C293-QC

ORDER FEB 22 - MAR 28, 2022

THE RHÔNE VALLEY, CHAMPAGNE, & CHABLIS

RHÔNE AT ITS BEST

A SYMPHONY FOR

lot 3254

Symphonie, AOP Côtes du Rhône, Maison

Christophe Pichon, 2020

SYRAH, GRENACHE

Domaine Christophe Pichon at Chavanay in the northern Rhône has 23 hectares of vines across prestigious Appellations including Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. His Symphonie Côte du Rhône is a full-bodied wine with restrained grassy and incense aromas complemented by green herbs and almond blossom. It is structured with good mid-palate fruits, red and bitter cherry flavours and vanilla which remain on the palate. Grapes were picked by hand with the wine matured in barrel for 10 months.

EDITORIAL

France Remains at the Top of the Wine World

Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Managing Directors

When we made the Rhône a lead region for the first time last year, we had a hunch that you might embrace it. Boy, did you ever! C283 became the most popular Cellar in Opimian history.

OPIMIAN SUGGESTS P5

COUPS DE COEUR P7

CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAYÉ P8

NEW CHAMPAGNE DIDIER DUCLOS P12

LAMBLIN ET FILS P14

SOUTHERN RHÔNE P18

Domaine de Mermès P19

Vignerons Ardéchois P22

Château Saint-Bénezet P24

Château Bellefontaine P26

Domaine Caveau & Millas P27

TOP VALUE WINES P28

Domaine des Romarins P30

Domaine Saint-Pierre P31

Domaine Martin P32

Domaine des 3 Lys P36

Domaine des Fontnobles P37

Château de Montmirail P38

Domaine de Piéblanc P39

Domaine la Pierre du Coq P40

Château MontPlaisir P41

Château La Genestière P42

CELLAR UP! P44

Domaine Berthet-Rayne P45

NORTHERN RHÔNE P46

Domaine du Murinais P47

Domaine des Remizières P49

Domaine Pichon P50

PRÀBAN NA LINNE P52

COLLECTOR’S CORNER WINE P54

NEW ODIN'S SPIRIT P55

The popular niches of Champagne and Chablis round out this Cellar perfectly to provide a range of iconic, top-quality red, white and sparkling wines. We haven't forgotten rosé or spirits either for those of you who like a little of everything.

Our perennial, energetic Champagne maker, Carole Doyard returns along with long-time partners Lamblin Fils with their Chablis. They are joined by a wonderful mix of winemakers new and old to Canada and Opimian. We have Bernard Perrin to thank for such a diverse offering. He finds small wineries, hidden gems, which, without his assistance, wouldn't even consider sending their wines to Canada. Bernard, along with our Masters of Wine and the Procurement Team, provide Opimian Members from coast to coast with an exceptionnally unique wine list. It's like having access to the cellars of the best restaurants in the world from the comfort of your home.

On March 8th, as the world celebrates International Women's Day, Opimian would like to honour the dozens of women who share their joy of wine with us. Women abound in every aspect of our Club. We thank our Chair of the Board of Directors, Carol Fitzwilliam, the many women on our capable staff, and the owners and winemakers of our partners around the world, including Château Bellefontaine, Château St. Bénezet and Domaine des Remizières.

Don't miss our Featured Wine in this Cellar. Domaine Pichon's Côtes du Rhône Symphonie is just that. A delicious Syrah with a symphony of aromas and tastes that only pure skill and passion can produce.

At press time, the plan is for an Opimian Wine Tour of France that includes a visit to Carole Doyard in Champagne as well as several vineyards in the Rhône. Initial interest in the trip was overwhelming and, COVID permitting, this popular part of Membership will return. Vive la France!

Greg and Michael

EVENTS ADVISOR ANAÏS PHILIPPE

As a Canadian who was born and raised in France, Anaïs has a soft spot for French wine: Champagne and Bourgogne Pinot Noir are at the top of the list. Since coming to Opimian, she has completed the first stage of WSET training and her palate has begun to diversify.

DM EMPREINTE, CHAMPAGNE

DOYARD-MAHÉ, CHARDONNAY

BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU, LOT 3192, P9

OPIMIAN SUGGESTS

OUR PICKS FOR THIS CELLAR

CHABLIS 1ER CRU VAILLON & FOURCHAUME, ORGANIC, LOT 3207, P15

CHÂTEAU CAMBIS, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES CHUSCLAN, 2020, LOT 3272, WEB EXCLUSIVE

LES HAUTS, AOP BEAUMES DE VENISE, DOMAINE DE PIÉBLANC, 2020, LOT 3236, P39

DOMAINE DES ROMARINS, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, 2020, LOTS 3221 & 3222, P30

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES, AOP SAINT-JOSEPH, 2020, LOT 3251, P49

MANAGING DIRECTOR GREG RINEHART

Greg's wine style gravitates towards less serious styled rosés and whites. He believes that all events should start with a glass of bubbly! However, when done right, there is no better red grape for producing lighterbodied wines of elegance and complexity than Pinot Noir.

Embracing Diversity

‘Variety's the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour.’ wrote English poet William Cowper (1731–1800). Wine is naturally diverse. This is what makes it fascinating – even though the choice can sometimes be overwhelming.

Wine grapes are generally cultivated between 30- and 50-degrees latitude on either side of the equator. There are a multitude of soils, climate conditions, altitudes and exposures which affect which varieties are best suited to a given location. There are over 10,000 grape varieties in the world, even if many of the world’s most popular wines are based on far fewer. A lot of research is currently focussed on lesserknown grape varieties to combat climate change. There are also many thousands of grape growers and winemakers around the world. France alone has approximately 110,000. All of these factors have an impact on flavour and style, creating a diverse range of wines from which to choose.

Diversity has long been important in making top wines. Blending is an important stage in wine making that should result in higher quality, more interesting complex wines than the individual components. Most Bordeaux wines are a blend of grape varieties and barrels with proportions varying from vintage to vintage in the top châteaux. The final assemblage is a function not of what nature has yielded but on what creates balance and harmony. A mix of vine varieties that bud, flower and ripen at different times also constitutes a form of insurance that counters weather anomalies during the growing season, providing at least some economic security.

Blending is at the heart of non-vintage Champagne production. After the first tank fermentation, Champagne Cellar Masters spend considerable time and effort into blending across grape varieties, crus and vintages to create the “cuvée”. Even in regions producing wines from a single variety (think Syrah in the Northern Rhône or Pinot Noir in Burgundy), many of the most complex wines are produced from a mix of clones of that variety. Clonal selection identifies the best clones in terms of flavour and disease resistance, but genetic variety brings depth to a wine. In summary, diversity in vineyards and winemaking brings quality, depth and resilience.

Wine is served and drunk at diverse occasions from state banquets, feast days and celebrations to the local bistro on the corner which serves simple wine to share with friends, fostering community amongst neighbours. In moderation, wine brings physical, emotional & intellectual satisfaction and has been part of human culture for millennia.

In recent decades, the diversity of wine drinkers has expanded into non-traditional wine drinking countries such as China and India. This consumer and market expansion has not yet fully translated into diversity in the trade. Yet leading business research and consultancy organizations advocate increased diversity in the workplace, leading to more successful, more profitable companies with better decision making, increased creativity and problem-solving skills and which are more reflective of consumers and the general population.

No doubt, winemakers, sommeliers, and wine professionals are more diverse than ever before. In order to increase opportunity and support, organizations such as The Roots Fund, Black Wine Professionals, and BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic people) Wine Professionals have been established. Last year, at the California Unified Symposium, sessions on diversity and gender equality were made available for free. In 2021, Angela Elizabeth Scott from the USA and South Africa's Dr. Erna Blancquaert were recipients of the Golden Vines Diversity Scholarship, which included $85,000 in funds, a $8,500 travel bursary, and access to an internship and mentorship programme. This is the headline diversity scholarship awarded by the not-for-profit Golden Vines Awards organized by Liquid Icons and is awarded each year to two BAME/BIPOC candidates to pursue their studies on the Master of Wine or Master Sommelier programme.

As the wine trade (like the rest of the world) faces serious challenges of climate change, evolving global markets and changing consumer expectations, we should encourage and welcome diversity in our trade in the same way as we do in vineyards and winemaking. I encourage everyone interested in wine whatever their age, gender, ethnic background to consider a career in this fantastic industry. Vive la différence!

for more information on the aforementioned organizations, visit: Therootsfund.org/our-mission

Blackwineprofessionals.com/ Bamewineprofessionals.co.uk/ Liquidicons.com/work/the-taylors-port-golden-vines-diversityscholarships

COUPS DE COEUR

THIS CELLAR'S HIGHEST SCORING WINES

EVERYDAY DRINKING

VIGNOBLES

BELLEFONTAINE

PRESTIGE, ROUGE, AOP COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2020, LOT 3219, P26

CELLARING POTENTIAL

DOMAINE DU MURINAIS, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP CROZES

HERMITAGE, 2020, LOT 3248, P47

CHAMPAGNE

Champagne Doyard-Mahé

VERTUS

Champagne Doyard-Mahé is a smallgrower Champagne company based at Vertus in the heart of the Côte des Blancs sub-region of Champagne in northern France. It was created by Carole Doyard’s great-grandfather, Maurice, in 1927 at the Moulin d’Argnesole. Carole farms six hectares of vineyards classified as Premier Crus and makes elegant distinctive Champagnes.

A PERFECT SIZE FOR EVERY SIZE PARTY

Based in the Côte des Blancs, Carole’s Champagnes are made from Chardonnay grapes. Empreinte is pale in colour with fine streams of small bubbles rising to the surface in the glass. It is elegant with fresh white fruit aromas, white peach and lemon, silky creamy texture and a crisp finish. It is a non-vintage Champagne but much of the base wines came from the 2019 crop. These were then blended with older reserve wines, and it was bottled in January 2020 for the second fermentation.

Magnums will be signed by the winemaker.

DM EMPREINTE,

CHAMPAGNE

CHARDONNAY

DOYARD-MAHÉ,

BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU, LOT 3192, P9

PRODUCERS' CORNER

Champagne All Around!

Champagne tells a story. The story of a wine that has travelled the world and forged a fabulous destiny: a unique wine, made for sharing; a wine that cannot be ignored!

In the Doyard-Mahé family, Champagne is a family story!

Carole is the great-granddaughter of Maurice Doyard-Mahé, who founded the Maison in 1927. He co-founded the CIVC (Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne) in 1941. The role of the Committee, which groups together winegrowers and merchants in equal parts, is to promote and protect the Champagne Appellation both in France and internationally. The CIVC organizes the economy of the sector by regulating the harvest base yield per hectare each year, balancing production and the capacity of absorption by the market.

It was at a very young age, 11 years old to be exact, that Carole fell in love with Champagne by tasting her family’s 1988 vintage. After travelling all over the world, Carole started working in the cellar with her father in 2005, and in 2009 she took over the reins of the vineyards with the firm intention of proving herself in this essentially masculine world, alongside her cousin Juliette and a team essentially composed of women.

Carole has very little downtime: she takes on the role of cellar master, vineyard manager, HR director, negotiator, and even... sweeper! Carole runs the family business with a masterful hand. All the Champagnes she produces come from her six hectares of Chardonnay, all located on Premier Cru sites around the village of Vertus, in the southern part of the Côte des Blancs, in the northernmost wine region of France.

Carole is very in touch with environmental issues and has eliminated herbicides in the vineyard in recent years to work with compost to protect the soil. Her farm is now certified High Environmental Value and Sustainable Viticulture in

Champagne (HVR VDC) without herbicides. She uses plotbased vinification to create more precise wines. To take the quality of her Champagnes to an even higher level, she uses only the best must from the grapes. The more astringent second cuts are sent to the local cooperative.

Passionate and bubbly like her Champagne, Carole has kept family traditions alive and transmits her passion with every sip she takes. She does so despite the challenges that the pandemic has caused in the industry and the market "trends" that are not always legitimate and easy to follow. In addition, with the price of a kilogram of grapes in Champagne skyrocketing, there are fewer and fewer winemakers who are making wine and prefer to sell their crops to the big Champagne houses.

If you were lucky enough to meet Carole in person during her 2019 Opimian membership tour, or at an Opimian virtual event, she will have no doubt explained the art of uncorking Champagne:

Uncorking a bottle of Champagne correctly is a ritual. You take off the lining around the cork, then the wire: you have to turn the wire six times before it opens. You must not remove it. You tilt and turn the bottle, not the cork. If you want to open it as it is intended, the cork can't pop. Such an explosion leads to a faster loss of carbon dioxide. You will feel the cork rise, but you should press down the cork to make it come out slowly. The cork will make a 'little sigh' which is called the 'erotic sigh'. Now you can enjoy it, in a tulip glass of course!

For the last seven years, we are proud to count Carole among our partners.

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

Chardonnay

$ 79 $ 474

Cuvée Désir is an Extra Brut Champagne. Despite its lower dosage at 4g/l sugar, the higher proportion of old reserve wines in the cuvée gives it a richer, smoother character on the palate. It has lots of spring blossoms, white peaches, honeysuckle, nectarine and citrus characters with a smooth palate and lingering crisp finish.

3196

DM ROSÉ, CHAMPAGNE DOYARDMAHÉ, CHARDONNAY & PINOT NOIR, VERTUS PREMIER CRU

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

$ 75 $ 450

The addition of Pinot Noir to produce DM Rosé has produced a Champagne with a deep pink-orange colour. On the nose, delicate strawberry leaf and floral rosehip notes intermingle and lead to a smooth palate. It has a nice mid-palate weight with a fine mousse revealing flavours of blackcurrants and tart green apples.

3197

DM 2013, EXTRA BRUT, CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ, CHARDONNAY BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU

Chardonnay

$ 118 $ 354 NEW

This is a mature Champagne, bright in colour with complex and mellow characters. Egg custard, butter and nectarine aromas lead to a palate with spicy flavours, cooked yellow plums, peaches, honey and a bitter citrus-pith finish. Bottle fermentation occurred in 2014 followed by aging until disgorgement in October 2021.

rolls

NEW PRODUCER

Champagne Didier-Ducos

SAINT-MARTIN-D’ABLOIS

A grower Champagne based in the village of Saint-Martin-d’Ablois. DidierDucos vineyards lie in the Côteaux south of Épernay at the intersection between the Vallée de la Marne and the Côtes des Blancs. Nicolas Didier and his wife Clotilde cultivate all three of Champagne’s main varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir.

A blanc de noir Champagne produced exclusively from Pinot Noir, which brings structure and complexity. L’Absolu is subtle and complex with fresh apple and pine aromas. It is smooth with the acidity and the persistence of Pinot Noir giving presence on the palate finishing with flavours of fresh apples, quince and spices.

Grilled scallops with tomato and basil pie

Produced from a blend of 80% Meunier, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir, this is a more structured Champagne compared with Doyard Mahé’s light, elegant style. It has spicy buttery notes with mellow flavours and a firm, bitter pith finish.

CHABLIS

Lamblin et Fils

MALIGNY-PAR-CHABLIS

In northern France, the vineyards of Chablis are located south of the Champagne region. Vines are planted on Kimmeridgian and Portlandian soils high in marine fossils, limestone and mineral-rich clay. They are classified into four quality-tiers based on their specific terroir. The Lamblin family company is based at Maligny, a small town a few kilometres north of the town of Chablis. The family’s viticultural roots reach back to 1690 – making it one of the oldest producers in the region. The Lamblins farm their own vineyards and buy grapes to make wines at all quality levels with the Chablis Appellation, Premiers Crus and Grand Cru wines from the very best sites. This selection is based mainly on 2020 wines, a year that followed the highly concentrated 2019 vintage. It was a cooler year, producing classic wines with consistently high quality across the board. One of the best of the last decade.

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, VAILLON, AOC CHABLIS 1ER CRU, VIN BIO, 2019

Chardonnay

Intense aromas of honey, dried hops and spices lead to a firmly structured palate. The Premier Cru of Vaillon is located on the left bank of the river Serein facing the Grand Cru vineyards. Flavours of yellow plum combine with a lemon astringency and some savoury notes. A powerful wine with a lingering finish. Chardonnay grapes were grown organically, fermented in stainless steel and the wine matured on yeast lees for six months.

2022-2028, M8 D9

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, FOURCHAUME, AOC CHABLIS 1ER CRU, VIN BIO, 2018

Chardonnay

Complex and elegant, it has aromas of ripe cooked fruits, crumble, pâtisserie, honey, cream and ripe nectarine. It is mellow and extremely approachable. Fourchaume is probably the most famous of the Premier Cru sites. It is located just north of the town of Chablis, opposite Maligny, on the eastern bank of the Serein with a south to southwesterly aspect.

Pâtisserie, crumble, cooked fruits 6°C

Nectarine, honey, [0.60] 13%

Striped bass and monkfish bourride

Forty Premier Cru vineyard sites lie on slopes on both sides of the river Serein close to the town of Chablis. These are more disparate and varied than the Grand Crus which all sit close together. The Premier Crus produce wines with ageability and power, reflecting their particular terroir.

THREE BOTTLES EACH VAILLON & FOURCHAUME

Young Chablis are often “closed,” meaning the aromas are muted and the naturally high acidity can be perceived as austere. It is precisely this structure that gives Chablis wines the potential to mature. 2020 Fleur d’Acacia has a steely structure with good weight and a firm acidity which gives depth and persistence. This is a powerful wine, which should open up in the coming months.

Fresh coconut and aniseed aromas are laid over a recessive background of lemon with a hint of pineapple. Initially soft and round in the mouth, it becomes more astringent with nice weight and depth. It is more structured than Fleur d’Acacia with a long oaky finish. It was fermented in old French oak barrels with regular stirring of the yeast lees.

Aromas of elderflower, lime blossom, Granny Smith apples and white peaches lead to a supple, broad wine. Similar flavours continue on the palate followed by a bitter citrus pith character adding length. The small Saint-Bris Appellation lies in the Yonne department in northern France, a few kilometres southwest of the Chablis region and specializes in Sauvignon Blanc.

CHABLIS GRAND CRU, VAUDÉSIR, AOC

CHABLIS GRAND CRU, 2019

Chardonnay

The 2019 has aromas of honey, quince and spices which follow on to the palate. It has a nice mid-palate weight with firm acidity and a long finish and was fermented in old oak barrels. 2019 was a warm year with some heat spikes during the growing season, producing concentrated wines with natural acidity levels.

CHABLIS GRAND CRU, VAUDÉSIR, AOC

CHABLIS GRAND CRU, 2020

Chardonnay

A structured wine that should mature nicely. It was quite closed at the time of tasting with a hint of green apple aroma. The palate is smooth with good weight and depth. This is a tightly wound wine with sour apple and bitter fruits coming through on the palate. 2020 was an early vintage and one of the best in the last decade.

3208 CHABLIS GRAND CRU VAUDÉSIR CASE

$ 109 $ 654

The highest quality Chablis vineyard sites are classified as Grand Cru and make up a tiny proportion of the region’s production. The seven Grand Crus all lie close together on a hill on the right bank of the Serein overlooking the town of Chablis. Vaudésir sits in an east-west valley on a terroir that produces elegant floral characters.

THREE BOTTLES EACH 2019 & 2020

PRODUCERS FOR THIS CELLAR

SOUTHERN RHÔNE

15 Indie Wineries

The Rhône Valley wine region can be divided into four parts. It runs north to south for around 240 kilometres from the south of Lyon to the Mediterranean coast. At the northern end, the Valley is narrow, with steep slopes of granite planted to Syrah. At the southern end, the Valley widens with lower gentle slopes scattered with alluvial deposits and typically rolled pebbles known as “galets” and the Rhône River delta. Here the climate is warmer and suitable for late-ripening varieties with plantings of Mourvèdre, Carignan and Grenache alongside Syrah.

Both sides of the river have Appellations with distinctive terroirs: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas on the left bank, Tavel and Lirac on the right, are amongst the most well known. Côtes du Rhône is produced throughout, the best examples often coming from growers making more prestigious Appellations who make a strict selection for their top wines declassifying their lesser wines. Côtes du Rhône Villages are a step up in quality with several villages with the highest potential permitted to append their name to the Appellation. To the west, off the main drag, is the Ardèche with vineyards in mountainous settings.

3212

DOMAINE DE MERMÈS, JEAN ESPRIT, IGP ARDÈCHE, 2020

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

$ 29

$ 174

A medium-bodied wine with appealing mellow cooked fruits, blueberry muffin aromas with a touch of green leaf. It is supple on the palate with persistent pure fresh blackcurrant flavour.

3213 DOMAINE DE MERMÈS, COLLINE D'ESPRIT, IGP ARDÈCHE, 2020

Grenache, Syrah

$ 29 $ 174

Vibrant in colour, this wine oozes ripe forest fruits with blackberries and cherries. It is supple with concentrated fruit and sour blackberry flavours.

3214

Grilled sirloin with Cabernet reduction

DOMAINE DE MERMÈS, MERLOT, IGP ARDÈCHE, 2020

Merlot

$ 29 $ 174

Grassy notes with dark fruit aromas, it has blackberry, blackcurrant and bitter cherry flavours with some grip on the finish.

Roast pork loin with tamarind sauce

ARDÈCHE

DOMAINE DE MERMÈS

Domaine de Mermès is a family owned 20-hectare vineyard in the southern Ardèche on the Plateau de Gras, found on the eastern edge of the Massif Central. Its vines are cultivated at 360 metres on stony clay limestone soils and are in organic conversion. Patrice and Séverine Dumarcher make wines in an old stone cellar built in 1931. The domaine also distills essential lavender oil from five hectares of lavender fields.

Fresh Ardèche | France's Best-Kept Secret

This central region, on the road less travelled by international tourists, boasts jaw-dropping landscapes, classic cuisine and delicious wines.

Adventure seekers will enjoy hiking or canoeing down the Ardèche River in the Gorges National Nature Reserve, while history lovers will enjoy the ancient caves containing the world’s earliest known cave paintings, dating back 30,000 years. Add to that more “recent” medieval castles and villages where you walk the ancient streets and be transported back in time.

Wine lovers will also find their thrill: vines have been growing in Ardèche for over 2000 years, well before the Roman conquest. Today there are 8500 hectares of vineyards and four Appellations on hilly terroirs (300 metres in altitude on average) growing lavender, olive trees, pine trees and chestnut trees in addition to vines. The grape varieties found in the Rhône Valley thrive here in Ardèche, producing rich and mineral wines, with the addition of one indigenous grape, Chatus. Indigenous to Ardèche, it is very rare, as only 60 hectares aare cultivated. Chatus is one of the oldest grape varieties in France, cultivated as far back as the 17th century, along with Pinot Noir (most of the grape varieties from that time have been hybridized or crossbred and no longer exist). Chatus is genetically close to its Italian cousin, Nebbiolo di Dronero.

Opimian’s new producer, Vignerons Ardéchois, is an award-winning wine cooperative founded in 1967 comprising twelve wineries. These producers represent 85% of the vines planted in Ardèche. Outside of the region, it is rare to find these exceptional wines. The cooperative is committed to biodiversity and is working to convert all its vineyards to organic farming.

Vignerons Ardéchois is the first producer of volcanic wines in France: 300 hectares are cultivated on the Coiron Mountain on basaltic soil. Syrah Basalte du Coiron, IGP Ardèche, Vignerons Ardéchois from this terroir, was named “Wine of the Week” by Julia Harding MW in 2021.

White wine lover? Viognier does particularly well in Ardèche, on the light sandstone soils of the Cévennes foothills. Vignerons Ardéchois produce over 450 hectares of the varietal, making it the largest producer of Viognier in the world. It is this producer’s flagship grape variety and is served at the best restaurants in France, like Paul Bocuse.

see | The Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc Cave which contains the earliest-known and best-preserved figurative prehistoric drawings in the world.

eat | Le Carré d’Alethius, a Michelinstarred restaurant in Charmes-sur-Rhône.

do | Kayak or canoe down the Gorges de l’Ardèche.

SYRAH BASALTE DU COIRON, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2020, LOT 3262, P23

Seared Pork Chops with Roasted Roots

by Emma Cerulli

These thick-cut, top loin pork chops are seared until golden brown and served with a super-simple pan jus made with tangy pomegranates and honey.

Ingredients

Pork Chops

4 thick-cut, top loin, boneless pork chops, about 2 inches thick

Sea salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

2 c (500ml) pomegranate juice

2 tbsp honey

• 2 c (500ml) chicken stock

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 clove garlic, crushed

• 1 tbsp butter

1/2 lb (250g) pomegranate seeds

1 bunch Italian flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Roasted Roots

2 medium sized beets, peeled & cut into large wedges

4-6 small carrots, peeled & halved

• 1 lb (500g) button mushrooms, stems removed

5-6 baby potatoes or fingerling

potatoes, halved

1 head garlic, halved

1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• Sea salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme & honey and spread over baking sheet.

3. Roast 30-35 mins until potatoes are golden brown and beets are cooked through.

4. Rub pork chops with olive oil, generous amount of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

5. Press pork chops down onto heated skillet, making sure there is even surface contact.

6. Sear 3 mins per side, or until dark golden brown. Sear sides of pork chops for 1 min to seal juices in.

7. Remove pork chops from pan and set aside for later.

8. While pan is still hot over medium-high heat, pour pomegranate juice and chicken stock into pan to deglaze. Drop in 2 whole sprigs of fresh thyme and crushed garlic clove.

9. Scrape up brown bits left in pan with wooden spoon and bring to rapid simmer until liquid reduces by about half (5 mins).

10. Place pork back into pan and carefully place skillet into oven.

11. Cook until pork chops register at 145°F using a meat thermometer (5 -10 mins).

12. Remove chops from pan and add 1 tbsp butter to pan and swirl around in hot pan sauce.

13. Serve pork chops sliced or whole, drizzled with pan sauce and top with fresh pomegranate seeds and Italian flat-leaf parsley.

14. Serve roasted vegetables piping hot alongside pork with the roasted garlic divided amongst 4 plates.

VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS

The Ardèche is a beautiful region west of the Rhône Valley with breathtaking landscapes of mountains, gorges, rapids and canyons scattered with ancient stone villages. Vineyards lie in the foothills of the Cévennes Mountains and along the Ardèche River a tributary of the Rhône. Planted with similar grape varieties to the southern Rhône, it also has its own native variety, Chatus.

ADD CHATUS TO YOUR CELLAR, UNIQUE TO THE ARDÈCHE REGION

MONNAIE D'OR CHATUS RÉSERVE, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2020 Chatus

In the 19th century, Chatus was widely cultivated on the light sandstone soils of the Cévennes Mountains. It is the oldest grape of the region and is referenced in writings from the 16th century. Monnaie d'Or 2020 is relatively light in structure. It has aromas of blackcurrant with caramel, vanilla and coffee. Grown by a handful of growers on terraced slopes bordered by dry stone walls locally called “faisses.” The oldest plot dates to 1883 in the village of Vernon. Chatus is a late-ripening variety. The grapes were picked by hand and the wine was partly aged in top-quality oak.

DOMAINE TERRA NOÉ, ESPRIT DE NOÉ ROSÉ, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2021

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

27 $ 162

Bright raspberry in colour, it has plenty of red fruits, herbs and strawberry leaf aromas. Its palate is refreshing and crisp. Produced by Domaine Terra Noé, an organically farmed estate that is also a registered bird sanctuary.

3262 SYRAH BASALTE DU COIRON, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2020

Syrah

$ 27 $ 162

The Massif du Coiron is a result of volcanic activity and erosion over the ages: basalt rock from volcanic lava forms the basis for vineyard soils. Syrah grown on basalt around Alba-la-Romaine has produced a wine with dark fruits and chocolate aromas. It is medium-bodied with sour berry flavours, firm acidity and tannins on the finish.

FRIGOULE, SYRAH ARDÈCHE, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2020

Syrah

$ 32 $ 192

A supple wine with a succulent mid-palate and appealing flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, vanilla and woody notes. Juicy fruits lead into a savoury finish. It was made from a parcel selection of Syrah in the villages of Albala-Romaine and Valvignères. After three weeks of fermentation and maceration on skins, the wine was matured for 12 months, half in barrel.

CHÂTEAU SAINT-BÉNEZET

Costières de Nîmes is the most southerly Appellation of the Rhône Valley covering an area in and around Nîmes – a city which dates to the Roman Empire. Château Saint-Bénezet, situated between the city and the Mediterranean Sea in the commune of Saint-Gilles, has 120 hectares of vines and is run by Yann Soulairac and Elise Bosse-Platière.

3215

CHÂTEAU SAINT-BÉNEZET, LES HAUTS DE COSTE-RIVES, ROUGE, AOP COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES, 2020

Grenache, Syrah $ 24 $ 288

This has intense ripe cherry and berry fruits, with a smooth medium-bodied palate.

2022-2024, M8 D9

Ripe cherry & berry fruits 18°C

Bitter cherry 14 %

Red-wine braised beef cheeks

3216

CHÂTEAU SAINT-BÉNEZET MOULIN BAGUET, BLANC, AOP COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES, 2021

Roussane, Viognier, Grenache Blanc $ 27 $ 162 NEW

A light and fresh white with crisp acidity and lingering fruit flavours.

M8 D9 Lemon citrus 6°C White fruits, [0.00] 13%

Pan-seared shrimp with ginger and lime

— Yann

is the owner of

3218

NEW

CHÂTEAU SAINT-BÉNEZET

MOULIN BAGUET, ROUGE, AOP COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES, 2020

Syrah, Grenache, Marselan

$ 29 $ 174

Blackberries and other dark fruits are complemented by savoury notes. It is medium-bodied with some grip.

Blackberry, savoury 14%

Tomato-eggplant ratatouille

THE BEST IN A BOX

3217

CHÂTEAU SAINT-BÉNEZET, LES HAUTS DE COSTE-RIVES, ROSÉ, AOP COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES, 2021

Grenache, Syrah

$ 23 $ 276

A pale rosé made from equal parts of Grenache and Syrah. It has hints of pear and sherbet on the nose followed by a supple smooth palate with lemon and raspberry flavours.

2022-2023, M8 D9

Pear, sherbet 6°C

Lemon, raspberry, [0.00] 12.5%

Grilled halloumi

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

3220

VIGNOBLES BELLEFONTAINE

PRESTIGE, BLANC, AOP COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES, 2021

Grenache Blanc, Roussane, Viognier

$ 30 $ 180

A subtle wine with spring blossom, white fruits and quince characters. It is a blend of 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussane and 20% Viognier. Grapes were picked in the coolness of night, directly pressed and fermented at 16-18°C.

3219

[0.00] 13%

Maple-glazed roasted root vegetables

CHÂTEAU BELLEFONTAINE

Owned by Elise Bosse-Platière and Yann Soulairac of Château Saint-Bénezet, this is a 60-hectare estate at Franquevaux in Costières de Nîmes. The pair carry out strict parcel selection and are currently transitioning to organic viticulture. Château Bellefontaine wines are smartly packaged in contemporary design and sealed with a glass Vinoloc stopper that pops off –no need for a corkscrew.

VIGNOBLES BELLEFONTAINE PRESTIGE, ROUGE, AOP COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES, 2020

Syrah, Grenache

$ 31 $ 186

A standout wine amongst its peers, it is a hit. It has sweet dark fruits, currants, blackcurrant with a linty aroma. It is smooth with a fine powdery texture and the same ripe fruit flavours on the palate. A polished and classy wine for the price with persistent bitter cherry and chocolate flavours.

2022-2025, M7 D8

Blackcurrant, currants 18°C

Bitter cherry, chocolate 14%

Slow roast leg of lamb with blueberry sauce

DOMAINE CAVEAU & MILLAS

3266 CAVEAU ET MILLAS, AOP CLAIRETTE DE BELLEGARDE, 2020

3267 CAVEAU ET MILLAS, AOP COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES, 2019

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault

Herbs and spice, woody notes and aniseed aromas lead to a concentrated palate with sweet dark fruits, tobacco, bitter cherry, coconut and smoke. This is a medium- to full-bodied wine which has good mid-palate and some grip on the finish. The crocodile label is catchy and has been a symbol of Nîmes since Roman times.

Hints of nectarine and lemon continue onto the palate. It is fresh and crisp with a citrus astringency. Clairette de Bellegarde is a tiny Appellation between Arles and Nîmes in the far south of the Rhône Valley just 30 kilometres from the coast. Produced from 100% Clairette grape, 25% of the wine was vinified in French oak barrels.

NEW

3263

VIOGNIER GRÈS DU TRIAS, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2020

Viognier $ 25 $ 150

Appealing aromas of nectarines and mandarin are subtle and lead to a soft, round palate. It is perfect for drinking now and over the next 12 months with ripe mango flavours. The Ardèche is known for its Viognier grown on sandstone soils. 2022-2023, M8 D9

Chicken pot pie with butternut squash

WINE WITH DINNER EVERY NIGHT

3264

ARDÈCHE PAR NATURE ROUGE, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIN BIOLOGIQUE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2021

Carignan, Marselan, Merlot

20 $ 240

An easy-drinking red with mulberries and other red fruits. 2022-2024, M8 D9

chocolate 16°C Red fruits 13.5 %

Tomato and egg casserole

3265

ARDÈCHE PAR NATURE ROSÉ, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIN BIOLOGIQUE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2021

Caladoc, Grenache

$ 20 $ 240

Pretty pale pink in colour, it has nice fresh fruits with red berries, pears and talc.

2022-2023, M8 D9

Pears, talc 6°C

Fresh fruits, [0.50] %

Feta and spinach quiche

TOP VALUE

WINES FOR YOUR EVERYDAY DRINKING

3268 DOMAINE DE SAINT-PAULET, AOP GRIGNAN LES ADHEMAR, 2018

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan

$ 19 $ 228

A simple but intensely flavoured wine brimming with jammy fruits, raspberries and red cherries.

2022-2024, M8 D9

Bulgogi

Deep in colour, the 2020 has black cherry and olive aromas. It is a supple, medium-bodied wine which is dense with sour blackberry and other fruit flavours. Grapes were picked by hand, de-stemmed, and each variety fermented separately in traditional concrete tanks at 26-28°C with daily pump-overs.

DOMAINE DES ROMARINS, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES SIGNARGUES, 2020

DOMAINE DES ROMARINS

Domaine des Romarins is in the south of the Southern Rhône region west of Avignon at Domazan. The domaine consistently turns out good Appellation Côtes du Rhône and has been an Opimian favourite for many years. Xavier and Benoît Fabre continue the family tradition of four generations.

Signargues is a step up in the quality hierarchy producing Côtes du Rhône Villages in the area around Domazan. Vines are planted on a relatively flat plateau with deep sandstone, rocky and sandy soils with rolled pebbles over clay. One of the driest and warmest parts of the Southern Rhône, the sun-loving Mourvèdre vines do well. Aromas of red apple and cherries continue onto the palate with more dark fruits emerging and leading to a savoury finish with some grip.

3225 LE VIOGNIER DU MAZET, IGP GARD, 2021

Viognier $ 30 $ 180 NEW

Stone fruits, grapefruit and mineral aromas follow on to the palate with other citrus characters and a tangy lemon acidity. Viognier was planted around 15 years ago, grapes were mechanically harvested at night, pressed and the must left to settle. The clarified juice was fermented in tank at 16-18°C.

3226

DOMAINE ST PIERRE, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, 2020

Viognier, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne

$ 32 $ 192

Aromas of fennel, lemon, pineapple and quince give lots of appeal. The palate is supple and smooth with fresh pineapple flavours followed with a crisp finish. It is a blend of four traditional white Rhône grapes with 30% Viognier, 30% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc and 20% Roussanne.

3227

DOMAINE ST PIERRE, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES SABLET, 2020

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

$ 33 $ 198

Floral aromas of rose petal and violets mingle with aniseed, earth and sooty notes. It is medium-bodied with good mid-palate fruit. Similar floral flavours in the mouth precede a grippy chocolate finish. Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet is a smallish Appellation bordering, and to the north of, Gigondas. Vines are planted on red clay sand soils containing 60% rolled pebbles.

DOMAINE SAINT-PIERRE

A traditional family estate, close to the Appellations of Vacqueyras and Gigondas. The Fauque brothers own 50 hectares of vineyards with a quarter made up of old vines. Domaine SaintPierre have made their entire grape harvest into wine since 1933.

3228

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, it has red berry, raspberry and balsamic notes with meaty black treacle character. Initially light on the palate, the tannins make their presence known becoming quite astringent and grippy on the finish. Overall, quite a savoury, rustic wine. It was fermented in tradition concrete tanks then aged for 12 months in old oak vats. The Rasteau Appellation, north of Gigondas, is on the banks of the Ouvèze River, a tributary of the Rhône.

3229

Grenache, Syrah

Domaine Martin Cairanne has musky aromas with undergrowth, incense, soot, coffee and woody notes. It is medium-bodied with a supple mid palate leading to chewy finish with lingering bitter olive flavours. Cairanne Appellation neighbours that of Rasteau and is named after the eponymous village that sits on a rocky outcrop. The Aigues River passes through the region on its way to meet the Rhône with vineyards planted on a variety of alluvial and iron rich soils.

DOMAINE MARTIN, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU, 2019

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Spicy aromas of cinnamon, clove and coffee dominate with black cherry and raspberry jam in the background. It is supple initially with a grainy texture and chewy tannins produced from 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre.

Roast goose with Chinese five-spice

DOMAINE MARTIN

Domaine Martin has 72 hectares situated between Châteauneuf-DuPape and Gigondas. The winery in the Plan de Dieu region is at Travaillan. The domaine, established by Julien Martin in 1901, is currently managed by cousins David and Eric, his greatgrandsons. The terroir is typical alluvial soils with large rolled pebbles.

DOMAINE MARTIN, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNES VILLAGES SAINTECÉCILE, 2020

Syrah

A medium-bodied red with red cherry, floral and vanilla aromas. It is smooth with a fine texture and savoury finish. It is a blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah traditionally vinified with three weeks on skins.

DID YOU KNOW?

Rhôneology | Part 1

By Louise Wilson MW

In my opinion, the best way to learn about a wine region is to taste your way through the Appellations. In the case of the Rhône, it is a delicious education.

LA POUITOUNE, AOP

VENTOUX, DOMAINE DE PIÉBLANC, 2019, LOT 3237, P39

The Rhône is one of the world’s oldest wine regions and in France, second only to Bordeaux in size. Vines flank the banks of their namesake river from Vienne to Avignon. The hierarchy of Appellations begins with the wines of the Côtes du Rhône, ascends through the Côtes du Rhône Villages, graduates to the 22 Villages with specified names and peaks with the 17 Côtes du Rhône Crus. Increasingly stringent production standards ensure a corresponding rise in quality.

A distinct contrast exists between the wines produced in the continental climate of the Northern Rhône and those made in the Mediterranean climate of the south. Let’s begin our journey south of Montélimar, where the Mistral winds sweep the skies of clouds and clear the vineyards of pests and mildew. The galets roulés or pudding stones are another striking aspect of the terroir. Most closely associated with the soils of Châteauneufdu-Pape, these rounded pebbles give an extra boost to the vines by absorbing the heat of the day and radiating it back to the vines in the evening.

Blends rule in the Southern Rhône. The advantage is two-fold. Not only does each grape contribute its best attributes in terms of flavours and structure, the

strategy of blending also offers viticultural insurance from variable weather. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (GSM) blends dominate. Grenache brings bright strawberry flavours and generous alcohol while Syrah and Mourvèdre add tannic structure and harmonious flavours. Syrah also contributes elements of red and black fruit, savoury bacon and pepper while Mourvèdre complements the trio with its inky colour and earthy tones. Numerous other varieties support the red blends, while Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier lead the charge for the white blends.

The most revered Cru in the south is Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wines are simultaneously savoury and fruity, both approachable and capable of aging. Neighboring Gigondas can be a great place to shop, delivering on quality with a characteristic fresh and elegant style. White wines are more elusive; however, some gems can be found within the Côtes du Rhône, Costières de Nimes and Ventoux. Tavel is reserved for rosé only, offering deeply coloured, mouth-filling, and impressively food-worthy wines.

And this is just a glimpse into the wines of the Southern Rhône. Enjoy your research!

OUR RHÔNE PRODUCERS

1. Domaine Pichon, P50

2. Domaine des Remizières,

3. Domaine du Murinais,

4. Vignerons Ardéchois, P22

5. Domaine de Mermès, P19

6. Château MontPlaisir, P41

7. Domaine des 3 Lys, P36

8. Domaine Martin, P32

9. Domaine de Piéblanc,

10. Château de Montmirail,

11. Domaine des Fontnobles,

12. Domaine Saint Pierre,

13. Domaine la Pierre du Coq,

14. Domaine Berthet-Rayne,

15. Château La Genestière,

16. Domaine des Romarins,

17. Château Saint-Bénezet,

18. Château Bellefontaine,

Côte Rôtie

Côtes du Vivarais Coteaux du Tricastin

Côte du Rhône Villages

Gigondas Vacqueyras

Costières-de-Nimes

GO MORE IN-DEPTH WITH PART 2 ON PAGE 48.

3232 DOMAINE DES 3 LYS, TRADITION, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, 2020

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan $ 26

The Tradition cuvée is a light, easy-drinking Rhône with dark berry flavours and soft tannins. Made from the same grape varieties as the Truffes Noires but with a lower proportion of Syrah at 40%, along with 40% Grenache and 20% Carignan.

Barbecued Black Angus burgers with berry compote

3233

DOMAINE DES 3 LYS, TRUFFES NOIRES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, 2019 Grenache, Syrah, Carignan

31

A supple wine with raspberries, plums and bitter cherry aromas. More savoury notes with smoke and licorice emerge in the mouth. It is a blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Carignan.

DOMAINE DES 3 LYS

Domaine des 3 Lys, in the heart of Côtes du Rhône country, is at Rochegude on the left bank. It has 30 hectares of vineyards and is the latest project of the owners of Châteaux SaintBénezet and Bellefontaine in Costières de Nîmes.

Grilled veal chops with Marsala-fig sauce

DOMAINE DES FONTNOBLES

Domaine des Fontnobles has approximately 25 hectares of southfacing slopes beneath the Dentelles de Montmirail in the Appellations of Gigondas and Vacqueyras. The soil is clay limestone with an abundance of galets have been deposited by the Ouvèze River.

3269 DOMAINE DES FONTNOBLES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, 2019

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Marselan

22

Smoky pine notes with dark fruit aromas lead to a supple smooth palate with sweet fruit flavours. It is medium bodied with a velvet structure followed by a firm grippy finish and lingering cherry menthol.

DES FONTNOBLES, AOP VACQUEYRAS, 2019 Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

blackberry cordial, raspberry and plum fruits combine with mint and violet aromas. This is an intense wine brimming with sweet ripe fruit. It is smooth with a juicy acidity and lots of red fruit complemented by a savoury herbal note.

3271 DOMAINE DES FONTNOBLES, AOP GIGONDAS, 2019 Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Pine, coconut, raisins and fruitcake aromas are all apparent in this medium- to full-bodied Gigondas. Jammy fruits and a good mid-palate cede to a firm acidity and a grainy texture. It was matured in concrete tanks for a year.

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Gigondas produces big bold wines using a high proportion of Grenache – up to 80%. The Dentelles de Montmirail are a backdrop to the scenery with vineyards nestled in its foothills. Le Graminier 2020 is restrained yet full of red berries and cherry fruits fighting to get out. It is supple and smooth on the palate with concentrated cherry menthol flavours and a rich firm acidity adding great depth. Despite its high alcohol at 15.5%, it is pure and fresh and perfectly balanced. Produced from a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre.

DOMAINE DE PIÉBLANC

A relatively new domaine created in 2014 by Matthieu Ponson. Domaine de Piéblanc, in the Vaucluse department, is situated to the northeast of the commune of Caromb close to Mont Ventoux. The property has 10 hectares of vines at 300 metres surrounded by nothing but olive trees, pines and oaks. The domaine also owns 15 hectares in the Beaumes de Venise Appellation and six in Gigondas. All the vineyards are organically farmed with official certification from 2020 vintage.

Grenache, Syrah $ 42 $ 252 3235 LES TERRES, AOP GIGONDAS, DOMAINE DE PIÉBLANC, 2020

HAUTS, AOP BEAUMES DE VENISE, DOMAINE DE PIÉBLANC, 2020

Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault $ 46 $ 276

A more savoury Gigondas than the Montmirail, grapes were grown on 50-year-old vines close to the village of Gigondas. Red and black fruit aromas are complemented by earthy notes and soot. Black treacle characters come out on the palate with a bitter fruit finish.

Hazelnut, earth and gamey aromas lie over a red floral background. The palate is linear with sour red and black fruits, balsamic notes and a firm acidity. Produced from 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah, grapes were organically grown at 300 metres. After a 48-hour cold soak and fermentation in tank, the wine was matured with 30% in barrel.

Scalloped potatoes with black truffle

3237 LA POUITOUNE, AOP VENTOUX, DOMAINE DE PIÉBLANC, 2019

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault

Aromas of dark smoky fruits are complemented by a nice hint of leather. This is a supple wine, grainy in texture with savoury fruit flavours and a firm acidity. The Ventoux vineyards surround the farmhouse sitting amidst wild garrigue and scrub.

Duck confit with thyme and rosemary

DOMAINE LA PIERRE DU COQ

PIERRE DU COQ LES

3238

$ 37 $ 222

Ventoux is a large wine region to the southeast of the southern Rhône and northeast of Avignon city. The region is dominated by Mont Ventoux which rises to 1,900 metres and is nicknamed the “Beast of Provence.” Domaine de la Pierre du Coq at Aubignan has nine hectares of vines in the foothills of the mountain, mainly planted with Grenache. Olivier Bessac and his sister Carole are the fourth generation of their family to run the estate.

THREE BOTTLES EACH LES GALINES & BEAUMAJOUR

LES GALINES, AOP VENTOUX, BLANC, LA PIERRE DU COQ, 2021 Grenache Blanc, Roussane

Tasted as a cloudy, unfiltered tank sample, this wine showed good promise with white blossom and fruit flavours. It is light to medium bodied with a firm limey acidity and floral finish. It is a blend of 60% Grenache Blanc and 40% Roussanne.

BEAUMAJOUR, AOP VENTOUX, BLANC, LA PIERRE DU COQ, 2021

Grenache Blanc, Roussane, Marsanne

More expressive with a higher proportion of Roussanne and the addition of Marsanne, the Beaumajour has lots of fresh spring aromas, blossom and white fruits. The palate is elegant with citrus – mandarin and grapefruit notes alongside delicate white flowers. It is a blend of 60% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc and 10% Marsanne. The Roussanne and Marsanne components were fermented in oak.

Pan-fried skate in lemon-beurre blanc sauce

CHÂTEAU MONTPLAISIR

Having a strong desire to become a vigneron, Benoît Chaignon purchased a six-hectare vineyard in Vinsobres. Afterwards, the family purchased 17th-century Château Montplaisir with a further four hectares of vines in nearby Valréas.

3239

CHÂTEAU MONTPLAISIR CUVÉE MONTPLAISIR SAFRES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES VALRÉAS, 2019

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan

$ 41 $ 246

This is a concentrated structured wine which will benefit from some bottle age. Aromas are subdued with almond, vanilla yogurt, cola, red fruits and herbs. The palate is firm with sour fruits and tannin. The plots of Grenache and Carignan were planted in 1945, the Syrah in 1943; all are farmed organically. The vineyard is a single four-hectare slope at 280 metres with western exposure.

3240

CHÂTEAU MONTPLAISIR VIEILLES GRENACHES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, 2019

Grenache, Syrah

$ 37 $ 222

Floral aromas combine with more savoury and earthy notes with smoke and herbs. Black fruit flavours show on the palate which is supple and smooth. This is not a hugely expressive Grenache, but it is dense and structured with a lingering bitter fruit finish. Produced from 90% Grenache from 75-year-old vines with 10% Syrah.

3241

CHÂTEAU MONTPLAISIR HAUTS GALETS, AOP CRU DES CÔTES DU RHÔNE VINSOBRES, 2017

Grenache, Syrah

$ 70 $ 420 NEW

A full-bodied wine, it has mellow, sweet, ripe dark fruits with a hint of leather. The palate is dense and structured with black fruits and a cherry menthol finish. Grapes were grown at between 400-450 metres on the upper plateau of Vinsobres facing Mont Ventoux.

Quite a large estate with 200 hectares of vines, Château la Genestière was founded in 1930 on the site of an old silkworm farm at Tavel, an Appellation on the right bank of the Rhône specializing in dry rosé wines. It is located southwest of ChâteauneufDu-Pape, where the domaine also has vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône and nearby Appellations.

A CONNOISSEUR’S DREAM. Exclusive to this program, Founders Choice wines are not available elsewhere in the Cellar Offering and won’t be for another five years. Dedicated to the spirit of our Founders, this program presents only the finest wines. From our producers’ cellars to yours, this is an opportunity to experience another level of quality. This case of one premium wine is curated with the potential to age.

Included in your six bottle case, you will find tasting notes and a special message from the producer to treasure. The Founders Choice producer for this Cellar is the Rhône's Château La Genestière.

Tavel Appellation specializes in producing dark-coloured dry rosé wines which are generally rich and complex compared to other rosés – more akin to light red wine. Château La Genestière 2021 is a deep garnet colour. It is round and smooth with red berry and other ripe fruit flavours with some grip on the finish. Grenache and Syrah grapes were left to macerate on skins for 12-24 hours. The juice was then fermented at 18°C in tank and bottled after four months for freshness.

PRODUCER FOR THIS

3243 CHÂTEAU LA GENESTIÈRE, AOP LIRAC, 2019

3244 CHÂTEAU LA GENESTIÈRE, AOP CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, 2017

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre

$ 45 $ 270

The 2018 was one of my coups de coeur in last year’s C283 Cellar Offering – and the 2019 is a truly suitable follow-on. Aromas of toast, vanilla, chocolate and spices lie over black fruits. It is supple and smooth with a silky texture leading to a slightly grainy finish. More fresh black fruit flavours shine through on the palate with well-integrated oak. It has a long bitter chocolate and olive finish. Lirac Appellation, on the western side of the Rhône River, is approximately 10 kilometres north of Avignon and borders that of Tavel.

Peppercorn steak with port sauce

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Counoise, Vaccarèse

$ 97 $ 291

Brimming with delicious dark fresh and cooked fruit flavours, the 2017 Château La Genestière Châteauneuf-Du-Pape is fine in texture with a succulent palate and good acidity. The bouquet is complex with spicy notes, coffee, raisins, black cherry, blackcurrants and smoke. It is round and smooth with a long chocolate and berry finish. A total of 18 grape varieties are permitted in the Châteauneuf-Du-Pape

Appellation, although the vast majority of wines are based on two or three. This is a blend of 49% Syrah, 36% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, 4% Cinsault, 1% Terret Noir, 1% Muscardin, 1% Counoise, and 1% Vaccarèse.

Tournedos Rossini

CELLAR UP!

WINES TO SHAPE YOUR CELLAR

Imagine getting wine advice from someone that has taken years of training, tasted thousands of wines and understands the synergy between food and wine. Imagine having this expert taste countless wines every year, recommending only the best, and giving you detailed tasting notes and food pairings.

Well, there's no need to imagine it because this is exactly what you get as a Member of Opimian. Our Masters of Wine do precisely that. Whether it's the Coups de Coeur, the featured wine, The Masters Case subscription or this regular feature, Cellar Up!, you get expert advice on every decision.

In this space particularly, you get the information you need to diversify your Cellar and try wines that are outside your typical style. Every region has styles for which they have become famous. Find them here. Experiment while enjoying the comfort of knowing that each of your choices has been tried and approved by an internationally recognized professional

SPARKLING

Pairs with anything, celebrations, romance

DM EXTRA BRUT DÉSIR, CHAMPAGNE DOYARD-MAHÉ, CHARDONNAY BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU, LOT 3195, P11

A Champagne for special occasions and celebrations, it is a dry style with richness coming from the high proportion of reserve wines with flavours of peaches and honeysuckle.

MEDIUM BODY WHITE

Seafood such as oysters, scallops, sashimi, or salads with mild vinaigrettes

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, VAILLON, AOC

CHABLIS 1ER CRU, VIN BIO, 2019, PART OF MIXED CASE, LOT 3207, P15

A powerful white with potential for cellaring. 2019 was a warm year in Chablis and this has flavours of plums, honey and spices.

ROSÉ

Most appetizers, sipping on its own, the back deck

CHÂTEAU LA GENESTIÈRE, AOP TAVEL, 2021, LOT 3242, P42

Tavel, on the right bank of the Rhône Valley, is known for its deep-coloured structured rosés. Matches equally well with food or as an apéritif.

FULL BODY RED

Heavy stews, many game meats, lamb, strong cheeses, even dessert

DOMAINE MARTIN, AOP RASTEAU, 2020, LOT 3228, P32

2020 has proven to be a great year across the Rhône valley. This has lots of red berry and raspberry characters with meaty savoury notes.

FIND MORE CELLAR UP! SUGGESTIONS ONLINE.

...AND FOR YOUR BAR

Pommeau

ODIN'S SPIRIT POMMEAU DE NORMANDIE, LOT 3257, P55

The translation for Odin is 'Master of Ecstasy'. This unique fortified wine doesn't disappoint. There's no question that you'll be the only one in your circle of friends with one of these.

DISCOVER WHY CNP IS WORLD-FAMOUS.

A relatively light style, it has floral, tea leaf and plum aromas with balsamic and waxy notes. More earthy fruits emerge on the palate leading to a chewy finish. This family domaine cultivates 21 hectares on renowned terroirs of Coudoulet and Chapouin with clay-chalk soils.

Dried fruits, berries, plum and spicy aromas precede a supple palate with sour and bitter cherry flavours. This is quite a restrained Châteauneuf-Du-Pape with some chewiness and a long finish. The seven-hectare vineyard is certified organic, with this wine a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault and 5% Syrah.

At the northern end of the Rhône Valley, close to Lyon, the valley is narrow with vertiginous granite slopes planted to Syrah. The climate is harsher – cooler and wetter, making viticulture hard work.

DOMAINE DU MURINAIS

3248

DOMAINE DU MURINAIS, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP CROZES HERMITAGE, 2020

2022-2028, M6 D8

In my view, Crozes-Hermitage in the northern Rhône is somewhat underrated. Situated on the eastern bank of the Rhône, it is quite a large area producing mainly red wines from the Syrah grape: the slopes and warmer sites can produce excellent wines. Luc Tardy has 17 hectares in the commune of Beaumont-Monteux. The 48-54 year-old vines are farmed organically. His 2020 has ripe and cooked cherry fruit aromas with a touch of creosote, smoke and black olive. It is supple and round, at the same time quite restrained with a fine texture and lingering bitter cherry finish. The wine was matured in 3- to 5-year-old casks with the oak harmoniously integrated with the concentrated fruit.

Rhôneology | Part 2

By Louise Wilson MW

In contrast to the blends of the south, the wines from Vienne to Valence are focused on Syrah, with each Cru in the Northern Rhône delivering its own expression.

The esteemed wines of Côte Rôtie and Hermitage are some of the finest examples of Syrah in the world. The “roasted slopes” of the Côte Rôtie, the most northernly Cru of the Rhône, produce fragrant Syrah with notes of pepper, smoke and pork crackling. Red Hermitage is also decidedly savory and well-structured. Several years of cellaring are required to unpack the full potential top examples.

In the relatively warm micro-climate of Cornas, the wines are inky-hued, darkfruited and firm. In contrast, Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage is typically earlier drinking than the aforementioned Crus. With generous red and black fruit and approachable tannins, they are a perfect choice for Sunday roast dinner. In the center of the Valley, both the reds and whites of Saint-Joseph provide an ideal gateway to the wines of the Northern Rhône with top producers delivering both value and approachability.

Counterpoint to Syrah, Viognier is the star white grape of the Northern Rhône. It is richly perfumed with notes of peach and nectarine. I consider Viognier the white wine for red wine drinkers because of its satisfyingly full body and affinity for oak. World class examples come from the Northern Rhône’s Condrieu and Château-

Grillet. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to try Rhône Viognier, this is definitely one to add to your list.

The whites of Hermitage, CrozesHermitage and Saint-Joseph are made of Marsanne and Roussanne. Marsanne is the weightier of the two grapes contributing notes of melon, nut and mineral. Roussanne, with its floral and stone fruit perfume, is harder to find because it is finicky to grow. Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are also permitted for use in the production of specified red wines where they are co-fermented with Syrah to stabilize its colour and add aromatic lift.

If you enjoy the power of a top-shelf Argentinian Malbec, a well-made California Zinfandel or a premium Australian Shiraz and you are looking to explore the Old World, Northern Rhône reds are a great consideration. Alternatively, if you have started your journey in Bordeaux and appreciate the structure and savoury expression of a classic left bank wine, Syrah from the Rhône could be a fantastic next move. For my fellow white wine lovers who swoon over white Burgundy, I encourage you to pursue the whites of the Northern Rhône. À votre santé.

CHRISTOPHE PICHON PÈRE & FILS PROMESSE, AOP CÔTE RÔTIE, 2019, LOT 3256, P51

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES

A family domaine with 36 hectares of vines in parcels around the northern Rhône Appellations of SaintJoseph, Crozes-Hermitage and the prestigious Hermitage. It is run by Philippe Desmeure with his daughter Émilie and son Christophe.

DON'T MISS DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES' PREMIUM CUVÉES,

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES, CUVÉE VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP CROZES-HERMITAGE, 2020

3249 DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES, AOP CROZES-HERMITAGE, 2020

3251 DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES, AOP SAINT-JOSEPH, 2020

Syrah $ 56 $ 336 3250

Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is produced from grapes from old Syrah bush vines planted 65-70 years ago on steep slopes in the Appellation. The result is a full-bodied concentrated Crozes- Hermitage with aromas of red cherries with a touch of game. Tight in structure, more fresh and bitter cherry flavours emerge on the palate complemented by savoury oak spices. A traditional fermentation was followed by 15 months in barrel with 70% new oak and 30% one-year-old barrels.

A relatively light northern Rhône wine, it has intense spicy aromas with vanilla, toffee, coffee and milk chocolate over sweet red cherries. It is supple with red fruit flavours combined with floral notes, nutmeg and pine. 20- to 25-year-old vines are planted on lower lying land and trellised. It was matured in large oak vats.

Hoisin-braised barbecued spareribs

An oaky wine with vanilla and woody aromas dominating jammy fruits behind. It is supple with a smooth, round palate. Mellow oaky flavours are complemented by fresh cherry. Produced from grapes from vines with an average of 40 years, planted on granite slopes. Saint-Joseph is a relatively widespread Appellation in northern Rhône terms. On the right bank of the river, its best terroirs are closest to Hermitage. 2020 Domaine Des Remizières Saint-Joseph was matured in oak for 15 months with 30% new barrels and 70% one year old. It is a concentrated, polished wine with good acidity, depth, and lingering woody flavours.

DOMAINE PICHON

Domaine Christophe Pichon at Chavanay has 23 hectares of vines in prestigious Appellations including Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. Christophe runs the estate with his two sons Corentin and Alexis.

An immediate Coup de Coeur, this is a complex layered wine with lots of finesse. It is mellow with ripe black fruits and savoury toasty aromas with great depth. It is smooth with a rich palate and warm, ripe fruit flavours complemented by toasty vanilla oak. Vines are cultivated on steep hillsides. Domaine Pichon has five hectares of vines planted in 1985, with 75% in the middle of the slope and 25% at the top. Matured in a combination of new and older oak barrels for 12 months.

3256

CHRISTOPHE PICHON PÈRE & FILS CÔTE RÔTIE/CORNAS/ CONDRIEU CASE

$ 92 $ 276

ONE BOTTLE EACH CÔTE RÔTIE, CORNAS & CONDRIEU

CHRISTOPHE PICHON PÈRE & FILS PROMESSE, AOP CÔTE RÔTIE, 2019

Syrah, Viognier

Côte-Rôtie is the most northern Appellation of the Rhône wine region, and its hillsides are the steepest in the Rhône Valley. Domaine Pichon farms three hectares of 50-year-old vines on steep slopes of schist with Promesse a blend of several parcels. The 2019 has intense oaky aromas of coffee, spice, toast and vanilla which lie over a background of ripe dark fruits. It is a supple mellow wine, linear in shape with succulent mid-palate fruit. Flavours of blackcurrants are complemented by smoky notes which in turn lead to a bitter savoury finish. As is the tradition in Côte-Rôtie, Syrah was co-fermented with 6% Viognier in stainless steel tanks with an extended maceration on skins for 28 days. The wine was matured in new and one-year-old barrels for 14 months.

MAISON CHRISTOPHE PICHON ALLÉGORIE, AOP CORNAS, 2020

Lots of herbal characters, mint and nettles complement aromas of blackcurrant chew and fresh vanilla. It is medium bodied with a supple succulent palate making it extremely approachable. A one-hectare plot on granite and decomposed granite soils is at 400 metres and facing southeast. It was matured in older oak barrels for 14 months, with much less apparent.

Fresh pineapple and lime aromas lead to a rich palate. It is supple with lots of ripe fruit flavours, and a broad round structure with honeyed flavours finishing on delicious lemon and lime citrus notes.

SCOTLAND

Pràban na Linne

ISLE OF SKYE

Based on the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands. The island, at 80 kilometres long, is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and is famous for its scenery and landscapes. Praban Na Linne blends sweet Speyside malts and smoky peaty malts. All are slowly matured then bottled unchillfiltered.

A blended scotch, it has fruity citrus notes with a soft rich palate.

Amber in colour, mellow floral and citrus with a hint of smoke. It is smooth and round with a sweet mid-palate and vanilla oak characters.

Oak, vanilla, and woody notes with a savoury edge. The palate is structured with more smoky and peaty characters that come through.

A dense concentrated wine, it is deep-plum purple in colour. Matured for 15-18 months in new oak barrels, it has an intensely toasty oak aroma with coffee and vanilla. On the palate, more chocolate character emerges complemented by black cherry fruits. It is mediumbodied with fine-grained tannins densely knit giving a slightly grainy texture on the finish. Hermitage is one of the Rhône Valley’s – and France’s – most prestigious Appellations. Hermitage vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône are on a small south-facing hillside close to the town of Tain l’Hermitage. At this point in the river, the Rhône flows west to east before bending again and flowing southwards towards the Mediterranean Sea.

A rich, mellow wine with bags of oak. It has aromas of banana, toffee, caramel, vanilla, toast spices and lime. The palate is broad in structure produced from 97% Marsanne and 3% Roussanne grown on 50to 60-year-old vines. It is rich and buttery with bitter fruit flavours, vanilla toast, honey and a savoury finish. It was fermented in 60% new and 40% one-year-old oak barrels and underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine remained in barrel for 12 months with regular “batonnage” (lees stirring).

Made in Normandy in an artisanal way, this pommeau is elaborated from a variety of bittersweet apples from the Cotentin region, giving it a slightly fruity flavour. Pommeau is a French apéritif made from pressed apple juice and Calvados matured in oak barrels, giving it a beautiful amber hue. Odin, the multifaceted chief divinity of Viking mythology, embodies Jocelyn Pietrus and Léa Guy's spirit when it comes to creating outstanding liqueurs. After working in the nuclear sector for 17 years, Jocelyn moved to Normandy where he opened a restaurant and discovered the potential of local liqueurs. The bottle evokes Norman and Norse Viking history. Amber in colour with intense aromas of baked apples and floral notes, this pommeau is sweet with lots of spicy apple flavours, tarte tatin and the like. Sweet and syrupy with a nice bitter finish. It pairs beautifully with Foie Gras.

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3198 RATAFIA, DOYARD-MAHÉ DM

Pinot Noir

$ WEB $ WEB

Ratafia is a speciality fortified dessert wine produced in the Champagne region. Mahogany in colour, it has intense complex treacle, nutty, figs and date aromas. The rich palate has flavours of treacle sponge, vanilla pod, dried apricot with savoury, nutty notes and a long tangy finish. Produced from Pinot Noir grapes and the addition of grape brandy producing 18% alcohol and 143g/l sugar, this was then matured in a solera.

2022-2029, M8 D9

Treacle, figs, dates 8°C

Dried apricot, nuts, [143.00] 18%

Pan-seared foie gras with caramelized figs

3272

CHÂTEAU CAMBIS, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES CHUSCLAN, 2020

Grenache, Syrah

$ WEB $ WEB

Lots of spicy oak, coffee, vanilla and smoke are laid over a dark fruit and green pepper background. Supple initially, it develops some grainy chewy tannins with a rather rustic finish. Chusclan is on the right bank of the Rhône, north of Tavel and Lirac.

2022-2025, M8 D9

Coffee, spices, oak, green pepper 18°C

Black cherry, smoke 14.5%

Cumin and coriander-marinated veal shish kebab

FOLIES PARISIENNES L'HÉRITAGE

FRANÇAIS, LE BLANC DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2021

Chardonnay $ WEB $ WEB

A light refreshing dry white with fresh apple and pear flavours and a citrus tangy finish.

3210

FOLIES PARISIENNES L'HÉRITAGE FRANÇAIS, LE ROUGE DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2021

Grenache, Syrah

$ WEB $ WEB

A medium bodied red with some structure, it is deep plum in colour with cherry yoghurt character leading to savoury and red cherries on the finish.

3211

FOLIES PARISIENNES L'HÉRITAGE FRANÇAIS, LE ROSÉ DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2021

Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault

$ WEB $ WEB

Pale pink in colour, it has peardrop and bonbon anglais aromas. Relatively light it is is softer and rounder than its white partner.

Roasted vegetables bruschetta

2022 Cellar Schedule

C290: Burgundy, Australia & New Zealand

Opens November 9, 2021

Last day to order: December 13, 2021

Mail form by: November 30, 2021

Expected release: Spring 2022

C291: South Africa & Tuscany

Opens December 14, 2021

Last day to order: January 17, 2022

Mail form by: January 3, 2022

Expected release: Summer 2022

C292: Argentina, Chile & Alsace

Opens January 18, 2022

Last day to order: February 21, 2022

Mail form by: February 7, 2022

Expected release: Summer 2022

C293: Rhône, Chablis, Champagne & Scotland

Opens February 22, 2022

Last day to order: March 28, 2022

Mail form by: March 14, 2022

Expected release: Summer 2022

C294: Spain & Austria

Opens March 29, 2022

Last day to order: May 2, 2022

Mail form by: April 18, 2022

Expected release: Fall 2022

C295: Bordeaux, Bergerac, Beaujolais & Cognac/Armagnac

Opens May 3, 2022

Last day to order: June 6, 2022

Mail form by: May 20, 2022

Expected release: Fall 2022

C296: Veneto, Puglia & Northern Italy, Germany & Corsica

Opens June 7, 2022

Last day to order: July 11, 2022

Mail form by: June 27, 2022

Expected release: Winter 2023

C297: Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire & Provence

Opens July 12, 2022

Last day to order: August 15, 2022

Mail form by: July 29, 2022

Expected release: Winter 2023

C298: The United States, Portugal and the Port Bottle Shop

Opens August 16, 2022

Last day to order: September 19, 2022

Mail form by: September 2, 2022

Expected release: Winter 2023

C299: Piedmont, Sicily, Le Marche, Abruzzo & Canada

Opens September 20, 2022

Last day to order: November 7, 2022

Mail form by: October 25, 2022

Expected release: Spring 2023

If you have any questions or want to order, contact us: MemberService@Opimian.ca or 1 800 361-9421

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

Bottle size

Number of bottles in case

Aroma

Taste

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Percent of alcohol1

Ideal with

Evolution Drink this year Will develop, drink within 2 years Meant for cellaring

Body

Light - Medium - Great Oak Light - Medium - Heavy Limited quantity

Vegetarian2 Overall top 10 from last year

Ordering Made Easy

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