellations and producers affected more than others.

9821

t ouraine s au V ignon, ao C, Cé C i L e Le B run, 2017

Sauvignon blanc

$24.17 $145.00

A riper and broader style than the 2016, Cécile Lebrun Touraine Sauvignon 2017 reflects the warmer summer conditions and earlier harvest. It has floral aromas with fresh apples, leading to a medium-bodied white with firm acidity and a crisp limey finish. The grapes were pressed and the juice left to cold settle. The clear juice was fermented at low temperature and the wine matured on fine lees for six months.

A light to medium-bodied red, the aroma is apple and sour blackberry, and the palate supple and savoury. Gamay and Cabernet Franc grapes were grown on a range of soils across the region, including “aubuis”, a mix of clay and limestone, “perruches”, a mix of clay and silex, and sandy soils.

Cécile Lebrun Vouvray 2017 has aromas of white blossom, fresh hay and a slightly cheesy character. On the palate it is off-dry with sweet white fruits and flavours of fresh apples, and a touch of honey. It is medium-bodied and wellbalanced by natural tangy acidity, which keeps it fresh and lively. Chenin Blanc was grown on the tufa hills of the Vouvray appellation, along the banks of the Loire, close to Tours. The fermenting must was gradually cooled, thus stopping the fermentation resulting in higher residual sweetness.

Ripe gooseberries and quince are complemented by gunflint aromas. This is a classy Sancerre with ripe fruit flavours of gooseberries, limes and grapefruits which linger on the palate; it has a bit more weight than the 2016. Sancerre had another small harvest with yields up to 20% below average. Significant crop losses in both 2016 and 2015, combined with high demand around the world, means there is pressure on prices as grape growers struggle, but Maison Foucher Lebrun has minimized this impact.

Fresh apples, white fruits, [04]

Shrimp Pad Thai with noodles; apple crumble

ripe fruits, [00]

Goat cheese with gooseberry chutney

9825

More savoury in style than most rosé wines, En Mirebeau has a honeyed aroma with leafy fruits and a crunchy cranberry acidity that offsets the residual sweetness. Cabernet Franc grapes were grown in a five-hectare vineyard on gravel soils on the right bank of the Loire River, at the northeastern boundary of the appellation. After picking, the grapes were crushed and left to macerate on skins for twenty hours, imparting quite a deep pink colour.

Honey, leafy fruit

crunchy acidity, [03]

Vietnamese spring rolls

Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine is the most westerly appellation of the Loire Valley, close to where the river flows out into the Atlantic Ocean, having completed its meandering course of over 1000 kilometres; it is France’s longest river. One can almost taste the sea air in Domaine de la Bretonnière. It is honeyed with some iodine and seaweed notes leading to green apple flavours, mineral and crisp acidity. Melon de Bourgogne grapes cultivated on schist and amphibolite soils were fermented at low temperature and matured on fine lees.

Seaside air, honey 6°c

Green apples, mineral, [00] moules frites

c abernet Franc

$27.50 $165.00

Deeply-coloured with mellow aromas of dark fruits, black cherries and spice, Saumur Champigny sous le Château 2017 is a vibrant wine. It is medium-bodied with fine texture, marked acidity and a sour cherry finish. Half the wine was matured for eight months in old French oak barrels, half in tank. It is produced from 100% Cabernet Franc grown on limestone and tufa soils on the left bank of the river. The vines are situated at Chacé, several kilometres south of the town of Saumur, and are in the second year of conversion to organic. Saumur Champigny was hit by frost four nights consecutively, from April 26th to April 29th, 2017, and 25% of the crop was lost.

c abernet Franc

The vineyards of SaintNicolas-de-Bourgueil lie on the right bank of the Loire River and east of Saumur. Vines are planted on sandy and gravelly soils. Les VII Arpents de la Chapelle aux Vignes is a firm savoury wine with a red apple aroma leading to a chewy palate with grippy tannins, floral notes and a liquorice root finish. It was matured in tank with no use of oak and bottled once malolactic fermentation ended.

Coteaux du g iennois, au Bourg d’o iseaux, ao C, 2017 Sauvignon blanc

$30.33 $182.00 new

A wine with great personality, au Bourg d’Oiseaux is honeyed with blossom aromas and some earthy notes; an interesting wine which, at first glance, is not obviously Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, more Sauvignon Blanc characteristics are revealed as it unfolds crisp acidity with a mineral finish. It has good depth and a certain spiciness.

Spicy, artichoke, mineral finish, [00]

shrimp and goat cheese pizza

Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune, ao P, Fami LL e Pi C ard, 2014

$44.00 $264.00

This wine displays intense Pinot Noir characteristics, and there is no mistaking it for a New World version. Light to medium brick ruby in colour, it has aromas of strawberry, earth, green leaves and vanilla oak. It is supple and succulent on the palate with ripe fruits. Nicely mature and ready to drink, it is youthful and will remain at its peak for several years. The grapes were handpicked, sorted, destemmed and underwent cold maceration for six days. After fermentation the wine was aged in tank for eleven months and bottled in September 2015.

a lthough it is planted in various parts of the world, many say Pinot noir is most at home in Burgundy.

9831 m er C urey Premier Cru, ao C, C L os du r oy, d omaine Voari C k, 2014

$49.33 $296.00

Domaine Voarick is owned by Francine Picard, and the wines are made by Fabrice Lesne. It has intense Pinot Noir character, with an elegant palate and flavours of sour cherries. Domaine Voarick has 1.16 hectares in the five-hectare Premier Cru Clos du Roy, situated between the villages of Mercurey and Saint-Martin-sous-Montaigu in the Côte Chalonnaise, in southern Burgundy. Part of the vines are 25 years old and the balance over 50 years old, and produce a typically pure wine style with raspberry, cherry and red currant flavours, and firm acidity. All the grapes were picked by hand, sorted, destemmed and underwent a cold maceration. It was fermented in tank at 30°C, with regular pumping over, then aged in oak barrels, 30% new, for fourteen months.

Herb-marinated lamb rib chops with sautéed spinach, sweet potato mash and rosemary-Pinot drizzle

Languedoc-r oussi LL on

Rustiques Château Canet

Château Canet is home for Floris and Vicky Lemstra. It is a beautiful estate on the outskirts of the village of Rustiques in the Minervois, just 15 kilometres east of the medieval city of Carcassonne. The couple have transformed the property, restructuring 45 hectares of vineyards, tending three hectares of olive groves to produce olive oil, making honey and protecting the wild life and pine forests. All the original 19th century winery buildings are in use, fitted with new equipment, and the old stables transformed into an aging cellar. It is a wonderful setting and ideal place to stay if ever visiting the region. The original winemaker’s cottages have been converted to holiday apartments.

9833

Fines Bu LL es de Canet, ao C B L anquette de Limoux, m ét H ode t raditionne LL e, 2015

mauzac, chardonnay, chenin blanc

$28.17 $169.00 new

Sparkling wine was made in Limoux as far back as 1531, by monks at the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, 150 years before Champagne was invented! Fines Bulles de Canet is a Blanquette de Limoux produced from 90% Mauzac, 5% Chardonnay and 5% Chenin Blanc. Made using the traditional bottle fermentation method, it has mineral and earthy notes with pear and quince aromas. It is dry and crisp with a citrus pith finish, and was matured on lees for two years before disgorgement. Floris and Vicky are in the process of purchasing 12 hectares in Limoux, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, at between 240 and 400 metres. This new project is their son Oliver’s baby. Oliver has grown up at Château Canet, helping in the cellar and vineyards since he was a wee lad, and has recently returned from a stint in Argentina. The plan is to benefit from this cooler region to produce a still Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to complement the Blanquette. Watch this space!

crisp, citrus pith, [02]

Gougères, Limoux-brioche

9834

Viognier, Baronnie de Canet, ig P Pays d’oC , 2017

Viognier

$19.33 $116.00

Viognier likes a bit of heat, and Floris sources this variety from vineyards close to Sète and the Mediterranean coast. Lemon curd and citrus aromas complement a rich, spicy, almost oaky character, although no oak is used, and lead to a soft round wine with good weight and substance on the palate. A short skin contact was carried out prior to pressing and fermenting the clear juice in stainless steel.

9836 m er L ot, Baronnie de Canet, ig P Pays d’oC , 2017

9835 s yra H r osé, Baronnie de Canet, ig P Pays d’oC , 2017

$19.33 $116.00

Vibrant in colour with a strawberry and herbal nose, Baronnie de Canet Syrah Rosé is smooth and refreshing with a crisp finish. The grapes, sourced locally from younger Syrah vines, were harvested early in the season to retain natural acidity, and fermented at low temperature to maximize fruit aromas.

$19.17 $115.00

This wine is deep in colour, with a good concentration of strawberry fruit, and a hint of earth and spice. It is medium-bodied with some grip on the finish. The Merlot grapes were sourced from around the medieval city of Carcassonne and grown on clay limestone soils. The grapes were destemmed and underwent three to four days cold maceration at low temperature. It was fermented and matured in tank for eight months.

Soft, round structure, citrus pith, [00]

Smooth, crisp, [00]

medium-bodied, some grip

Toulouse sausage cassoulet

9839

The focus is entirely on fruit with aromas of cooked blackcurrant, blackcurrant jam and black cherries. This is a fresh and vibrant style with medium weight, lots of dark fruit on the palate and supple tannins. Syrah was harvested at night and underwent a cold maceration before fermentation and maturation in tank.

2018-2020, m8 D9

blackcurrant, blackcurrant jam, vanilla 18°c

Vibrant dark fruits, supple

A new wine for Château Canet, it is, as the name suggests, made from Vicky’s choice of grapes from the eight hectares of Chardonnay grown on the estate. Pale in colour, it has aromas of peaches and pineapple with toasty vanilla, followed by a smooth palate with medium weight, white fruit and citrus flavours. Half was fermented and matured in tank, the other half with oak.

Fresh spring aromas of apple blossom, acacia, spring flowers, green apples and citrus are understated and hugely appealing. Soft and smooth on the palate, it has lemon and pear fruit flavours with good acidity and a mineral finish. Named after the grape variety, the Picpoul de Pinet appellation is located next to the Étang de Thau, famous for its oysters and mussels.

White fruits, citrus, [00]

Roast chicken with lemon, ramps and green olives

9840

Full marks for this wine; I am not sure what else I would want or expect from a wine at this price. Special Oak Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon has intense, but not overly dominant, oak aromas of cedar, cigar box and spice, which combine with dark fruits and chocolate to give a mellow bouquet. It is soft and juicy on the palate with spicy oak, dark fruits and good concentration. It is medium to full-bodied with a long vanilla and black cherry finish. Produced from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes were sourced from three regions: Minervois, Cabardès, and the cooler Limoux. It was matured in oak for eight months.

2018-2021, m8 D9

9842

Roussanne, Vermentino, Viognier, b ourboulenc, muscat blanc à Petits Grains

$25.00 $150.00

This refreshing white Minervois is pale in colour with appealing aromas of honey dew melon, ripe pears and grapefruit. It is soft and smooth with a crisp lemony finish. Produced from a blend of traditional varieties, Roussanne, Vermentino and Bourboulenc with a soupçon of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, its secret ingredient is the addition of 15% Viognier. But, don’t tell the INAO authorities; while they have been indicating Viognier will be authorized for use for years, its still not official. In the meantime, Floris’ wine has been winning gold medals at major French wine competitions.

$24.00 $144.00

Plums and damson fruits, with some cooked fruit character, the Minervois Rouge is a more restrained style. Produced from 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache, the grapes were harvested at night and kept cool for four days prior to fermentation for 20 days at 27°C. 15% of the wine was matured in oak using one-year-old barrels. The result is a dense wine, fine in texture, medium-bodied with good acidity and a bitter liquorice finish.

Dense, fine texture, bitter liquorice

crisp, lemony, [00]

Last day to order August 17

9843 Canet Fami Ly r éser V e, ao P m iner V ois, 2017

Syrah, Grenache

$26.50 $159.00

Canet Family Réserve is, in theory, the best barrel in the cellar, although there have been some debates amongst family members over the years as to which barrel that is! The 2017 is a blend of 85% Syrah and 15% Grenache. It is a deep purple colour with aromas of black liquorice and damson jam with some smoky notes. It is medium in weight with good mid-palate fruit to balance some firm tannins. Full to medium-bodied, flavours of sour and bitter cherries lead to a chocolate and savoury finish.

Sour and bitter cherries, savoury

olive-crusted venison loin with polenta chips

9844 C H âteau Canet Les eVangi L es, ao P m iner V ois, 2016

Syrah

$45.50 $273.00

Les Evangiles is a small parcel on the estate planted to very old Syrah vines. The 2016 has a complex bouquet with tarragon, mint, spicy oak, vanilla and woody notes with some fresh leather and calfskin. More redcurrants and red cherries emerge on the palate, leading to a savoury spice and dark chocolate finish. Firm and tight in structure, it improves in the glass and I would suggest decanting if you plan on drinking it early. The grapes underwent a long, slow fermentation in open-top fermenters with pushing down of the cap by foot three times daily. The wine was matured in oak barrels from Burgundy using 30% new, 40% one-year-old and 30% two-year-old barrels.

Redcurrants, red cherries, savoury spice, dark chocolate

braised short rib gnocchi with chanterelle and black Trumpet mushrooms

“Tradition and innovation –we are French wine creators.”

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Carcassonne LGI wines

LGI, based in the medieval town of Carcassonne, has an expert team of winemakers scouring the Languedoc-Roussillon for parcels of grapes and making great value wines.

9846

Lagarde, B L an C , ig P Comté t o L osan, 2017

ugni blanc, c olombard

$15.50 $186.00

Pale in colour with intense gooseberry aromas, Lagarde Blanc is made from Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes grown in the Comté Tolosan region in southwest France. The grapes were harvested at night, when temperatures are low, to preserve fresh fruit flavours. After some skin contact, the juice was fermented at low temperature, creating a light wine with lemon and lime citrus flavours, and crisp acidity offset by a tad of residual sweetness.

2018-2019, m8 D9

Lemon, limes, crisp, [01]

asparagus and chervil quiche

9847 Lagarde, r ouge, ig P Pays d’Hérau Lt, 2017

c arignan, Grenache

$15.50 $186.00

An easy-drinking red wine with sweet red fruit aromas, it is light to medium-bodied with soft juicy fruit flavours. It was produced in the Hérault department from Carignan and Grenache grapes. The grapes were picked, destemmed and crushed then fermented at controlled temperature in stainless steel and concrete tanks with no use of oak.

9848

t ortoise Creek Wines Carignan, “Viei LL es Vignes”, ig P Pays d’Hérau Lt, 2017

c arignan

$18.17 $218.00 9849

Produced from 100% Carignan grapes, Tortoise Creek 2017 is vibrant in colour with aromas of cranberries, dark fruits and floral notes. Soft and juicy on the palate, the natural tartness of the variety has been tamed with some residual sweetness, creating a supple, easy-drinking wine.

blue cheese burgers with sweet potato wedges

La Cam Pagne, Ca B ernet s au V ignon, ig P Pays d’oC , 2017

c abernet Sauvignon

$18.58 $223.00

Distinctly oaky aromas of graphite and pencil lead characterize the style of La Campagne 2017. More Cabernet Sauvignon fruit flavour asserts itself on the palate, giving a wine that is concentrated, medium-bodied and well-balanced with juicy acidity and a bitter cherry finish. Cabernet Sauvignon was grown in four departments in Languedoc-Roussillon and each parcel was picked at optimum ripeness. One third of the blend was aged with medium-toasted French oak.

9850

Les Peyrautins, s yra H, ig P Pays d’oC , 2017

Syrah

$23.17 $139.00

Woody spices, vanilla, and a touch of cloves dominate black cherry aromas. On the palate, this is a concentrated and succulent wine with a rich mid-palate. It is mediumbodied with juicy black cherry flavours and a soft finish. Produced from 100% Syrah, a small portion of the grapes underwent a hot skin contact maceration. Part was traditionally fermented in tank on skins for three weeks and a third part was matured with French oak staves for six months.

9851 tri-V ia , ao P Cor B ières, d omaine des t rois Voies, 2016

Syrah, Grenache

$24.17 $145.00

Situated in the rugged Corbières, Domaine des Trois Voies is a 20-hectare estate at Talairan. Arnaud Sié took over the running of this family estate from his father in 2000. His 2016 TRI-VIA is a savoury wine with aromas of black olives. A blend of 60% Syrah with 40% Grenache, it is mediumbodied and supple with dark fruit, tapenade and vanilla flavours. It is well-balanced with good tannins and medium length.

Opimian’s w ine Concierge is available to answer your questions about this cellar offering at 800-361-9421

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Tuchan

Domaine Jones

Domaine Jones is made up of over twenty small vineyards scattered around the villages of Tuchan and Paziols in the western Languedoc, bordering Roussillon on the mountainous and rugged terrain that makes up Haut-Fitou. This is where Katie Jones has lived for over twenty years and where she has grown an emotional attachment to the land, which runs deeper than that of many of the locals. She is driven by a desire to save and preserve its heritage. The parcels are isolated, high up with breathtaking views, making them inherently difficult to cultivate, and are planted with old vines, many over 100 years-old. Soils vary from schist to clay and limestone to scree, with each parcel vinified separately.

“We break with tradition by making wines from very old vines, with very low yields.“

9852

d omaine Jones g rena CH e n oir, ig P Côtes Cata L anes, 2016

Grenache noir

$31.33 $188.00

Produced from old vines Grenache Noir, this wine has all the scent and perfume of southern France. Savoury herbs and spices complement red fruits and cherry aromas. The palate is soft and supple with ripe fruit plum flavours and an herbal edge. The vineyard is located close to Maury, beneath the imposing 11th century Cathar castle of Château de Quéribus, which sits atop the highest peak for miles around. This is the first vineyard Katie purchased in 2009. It consists of 8,000, 90-year-old vines on dark black slate soils that were going to be pulled out and discarded.

2018-2021, m8 D9

mellow, red cherries, herbs 18°c

Savoury spices, ripe fruits, herbal edge

Venison sausage casserole with herbs and red wine

9853

d omaine Jones, ao P Fitou, Viei LL es Vignes, 2016

c arignan, Grenache, Syrah

$35.83 $215.00

Grapes coming from 15 different parcels were used to create Domaine Jones Fitou. It is a blend of 40%, 100-year-old Carignan, 30%, 80 to 100-year-old Grenache and 30%, 40-year-old Syrah, which combined give a dense wine deep purple in colour. It has mellow aromas of wild tarragon, blackberry and smoke. On the palate, it is rich and concentrated, with a supple fine texture and purity coming from the old vine stock. This is a full-bodied wine with cooked fruit flavours and structure. Due to the different ripening times, the grapes are picked and vinified separately. Given the nature of the rocky terrain, there is no option, but to pick by hand. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wines were aged in French oak barrels before the final blending in spring the following year. Fitou, two enclaves within the Corbières, was the first Languedoc region to be granted Appellation status in 1948, but it subsequently lots its vanguard position and fell behind neighbouring areas, until recently. It is now going through somewhat of a renaissance.

cooked fruits

18°c

new York strip steak with herb butter and hasselback potatoes

9854

Les Per L es de Jones, s yra H, Viei LL es Vignes, 2016, Vin de Fran C e

Syrah

$36.17 $217.00

This is a pure 100% Syrah wine made from grapes from three small vineyards, all planted over 40 years ago. Vibrant in colour, the 2016 Les Perles de Jones Syrah has aromas of chocolate, black olives and a hint of fresh grass. The palate is soft and supple. This is a rich and concentrated wine with floral notes and black fruits preceding a savoury meaty finish. Well-balanced and succulent, it has a good mid-palate and a long finish with juicy fresh black fruit acidity. My favourite of the line-up, although I loved them all! Syrah was picked between September 20th and October 1st, 2016. After a short cold soak, it was fermented at 25°C, then pressed with a quarter of the wine transferred to a one-year old French oak barrel for ten months. This was blended back with the unoaked wine in July and bottled.

9855

Les Per L es de Jones, Carignan, Viei LL es Vignes, 2016, Vin d e Fran C e

medium-bodied, firm acidity

Pot roast pheasant with port and juniper

Carignan is not an easy grape to produce high quality wine. One of the keys to success is old vines, which naturally produce small crops. In Domaine Jones’ case, the vines are all over 100 years old. The infertile land and dry conditions around Tuchan also limit vine growth, forcing the vines to dig their roots deep into the rocks in search of water. The roots of these old vines are so well-established that even in dry summers such as 2016, the old Carignan vines looked lush and fresh. Deep in colour, Les Perles de Jones Carignan has restrained aromas of violets and dark fruits, a hint of leather and some mint. This is a mediumbodied wine with firm acidity and tannins. 10% of the wine was matured in old French oak barrels, but there is no obvious oak.

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Combaillaux

BLB Vignobles

Domaine de la Jasse

Domaine de la Jasse, in the eastern Languedoc, is situated in hilly terrain 15 kilometres north of Montpellier, equidistant from the appellations of Pic Saint-Loup and Terrasses du Larzac. Jasse, which means shelter in the local Occitan language, refers to the beautiful 110-year-old plane tree that has offered shelter to many a sheep and worker over the years, and which features on their wine labels. The estate’s first vines were planted in the 1960s after the former owners cleared the wild garrigue and blasted rocks. Today, it comprises 32 hectares of vines, owned and run by Bruno Le Breton. Bruno was employed as winemaker at La Jasse in 1995 by the previous owner. His mandate was to produce the finest Cabernet Sauvignon wine possible, no holds barred. He has worked to do so ever since, drawing on the skills and knowledge of leading international consultants such as Patrick Léon, formerly at Château Mouton Rothschild.

“Our philosophy is to create the ‘grand cru’ for everyday.“

Sparkling wine: the perfect start for any occasion!

9856 Fines Bu LL es de L a Jasse, Brut, r osé, 2017

Grenache, Syrah

$26.50 $159.00

Bruno brought in expertise from the Champagne region to create this sparkler, although it is not made using the traditional Champagne method. Pale in colour, it has appealing fresh red fruit aromas followed by a crisp palate with depth and length. It is well-balanced and is the result of a single fermentation at low temperature. The grapes were left for a short time on skins to impart colour.

9857

r éser V e d’e x C e LL en C e de L a Jasse, ig P Pays d’oC , 2016, éL e V é en F ûts de C H êne

c abernet Sauvignon

$26.83 $161.00

Réserve d’Excellence de la Jasse 2016 has a distinctly oaky bouquet with spicy aromas of ginger and vanilla dominating dark fruits behind. It is mediumbodied with red fruits and floral flavours emerging on the palate with a grippy tannin finish. The grapes underwent cold maceration for three to four days prior to fermentation. The wine was left on skins for four weeks at 25°C and subsequently aged in French oak for up to eighteen months. Bruno works with several coopers, including Taransaud, Sylvain and Berger et Fils, each year tasting and comparing the same wine in different barrels and levels of toast.

9858 t ête de Cu V ée de L a Jasse, ig P Pays d’oC , 2016

c abernet Sauvignon

$28.50 $171.00

Tête de Cuvée de la Jasse is produced from a parcel selection of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines on the estate. Yields are kept low through de-budding. Tête de Cuvée 2016 has mellow aromas combining vanilla and ripe red and black fruits. It is medium-bodied and initially soft, leading to firm acidity and a bitter cherry finish with lots of tannic structure to support it. 30 to 35 -year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines are planted facing east-southeast on limestone soils at 150 to 200 metres. An extended maceration for up to five weeks was followed by maturation in barrel. A hot, dry summer in 2016 was marked by very little rain during the growing season. On August 17th, 2016, a violent hailstorm devastated the vineyards of Pic Saint-Loup just 15 kilometres away, but not a drop of rain fell at Domaine de la Jasse.

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Paul Sapin

9860 d omaine B L oma C C H ardonnay, ig P Pays d’oC , 2017 chardonnay

$18.25 $219.00

Fresh and light with lemon citrus flavours and a crisp finish, this is an elegant Chardonnay with good purity and depth. Domaine Blomac is situated 40 kilometres south of Narbonne, once a prosperous Roman port, which now lies 15 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean Sea.

Paul Sapin has been working closely with Olivier Mandeville Peirière at Domaine Peirière at Azille in the Minervois for many years. So impressed were they with what they saw, the company purchased their own estate at Blomac close to the Canal du Midi and the Aude River.

9861 m aison Be LL ero CH e, Ca B ernet s au V ignon, ig P Pays d’oC , 2017 c abernet Sauvignon $16.50 $198.00

Deep in colour with aromas of black cherries, violets and a hint of brambly undergrowth, Maison Belleroche Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium to full-bodied wine. The grapes were grown in the Languedoc close to Béziers and underwent a traditional vinification.

Originally a French varietal, Malbec has been made famous in Argentina where it is by far the most widespread grape variety with 42,000 hectares planted. In its native France, there are 6,655 hectares planted mainly in Cahors and the southwest. The Languedoc climate suits the variety well, producing this distinctive Malbec with aromas of violets, flowers and fresh hay. It is medium-bodied and supple, with a fine texture and a long floral finish.

Outstanding for the price, Domaine Peirière Réserve Sauvignon 2017 has delicious aromas of lime, passion fruit and lemon. It is soft and medium-bodied with some complexity on the palate. Domaine Peirière is an old estate in the Minervois which has been in Olivier Mandeville Peirière’s family for over 400 years. When Olivier took over running the estate from his father thirty years ago, his children were still in diapers and the garden was strewn with toddlers’ toys. Today, his daughter Virginie works alongside him. Situated close to the Montagne Noire, which has a cooling influence in the dead of summer, Domaine Peirière’s white wines are always top.

Olivier and his father were some of the first vignerons to believe in the potential for making high quality Viognier wines in the Languedoc. The estate was one of the first to plant significant hectares, and how right they were. The 2017 has aromas of peaches and mandarin. It is supple, with good mid-palate and citrus flavours of mandarin and orange.

Deep in colour with dark fruits and chocolate aromas, the Domaine Peirière Réserve Syrah 2017 is medium to full-bodied. The Syrah vines stretch along the banks of the Canal du Midi near the Fontfile lock. They are planted on light calcareous clay soils rich in mineral content and small pebbles. Half the grapes underwent a traditional vinification with regular pump-over and racking. Burgundian techniques were used for the other half, with punch down of the cap up to three times daily. The finished wine has lots of juicy black fruit flavours and a very moreish sour cherry finish.

Subtle red fruits and wine gum aromas precede a soft fruity palate with juicy crushed raspberry and loganberry flavours, and some depth. This is a light, summery Pinot Noir.

A Chardonnay with toasted and pineapple aromas, it is soft and smooth with a delicious harmonious balance and fruit. Chardonnay grapes from two different parcels with different soil types, one south-facing, the other north-facing, were used. After gentle pressing and slow fermentation, the wine was matured on fine lees for several months. It is medium-bodied with a long limey finish.

Lime, toasty finish, [01]

Rians-en-Provence

Château

Vignelaure

Quite different from most estates in Provence, Château Vignelaure sits on an inland limestone plateau at between 350 and 400 metres in altitude, to the east of Aix-en-Provence, close to Rians. Isolated from the rest of Provence, it has its own very special terroir which was discovered and developed in the 1960s by Georges Brunet from Bordeaux. However, archeologists have unearthed evidence of Roman winemaking dating back to 100 BC. The estate’s limestone soils with varying amounts of gravel are most-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Château Vignelaure is currently owned by Bengt and Mette Sundström, keen art collectors. Philippe Bru manages and makes high quality wines in all colours. The red wines characteristically have finesse and an unbelievable potential for aging.

“We are the pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon in Provence. The first vine plantings in 1966 were made from grafts coming from Château La Lagune vines.“

9868

La s our C e, C H âteau Vigne L aure, r osé, ao C Côteaux d’a ix-en-Pro V en C e, 2017

Grenache, cinsault, Syrah, c abernet Sauvignon

$30.33 $182.00

Château Vignelaure consists of 51 hectares of vineyards of which 10 hectares were dedicated to the production of La Source Rosé in 2017. As in most areas of France, the mild winter led to an early bud break, which was followed by scarily low temperatures on April 29th. Fortunately, Château Vignelaure escaped the worst of the frost to produce yields of 34 hectolitres per hectare, which were slightly lower than 2016. Extremely pale in colour, as is the style more and more in Provence, La Source Rosé 2017 has spicy winey fruit aromas with a smooth creamy texture on the palate, peachy flavours and a dry finish.

Join one of our three wine programs – details on the back page of this cellar offering.

9869

La s our C e, C H âteau Vigne L aure, ao C Côteaux d’a ix-en-Pro V en C e, 2015

c abernet Sauvignon, Syrah

$30.83 $185.00

Produced from a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah, La Source 2015 is supple with a fine texture and a long lingering finish. Fresh fruit aromas of apples and blackberries are complemented by more dark berry fruits and blackcurrants on the palate. A top vintage on the estate, which followed a rainy and mild winter, spring was early, and flowering completed under ideal conditions. The warm summer daytime temperatures were tempered by cool nights with one or two storms giving the thirsty vines just enough water to produce ripe healthy grapes, picked between September 7th and October 3rd, 2015. The wine was partially aged in barrel.

— The

are a

of

The oldest mature vines with an average age of 45 years, which naturally produce low yields of 25 hectolitres per hectare, were used to create the Grand Vin. The 2014 is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Syrah. Produced in a cooler year, the wine has a mellow complex bouquet with aromas of ginger, red cherries, menthol and redcurrants. On the palate, it is youthful and elegant with some more cooked red fruit compote and vanilla flavours. It has the typical Château Vignelaure finesse with a fine texture and juicy berry acidity. All the grapes were handpicked with strict selection in the field and again at the winery. An extended maceration on grape skins for several weeks was followed by 24 months maturation in 228-litre and 440-litre Burgundian oak barrels, 15% new. Drinking nicely now, it will continue to develop in bottle for several years to come.

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 Opimian.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.

Discovery supplier for this cellar offering is

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.

The Founders’ Choice supplier for this cellar offering is BLB Vignobles