CELLAR 225 Beaujolais, Bergerac and Bordeaux QUEBEC Order by April 28, 2014
ORDERING MADE EASY! WHAT TO ORDER Read the description or use the profile chart for each wine to help you make your selections. The profile chart features a variety of symbols; consult the legend below to discover which symbols best suit your palate. THERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO ORDER • Order online. Go to opim.ca , sign in and select Show Details or Quick Order. • Email opim@opim.ca with your selection. • Call 1-800-361-9421. • Fax your order to 514-481-9699. • Mail your order in the envelope provided. THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO REDEEM YOUR COUPON From the same Cellar Offering… • Order a case of wine and choose your free case from the coupon wines listed on the back cover. OR • Order two cases of wine and receive $75 off your order. Restrictions: Coupons are non-transferrable and cannot be exchanged for cash. See coupon for full details Exclusions: Opimian Select and Founders’ Choice Programs. DELIVERY It takes time! The wines on this Cellar Offering are not yet in Canada. When the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution center, 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 opim.ca. Expected arrival at a Canadian Port is mid-August, 2014. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board, and processing time required by each liquor board. LET US HELP YOU! Contact us at 1-800-361-9421 or email us at opim@opim.ca “During the year 2000, the Château Citran cellars were renovated with particular care. Under this beautiful original framework, the last vintages will age over 15 months, in the French oak barrels selected amongst the best producers. Here, at Château Citran, new techniques and ancient tradition merge each vintage for a new celebration.” – Antoine Merlaut, Proprietor
CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE • Methods of Payment: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or by cheque payable to Opimian. • Prices include all applicable federal and provincial mark ups and taxes, including GST/HST #105 233 217 and QST #1000640430. • A valid 2014 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: April 28, 2014. Notes (as required by the SAQ’s operating procedures): 1. 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 to remit the funds enclosed (less any administration fees) to the SAQ to pay for the wines ordered. 2. The prices as shown are the estimated costs to be charged by the SAQ plus an administration fee and consolidation charges.
LEGEND Members’ Choice
White
Aroma
Drink this year
Red
Taste
Enjoyable now; will develop 6 months-2 years
Serving temperature
Rosé
Opimian Suggests Wine meant for laying down
Ideal with
Sparkling
Bottle size Great concentration Heavy oak
Number of bottles in case Medium concentration
Light in body
Medium oak
Light oak
Less than 100 cases available Very limited quantities
Extremely limited quantities Limited quantities
Degrees of Maturity (M) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = lay down 10 = fully mature Degrees of Drinkability (D) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = needs time 10 = ready to drink
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OPIMIAN CELLAR CELLIEROFFERING 209 225
Medal Winner
This symbol denotes wines most ordered by Opimian members. These are consistently popular with our membership at large.
Appeared in the C217 Select Cases (2013 Season)
To help novice members, this symbol is a guide to wines that are suitable for starting a cellar, and/or for drinking within two years of delivery.
Sweetness scale gms/litre 00 0-3 01 4-6 02 7 - 12 03 13 - 20 04 21 - 34 05 35 - 50 06 51 - 74 07 75 - 100 08 101 - 139 09 140 - 179 10 180 >
Examples Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds Some New World varietals, some reds Champagne, Sparklers, Rosés, few reds Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat Auslese, Beerenauslese Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese
CELLAR OFFERING 225 Beaujolais, Bergerac and Bordeaux
Opimian’s Wine Consultant Jane Masters MW is a graduate of Bordeaux’s famous Institut d’Oenologie and was elected to the Institute of Masters of Wine in 1997. Fluent in French and English, Jane is currently a member of the Council of the Institute of Masters of Wine, regularly speaks at industry seminars and is a Panel Chair for the International Wine Challenge.
Recent times in Bordeaux have been good to growers; a string of good vintages, high demand and seemingly ever increasing prices. But, these things are cyclical. The fine wine market has slowed down and the recent 2013 vintage was tricky. The volume of Bordeaux wines produced last year is massively down with 1.5 million hectolitres less than the 20 year average. Harvest was late and heavy rainfall posed a serious threat to quality. With all this in mind, our selection includes wines from vintages which have previously been somewhat overlooked, but which are drinking very nicely now. Examples such as the Château La Prade 2006, Bordeaux Côtes de Francs offers complexity and great value for money, and the Château Monbrison 2006, all the elegance and finesse of good Margaux. Château Citran 2008, Haut-Médoc has an intense, mellow bouquet of coffee and plums followed by an elegant palate, and the Château Potensac 2008, Médoc is full of spice and blackcurrants with succulent mid-palate fruit. There is no doubt that both 2009 and 2010 are good vintages with rich and concentrated wines. 2010 was considered better on the left bank, but the Château Taillefer 2010, Pomerol scores highly with herbal, tobacco aromas, mellow vanilla flavours, good concentration and a long cedary finish. 2011 was the earliest harvest on record and produced lighter wines suitable for earlier drinking. Not so the 20 Mille 2011, Bordeaux Supérieur produced by Jean-Philippe Janoueix which is dense, concentrated and rich. 2012 also produced many good wines with the potential for ageing. Château de Sours is structured; a reflection of its limestone terroir. For those wanting something extra special the Clos Cantenac 2012, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is restrained with ripe cooked fruits and vanilla, red and black fruits on the palate and a savoury twist. If you are looking for something with instant appeal the Château Vieux Dominique 2012, Bordeaux Supérieur has attractive intense fruits with flavours of crushed strawberries. With so much uncertainty in Bordeaux at the moment, this time next year is likely to be a challenge with heavy pressure on prices. If you enjoy Bordeaux and want to have some in your cellar, now is the time to stock up. Bernard Perrin p. 4
Vintex et Les Vignobles Grégoire p. 15
Château Pique-Sègue p. 9
Vinoma p. 12
Château de Sours p. 20
Clos Cantenac p. 23
SEMAV p. 25
QUEBEC
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Beaujolais
Bernard perrin Ternand Négociant en vins
A “cadole” is a small stone house located in the middle of the vineyard which serves as a storage space for the tools used and as shelter for those seeking refuge in the event of a sudden thunderstorm.
Bernard Perrin was born in the medieval village of Ternand which sits at the top of a hill in the southern Beaujolais known as the “région pierres dorées”. The Perrin family name first appears in archives as owners of “Domaine de Mille Hommes” as far back as the 16th century. Bernard continues the tradition of working the vineyards and making the wines aided by his nephew Emanuel. Like most places in France, 2013 was a late and cool vintage. The wines produced are defined as having more traditional red fruit flavours rather than some of the rich black fruits of recent hotter years, resulting in wines that are elegant and ready for drinking early.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
BEAUJOLAIS BERNARD PERRIN >>
7597 $29.33
$176.00
7598 $22.50
$135.00
7599
Crémant de Bourgogne, 2011, AOC Crémant de Bourgogne, Bernard Perrin A Crémant de Bourgogne can be produced throughout the whole of the Burgundy and Beaujolais regions. In this instance Chardonnay grapes grown around the villages of Theizé and Liergues were used to produce this wine using the same techniques as those developed further north in the Champagne region. Pale and bright in colour, this crémant has mellow fruits aromas of peaches, mangos and pears. Fresh and lively on the palate with good acidity, it makes a great aperitif. The west and north north-east facing vines mean a long and slow maturity which is ideal for sparkling wines.
Domaine de Milhomme, Cuvée Le Mûrier, 2013, AOC Beaujolais, Bernard Perrin The plot of vines used for Cuvée Le Mûrier is surrounded by blackberry bushes, hence its name. Despite the late harvest in 2013, quality is high and the wines are concentrated. Tasting with Bernard and Emanuel in November, they told me that as soon as the fruit was picked, the colour was leaching into the juice, an indication of the full ripeness of the grapes. Deep vibrant purple in colour, the 2013 has red fruits and white pepper spice aromas. With juicy berry fruits on the palate, the wine is supple with a red cherry and raspberry flavour on the finish.
Domaine de Milhomme, Vigne Centenaire, 2012, AOC Beaujolais
$152.00
Phylloxera first appeared in France in the 1860s and went on to destroy 2.5 million hectares of vineyards over the years that followed. As vineyards literally died in front of growers’ eyes, it took years to find the cause, a microscopic aphid that feeds on the vines’ roots, and a solution. The Vigne Centenaire plot was replanted by Bernard’s greatgrandfather in 1887 who, contrary to popular opinion at the time, was one of the first to follow the advice of Victor Pulliat from Chiroubles to graft Gamay vines onto a resistant rootstock. Pulliat later went on to be acclaimed the saviour of French viticulture. The 2012 is restrained with peppery aromas, firm acidity and concentration.
7600
Domaine Dit Barron, 2013, AOC Brouilly, Gilles Aujogues
25.33
$26.83
$161.00
The mellow bouquet introduces cooked red fruits, brambles, strawberries and depth. The palate is structured and concentrated with succulent fruits and a soft finish. Muriel and Gilles Aujogues cultivate 18 hectares of vineyards with 11 hectares in the Brouilly appellation. The Gamay bush vines are 15 to 80 years old and are cultivated on granite soils. A traditional vinification was carried out with wines matured in lined concrete tanks prior to bottling.
BEAUJOLAIS BERNARD PERRIN >>
Chardonnay Peaches, mangos, pears Elegant, fine mousse, good acidity, [02] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Aperitif, sushi
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Red fruits, white pepper spice Soft, light-bodied, red cherries 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Chicken piccata with summer vegetables pasta
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Restrained, white pepper Supple berry acidity 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Cornish game hen with raspberry gravy
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Mellow cooked fruits Brambles, strawberries, succulent finish 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Double-cut veal chops with aromatic pan sauce
QUEBEC
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7601 $26.83
$161.00
7602
Domaine Desmures, 2013, AOC Chiroubles, AnneMarie and Armand Desmures Armand has produced a charming, elegant and fruity Chiroubles. Attractive red fruit aromas, strawberries, white pepper and spice lead to a soft palate; it is light in body with a soft finish. Just over six hectares of vines are cultivated on shallow granite and porphyry soils, poor in nutrients. Chiroubles is the highest of the nine Crus in Beaujolais at 400 metres and sits adjacent to Fleurie and Morgon.
Domaine de la Roche Briday, 2013, AOC Morgon, Thomas Collonge
$162.00
Thomas is the seventh generation of the Collonge family to cultivate 14 hectares at Domaine de la Roche Briday in Morgon and has made his own impact on winemaking in the traditional cellar. After a late flowering, almost three weeks later than usual, the vines benefitted from superb weather conditions in July and August. Despite this the crop was picked late between October 1st and October 15th. The 2013 is aromatic with white pepper spice and red fruit. Soft on the palate it has lovely fruit with savoury notes. The grapes were sorted and bunches partially destemmed prior to carbonic maceration for 12 to 15 days and maturation in concrete tanks.
7603
Clos de Haute Combe, 2013, AOC Juliénas, Vincent Audras
$27.00
$27.17
$163.00
7604 $27.33
$164.00
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Clos de Haute Combe has been in Vincent Audras’ family since 1835. Situated at the top of the hill with a vista that looks down on the village of Juliénas, 13 hectares of vines face southwards. The slopes are steep so that most of the work in the vineyard must be carried out manually. The granite, schist soils seem to impart a spicy, peppery characteristic each year and 2013 is no exception; white and grey pepper aromas lead to a soft palate with firm acidity, chewy tannins and a long, spicy finish. After fermentation the wine was aged on lees in large old oak casks.
Domaine de Montangeron, 2013, AOC Fleurie, Frédéric Montangeron Exuding ripe red fruit aromas, plums and strawberries, the Fleurie made by Muriel and Frédéric Montangeron is soft, yet concentrated with structure and tannins. The Cru Beaujolais Fleurie is renowned for producing elegant wines. Frédéric has produced a more masculine style in 2013. Cultivated on eight hectares of granite crystalline soils, the vines span 10 to 110 years old. The Domaine itself is relatively young having been created in 2000. Prior to that, the grapes were sold to local négociant firms and blended.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Appealing red fruits, white pepper Light-bodied, soft finish 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Pan-seared chicken with roasted tomato sauce
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Aromatic, white pepper, red fruits Savoury flavours 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Baked courgette and minced pork
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc White and grey pepper spice Soft attack, good acidity, long spicy finish 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Classic roast turkey, Camembert
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Strawberries, plums Concentrated, good tannin structure 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Grilled andouillette with cabbage and onion relish
BEAUJOLAIS BERNARD PERRIN >>
7605 $27.67
$166.00
7606 $33.17
$199.00
Domaine de la Sionnière, 2013, AOC Moulin-àVent, Estelle and Thomas Patenôtre The Domaine de la Sionnière estate was created by Thomas’ great-great-grandfather and he has been running it with his wife Estelle for nearly 20 years. 14.5 hectares of vines are cultivated on sandy granite soils rich in magnesium content. After traditional fermentation in concrete tanks, the wine was matured in large 45 year old oak casks. The 2013 has distinctly red cherry and white pepper flavours.
Domaine de Thulon, 2012, AOC Régnié, Elégance, Carine, Laurent Jambon The use of oak in Beaujolais remains unusual given the light nature and the softness of the Gamay grape; it would be all too easy for the oak to completely dominate the wine. Domaine de Thulon Elégance was aged in oak for 12 months and there is no doubt that there is an obvious coconut, toasty oak characteristic. However, rather than dominate, it complements the floral violet flavours creating a wine that is mellow and balanced; atypical perhaps, but delicious. The grapes were selected from 70 year old vines sited on the best part of the estate close to the Château in the Régnié appellation.
BEAUJOLAIS BERNARD PERRIN >>
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Red cherry fruits, pepper Medium-bodied, good acidity 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Pork roast with balsamic potatoes, Époisse
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc Coconut, toast Violets, red berry fruits, oaky 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Game terrine served with chutney, Brie
The hillsides of the Cru Chiroubles are deemed the steepest of all the Beaujolais Crus. Their views are breathtaking.
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The chapel of Fleurie, La Madone de Fleurie, overlooks the vineyards of the Cru Fleurie. Fleurie is reputed to be the most “feminine” of the Beaujolais Crus, a delicate expression of the Gamay grape.
7607 $33.17
$199.00
7608 $33.17
$199.00
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Bouteille Frères, Viognier, Cuvée Roland, 2012, Vin de France This is a great example of Viognier, and an unusual wine to be produced in the Beaujolais region. The Bouteille Frères estate, in the village of Saint Jean des Vignes in southern Beaujolais, was established by Joannès Bouteille in the early 1900s. Medium yellow in colour, the wine has white blossom aromas and honey. Soft and broad on the palate, it is intense and quite ready for drinking. Named after the last generation, Roland will take over the reins from his parents ensuring continuity of the family enterprise.
Bouteille Frères, Gamaret, Cuvée Sophie, 2012, Vin de France Intense spicy aromas lead to a rich palate with dark fruits, smoky flavours and a long spicy finish. Gamaret was recently approved for planting in Beaujolais. A Swiss cross produced in 1970 by André Jaquinet from Gamay and Reichensteiner, it is mainly planted around Lac Léman in Switzerland. It is an early ripening variety with good resistance to rot due to the high quantity of polyphenols which produce concentrated, tannic wines.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
Viognier White blossom, hint leather Broad structure, floral, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Vietnamese spring rolls
Gamaret Intense, spicy, incense Rich, dark black fruits, smoke 16° C 2014-2020, M6 D9 Game pie with leeks and mushrooms
BEAUJOLAIS BERNARD PERRIN
Bergerac
A picturesque view of one aspect of the Pique-Sègue valley – vines, Limousin cattle, one of the cattle barns, and the family home.
Château Pique-Sègue Philip & Marianne Mallard There is much in common between the vineyards of Bergerac and those of Bordeaux. The same grape varieties are cultivated and if it weren’t for the fact that it lies in a separate department, that of the Dordogne, then the two would be grouped together. The weather conditions are a bit more extreme so the wines tend to be more rustic; red wines are high in chewy tannins. Château PiqueSègue has 264 hectares with vines cultivated on the last hills of the Libournais, on the right bank of the Dordogne. The estate was purchased by Philip Mallard and his wife Marianne in the early nineties and the vineyards completely re-structured.
BERGERAC CHÂTEAU PIQUE-SÈGUE >>
QUEBEC
9
7609 $24.67
$148.00
7610 $30.67
$184.00
7611 $36.50
$219.00
Château Pique-Sègue, 2012, AOC Bergerac Produced from a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Château Pique-Sègue 2012 has leafy, herbal aromas. Concentrated and structured with a blackcurrant finish, it will benefit from time in bottle. A group of Opimians visited Château Pique-Sègue with owner Philip Mallard in October 2012, just after these grapes had been harvested. The previous winter had generally been a hard and cold one in Bordeaux, but even more extreme in Bergerac with temperatures dropping to between -17°C to -19°C for two weeks in February, fortunately not dropping beyond that to kill off the vines completely.
Château Dauzan La Vergne, 2009, AOC Côtes de Bergerac The Dauzan La Vergne was aged for 12 months in oak barrels, one third new, one third one year use and one third two years use, giving it intense spicy, incense, ginger and smoky aromas. The palate is rich and concentrated with savoury and fruit flavours, and fine texture with a long, treacle finish. The vines are cultivated on slopes of clay, limestone and tuff soils in the hills between SaintÉmilion and Bergerac, north of the Dordogne River.
Terre de Pique-Sègue, Anima Vitis, 2008, AOC Montravel The top wine produced at Château Pique-Sègue, Terre de Pique-Sègue is majority Merlot with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon planted at high density. The 2008 is quite restrained with fresh fruit aromas, elegant structure and firm tannins on the finish. The wine was matured for 15 months in new French oak barrels. A lighter vintage, it will be ready for relatively earlier drinking.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Leafy nose Concentrated, structured, firm tannins 18° C 2014-2019, M6 D7 Rigatoni pasta with sautéed wild boar sausage tomato sauce
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Spicy incense, ginger, smoke Concentrated, dark raisined fruits, savoury 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Roasted quail and sweet potato purée with blueberry-ginger-mint red wine reduction
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Dark fruits Elegant structure, chewy tannins 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D7 Grilled French lamb cutlets with thyme
Marianne and Philip Mallard with Doughnut and Château Pique-Sègue in the background.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
BERGERAC CHÂTEAU PIQUE-SÈGUE >>
7612
Château Pique-Sègue Medal Winners - Wood Case Château Pique-Sègue, 2008, AOC Bergerac
$32.33
Starting to show some colour development, the 2008 is a deep brick ruby. Smoky aromas with a fine silky texture and marked yet balanced acidity, it ends with long, bitter cherry flavours.
$194.00
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Smoky dark fruits Bitter cherries, fine silky tannins 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D7 Fillet steak with brandy and peppercorn sauce
Château Dauzan La Vergne, 2005, AOC Côtes de Bergerac 2005 was a very good year in Bergerac and the Dauzan La Vergne is now perfect for drinking. The bouquet is mellow with woodland fruits and liquorice while on the palate there are ripe berries, earthy flavours and plenty of ripe tannins.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Mellow, woodland fruits, liquorice Soft, earthy flavours 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Seared duck breast with wild rice, parsnip purée and rosemary jus
Terre de Pique-Sègue, Anima Vitis, 2002, AOC Montravel
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Complex and developed, the Terre de Pique-Sègue has woodland fruits, incense, and spice with a hint of leather. The palate is elegant with cassis flavours and a soft structure with balanced acidity.
Woodlands, incense, cassis
Complex, fruits, hint of leather
18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9
Château Pique-Sègue and three 500 year old olive trees located on the property; the entrance to the winery is on the left.
BERGERAC CHÂTEAU PIQUE-SÈGUE
Wild mushroom risotto
QUEBEC
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Bordeaux These vines will bear Château Fongaban’s future Merlot grapes. During the month of February each year, the pruning in the vineyard starts very early in the morning, single pruning of 10 to 12 buds and a short pruning of one bud for the next year.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
vinoma Angelita & Michel Baucé Pineuilh, Gironde Husband and wife team Angelita and Michel Baucé are based in the far east of the Bordeaux appellation. Installed in the area since 2003, wines have been produced from these vineyards for over 200 years. In 2007 they made the decision to convert their vineyards to organic viticulture and work with other similar-minded estates.
BORDEAUX VINOMA >>
7613 $22.67
$136.00
7614 $22.33
$134.00
7615 $24.33
$146.00
7616 $31.67
$190.00
Château Les Bois Noirs, 2013, AOC Bordeaux, EARL Vignobles de la Rayre
Merlot, Cabernet Franc
2013 has been a difficult year for Angelita and Michel Baucé with only a quarter of a normal crop produced. Intense in colour, the 2013 Les Bois Noirs has a distinct white pepper characteristic on the nose. Medium-bodied it reveals firm acidity and a long incense flavour. The 22 hectare estate has 14 hectares of vines planted on south-facing slopes within the Dordogne valley and the natural slope allows for good drainage. The wine is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc from vines an average age of 40 years. Wine has been made at the estate since the 18th century and Michel continues to mature his wines in the stone cellar built at that time.
White pepper, woodlands
Château Haut Nivelle, Tradition, 2012, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, Vignobles Le Pottier
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
A popular choice last year with Opimians, the 2012 Château Haut Nivelle has ripe plum aromas. Balanced with nice dark fruits, black treacle and savoury flavours, it has a soft, ripe finish. Château Haut Nivelle, situated at the eastern limit of the Bordeaux appellation close to Lussac-Saint-Émilion, has been owned by the Le Pottier family since 1979. At the time the family purchased the estate much of the vineyard had been grubbed up following economic crises in the 1950s. With no wine knowledge or experience the family set about reestablishing the vineyard. The 80 hectare estate now has 32 hectares planted with 17 hectares of Merlot, 13 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and two hectares of Cabernet Franc. A new wine cellar was constructed and their son Patrick Le Pottier makes the wines.
Red fruits, plums
Château Fongaban, 2011, AOC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, S.A.R.L. de Fongaban This wine is filled with succulent berry fruits; blackberries, blueberries and blackcurrants. Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes were cultivated from 30 year old vines on the south-facing slope with full sun exposure. Aged in oak barrels for 12 months, it has a smooth chocolate finish. Château Fongaban has been in the Taïx family since 1932. The vineyards lie on a clay limestone plateau that sits partly in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux and partly in Puisseguin Saint-Émilion.
Château Rigaud, 2012, AOC Puisseguin SaintÉmilion, Pierre Taïx Château Rigaud is at the south western boundary of the Puisseguin Saint-Émilion appellation. Vineyards sit on the limestone plateau that is the highest point in the appellation. The 2012 has ripe, jammy cooked fruits, not very complex, but brimming with brambly cherry fruits. Produced from 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the oldest vines were planted in 1936, the most recent in 1980, and have been farmed organically since 2007.
BORDEAUX VINOMA >>
Firm acidity, long incense spice 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Crisp pork belly with white bean ragout and tart cherry reduction
Savoury, black treacle, ripe tannins 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Braised rabbit with wild mushrooms and prunes
Merlot, Cabernet Franc Blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants Succulent palate, nice acidity 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Fennel and rosemary-crusted roasted rack of lamb
Merlot, Cabernet Franc Ripe plums, cooked fruits Brambly cherry fruits, hint of leather 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Steak entrecôte Marchand de Vin – red wine sauce and shallots
QUEBEC
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7617 $26.67
$160.00
7618 $31.67
$190.00
7619 $31.17
$187.00
7620 $43.50
$261.00
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Château Fayau, Cuvée Classic, 2009, AOC Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, Jean Médeville & Fils Situated on the outskirts of the old fortified town of Cadillac, on the right bank of the Garonne River, the Château Fayau vineyards lie on the slope that sits above the town. The 2009 shows nice development with mellow woodlands, cherries and vanilla aromas. Simple with a succulent palate, proprietor and owner Jean Médeville selected fruit from six hectares with a blend 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.
Château Fayau, Cuvée Jean Médeville, 2011, AOC Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, Elevé en Fûts de Chêne The barrel aged cuvée produced at Château Fayau has intense spice and cedary aromas combined with blackcurrant fruit. Rich and concentrated on the palate it has ripe tannins and a juicy mid-palate. Produced from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon the grapes were de-stemmed and the juice fermented in contact with the skins for 20 days. Maturation in oak has created an elegant wine with structure and balance, and with the potential to develop more complex flavours. Jean Médeville’s family has been making wine for over 180 years since his ancestor Jérôme Médeville, a cooper, bought Château Fayau in 1826.
Château Fontebride, 2011, AOC Sauternes, S.C.E. Château Haut-Bergeron Bright yellow in colour, with restrained vanilla, spice and fresh mushroom, classic noble rot aromas are found on the nose. Sauternes was a definite success in the 2011 vintage and Château Fontebride has all the markings. Fresh and light on the palate it has complex vanilla and lemon flavours. Owned by the Lamothe family since the 1950s, the estate comprises six hectares all in the commune of Bommes. Soils are gravelly over clay subsoil and planted to 90% Sémillon, 5% Muscadelle, and 5% Sauvignon. The wine was aged for 12 months in barrel.
Château Haut-Bergeron, 2011, AOC Sauternes, Lamothe The Lamothe family, today represented by Patrick and Hervé, is one of the oldest families in the Sauternes region. Owners of Château Haut-Bergeron since the late 18th century, the vineyards lie in both the Sauternes and Barsac appellations with one plot contiguous with the vineyards of the most famous Sauternes estate, Château d’Yquem. Château HautBergeron 2011 is a rich, concentrated, luscious wine. Aromas produced by the noble rot, earthy with fresh mushroom notes, combine with intense apricot fruits to create a complex bouquet. In late summer and autumn, the region is shrouded in mist each morning coming from the cold Ciron River as it hits warmer water. The sun struggles to break though each day only managing to do so by early afternoon after which time blue skies reign. These conditions are ideal for the development of Botrytis or noble rot which attacks the grapes as they are ripening on the vine. Distinctly unappealing to look at, these grapes taste amazing and are the key to one of the world’s greatest sweet wines. Individual grapes are picked by hand and pressed to give a syrupy viscous juice. The Haut-Bergeron 2011 was fermented in oak barrels, 50% new, and has great balance, with complex pineapple, passion fruit, barley sugar and vanilla flavours.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Mellow fruits, undergrowth Vanilla fruits, cherries 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Cabernet-braised short ribs served on pappardelle pasta Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Cedary, spice, blackcurrant Concentrated, ripe tannins, oaky flavours 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D9 Grilled quail with shallots, mushrooms, and blackcurrant jus
Sémillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Subtle, vanilla, fresh mushroom Fresh, light, vanilla and lemon flavours, [08] 8° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Foie gras toasts with Sauternes gelée, apple, rosemary and honey tart with whipped goat cheese
Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle Elegant, vanilla, mushroom Succulent, ripe pineapple, passion fruit, fresh acidity, [08] 8° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Roasted duck breast with figs and Sauternes sauce, pineapple tarte tatin with coconut and lemongrass ice cream
BORDEAUX VINOMA
Vintex et Les Vignobles Grégoire It was with great shock that I learnt on the news of the tragic death of James Grégoire in a helicopter crash prior to Christmas. James was a great friend of Opimian, initially through Bill Blatch and Vintex. He hosted a memorable Opimian visit to Château de La Rivière around the cellar and quarries beneath the Château followed by a vertical tasting, and I always enjoyed speaking with him at the Vintex annual tasting during “en primeur” week. My condolences go to his family and colleagues at Vintex. He will be sorely missed.
Château Bois Noir is named after the pine trees that surround the property. The modern cellar includes state-ofthe-art bottling equipment.
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>
QUEBEC
15
7621
Château Haut Maginet, Blanc, 2013, AOC Bordeaux, Vignobles Jolivet
7632
Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering
$22.17
$133.00 COUPON
There are lots of appealing aromatic fruit aromas; gooseberry, passion fruit, lemon and citrus. The Haut Maginet 2013 is fresh with good acidity and a long citrus finish. Located in the village of Soussac in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers region that lies between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, Soussac is one of the highest areas of the region. The Jolivet family has been cultivating vineyards here for four generations.
7622
Château Haut Maginet, 2013, AOC Bordeaux Rosé, Vignobles Jolivet
$22.17
Well-balanced with red fruits and a soft attack, this wine is easy to drink with crisp acidity. Produced from a 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes were picked and left for a short time on skins to leach the colour into the juice. The juice was then bled into a tank and fermented at low temperature.
$133.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle Gooseberry, passion fruit Lemon, balanced acidity, long passion fruit finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Yellowtail sushi with avocado
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Winey, red fruits, sherbet Balanced, fresh fruits, crisp acidity, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Pan-seared trout with capers butter
Château Jouanin proprietor Pierre Taïx - the distinctive eight hectare vineyard is located in both the Puisseguin Saint-Émilion and Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellations.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>
7623 $22.17
$133.00
7624 $25.50
$153.00
Château Haut Maginet, Rouge, 2012, AOC Bordeaux, Vignobles Jolivet The village of Soussac lies on the slopes of the Butte de Launay, one of the highest points in the region. Château Haut Maginet has 20 hectares of vineyards planted 20 years ago on a limestone plateau and south-facing slopes. The 2012 is a blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. Vibrant in colour, it is somewhat restrained on the nose with good structure and balance on the palate, ending on a cedary note.
Clos Sainte-Anne, Sauvignon-Sémillon, 2013, AOC Bordeaux, Famille Courselle Clos Sainte-Anne is owned by the same family as Château Thieuley and is the private home of Marie Courselle. The house is surrounded by vines, with the steep south-facing slope dropping in the front. 1.5 hectares are planted to Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Pale in colour, the 2013 has a wonderfully delicate aroma with gooseberries, limes and mineral notes. The palate has good weight with long green apple and blossom flavours. After pressing the grape juice was left to settle at low temperature. It was fermented at 18°C and kept on lees in tank for a couple months.
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Restrained, dark fruits Structured, cedary finish 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Roasted hangar steak with pommes frites
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon Gooseberry, limes, mineral Fresh limes, greens apples, [00] 6° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Asian style seared salmon with lemongrass risotto
QUEBEC
17
7625 $35.67
$214.00
7626 $36.33
$218.00
Roquefortissime, Château Roquefort, Sauvignon, 2013, AOC Bordeaux This is the top of the range white produced at Château Roquefort. Elegant aromas of fresh gooseberries mingle with subtle vanilla notes; the oak is completely integrated with the fruit. Produced from 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon, the wine was fermented in 100% French Allier oak barrels. Perfectly balanced, on the palate there are elegant lingering vanilla and lime flavours. This old property comprises ruins dating back to 5000 BC with a covered stone alley, Stone Age implements, and a mural.
Château Magneau, Julien, 2011, AOC Graves, EARL Les Cabanasses, Ardurats & Fils This is a great example of fine, barrel-fermented white Graves. Château Magneau at La Brède lies just outside the Pessac-Léognan appellation and is easily equal in quality. Produced from 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Sémillon, the wine has an intense bouquet with ripe pineapples, toast and a slightly vegetal note. The palate reveals spicy white fruits, peaches, honey, vanilla and floral flavours. This is a complex wine, mellow with fine texture and a long lemon finish. The grapes were picked by hand, de-stemmed and the juice left in contact with the skins for up to 12 hours. The wine was fermented and subsequently aged in oak, 50% new, 50% one year old, for a further seven months with regular lees stirring to add complexity and weight to the final wine.
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon Gooseberry, vanilla, lime Elegant, long citrus finish, touch of vanilla, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Sautéed chicken with olives and candied lemons
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon Toast, pineapple Spicy white fruits, peaches, honey, vanilla, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Smoked salmon sandwich with goat cheese, arugula, onion and capers
7627
Château du Pin, 2011, AOC Bordeaux, SCEA Vignobles J M Constans
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
7633
Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering
Spicy incense, cassis
Château du Pin has been in the Constans family since 1880. For the last 30 years Jean-Marie has cultivated the 46 hectare vineyard and his wife Claudette has made the wines. A long way geographically from the Médoc and the classed growths or the wines of Saint-Émilion, this is good, solid Bordeaux wine produced by a modest family. The 2011 has spicy incense flavours, a soft juicy structure and chewy tannins.
Juicy, soft tannins
$20.83
$125.00 COUPON
7628 $22.33
$134.00
Château Clou du Pin, 2012, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, SCEA des Domaines Fontana Located in Gensac in the Entre-deux-Mers, Château Clou du Pin is a small eight hectare family estate. 35 year old vines are cultivated on clay, limestone soils producing a wine with spicy cedary aromas, medium-bodied with fine texture, chewy tannins and cassis flavours. A blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine was matured in tank prior to bottling.
18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Grilled veal chops with Bordelaise sauce
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Spicy, cedary notes Cassis, chewy tannins, oaky finish 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Balsamic-glazed beef stuffed mushrooms
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>
Château Clou du Pin – a small family estate in Gensac in the Entre-deux-Mers.
7629 $24.67
$148.00
7630 $25.17
$151.00
7631 $29.67
$178.00
Château Jouanin, 2011, AOC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, S.A.R.L. de Fongaban Restrained savoury and black cherry aromas mingle with vanilla spice. This wine is elegant and complex. Château Jouanin has eight hectares of vineyards around the town of Monbadon in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. Produced from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the grapes were fermented in stainless steel and traditional concrete tanks. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 10% new, adding spice and body.
Château Vieux Dominique, Réserve, 2012, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur A wine with instant appeal, the Château Vieux Dominique has intense explosive forest fruits, blackberries, blueberries and flavours of crushed strawberries. Owned by Cyrille Grégoire, the estate lies towards the northern boundary of the Bordeaux appellation at Maransin. Twenty-six hectares of vines are cultivated on a slope of clay and limestone soil over silt and blue clay subsoil. After picking the grapes underwent a hot maceration. Post-fermentation the wine was aged in tank with full focus on succulent fruit flavours.
Château Bois Noir, 2010, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur Another wine from the Cyrille Grégoire stable, the Château Bois Noir is 100% Merlot with mellow cooked cherry aromas. The fleshy palate is soft in texture with good acidity, fine tannins and flavours of red fruits, chocolate and coffee. The grapes were picked and sorted at the winery prior to crushing and fermentation at 28°C. After draining off the skins, the wine was matured for 14 months in oak barrels.
BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE
Merlot, Cabernet Franc Black cherry, savoury notes Complex, vanilla spice, forest fruits 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Braised lamb with white beans and rosemary
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Explosive forest fruits, blackberries, blueberries Crushed strawberries, soft palate, long finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Roast pork tenderloin with blackberry port sauce
Merlot Mellow, cooked cherries Fresh red fruits, soft texture, chocolate, coffee finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Duck confit with a dark cherry glaze served on a bed of celeriac mash
QUEBEC
19
Two weeks to go before harvest and the young Merlot fruit is looking irresistible.
Château de Sours Saint-Quentin-de-Baron This year Martin Krajewski will celebrate his tenth year as owner of Château de Sours. In that time he has transformed it from a rundown estate producing run-of-the-mill wines in the Entredeux-Mers which had a reputation for pretty decent rosé wines, to one which produces some of the best rosé wines in the world, great white wines and fine red wines with the potential to age. Valérie Valmy is fully focused on winemaking and works closely with Chef de Culture Gregory Betton responsible for all aspects of viticulture. The estate shares the same limestone plateau as Saint-Émilion less than ten kilometres away, an area associated with making good wines for many years. Martin has brought his energy, passion, resources and a drive for quality, and has really raised the game.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU DE SOURS >>
7635
Richemont du Château de Sours Blanc, 2013, AOC Bordeaux
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc
Pale in colour with restrained limey flavours and a firm steely mineral finish, the Richemont du Château de Sours Blanc 2013 was produced from a 50/50 blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes were harvested towards the end of September and the juice fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperature, capturing the full fruitiness of the grapes. It is named after the Comte de Richemont who built the current house on the estate in 1792 and who survived the French revolution; he planted the first vines on the estate.
Fresh limes
7636
Richemont du Château de Sours Rosé, 2013, AOC Bordeaux
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Herbal, leafy
$21.50
Nice herbal leafy aromas are evident on the nose, with structure and weight on the palate. The 2013 Richemont du Château de Sours Rosé has crisp acidity with a long, herbal, cassis finish. Made from 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine was matured on lees in tank prior to bottling.
$21.50
$258.00
$258.00
Firm acidity, steely mineral finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Sauvignon Blanc-steamed mussels with garlic toasts
Cassis, structured, crisp finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Crab salsa crostini
7637 $21.50
$258.00
7638 $28.33
$170.00
Richemont du Château de Sours Rouge, 2012, AOC Bordeaux Grapes from the younger vines are used to make a wine for early drinking; nevertheless, this wine will also mature for some years. Produced from 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has floral and herbal fruit aromas, a soft attack on the palate with ripe tannins and a nice bitter chocolate finish. The grapes were hand-harvested and a cold soak carried out prior to fermentation. The wine was aged in old oak barrels for 18 months.
Château de Sours Blanc, 2013, AOC Bordeaux Elegant fruits with lime vanilla aromas introduce white peaches and fresh citrus acidity on the palate which lingers. The grapes were picked in the cool morning under fine weather conditions. A blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris from older vines, the juice was fermented in French oak barrels, but with a large proportion of older oak adding spice and complexity rather than overt oak. Lively and fresh, this is a great follow on to the 2012 vintage.
BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU DE SOURS >>
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Herbal fruits Ripe, bitter chocolate finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Meatloaf served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed zucchini
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris Vanilla cream, limes Citrus, fresh acidity, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Chicken and leek pie
QUEBEC
21
Château de Sours Rouge, 2012, AOC Bordeaux
7639
$30.00
$180.00
7640
$62.00
$186.00
Deep plum purple in colour, the Château de Sours 2012 is a little restrained on the nose with aromas of ripe black and red fruits and hints of cedar and vanilla. On the palate it is mellow with a soft attack and fine texture; succulent fruits combine with a savoury edge. It is elegant, yet powerful. Produced from a blend of 70% Merlot and 20% Petit Verdot with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the grapes were cultivated on the estate’s limestone plateau. Picked late September, early October, the grapes were crushed and a small amount of juice “saignée” or bled from the tank. After fermentation the wine was matured in French oak for 13 months, 30% new, 70% second year barrels.
7641 $51.00
$306.00
La Source du Château de Sours Blanc, 2012, AOC Bordeaux An elegant, subtle wine with refined aromas of fresh limes and vanilla, it is produced from 50 year old Sémillon vines blended with 67% Sauvignon Blanc. It has a mineral, earthy characteristic on the palate with a long, limey finish. The grapes were hand-picked towards the end of August. After gentle pressing and clarification of the juice, it was fermented in oak barrels, 50% new, and 50% one year old. It was then matured on lees with regular “bâtonnage” until bottling, adding complexity and mid-palate weight.
La Source du Château de Sours Rouge, 2012, AOC Bordeaux
7642
7643
$60.33 $362.00
$124.33 $373.00
A complex, spicy wine with ginger, nutmeg and woody aromas, it was aged in 40% new French oak and 60% second year barrels. The oak marries perfectly with herbal dark fruits to create a concentrated palate, with depth, good acidity and a sour bitter cherry cedary finish. Produced from four hectares of the best plots of Merlot on the estate, the grapes were hand-picked at the start of October. Valérie and Martin inspect the full barrel hall with satisfaction.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Black and red fruits, cedar, vanilla Mellow, fine texture, savoury finish 18° C 2014-2019, M6 D8 Suckling pig stuffed with sausage and Parma ham
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon Restrained, lime, vanilla Some earthiness, fresh tangy finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Seared sea scallops with asparagus risotto, baby spinach, pancetta, onion and a carrot reduction
Merlot Intense ginger, nutmeg, woody spice, dark fruits Sour bitter cherries, structured 18° C 2015-2022, M6 D6 Braised lamb shanks with root vegetable purée Valérie carefully collects samples from the young Cabernet Sauvignon vines for pre-harvest analysis.
BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU DE SOURS
Clos Cantenac Saint-Émilion Grand Cru With only a few days to go before harvest, the Merlot vines at La Devine are in perfect condition.
BORDEAUX CLOS CANTENAC >>
Purchased in 2007 by Martin Krajewski and New Zealander Marcus Le Grice, Clos Cantenac lies close to the prehistoric “Mégalithe de Pierrefitte “, the largest menhir in south west France at 5.2 metres high and 3 metres wide. It sits on the edge of the old pilgrims’ path to Santiago de Compostela and the summer solstice is still celebrated there each year. Clos Cantenac has recently completed building a new barrel maturation cellar which will be used for the new 2013 wines, although not as many barrels as Martin would like as the crop was severely low. Designed using traditional materials, stone and oak, and local craftsmen, the cellar is maintained at perfect temperature conditions for gentle ageing of the wines.
QUEBEC
23
Petit Cantenac, 2012, AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
7644
7645
7646
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Red cherries, vanilla, spice Red fruits, vibrant acidity, succulent
$47.33
$284.00
$97.00
$291.00
$220.00 $220.00
The Petit Cantenac is a blend of older Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes from 3.5 hectares. While the nose remains quite reserved, it has very ripe fruits, red cherries and vanilla spice. The palate is vibrant red fruit and black cherry flavours balanced with acidity. This is a pure wine with fine texture and a long, steely finish. The grapes were hand-picked on September 24th, October 2nd and October 3rd and left to cold soak for seven days. The wine was fermented in small stainless steel tanks and left in contact with skins for 15 to 20 days. It was then matured in French oak barrels for 24 months, 40% new.
Clos Cantenac, 2012, aoc Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
7647
7648
7649
18° C 2015-2024, M6 D6 Herb-rubbed duck with tart cherry and sage sauce
Merlot Vanilla, restrained fruits Succulent, black and red fruits, marmite
$81.67 $490.00
$165.67 $497.00
$359.00 $359.00
This wine is 100% Merlot coming from just 1.8 hectares in two separate blocks close to the winery and planted 15 and 25 years ago. Only tiny quantities of Clos Cantenac are produced. First tasted during the “en primeur” tastings in April 2013, the 2012 was already a star and has continued to improve with barrel maturation. Re-tasted in January 2014 it has mellow, ripe cooked fruit aromas complemented by vanilla and mocha overtones. Succulent on the palate, it has sweet, juicy red and black fruits with a sour and savoury twist adding complexity. Balanced with fine acidity and a long finish, the oak is classy and completely integrated with the rich fruit; the wine spent 20 months in barrel, 40% new and 60% second year oak.
24
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
18° C 2015-2025, M5 D6 Boeuf bourguignon
First light at Clos Cantenac and the old Fiat tractor is loaded with empty fruit bins for the harvesters to fill.
BORDEAUX CLOS CANTENAC
The entrance and old façade of Château Tour Saint-Bonnet; it is in 1519 that we see the first mention of the “Seigneurie” of Saint-Bonnet.
SEMAV The Johnston Family
There are certain family dynasties inextricably linked with the Bordeaux wine trade and the Johnston family name is one of them. William Johnston, originally of Scottish descent, created a trading company in Bordeaux in 1734. In 1865 Nathaniel Johnston purchased estates, becoming proprietor of names such as Saint-Julien’s Château Ducru-Beaucaillou and Château Dauzac in Margaux and was greatly involved in the creation of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification still recognized today. His descendants, brothers Denis, Archie, and Ivanhoé, continue the merchant business using their knowledge of the region to offer fine Bordeaux wines and have been joined more recently by the latest generation, Thomas and Laure Johnston.
7650
Prince Pirate Rouge, Cuvée PJG, Vin Rouge de France
$15.08
This blend is produced by the Johnstons exclusively for The Opimian Society from wines sourced a little further south. The Prince Pirate Rouge is a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Carignan, and 20% Merlot. It is spices and red fruits.
$181.00
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
Grenache, Carignan, Merlot Spicy red fruits Medium-bodied 16° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Herbed roasted eggplant with pomegranate-raspberry sauce
QUEBEC
25
The Château Citran property dates back to the Middle Ages. The Merlaut-Villars family is working to restore it.
7651 $18.50
The Opimian Society’s Claret, AOC Bordeaux Created by the Johnstons for The Opimian Society, this is a simple drinking, easy going Claret for every day. A blend of 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a spicy, earthy nose and plummy fruits on the palate with firm acidity.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Hay, cherries Plum skins, bitter cherry 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9
$222.00
Vegetable lasagna
Left Bank
7652 $19.75
$237.00
7653 $33.50
$201.00
26
Château Maillard, 2011, AOC Graves I raved about the 2010 produced at Château Maillard last year, and wondered how much of it was down to luck, but once again Bruno David has produced an outstanding wine for the price. Vibrant in colour, it has intense cedary oak, dark fruits, cherries and pencil lead aromas. The palate reveals vanilla, cloves and more mellow fruits with an elegant structure and a long blackcurrant, cassis finish. The estate is located at the most southern end of the Graves region in Mazères and consists of 58 hectares which Bruno has built up over the years. Anyone that enjoyed the 2010 will not be disappointed.
Château Tour St. Bonnet, 2011, AOC Médoc, SARL Merlét-Lafon The 40 hectare estate of Tour St. Bonnet lies up in the far north of the Médoc appellation at Saint-Christoly-Médoc, 75 kilometres from Bordeaux and close to where the Gironde estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean, remote and exposed to the elements. An old property, the “Seigneurie” of St. Bonnet is first mentioned in texts in 1519. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Côt vineyards aged 20 to 40 years lie on a raised gravel outcrop. The 2011 has nice ripe jammy fruits, is quite light on the palate with liquorice and cherry flavours, and is perfect for early drinking. It is a blend of 65% Merlot harvested between September 14th and September 26th, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon picked September 27th and September 30th, and 5% Petit Verdot.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Cedary oak, dark fruits, vanilla Structured, long blackcurrant cassis finish 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Pepper-crusted fillet of beef with roasted balsamic onions and thyme
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot Jammy fruits Light structure, mellow flavours, cherry finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Pot-roasted veal with porcini mushrooms
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
7654 $42.83
$257.00
7655 $46.50
$279.00
7656 $52.33
$314.00
Château Citran, 2008, AOC Haut-Médoc
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cru Bourgeois Château Citran estate, owned by the Merlaut-Villars family since 1996 and owners of five or six other famous names in the Médoc, is also one of the oldest “Seigneuries” in the Médoc. A large estate at over 400 hectares, just under a quarter is planted with vines. The 2008 is perfectly developed and ready to drink with intense coffee aromas and plums. The palate is soft, mellow and quite light in structure with pleasant truffle woodland flavours and good tannins. The vineyard is split into two plots. The first sits on a gravel crest adjacent to the Margaux appellation with vineyards gently sloping down towards the Château itself; this explains the soft, elegant style similar to many Margaux wines. The other part is close to the town of Avensan. The 2008 is a blend of 59% Merlot with 41% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was matured in oak, 35% new.
Coffee, plums
Château Sénéjac, 2010, AOC Haut-Médoc
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
A great vintage in Bordeaux, particularly so on the left bank, the 2010 Château Sénéjac is deeply coloured, with dark spicy fruits and earthy notes. It is still young and quite tight with good balance and slate, mineral flavours. With further age it will mellow nicely to reveal vanilla and a hint of leather. Owned by the same family as SaintJulien classed growth Château Talbot, Château Sénéjac dates back to the 16th century. The estate was given a new lease of life after its purchase by Lorraine Cordier in 1999. The 39 hectares of vineyards sit on a plateau overlooking the small town of Pian-Médoc on deep gravel soils. 2010 was considered a Cabernet Sauvignon year; the blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged in oak for 16 months with one third new, one third one year old and one third two year old barrels.
Château Lilian Ladouys, 2010, AOC Saint-Estèphe Saint-Estèphe is the most northern appellation of the Haut-Médoc and generally has heavier soils with higher clay content and less gravel, allowing it to withstand the heat and drought in hot summers. Château Lilian Ladouys lies just north of the classed growths of Château LafonRochet and Château Cos d’Estournel, and is a mere two kilometres from Château Lafite Rothschild. Deep plum in colour, the 2010 has herbal and tobacco aromas, and a soft attack on the palate with mellow vanilla, fresh fruit flavours and good mid-palate weight. It has a long cedary finish with the potential to age. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the grapes were left to macerate at cold temperature for ten days prior to fermentation. The wine was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, 60% one year old. Dating back to the 16th century, the estate was purchased in 2008 by businessman and property developer Jacky Lorenzetti.
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
Elegant structure, complex truffle flavours 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D9 Tagliatelle with truffle-scented lamb ragout
Spicy dark fruits, earthy Mineral, vanilla, leather 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Wild boar stew with black olives
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Herbal, tobacco Mellow vanilla, fresh fruits, liquorice 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D9 Roasted venison loin, porcini-bacon tart and Grand Veneur sauce
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7657 $58.50
$351.00
7658 $65.17
$391.00
7659 $91.50
$549.00
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Château Potensac, 2008, AOC Médoc, Delon Château Potensac lies in the far north of the Médoc appellation with over 84 hectares of vineyards planted on the higher grounds around the small village of Ordonnac. Owners of the classed growth Léoville Las Cases in SaintJulien and Château Nénin on the right bank, this estate has been in the Delon family for centuries. Château Potensac is the only estate with the Cru Bourgeois “Exceptionnel” classification. The 2008 remains young and vibrant with spicy blackcurrant fruits, and a good mid-palate. It is a blend of 42% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Cabernet Franc. The name Médoc is derived from the ancient “medio aquae” meaning in the middle of water, signifying the land’s proximity to the Gironde estuary. The raised position of the site at Ordonnac has been inhabited since ancient times.
Château Monbrison, 2006, AOC Margaux This wine has all the finesse and elegance associated with the Margaux appellation. Deep in colour it has a complex ginger cake characteristic on the nose. The palate is light with delicious herbal, vanilla and undergrowth flavours and a long, spicy, ginger finish. Perfect for drinking over the next few years, it is produced from a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc; the wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Once part of the Château d’Arsac estate, it was purchased by American Robert Davis who fell in love with and married Kathleen Johnston, daughter of Nathaniel Johnston and ancestor of Denis, Archie, and Ivanhoé Johnston. After struggling in the post war years, Kathleen and Robert’s daughter Elizabeth and her husband gave the estate new energy. It is now managed by Elizabeth’s youngest son Laurent.
Château Pibran, 2009, AOC Pauillac Sitting atop the same hilltop in Pauillac as classed growths Châteaux Pontet-Canet and Château d’Armailhac, Château Pibran makes wines of distinction if a little lighter in nature. The estate was purchased in 1987 by AXA Millésimes and the same team headed up by Jean-René Matignon that has turned around the fortunes of Château Pichon-Longueville, makes the wine at Château Pibran. 2009 was a great Bordeaux vintage with favourable weather conditions throughout July and August, high temperatures and generous rays of sunshine. Complex, earthy, animal aromas lead to more fresh fruit on the palate. The wine is medium-bodied with good mid-palate fruits and some grip on the finish. A classy wine with potential for the future and one of my highest scores in the selection process, this is worth the extra if you can afford it. The grapes were picked in three stages with meticulous sorting. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine was aged in 50% new and 50% one year old oak barrels.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Spices, blackcurrants Succulent fruits, young, vibrant acidity 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Gamekeeper’s Pie
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc Ginger cake Ginger, herbal flavours 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Lamb, red wine and rosemary casserole
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Complex, earthy, animal nose Forest fruits, elegant, fine texture, cherries 18° C 2014-2025, M5 D7 Roast goose with prune and apple stuffing, mashed potatoes and parsnips
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
Right Bank
7660 $37.00
$222.00
7661 $41.00
$246.00
Château La Prade, 2006, AOC Bordeaux Côtes de Francs, Nicolas Thienpont This wine may be from a less known and less grand appellation than its neighbours, but it is a wine with pedigree. The Château La Prade 2006 has intense treacle, spice and savoury aromas. The palate is complex with vibrant acidity and great balance, fresh plum fruits and ripe tannins. The Thienpont family name has been associated with great wines in Bordeaux for centuries. From its origins in Belgium as wine merchant, the family bought Vieux Château Certan in 1922 and established Château Le Pin; they have a track record for making fine wines. Nicolas Thienpont purchased Château La Prade in 2000 from Patrick Valette, another well-known winemaker. 4.3 hectares of vines, 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, are planted on limestone rock and clay-silt slopes. The wine was vinified in traditional concrete tanks and subsequently aged for over 12 months in oak, 80 % new.
Château Vieux Clos St Émilion, 2012, AOC SaintÉmilion Grand Cru, S.C.E.A. Terras-Le-Henanff This Saint-Émilion estate lies on the limestone plateau, west of the town of Saint-Émilion, with eight hectares planted on sandy soils, with an average age of over 55 years. 2012 is a blend of 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec. Already quite evolved, it has a bouquet of forest fruits and a touch of leather. The palate is soft with firm acidity and nice fruit flavours leading to a bitter cherry and vanilla finish. The grapes were harvested by hand towards the end of September, early October, and fermented in traditional concrete tanks. The wine was subsequently matured for 14 months in barrel, 50% new, emitting a spicy and cedary flavour.
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
Merlot, Cabernet Franc Treacle, spice, savoury Complex, raisins 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Cracked pepper seared venison with celeriac purée, port wine and dried cherries
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec Forest fruits, touch of leather Bitter cherries, vanilla, cedary spice 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Braised veal shank served with gnocchi
Château La Pointe Managing Director Eric Monneret and consultant Hubert de Boüard de Laforest - “La Pointe” takes its name from the large pointed triangular vine plot seen near the entrance to the estate.
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The Château Potensac cellar is located in the Chapelle Saint-Martin built in the 19th century.
7662 $58.83
$353.00
7663 $59.83
$359.00
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Château Daugay, 2011, AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Christian de Boüard de Laforest
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Daugay is traditional in style with refinement and finesse. Its earthy aromas lead to a soft palate with mellow dark fruit flavours and vanilla. It is concentrated and structured with firm tannins on the finish. Produced from a blend of 62% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes were harvested between September 21st and October 5th. After four weeks maceration in tank, part of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine was then matured in oak for 18 months using a variety of old and new barrels from coopers Demptos and Taransaud.
Mellow, earthy dark fruits, vanilla
Château Taillefer, 2010, AOC Pomerol, Héritiers Bernard Moueix The Moueix family name is inextricably linked with the wines of the right bank. Originally from Corrèze, Antoine Moueix moved to Bordeaux and became a successful wine trader. Subsequent generations continue to be an integral part of the Bordeaux trade owning renowned properties such as Pétrus, Château Bélair-Monange and Château Hosanna. Château Taillefer was purchased by Antoine in 1923, passed on to his oldest son Jean-Marie and then inherited by Bernard Moueix. After Bernard’s tragic death, Château Taillefer passed to his widow Catherine who continues to manage the estate with her two children and the help of consultant Professor Denis Dubourdieu. The 2010 has rich succulent black fruits, violets and blackcurrants. It is complex, concentrated and long with great life ahead of it. Completely in keeping with the 2009 offered last year, it is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc; the wine was matured in barrel for 12 months. The estate enjoys a privileged situation on the southern slopes of Pomerol. The estate takes its name from the streaks of iron oxide found in the gravel soils over clay.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 225
Concentrated, firm tannins on the finish 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Fillet of beef with sautéed wild mushrooms, truffle and pan-fried foie gras
Merlot, Cabernet Franc Violets, blackcurrants Complex, succulent, black fruits, smoke 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Lamb loin with mushrooms, spinach, roast shallots, served with parmesan risotto and pan juice
BORDEAUX SEMAV >>
7664 $79.17
$475.00
7665 $83.17
$499.00
7666 $87.67
$526.00
20 Mille, 2011, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, JeanPhilippe Janoueix
Merlot
As the name suggests, this tiny plot sited on the right bank of the Dordogne River is, at 20,000 vines per hectare, one of the most densely planted vineyards in France. The brainchild of Jean-Philippe Janoueix, the plot is on part of his Château Croix-Mouton estate and is where he has experimented with pushing the boundaries of quality. The land is so densely planted that no tractor can pass through, therefore all labouring and spraying is done manually. The competition for water between the vines causes them to produce a small crop of highly concentrated grape berries. The grapes were picked on September 27th with sorting at the winery. All tanks are gravity-fed and vinification was carried out in open-topped wooden vats. The wine was subsequently aged in a variety of barrels from different coopers including cigarshaped barrels created especially for Janoueix by Demptos and Remond which allow the wine to have more contact with the yeast lees. The 20 Mille has mellow, concentrated flavours of plums and blackberries with dense, voluptuous structure ending on a long, chocolate and cherry finish.
Plums, blackberry fruits
Château La Pointe, 2006, AOC Pomerol
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2006 Château La Pointe is deliciously mellow with earthy truffle notes complementing chocolate aromas. Soft with a velvety structure, it has nice ripe tannins, balanced acidity and a long, herbal finish with undergrowth and incense. This is delicately perfumed old-school Pomerol. Twenty-three hectares, making it one of the largest estates in Pomerol, are planted on gravelly soils with smooth, rounded pebbles. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was aged in oak, 50% new. New ownership in 2007 has led to re-structuring of the vineyard, including the uprooting of much of the Cabernet Sauvignon, and will no doubt, under the guidance of consultant Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, (owner of Château Angélus, recently re-classified upwards as one of only four Premier Grand Cru Classé “A” estates) also lead to a change in the style of wines produced in the future as well as, I suspect, a massive hoik up in prices. Enjoy this while you can!
Château La Tour Figeac, 2006, AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Owner of Château La Tour Figeac, Otto Rettenmaier is a larger than life character, always present at the “en primeur” tastings in April, and always with plenty to say. Coming from a family of German industrialists his family purchased the estate in 1973. Château La Tour Figeac consists of a single plot of 14.5 hectares on sandy clay and gravelly soils situated between Château Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac; it was once actually part of the Château Figeac estate until it was sold off in 1879 and created in its own right. The 2006 has intense truffles, and cedary aromas. On the palate it remains fresh and lively with dry tannins on the finish; it will continue to develop. Produced from 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the wine was aged in oak barrels, 60% new. Château La Tour Figeac vines have been cultivated biodynamically for the last ten years.
BORDEAUX SEMAV
Concentrated, mellow, dense palate, fine texture 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D7 Roast saddle of hare
Truffles, earth, chocolate Mellow, velvety structure, long perfumed finish 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Lumache pasta with aged duck ragù, Treviso radicchio and chocolate
Merlot, Cabernet Franc Animal, truffles, pencil lead Powdery texture, dry tannins 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D7 Pan-seared pheasant breast with confit leg, Jerusalem artichoke purée and truffle oil
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Only Opimian gives you access to exclusive cellars from around the world. A successful innovation catered to New Members and those who are still uncertain of what to order, the Opimian Select program allows you to try a minimum of 24 wines – from every day sippers to a gourmet dinner partner – at a fixed price of $123. Sign up for Opimian Select and receive a mixed case from every Cellar Offering regardless of whether you are away, on holidays or simply forgot to place your order. Develop your palate, taste the classics from each region, discover new varietals and experience what our suppliers have to offer! Application forms are available for download at opim.ca under “Downloads”. THE SELECTION Opimian Select includes a case (6 bottles) of three to six different wines from a featured supplier on each Cellar Offering. Mostly reds with the occasional white or rosé, these wines showcase the variety of styles available through Opimian - if you happen to find a favourite wine, make note of the supplier for future Cellar Offerings! To browse past selections and tasting notes, sign in at opim.ca and click on “Opimian Select” in the left hand column. View details by clicking on each wine name or supplier.
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FOUNDERS’ CHOICE Cherish the Experience! The premium wine experience – only with Opimian!
Established in recognition of Opimian’s founders, this program offers premium wines from our most cherished suppliers – at a fixed price of $192. Each wine is specifically selected to dedicate to the spirit of Opimian. Some are hidden jewels discovered in a cellar by our Master of Wine; others are specially crafted by our suppliers with the Founders’ Choice program in mind. Application forms are available for download at opim.ca under “Downloads”. THE WINES Sign up for Founders’ Choice and receive a case (6 bottles) of premium wine from every Cellar Offering that is ready to drink and has great cellaring ability. Each wine comes with a dedicated back label and a personal message from the supplier detailing why they chose to share with us this one-of-a-kind wine. These wines are not, and will never be, on any Cellar Offering and can only be received by signing up for this program. To browse past selections and tasting notes, sign in at opim.ca and click on “Founders’ Choice” in the left hand column. SEMAV is the Founders’ Choice feature supplier on this Cellar Offering. #420 - 5165 Sherbrooke West, Montreal, QC, H4A 1T6 T: 514-483-5551 or 800-361-9421 F: 514-481-9699 opim@opim.ca www.opim.ca