Maël, Morgane, Bruno, Françoise, Solenn Le Breton.
A Toast to French Terroirs
By Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Managing Directors
So many regions... so many great wines!
COUPS DE COEUR
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
Domaine Jones
CANET FAMILY ESTATES
Château Jouclary
MAISON LE BRETON
P5
P8
P9
P12
P15
P16
DOMAINE PETER SICHEL P18
P20
EVERYDAY WINES
PROVENCE P24
Château Sainte-Croix P25
CORSICA
Domaine Orenga de Gaffory
THE LOIRE VALLEY
P28
P28
P30
Maison Foucher P30
Domaine de la Chanteleuserie
Domaine Mellier de l'Epaisse
CELLAR UP!
SPIRITS
COLLECTOR’S CORNER
P33
P34
P35
P36
P38
It used to be that French wines were known for Bordeaux and maybe Burgundy. Not anymore! This Cellar offers wines from equally known and respected regions in France. LanguedocRoussillon, Loire, Provence, Cognac, and even Corsica are each growing in popularity and, most importantly, quality.
There is not a single wine in this offering that hasn't passed the most rigorous of tastings. While many wines fell by the wayside, these remarkable wines met the standard by which our panel of MW's (Masters of Wine) judged. No wonder when you open a bottle of Opimian wine, you so often find yourself smiling and wanting to share the experience.
In a wine world that can often be fickle where relationships come and go, we Opimian Members form a bond with the makers of our wines that stand yet another test - time. Domaine Jones, Vignobles Canet, Maison Foucher, Domaine Orenga de Gaffory ... Jouclary, Le Breton, Elizabeth...we could go on, have been our companions in the joy of wine for decades now. Even as the wine business evolves, we have these passionate partners at our service, and we at theirs. That is the strength of Opimian in its 51st year.
So as buying trends change, Canadian Liquor Boards change, eCommerce becomes dominant, and supply chains find their post-COVID footing, Opimian has to adapt to those changes. What hasn't changed is our commitment to provide exclusive, top-quality wines and spirits to thousands of Members across the country.
Cheers to a bright future!
Michael & Greg
YOUR MASTERS OF WINE FOR THIS CELLAR
Toronto-based Igor Ryjenkov MW was the first in Canada to earn the prestigious Master of Wine credential in 2003. His wine business expertise has been informed by 24 year in the Ontario trade, first in retail, then in key buying positions, and lastly, in projects, most notably, developing the new 5-dot wine style matrix. Igor is one of Opimian’s Masters of Wines.
Ordering Made Easy
1. SELECT YOUR WINES
Let yourself be inspired by Opimian’s Masters of Wine. Our custom chart features a list of symbols to help guide your selection. Still unsure which wines to order? Contact us!
2. PLACE YOUR ORDER
There are three ways to order. The last day to order for each Cellar Offering can be found listed on the cover. No orders will be processed after this time.
3. LET US HANDLE THE REST
The wines featured on this Cellar Offering are still at the producers’ wineries when you order them, so it is normal that the process takes a bit of time and effort on our side.
Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board.
Once the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution centre, you will receive a Pick-up Notice with the specified date (the Release Date) and your pick-up location.
Jacky Blisson MW is an independent wine educator, writer, and consultant with over two decades of experience in all facets of the global wine trade. She is the first Master of Wine in Québec and one of only ten across Canada.
Louise Wilson MW: LW Jacky Blisson MW: JB Michael Palij MW: MP Igor Ryjenkov MW: IR
MASTER PIECE
South-Western France: Land of Opportunities
By Igor Ryjenkov MW
While not quite the “Wild West” or “terra incognita” of the country, there’s still a lot to explore and discover in South-Western France, a large expanse of land between where Bordeaux ends and LanguedocRoussillon begins, from the Spanish border to Massif Central. It is the least populated area of France with fewer than 10 people per square mile. It has stretches of nice sandy beaches along the coast, a nice food culture – think cassoulets, confits, fois gras, truffles, fresh seafood, Bayonne ham and Toulouse sausage, a wine world of its own and an unhurried pace of life.
The region is very historic, dating to pre-Roman times and by the 1st century BC was already known for its viticulture, well preceding Bordeaux. By the middle ages, the “black” wines of the Cahors region were famous in Russian and other European royal courts. It was these wines, wines of “Haut-Pays”, of the inland “high-country”, that made the port of Bordeaux an early trade powerhouse. (They, however suffered when Bordeaux itself began gaining reputation as a wine producer in 13-14th centuries, with its port giving their own wines shipping priority.) Gascogne, a part of South-West, is where Duma’s Three Musketeers’ d’Artagnan character is from. And it is also here that Armagnac has been made for hundreds of years.
When trying to place the signature wines of the South-Western France in context, the word that comes to mind is “eclectic” – it is a disparate group of sub-regions that chose their own path of self-expression, sparingly sprinkled in over this vast space. A league of their own, not fitting in with any other. A couple of grapes from here made it reasonably big in the world – not quite Cabernet or Chardonnay “big”, not football arenas “big”, but still big enough to “book” good-sized venues. But the majority of them stayed local in a classic case of a big fish in a small pond.
The region’s diverse range of regions and grapes can roughly be split into two clusters – one is a scion of the Bordeaux family tree, the other – that eclectic cohort based on its local and unique cultivars. Going inland up along Garonne and Dordogne rivers you encounter the first group with blends similar to those just down the rivers – Bergerac, Buzet and Pecharmant AOPs for reds, and Monbazillac for late harvest sweet wines. However, the grapes here are grown in different conditions – different soils, more inland, thus more continental climate, and different know-how, so they still have their own expressions. But as we move further south from here, we come across the second cluster, the areas that march to their own drum using their own distinct signature varieties.
COUPS DE COEUR
THIS CELLAR'S FAVOURITE WINES BY OUR MASTERS OF WINE
JACKY'S COUPS DE COEUR
ORENGA DE GAFFORY, SCALA SANTA, VIN DE FRANCE, 2022, LOT 5089, P28
CÉCILE LEBRUN VOUVRAY, AOC VOUVRAY, SEC, 2023, LOT 5096,
PICPOUL DE PINET, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, AOP PICPOUL DE PINET, 2023, LOT 5058, P12
IGOR'S COUPS DE COEUR
One of the local but better known grapes from here is Malbec. Responsible as a major blending component for the historic wines of Cahors, it made an international leap, found a new home and, arguably, a greater international renown as a signature grape of Argentina. Another’s claim to fame is a bit more modest – Tannat, the main grape in Madiran AOP, also traveled to South America and is the mainstay of Uruguay’s and Bolivia’s wine trades. However, beyond these two there are many more cultivars to discover in this corner of the country that have not travelled beyond their home base. Let’s meet a few.
Negrette is a hyper-local red grape at the core of the Fronton AOP, often showing floral and feral character. White
Gros and Petit Mansengs, also very local, are responsible for distinctive, guava, pumpkin seed, yet fresh wines of Jurançon AOC, usually off-dry to sweet, unless labelled as “Sec”. White L’En de l’El, another local specialty, which along with Mauzac grape, also found in Limoux in the south, is responsible for the whites of Gaillac AOP. There is a red Fer Servadou, shared with Basque region of Spain, that is a blending component in Madiran and a couple of other AOPs. These and several even more obscure grapes find their way into a number of even less-familiar sounding AOPs - Marcillac, Bearn, Pacherenc de Vic-Bihl and Irouleguy – you might occasionally come across these names on a wine list or wine store’s shelves.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the widely-planted white Ugni Blanc, also grown in Cognac, and known is Trebbiano Toscano in Italy where it comes from. However, here it is not only a key grape for Armagnac, but also a major component in Cotes de Gascogne IGP. Along with Colombard, it makes light, fresh, often naturally low in alcohol whites – 10.5-11%, yet with vibrant, fully developed citric fruit not unlike a nice Sauvignon Blanc.
At this point, it is probably clear that those in search of new wine experiences and discoveries, especially in a wellmapped and chartered France, would do well to adapt and follow the early America’s explorers’ motto and“go west”. South-West, that is.
DOMAINE JONES VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP FITOU 2022, LOT 5054, P10
— CELLAR
COUPS DE COEUR
NEW LOWER PRICE
NEW LOWER PRICE
NEW LOWER PRICE
THE MASTERS CASE
EASY to order EXPERTLY curated EFFORTLESSLY enjoyable SUBSCRIPTION
OVERWHELMED BY CHOOSING WINES IN THE CELLAR?
SUBSCRIBE TO THE MASTERS CASE, A MIXED, SIX-BOTTLE CASE
The Masters Case wines for this Cellar come from AOP Côtes de Provence, known for its picturesque vineyards and exceptional terroir. Here, the winemakers follow traditional methods and meticulous vineyard practices to produce wines of outstanding quality. The wines from AOP Côtes de Provence showcase the unique characteristics of the region, with a focus on elegance, finesse, and a sense of place. These wines are exclusive to the program. You won’t find them in the Cellar Offering.
SIGN UP NOW
CURATED BY OPIMIAN’S OWN MASTERS OF WINE FOR MEMBERS LIKE YOU.
I always advise to take the first sniff without swirling and gently. Most of the faults are highly volatile, and one can see them clearer without agitating wine, and smelling gently ensures that you do not overload your senses with those strong compounds, with high elemental sulphur potentially delivering a chemical bite to your nostrils.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Jessica Davis Senior Logistics and Purchasing Coordinator
Jessica joined the Opimian Logistics Team in 2022. She has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry and brings her passion for food, wine, and travel to the team. A mother of two young boys, she enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
DRINKING NOW > SERIOUSLY OLD DIRT BY VILAFONTÉ, W.O. WESTERN CAPE, 2021, LOT 3879
UP TO THE MINUTE
PLEASE KEEP YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION UP-TO-DATE
One of the biggest disappointments we hear from Members and especially wine program subscribers is when their orders do not go through due to an expired credit card.
Please keep yours up-to-date. You can update the information in your dashboard. It's stored in a safe, encrypted database so you have no worries there.
If you have any trouble doing so, please contact Member Service at memberservice@opimian.ca.
OPIMIAN EVENTS
Producer Tastings Coming to a City Near You in 2024!
These events are a chance to taste last year’s vintage of a range of wines in the current cellar. Each tasting will focus on several producers and may include special guests! Keep an eye on your emails and Cellar newsletters for updates. Scan
MEMBER BENEFITS
We are always looking for ways to make your Opimian Membership more valuable than having exclusive access to world-class, magnificent wines.
We have partnered with the pioneering company ReCork to recycle our corks from our cellar tastings, events, and dinners – if you would like to do the same learn more by visiting their website.
www.recork.com
CANADIAN CORNER
ReCork
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
Languedoc-Roussillon is the historic western “half” of the warm Mediterranean coast of France, from the Rhone River to the Spanish border, where wild grapes grew before the existence of Homo sapiens. It is a massive area with extensive vineyards where its favourable climate affords a relatively stressfree growing season. Long a source of cheap and cheerful wine, over the last several decades, the region has been in the process of self-rediscovery – with almost New World-like energy and openness to experimentation. Languedoc-Roussillon shares most cultivars with southern Rhone, with a sizable
presence of “guest” varieties from elsewhere in France – Cabs, Merlot, Chardonnay, etc – initially for lower tier, IGP-level wines but now increasingly allowed in some AOC blends. The region’s default is a riper style of wine, but there is more of a stylistic range than one might expect. Thanks to a variety of elevations, proximities to the sea, slopes and aspects found in an area of this size, some coolerclimate styles are also on offer such as Picpoul or Blanquette de Limoux. In summary, its history, value and styles all make Languedoc-Roussillon worthy of closer inspection.
photo — Helping hands at Domaine Jones' 2023 harvest.
DOMAINE JONES
Katie Jones, who had lived in Languedoc and worked in the wine trade for many years, bought her first vineyard in 2008 as a leap of faith. That vineyard and those that followed – she now has 12 hectares – were, in her words, too small, too remote and too much work that no one else wanted, and therefore perfect for her taste. The old, low-yielding and manually tended vines give her ideal raw material to which she pays due respect by vinifying vineyards separately in small lots, allowing their fullest expression as either site or region-focused bottlings.
"MY LIFE'S STORY IS TOLD BY A GRAPE. I PRESSED THE VERY MOST FROM IT. THE LIFE I LIVED, THE WINES I MADE - UNFORGETTABLE."
- JEAN-MARC ASTRUC
A LASTING LEGACY IN A BOTTLE
Me & Monsieur Jones, A Tribute, Vin de France, 2022 is Katie's heartfelt homage to her late husband, JeanMarc Astruc, who passed away just before the harvest in September 2022. For those familiar with JeanMarc's exquisite wines, particularly his renowned Herbarium range through Opimian, this bottle holds special significance.
Crafted from the last harvest of his vineyards nestled in the idyllic village of Tuchan in southern France, Me & Monsieur Jones is a blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah - only made from grapes from his vineyards. The wine encapsulates a poignant chapter in Katie and Jean-Marc's winemaking journey together.
Only available through the Founders Choice program, we invite you to join Katie in honouring the legacy of this remarkable man, and the timeless artistry of winemaking.
ME & MONSIEUR JONES, A TRIBUTE, VIN DE FRANCE, 2022
This wine has a deep ruby, opaque robe. The nose offers well-poised medium-intensity aromas of red fruit reduction, cream, pecan essence and dried marigolds. The palate is dry, with a medium acidity and medium-plus structural components: extract, fine-textured tannins, warm but balanced alcohol and body, with matching length and fruit persistence of prune, red plum reduction, hint of hickory, pecan and dried marigolds flavors preceding a medium finish. 2024-2030 –ir
Red fruit reduction, cream, pecan essence, dried marigolds
Prune, red plum reduction, hickory, pecan, dried marigolds
Roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction sauce
Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
NEW
OPIMIAN WAS WHERE JEANMARC STARTED SELLING HIS WINES, AND NOW, AS A TRIBUTE TO HIS LIFE AND WORK, WE'RE PROUD TO BE THE LAST.
ADOPT A VINE, PRESERVE HERITAGE
The Adopt an Old Vine program aims to preserve the rich heritage of old vines in the Languedoc region. Participants not only support the conservation of these cherished vines, but also gain insight into their growth and development through personalized web pages and seasonal updates.
With each adoption, you will receive a bundle of exclusive goodies, including a photo magnet of your vine for display, a hand-crafted personalized keyring bearing your vine's name, and an exclusive Old Vine Adopter's T-shirt.
From at least 50-yearold vines. A light-yellow appearance here. On the nose, there are medium-intensity aromas of pear, flowers, apricot, honey, lees and a slight mealy element. The palate is dry-ish, has a medium acidity, a medium-plus extract, a soft-plus texture and a medium-plus body, with a lovely length and fruit intensity of pear, peach, melon, honey, lees and plum pit components, and a medium finish. 2025-2026 – ir
The average age of vines for this bottling is around 70 years. The wine offers a black-purple ruby, opaque presence and a mediumintensity nose with aromas of red fruit, prune spread, ink, graphite, cream and flowers. Dry with a medium acidity, the palate has a medium extract, medium-textured furry and coating tannins, a medium body, and attractive length and persistence of chokeberry, prune spread, cream, flowers and red plum reduction with a medium finish. It has density on the palate all the way through. 2024-2028 – ir
Most of vines for this wine are over 100 years old with 40% of the wine having spent 10 months in second- and third-fill barrels. A black purple ruby, opaque robe. The nose features a broad range of mediumintensity lifted aromas of tar, smoke, black olive/lardo, coffee wafers, hazelnut-cocoa spread and vanilla. It is dry and has a medium acidity, a medium-plus extract, medium-plus fine-textured tannins and a medium-plus body. It has a nice length and a medium-plus persistence of floral (perhaps peony), creamy, tar, smoky, vanilla and lardo flavours, closing with a medium-plus finish. This has a poise and a presence and is quite long. 2024-2030 – ir
Pear, flowers, apricot, honey, lees, mealy
Pear, peach, melon, honey, lees, plum pit
[1.00]
Thai chicken satay skewers
Red fruit, prune spread, ink, graphite, cream, flowers
Chokeberry, prune spread, cream, flowers, red plum reduction
Moroccan lamb tagine with apricots and prunes
14%
Tar, smoke, black olive/lardo, coffee wafers, hazelnut cocoa spread, vanilla
Floral – peony?, creamy, tar, smoky, vanilla, lardo
Cassoulet
5052 KATIE JONES BLANC, VIN DE FRANCE, 2023
Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Macabeu, Muscat
5053 KATIE JONES ROUGE, VIN DE FRANCE, 2023
Grenache, Syrah
5054 DOMAINE JONES VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP FITOU, 2022
Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
SCAN TO LEARN MORE.
NEW LOWER PRICE
NEW LOWER PRICE
JONES VINEYARD COLLECTION CASE - 2 BOTTLES EACH: CARIGNAN, GRENACHE NOIR AND SYRAH
$ 0 5055
$ 43 $ 258
This case features the entire Katie Jones’ red varietal Vineyard Collection range made from old-vines of the three key southern-France grapes interpreted through her lens. Each one is a treat on its own, but it is even more fun to do a taste-off to compare and contrast these one-of-a-kind, yet trueto-type expressions.
THE PERFECT EXPRESSION FROM KATIE'S WONDERFUL VINEYARD IN THE IDYLLIC
VILLAGE OF TUCHAN
JONES VINEYARD COLLECTION CARIGNAN, VIN DE FRANCE, 2022
Carignan
From two plots of 100-year-old vines and even older. The color is an opaque deep purple. It is decadent and appealing on the nose with medium-plus intensity aromas of dried oregano, black olive and olive oil, smoked sprats and sour black plum – dried and reduction. The palate is dry, has a medium acidity, a medium extract, medium fine squeaky-textured tannins, a mediumplus warm but balanced alcohol and a medium body. The fruit is a bit stacked but shows depth and promise with a nice persistence and a medium-plus length with flavours of smoke, black sour plum reduction, herbs and black olive, closing with medium-plus finish. 2025-2030 – ir
JONES VINEYARD COLLECTION GRENACHE NOIR, VIN DE FRANCE, 2023
JONES VINEYARD COLLECTION SYRAH, VIN DE FRANCE, 2021
The wine shows a deep purple, opaque appearance and medium-intensity aromas of chocolate-covered prune, custard and a hint of blood orange. Dry with a medium acidity, the palate has a medium-plus extract, medium-plus loose fine-textured tannins, a medium-plus, slightly warm alcohol, a medium body, and lovely length and intensity of prune, chocolate, custard, plum reduction and graphite, if a bit straightforward, with a medium finish. 2024-2026 – ir
From 45-year-old vines, a quarter of the wine spent 10 months in second-fill oak. A deep purple, opaque robe here. The nose shows medium intensity aromas of custard/ lactic notes and prune and mulberry. It is dry on the palate with a medium acidity, a medium extract, medium-textured furry tannins, a medium-plus warm but balanced alcohol and a medium body. It has a medium length and a rather closed, reticent fruit but, overall, it’s a nicely structured wine with a medium finish, though somewhat reluctant aromatically on the nose and the palate now. 2025-2026 – ir
Dried oregano, black olive and olive oil, smoked sprats, sour black plum - dried and reduction
Smoke, black sour plum reduction, herbs, black olive
Ras el hanout-spiced roast chicken with tomato
Chocolate-covered prune, custard, a hint of blood orange
Prune, chocolate, custard, plum reduction, graphite
Red wine-braised beef cheeks
Custard/lactic, black fruit – prune and mulberry
Creamy, prune and mulberry
Roast pork with port and dried-fruit sauce
Grenache noir
Syrah
Château Canet
The Lemstra-Bake family launched Vignoble Canet in 2007 with its base in the Languedoc’s historic Chateau Canet, built in 1126, just outside of the historic town of Carcassonne and to the west of Minervois. Today, the family tends 115 hectares of the vineyards in the area with their respect for the environment manifested not only by the Terra Vitis and HVE (High Environmental Value) certifications, but also by their own sustainability Charter.
SCAN TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT CHÂTEAU CANET, FROM ACCOMMODATIONS TO PLANNING YOUR VISIT.
5058
PICPOUL DE PINET, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, AOP PICPOUL DE PINET, 2023
$ 29 $ 174
The wine has a light-yellow color and medium-intensity lifted aromas of fresh quince, starfruit, guava and fresh camomile – a quite inviting and attractive set. It is dry with a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body, nice freshness and length and well-enunciated flavours of lemon/pith, starfruit, guava, camomile and lees/paste, closing with a medium-plus finish. Probably the best Picpoul I have tasted in a long while, a little plumper than most, yet still fresh. 2025-2026 – ir
starfruit, guava,
Oysters with this “vin d’huitres”
Fresh quince, starfruit, guava, fresh camomile
Lemon/pith,
camomile, lees/paste [0.4]
Picpoul
NEW LOWER PRICE
photo — The Lemstra family from Château Canet. Victoria and Floris, with their children Oliver and Charlotte, landed at Château Canet in pursuit of their dream to build a home and share their passion for wine and hospitality.
5059 BULLES D'O, AOP BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, 2022
Mauzac, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
A pale lemon-yellow hue. The nose has medium-plus intensity aromas of toast, nuts, lemon pith and peel, dough and wet chalk. It is dry with a medium acidity, a lazy mousse, a medium extract, a medium texture and a medium body. It has lovely length and fruit with flavours of dough, nuts, lemon peel and pith, slight bitterness, chalk, oil/bone marrow, and a medium finish. 2025-2026 –ir
5060 VICTORIA FAVORITE SELECTION CHARDONNAY, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Chardonnay
One is greeted with a white-yellow platinum appearance and medium-intensity aromas of yellow fruit, apple, plum and starfruit, paste/ clean lees and pencil lead. Next comes a dry palate with a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body, nice length and persistence of flavours that follows the nose – yellow fruit, pencil lead and lees, with the farewell of a medium finish with pith or seed bitterness. 2025-2026 –ir
At meal’s end with a cheese plate
5061 CHÂTEAU CANET, AOP MINERVOIS, BLANC, 2023
Roussanne, Vermentino, Viognier, Muscat
A medium gray-yellow colour. It has a medium intensity nose with oily, lees, starfruit and a hint of grapefruit elements. Dry, the palate shows a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body, lovely length and fruit with mushrooms, oil, lees, grapefruit and a hint of smoke and a medium, slightly bitter finish. 2025-2026 –ir
Yellow apple, plum and starfruit, paste/ clean lees, pencil lead
Yellow fruit, pencil lead, lees [0.4]
14%
Oily, lees, starfruit, hint of grapefruit
Mushrooms, oil, lees, grapefruit, a hint of smoke [0.4]
Grilled sea bream with salsa
Toast, nuts, lemon pith and peel, dough, wet chalk
Dough, nuts, lemon peel and pith, slight bitterness, chalk, oil/marrow [0.4]
Chocolate soufflé
5062
VICTORIA FAVORITE SELECTION PINOT NOIR, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
The wine has a very deep ruby color and medium-intensity aromas of kirsch, dried black cherry, mint and oregano with a blood orange overtone. The palate is dry with a medium acidity, a medium extract, medium mediumtextured tannins, a medium body, an attractive length and medium-plus intensity flavours of beet, dried black cherry, black raspberry reduction, oregano, blood orange peel and pith with a medium finish. 2025-2026–ir
Kirsch, dried black cherry, mint and oregano, blood orange
Beet, dried black cherry, black raspberry reduction, oregano, blood orange peel and pith
Roast chicken with root veg and quinoa
5063 CANET FAMILY RESERVE, AOP MINERVOIS, 2022
Syrah, Grenache
An 85:15 blend. A black purple ruby, opaque robe. The nose shows medium-intensity notes of coffee wafers, prune, oregano and sage. It is dry and has a medium acidity, a medium extract, medium fine-textured tannins, a medium body and tones of prune, chocolate and herbs on the palate and a medium finish. 2025-2026 – ir
Coffee wafers, prune, oregano, sage
Prune, chocolate and herbs
Braised lamb shanks
5064
DOMAINE CLOS CHARLOTTE, LA GOURMANDISE, AOP CABARDÈS, 2023
Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
The wine has a black purple ruby, opaque appearance. The medium-intensity aromas are those of red and black plum reduction, bitter chocolate/cocoa butter with a mint/leafy element. Dry, with a medium acidity, a medium extract, medium-plus fine medium-textured furry, rather noticeable, tannins, and a mediumplus body. It shows flavours of plum, chocolate and tar towards a medium finish. 2025-2026–ir
Red and black plum reduction, bitter chocolate/cocoa butter, mint/leaf
Plum, chocolate, tar
Classic Sunday roast with the fixin’s
Pinot Noir
NEW
5065
DOMAINE JOUCLARY GRENACHE
GRIS, IGP PAYS D'OC, FAMILLE GIANESINI IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Grenache Gris
The Grenache Gris grape variety is a bit of a rarity as compared to its more prolific family member, Grenache Blanc. However, single variety bottlings of Grenache Gris are worth seeking for their crisp, mineral, thirstquenching appeal. The 2023 from Domaine Jouclary is taut and lively with lots of green fruit, peppery spice and lingering minerality. 2024-2026 –jb
5066
CHÂTEAU JOUCLARY
The 60-hectare Château Jouclary is located a stone’s throw from the Medieval walled city of Carcassonne. The estate grows a wide variety of international varieties in the appellation of Cabardès with vineyards located in the foothills of the Montagne Noire. Here, sunny Mediterranean and cooling Atlantic climate influences meet to yield ripe, balanced wines with easydrinking charm.
CHÂTEAU JOUCLARY TRADITION, AOP CABARDÈS, FAMILLE GIANESINI, 2023
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Grenache
The “Tradition” cuvée from Château Jouclary is a tribute to the mixed-climate influences of Cabardès with its blend of maritime grapes, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Mediterranean favourites Syrah and Grenache. The result is full bodied and firm, with heady dark fruit, spice, refreshing herbal undertones, and grippy tannins. Notable depth and complexity for the price. 2024-2029 –jb
5067
CUVÉE GUILHAUME DE JOUCLARY, AOC CABARDÈS, CHÂTEAU JOUCLARY, FAMILLE GIANESINI, 2022
Merlot, Syrah, Grenache
The “Cuvée Guilhaume de Jouclary” is a blend of the estate’s finest Merlot, Syrah and Grenache vineyard sites. This powerful, oak-aged red wine is redolent with baked dark fruit, savoury spice and smoky, meaty undertones that Syrah lovers will appreciate. The bold palate is lifted by brisk acidity and tangy dark fruit. Finishes with muscular tannins. Needs a couple of years to soften. 2025-2029 –jb
confit with crispy duck fat-roasted
Wet stone, green herbs, apple, nectarine
Lime, apple, apricot, white pepper [0.4]
Boquerones
Black plum, dark cherry, licorice, eucalyptus
Licorice, plum, cassis, fresh mint
Duck
potatoes
Baked plum, hoisin, savoury spice, meaty undertones
Cassis, cherry, plum, black pepper
Beef Wellington
photo — Three generations of Jouclary!
5076 BLANC DE BLANCS DE LA JASSE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Chardonnay, Viognier, Rolle
$ 31 $ 186
A pleasing blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Rolle (a.k.a. Vermentino) brimming with yellow orchard and stone fruit on the nose and palate. Crisp, with a smooth, lightbodied palate and lingering citrussy, saline notes. Great apéritif wine or easy pairing choice with salads or quiche. 2024-2027–jb
Yellow apple, pear, peach, earthy
Apricot, apple, lemon, hint of salinity [1.00]
Chicken salad with grapes and almonds
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
5077 VIEILLES VIGNES DE LA JASSE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Maison Le Breton
The old-vine cuvée from La Jasse is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from venerable Pays d’Oc vineyards yielding lower crops of more concentrated, complex fruit. The 2023 vintage is enticing with its notes of coffee, chocolate, ripe fruit and toasted oak. The palate is weighty with tightly knit tannins. Decant or cellar for a couple of years to mellow. 2025-2030 –jb
Maison Le Breton (formerly BLB Vignobles) produces classic, well-made Languedoc wines under its labels, La Jasse, Montlobre and Vignes Des Deux Soleils. Owner and oenologist, Bruno Le Breton focuses on pure, vibrant fruit expressions in his Mediterranean wines. The company was recently awarded the highly prestigious B Corp certification for their commitment to sustainable viticultural and wine-production practices.
Plum, cassis, dried herbs, savoury notes
Ox cheeks braised with rosemary and garlic
SCAN HERE TO VISIT MAISON LE BRETON'S PAGE ON THE B CORPORATION WEBSITE.
A B Corp certification means the producer has met B Lab's high standards for social and environmental impact.
FRANCE
Mocha, savoury hints, dark fruit, cedar
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
photo — Françoise, Morgane, Bruno, Berny, Maël, Solenn Le Breton in the Rolle agroforestry plot.
EVERYTHING BUT RED PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
5078
HORIZONS DE LA JASSE SYRAH-GRENACHE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2022
Syrah, Grenache
A classic southern French blend of Syrah and Grenache with sunbaked red and dark fruit flavours, peppery spice and underlying savoury notes. The palate is warming and generous, backed by fresh acidity and structuring tannins. Dried herbs and dark chocolate nuances linger on the finish. 2025-2029–jb
5079 RÉSERVE D'EXCELLENCE DE LA JASSE, HOMMAGE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2022
Cabernet Sauvignon
The “Réserve d’Excellence” is reminiscent of Left Bank Bordeaux, with its classic blackcurrant and plum fruit aromas, its cedar notes and its firm, full-bodied structure. The warmer Mediterranean origin becomes more apparent on the palate. Ripe dark fruit flavours combine with a fleshy texture to make a very pleasing, generous Cabernet Sauvignon. 2025-2029–jb
Cassis, plum, leather, cedar
Plum, cassis, savoury, aromatic herbs
Wild mushroom risotto
5080 TÊTE DE CUVÉE DE LA JASSE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2022
Cabernet Sauvignon
The “Tête de Cuvée” offers quite a different take on Cabernet Sauvignon: ripe dark fruit is lifted by aromatic herbs and underlying savoury notes. The palate is nicely balanced with bright acidity lifting the fruit, and a pleasingly light, powdery texture and fine tannins. Drinking well now. 2024-2028 –jb
cassis,
Cassis, plum, dark chocolate, mint
Bacon-wrapped dates
Red plum, cassis, hoisin, black pepper
Red and black plum, dark chocolate, dried herbs
Grilled beef ribs with herbes de Provence
Black plum,
soy sauce, fresh mint
Domaine Peter Sichel
Peter Sichel was a long way from the stately châteaux of Bordeaux – home to his family’s thriving négociant business – when he happened upon the Cucugnan valley. Sichel was immediately drawn to the area and, in 1988, planted a vineyard. Today, under his grandson Alexander’s stewardship, the estate is certified organic and farmed according to biodynamic principles. These excellent wines are a true reflection of his commitment to a sense of place.
The Corbières appellation stretches between the Pyrenean foothills and the coastal plain overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah is typical of the area and bolstered by a small addition of Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is fragrant and red fruited with similar notes on the broad, fleshy palate. Finishes on a warming note. 2025-2029–jb
Smoky, red cherry, red berries, cedar
Plum, strawberry, clove, nutmeg
Chermoula-roasted chickpeas and couscous
5082 ALTURA 350, AOC CORBIÈRES, 2018
Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DOMAINE PETER SICHEL.
photo — Alexander Sichel harvesting grenache.
CELLAR 317 — ONTARIO
Roussanne is one of southern France’s more noble white grapes: when grown in the right vineyard site and skillfully made, it can give weighty, textured wines with appealing orchard fruit and nutty, mineral aromas. This is definitely the case here. The 2021 vintage is rich yet refreshing with vibrant ripe fruit and attractive hints of bitterness on the finish that make this wine hugely food friendly. 2024-2032–jb
Grenache and Syrah are southern France’s vinous soulmates: Grenache provides perfumed red fruit flavours and a voluptuous body; Syrah acidity, structure, darker fruit and savoury spice. The 2019 from Sichel is a harmonious marriage of the two with its heady red fruit top notes and underlying dark fruits and meaty nuances. Very bold and tannic at present. Needs a couple of years to mellow. 2026-2032–jb
Ripe red fruits, savoury undertones
Asian “ratatouille” with roasted eggplant, tamari and hoisin
Lanolin, baked pear, lemon, flint
Custard cream, lemon, pear, vanilla, almond [3.0]
Grilled whole Red Snapper
Strawberry jam, black cherry, violet, graphite
5083 DOMAINE PETER SICHEL, IGP CUCUGNAN, BLANC, 2021
Roussanne
5084
DOMAINE PETER SICHEL, IGP CUCUGNAN, ROUGE, 2019
Grenache, Syrah
photo — The plot of Roussanne the day of harvest, above the clouds.
This has a pale lemon yellow hue and medium-intensity elements of lees, fusil notes, banana and pear. It is dry with a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture and a medium body, with the pear and banana replays on the palate and a medium finish. 2025-2026– ir
A pale yellow color in the glass, followed by an attractive nose of medium intensity guava, yellow gooseberry and passion fruit. The palate is equally lively, dry and has a medium-plus acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture and a medium body, with nice length and persistence of lemon, passion fruit and gooseberry flavors preceding a medium finish. 2025-2026– ir
Lees, fusil notes, banana and pear
Pear, banana. Lees [0.4]
Quiche Lorraine with a side salad and light vinaigrette
Guava, yellow gooseberry, passion fruit
Lemon, passion fruit and gooseberry [0.4]
Chicken Piccata
5068 FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE CHARDONNAY, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Chardonnay
5069 FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE SAUVIGNON, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Sauvignon Blanc
NEW LOWER PRICE
NEW LOWER PRICE
5071
FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Cabernet Sauvignon
WINES TO SAVOUR ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
The wine has a pale salmon hue and medium-intensity, almost perfume-like aromas of pear, watermelon and red berries. The palate is dry and medium-framed –acidity, extract and body, it has a soft texture and a nice length replaying the perfume-like notes of red pear, watermelon, red plum with a coating medium finish. 2025-2026– ir
An opaque, deep purple ruby robe here. The nose has a medium intensity with straightforward notes of candied cassis, cassis leaf, dark chocolate and almond. With low but adequate acidity, the palate is dry and has shyof-medium extract and loose medium-textured tannins – yet a medium-body impression with overtones of cassis candy and leaf, dark chocolate and a brief finale. 2025-2026–ir
Perfume-like, pear, watermelon and red berries
Red pear, watermelon, red plum [0.4]
Sushi
5070
FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE SYRAH ROSÉ, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Syrah
Candied cassis, cassis leaf, dark chocolate and almond
Cassis candy and leaf, dark chocolate
Roast quail with beetroot and blackcurrant sauce
Sauvignon Blanc
The wine shows a white-yellow platinum tinge and medium-intensity aromas of cassis leaf, green gooseberry and green plum. It is dry and has a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and nice length and fruit intensity with ripe green gooseberry and green plum, cassis leaf and pencil-lead flavours, closing with a medium finish. 2025-2026 – ir
Cassis leaf, green gooseberry and green plum
Ripe green gooseberry and green plum, cassis leaf and pencil lead [0.4]
Quenelles de brochet (pike quenelles) with sauce Nantua
5073
A white-yellow platinum appearance. The nose has medium-plus intensity, mostly savoury, notes – lees/paste, chives and earth. Dry with a medium acidity, medium extract and body, it has a soft texture and cushy presence with hints of aroma replays and an expedient wrap-up. 2025-2026– ir
Lees/paste, chives, earth
Lees/paste, chives, earth [0.4]
5072 DOMAINE CANET SAUVIGNON, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Grilled whitefish with herbed avocado sauce
DOMAINE CANET CHARDONNAY, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Chardonnay
WINES TO SAVOUR ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
The wine offers a deep purple, opaque appearance and medium-intensity lifted aromas of ink, chocolate-covered black plum, smoke/tar, hickory and black olive/ lard. It is dry on the palate, with a mediumminus acidity, a medium extract, mediumfine squeaky-textured tannins, a medium body, and nice length and persistence of inky, blackberry preserve, black plum, and some earthy, smoke/tar and chocolate flavours closing with a medium finish. Unoaked, but acts as if it has seen some. 2025-2026– ir
14.5%
Ink, chocolate-covered black plum, smoke/ tar, hickory, black olive/lard
Inky, blackberry preserve, black plum, earthy, smoke/tar, chocolate
Mushroom medley, zucchini and red onion kebabs with pineapple salsa
A deep purple, opaque robe. The nose has medium intensity, lifted aromas of red plum, celery seed, tomato leaf and bitter chocolate. Dry with a medium acidity, the palate has medium-minus extract and soft loose-textured tannins, medium body and presence with overtones of plum and pit, herbs and leaves and a medium finish. 2025-2026 – ir
14%
plum, celery seed, tomato leaf,
Plum, pit, herbs, leaves
Grilled vegetables with scallion-miso mayo
Red
bitter chocolate
5075 DOMAINE CANET MERLOT, IGP PAYS D'OC 2023
Merlot NEW
5074 DOMAINE CANET SYRAH, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Syrah
PROVENCE
Provence is the other half of the Mediterranean coast of France, to the west of Rhone’s estuary completing the arc that Languedoc-Roussillon starts at the Spanish border. While the climate and grapes it shares with Rhone and Languedoc allow it to make good examples of all three colours of wine – and any in style that one desires –it is mostly rosé country, where north of 80% of wine comes out pink. Its rosé style is pale-hued, clean and cleansing with subtle fruit and a nice round mouthfeel that had already been famous before it got another kick in popularity later during the 2010s. Provençal rosé is certainly one of the reference styles for that colour, but do not overlook the region’s other wares: some compelling whites and reds are also made here.
CHÂTEAU SAINTE CROIX
Château Sainte Croix is based on the site of an old fortified farm that dates to the 12th century, outside of the village of Carcès where, in 1927, Fernand Pélépol, having decided to stop selling his grapes to the local coop, made his first wine. Today, the fourth generation of the dynasty, Florence and Stéphane Pélépol, continue crafting the bottled expressions of the history and tradition of the region drawing on 50 hectares of vineyards they now farm.
5085 CHÂTEAU SAINTE CROIX, INFINI ROSÉ, IGP VAR, 2023
The wine has a metallic, very pale pink hue and medium-plus intensity, lifted, floral, almost rose-like and red fruit aromas –plum, watermelon, blood orange – which make for quite an attractive set. The palate is dry with a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture and a medium body with nice length and fruit presence with oily/ custardy, rose, red plum, watermelon and ripe blood orange flavours, and a medium finish. 2025-2026 – ir
Oil/custard, rose, red plum, watermelon, blood orange [<1.00]
SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHÂTEAU ST CROIX WINERY.
Lifted, floral, red plum, watermelon, blood orange
Classic ratatouille
Grenache, Syrah NEW
photo — Chef Rudy Tortora, owner of Le Patriarche restaurant, between Carcès and Le Thoronet, in the heart of Château Sainte Croix, welcomes you.
5087 CHÂTEAU SAINTE CROIX RÉSERVE DES ANGES, IGP VAR, 2022
A hazy pale pink in the glass. The nose shows medium-intensity aromatics with mealy, estery, doughy/oily and red fruit notes: watermelon, cranberry and plum. With a medium acidity, it is dry on the palate and offers a medium extract, a soft texture and a medium body with subtle fruit overtones of watermelon, red plum and cranberry, oil/lees, nuts and custard and closing with a medium finish. 2025-2026– ir
This wine spent six to eight months in oak. A deep purple appearance. The nose has a medium intensity with lifted, lactic/custardy elements and notes of cassis candy, dark chocolate sponge candy, bell pepper and carrot stew. Dry with a medium-minus but adequate acidity, the palate shows a medium extract, medium fine-textured tannins, a medium body with medium fruit and length and lactic/custardy, sponge candy and cassis hard drop flavours, and a medium finish. 2025-2026– ir
WAKE UP IN THE
Mealy, fruity, doughy/oily, watermelon, cranberry and plum
Watermelon, red plum, cranberry, oil/lees, nuts, custard [<1.00]
Vietnamese pan-seared scallops
Lifted, lactic/custardy, cassis candy, dark chocolate sponge candy, bell pepper, carrot stew
Lactic/custardy, sponge candy and cassis hard drops
Lamb ragout with olive de Nice and herbes de Provence
5086 SAINTE CROIX, IGP VAR, 2023
Merlot, Grenache, Muscat
Merlot, Syrah
NEW LOWER PRICE
MORNING IN PROVENCE AT CHÂTEAU SAINTE CROIX. LODGING AVAILABLE.
5088
CHÂTEAU SAINTE-CROIX
ACACIA AND CHARMEUR CASE3 BOTTLES EACH
$ 46 $ 276
If a trip to Provence is not in the cards just yet, then bring Provence to you. It does take an effort to imagine that the blue of your or your neighbor’s pool is the azul waters of the Mediterranean –or that beyond the houses blocking your view there is a sun-drenched beach – but this two-pack should definitely help. Get some tapenades, salade Niçoise, fresh simply-prepped seafood, parasols for your patio and your drinks and treat yourself to a taste of Provence for an afternoon, without the major time and financial commitments.
CHÂTEAU SAINTE CROIX, ACACIA, AOP CÔTES DE PROVENCE, 2023
Rolle, Sémillion
The wine shows a pale lemon-yellow colour and medium-intensity, lifted and floral aromas of fresh camomile, quince, yellow plum and pear, Meyer lemon, with lees/ batter notes coming out with some air. It is dry, has a medium acidity, a medium-plus extract, a soft texture and a medium-plus body with lovely length and fruit intensity of Meyer lemon, yellow plum and pear, quince, flowers and lees flavours tailing off onto a medium finish. 2025-2026 – ir
CHÂTEAU SAINTE CROIX, CHARMEUR, AOP CÔTES DE PROVENCE, 2023
Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache
A pale grey-pink hue here. The nose has medium-intensity lifted and floral aromas with strawberry wash, red plum and citrus notes. The palate is dry with a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture and a medium body. It has presence and depth but is shy on length or range of flavours yet holds a textural appeal and closes with a clean short-to-medium finish. 2025-2026 – ir
12.5%
Strawberry wash, red plum and citrus
Hint of strawberry, red plum and citrus [<1.00]
Creamy Brie with a berry compote and herb-toasted baguette
Lifted, floral - camomile, quince, yellow plum and pear, Meyer lemon, lees/batter
Meyer lemon, yellow plum and pear, quince, flowers and lees [<1.00]
Crab linguine with arugula and grilled lemon
CORSICA
With its remote location 170 kilometres southeast of the Côte d’Azur, the island of Corsica is an oftforgotten French wine region. It is physically closer to the Tuscan coast and was historically under the rule of Pisa, then Genoa. It is therefore not surprising that Corsica’s 6,000 hectares of vineyards are mainly planted to Italian varieties including Rolle (a.k.a. Vermentino), Nielluccio (genetically identical to Sangiovese), and Sciacarello (the Mammolo grape of Chianti). Corsica has a rugged, mountainous terrain with abundant sunshine and low rainfall. Buffeted by cooling breezes and planted at high altitudes, the grapes maintain vibrant acidity despite the hot, Mediterranean climate.
5089 ORENGA DE GAFFORY, SCALA SANTA, VIN DE FRANCE, 2022
Sciaccarellu, Nielluciu
$ 51 $ 306
One of my favourite wines from the tasting! The Scala Santa is immensely drinkable with pretty, perfumed aromas of puréed red berries, dark fruit, floral undertones and exotic hints. The palate is juicy and broad with bright fruit flavours and earthy undertones that add complexity. Finishes with moderately firm, fine-grained tannins. Drinking well now with good medium-term holding potential. 2024-2029–jb
Domaine Orenga de Gaffory
This 56-hectare organically farmed vineyard is located in Patrimonio, one of the island’s most prized appellations. Pierre Orenga de Gaffory founded the northerly domaine in 1966, passing it down to his son Henry a decade later. The benevolent climate and diverse and gravelly claylimestone soils here allow for a range of wines, from full-bodied reds to luscious, sweet Muscat.
Raspberry purée, blueberry, hibiscus, exotic spices
Red berries, plum, savoury nuances
Pasta alla Norma
FRANCE
SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY WINERY.
5090 ORENGA DE GAFFORY, ROUGE, AOP PATRIMONIO, 2022
Niellucciu, Grenache
The Nielluccio grape may be the same variety as Sangiovese but has evolved over time, adapting to the Corsican climate. It is often dark in colour, riper and fresher. This 2022 vintage cuvée has lively citrussy, minty notes complementing its dark plum flavours. It is quite firm and weighty on the palate, balanced by brisk acidity, chalky tannins and a dry finish. Best with food. 2024-2029 –jb
A fortified, sweet white wine made from the highly aromatic Muscat variety. After ten years in bottle, this luscious wine has developed notable complexity with its dried fruit, roasted, nutty, caramelized flavours. Very smooth and plush on the palate with sufficient freshness to balance the honeyed sweetness. Drink now. 2024-2027–jb
Blood orange, plum, minty and savoury herbs
Plum, tart berries, savoury and peppery hints
Aged Pecorino
16%
Toffee, roasted nuts, lychee, dried apricot
Dried apricot, apple, hazelnut, salted caramel [140.00]
Walnut torte with orange zest
5091 ORENGA DE GAFFORY, IMPASSITU, AOP MUSCAT DU CAP CORSE, 2013
Muscat À Petit Grain NEW
photo — Henri Orenga de Gaffory (on the right) and his son Pierre.
Another standout wine for me from this cellar. I am a big fan of well-made Loire Chenin Blanc, and this definitely qualifies: the nose is incredibly vibrant with tart fruit, earthy and mineral nuances leaping from the glass. On the palate, bracing acidity is nicely balanced by exuberant citrus and green fruit flavours. Finishes with lingering salinity that lures you back for another sip. 2024-2028 –jb
THE LOIRE VALLEY
The Loire Valley is the largest producer of appellation (AOC) white wines in France. The vineyards follow the path of the mighty Loire River for several hundred kilometres from north-central France to the Atlantic Coast. Soil and climate factors vary significantly across this wide expanse. The famed Sauvignon Blanc vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé grow on chalky soils in the Loire’s interior. As we move westward, Chenin Blanc becomes more predominant with many top AOCs dedicated to its dry, sweet and sparkling iterations. The region also produces lively light Gamay reds, majestic Cabernet Franc and – closest to the Atlantic Coast –the racy Muscadet.
A classic Muscadet with its appley, citrus, mineral aromas and hints of yeast. The palate is initially quite brisk and taut, softening towards the finish. The sur Lie designation refers to Muscadet wines that age on their fine lees (yeast cells breaking down after fermentation). This technique gives a subtle creaminess to the mid palate. 2025-2026 –jb
Lemon zest, quince, green apple, flint
Lemon, apple, nectarine, gooseberry [6.00]
Chicken fricassee
5096
CÉCILE LEBRUN VOUVRAY, AOC VOUVRAY, SEC, 2023
Chenin Blanc
12%
Yellow apple, lemon, wet stone, bread dough
Apple, lemon, earthy, herbal [<2.00]
Oysters on the half shell
5097
DOMAINE DE LA BRETONNIÈRE MUSCADET DE SÈVRE ET MAINE, SUR LIE, AOC MUSCADET SÈVREET-MAINE, 2023
Melon de Bourgogne
NEW LOWER PRICE
NEW LOWER PRICE
photo — Marc Vappereau, Winemaker. CELLAR 317 — ONTARIO
Maison Foucher
The Maison Foucher was established in the early 1920s by Paulin Lebrun, barrel-maker turned winemaker. Situated between Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé, the earliest wines were produced from local grapes. Three generations later, the vineyard sourcing extends from far further west across the region. Winemaker Marc Vappereau focuses on sustainably farmed grapes and restrained winemaking to show off the quality of each site.
5099 CÉCILE LEBRUN TOURAINE, AOC TOURAINE, 2023
Côt, Cabernet Franc
This red wine is a highly typical style for the region. It is made from a blend of Côt (the local name for Malbec) and Cabernet Franc. The cool climate here ensures that juicy, lively flavours predominate. The nose and palate offer similar notes of tangy red and dark fruit with underlying smoky, herbal hints. Fairly firm with chalky tannins and a pleasant rusticity. 2024-2028 –jb
The Sauvignon Blanc wines of Touraine are less well-known than those of Sancerre but can offer lots of drinking pleasure for a fraction of the price. This 2023 cuvée is redolent with green herbal notes of sage and rosemary on the nose with fruity nuances emerging over time. The palate is citrussy and refreshing with a clean, dry finish.
2024-2027–jb
5100 CÉCILE LEBRUN CHINON, AOC CHINON, 2023
Franc
The Chinon appellation is quasi-exclusively dedicated to Cabernet Franc red wines. The terroir here often gives a certain florality to the nose and silky quality on the palate. This is a lovely example, in a fresh, fragrant, earlydrinking style with fine structuring tannins and complex flavours. Best served slightly chilled. 2024-2027–jb
5098 CÉCILE LEBRUN TOURAINE SAUVIGNON, AOC TOURAINE, 2023
Sauvignon Blanc
5101 SAUMUR CHAMPIGNY, "SUR LE TUFFEAU", AOP SAUMURCHAMPIGNY, 2023
Cabernet Franc
The soils described as tuffeau in the Loire Valley refer to a local type of very fine, chalky limestone. Both white and red grapes are cultivated on tuffeau soils, often giving a lightness and mineral expression to the wines. This Cabernet Franc is equal parts floral, fruity and subtly vegetal with signature bell pepper hints. The palate has a light, chiselled, refreshing quality that is very pleasant. 2024-2027–jb
Sage, lemon, gooseberry, peach skin
Lemon zest, apple, gooseberry, fennel [<2.00]
Cheese and broccoli soufflé
Blackberry, red plum, smoky, cumin
Black cherry, plum, earthy, herbal
Pâté de campagne with toast points
Violet, plum, raspberry, red bell pepper
Tangy red and dark fruit, savoury herbs
Navarin of lamb
Violet, black olive, cassis, red cherry
Cherry, plum, minty herbs, cinnamon
Herbed and grilled spatchcock of chicken with rosemary-fennel crème fraiche
Cabernet
CÉCILE LEBRUN SANCERRE BLANC/POUILLY FUMÉ CASE3 BOTTLES EACH
$ 53 $ 318
SAUVIGNON BLANC AT ITS BEST FROM THESE ICONIC APPELLATIONS
Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé are the Loire Valley’s two most prestigious appellations for Sauvignon Blanc wines. Subtle differences in mesoclimate and soil composition make these two dry, white wines quite different. This is a great opportunity to compare and contrast!
CÉCILE LEBRUN SANCERRE, BLANC, AOC SANCERRE, 2023
Sauvignon Blanc
Sancerre’s famed elegance and raciness is amply on display here. The nose immediately draws one in with its layered aromas of tangy fruit and aromatic herbs. The palate is steely and powerful with great concentration and a nice creamy textured mid palate. Finishes bone-dry with highly persistent minerality. Drinking well now but should age nicely for a decade. 2024-2034 –jb
fruit, lemon, herbal, salinity [<2.00]
with shrimp and fresh tomato
LEBRUN POUILLY FUMÉ, AOP POUILLY FUMÉ, 2023
Sauvignon Blanc 13%
Tempting aromas of peach and white blossoms mingle with more high-toned notes of lemon and flint on the nose. Bracing high acid gives way to quite a broad, medium-weight palate with mainly savoury, mineral flavours. The structure becomes steelier towards the finish. Lots of complexity and finesse on display, perhaps best coaxed out by decanting before serving. 2024-2028 –jb
Earthy, flinty, salinity [<2.00]
White peach, floral, lemon, flint
Gazpacho
CÉCILE
Rhubarb, lemon, gooseberry, nettle
Green
Linguine
photo — Marc Vappereau, Winemaker. CELLAR 317 — ONTARIO
The Garden of France: Loire Valley
BY Igor Ryjenkov MW
The Loire is the longest river in France, dotted with numerous historic castles and picturesque landscapes. Its region, a day trip from Paris, is dubbed the Garden of France and draws millions of visits by Parisians and tourists alike every year.
The Loire is also a world of wines of every colour and style, all in the fresher, coolclimate spectrum thanks to its latitude, the cooler maritime, and, further inland, continental influences. It has four distinctive sub-regions with its own unique styles. Most Loire whites are single varietals, and reds wholly or partly rely on Cabernet Franc. Several Loire wines are benchmark expressions of the grape or style. Top reds and Chenins reward cellaring, but none require it as the vast majority of wine is meant for early enjoyment. Let’s take a whistle-stop tour of the Loire’s vinous highlights.
Going from west to east, upriver, we find ourselves in Pays Nantais, Muscadet country, with Sèvre-et-Maine as its prime zone. It is soft-spoken aromatically, light to medium-bodied with a nice brace of acidity. Often, depth and richness are added by the extra prescribed time on the lees, hence the “Sur-Lie” designation.
Next, we enter the Anjou-Saumur sub-region, where Anjou specializes in Chenin Blanc-based dry and sweet wines, while Saumur focuses on Cabernet Franc reds. SaumurChampigny, Anjou, and Cabernet
d’Anjou all hail from here, where the latter is a rosé blend of both Cabs, but the Franc, for a change, plays the main role in them all. Cooler provenance shows here in medium bodied, and fresher acids, often with signature notes of cassis, bell pepper, and minerality.
Next–Touraine, with its own very distinct expressions of the same two grapes. Vouvray is 100% Chenin grown in the area’s unique “tuffeau” soil, volcanic chalk which imprints a chalky note on the grape’s quince and mushrooms aromatics. Cab Francdominated Chinon and St Nicolas de Bourgueil (and Bourgueil) show a greater grip and mineral elements against Saumur reds.
Finally, we reach the Central Vineyards. Sauvignon Blanc rules here with Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé as its benchmark expressions: lifted acidity, gooseberry, grassy, citric notes with Fumé showing an additional smoky–“fumé”–dimension thanks to the presence of flint in the soil here.
To those not yet familiar with the region–you are in for a treat. The wines are bright, rarely oaked and fresh, the style du jour, and are highly foodfriendly. For those who are already fans–welcome back!
Editor's Note: Returning from our cellar archives, this article was originally published in Cellar 297.
5093 DOMAINE DE LA CHANTELEUSERIE, BEAUVAIS, AOP BOURGUEIL, 2020
Cabernet Franc
$ 39 $ 234
Bourgueil is another excellent terroir for Cabernet Franc wines, often in a bolder, more structured style. This 2020 cuvée is quite dense in colour, offering great aromatic complexity with fresh and more evolved nuances, ranging from floral notes to red fruit, to minty undertones. The palate is still quite firm so requires a hearty food pairing or a little more ageing. 2025-2030 –jb
red & dark fruit,
Toronto-based IGOR RYJENKOV MW was the first in Canada to earn the prestigious Master of Wine credential in 2003. His wine business expertise has been informed by 24 year in the Ontario trade, first in retail, then in key buying positions, and lastly, in projects, most notably, developing the new 5-dot wine style matrix. Igor is one of Opimian’s Masters of Wines.
Wildflowers, dried cherry, plum, eucalyptus
Tangy
minty, herbal
Tourtière
photo — Thierry and Christine Boucard of Domaine de la Chanteleuserie.
5094
DOMAINE MELLIER DE L'EPAISSE ST-NICOLAS-DEBOURGUEIL / BOURGUEIL CASE - 3 BOTTLES EACH
$ 36 $ 216
Another chance to compare top terroirs from the Loire! Despite their proximity, the wines of St-Nicolasde-Bourgueil tend to be much lighter and fresher due to their mainly sandy, gravelly soils. Bourgueil is a larger appellation, so styles vary and are generally more powerful.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DOMAINE MELLIER DE L'EPAISSE.
DOMAINE MELLIER DE L'EPAISSE BOURGUEIL, AOC BOURGUEIL, 2022
Cabernet Franc
This is a slightly earlier-drinking style of Bourgueil, not built for long ageing but very pleasant and well balanced. Red and dark fruit mingle with refreshing vegetal and graphite notes on the nose. The palate is brisk and juicy with lots of dark fruit and lingering earthy appeal. 2024-2028 –jb
red cherry, red bell
Red currant, plum, cassis, earthy
13%
DOMAINE MELLIER DE L'EPAISSE ST-NICOLAS-DE-BOURGUEUIL, AOC SAINT-NICOLAS DE BOURGUEIL, 2022
Cabernet Franc
The 2022 vintage Saint-Nicolas-deBourgueil is all cracked pepper, tart red fruit, cassis and fresh leafy undertones on the nose. The effect is very inviting. On the palate, brisk acidity combines with a light, chalky texture and tangy dark fruit giving an overall impression of easy drinkability. 2024-2028 –jb
pepper, red currant, cassis, leafy Red currant, plum, cassis, black pepper
Venison and bacon casserole NEW NEW
Cassis,
pepper, graphite
photo — Florian and Marina Olivier, brother and sister, both managers of the family estate, in the shade of the Cabernet Franc vines.
Vouvray, Sec, 2023
Since the Middle Ages, the Chenin Blanc of Vouvray has found its way into the cellars of kings, popes, and connoisseur. It’s your turn. Cécile Lebrun is now making this for you. does! Especially when the an expert winemaker like Katie Jones gets her hands on the harvest. She squeezes (pun intended) every last essence and flavour out of these exclusive grapes.
Our Cellar Up! program is evolving to make your ordering experience even smoother.
For this Cellar, you can easily order all four Coups de Coeur, selected by your Masters of Wine, with a single lot number.
CHEERS TO CONVENIENCE AND QUALITY.
Domaine Jones Vieilles Vignes, AOP Fitou 2022
Does Vieilles Vignes (old vines) really mean anything? It sure does! Especially when the an expert winemaker like Katie Jones gets her hands on the harvest. She squeezes (pun intended) every last essence and flavour out of these exclusive grapes.
Picpoul de Pinet, Tête de Cuvée, AOP Picpoul de Pinet, 2023
If there ever was a unique wine in a unique bottle, this is it! Once you’ve tried this full-bodied white, you’ll have a lifetime memory of the bottle and the wine. A beautiful memory!
$ 924
Picpoul de Pinet, Tête de Cuvée, AOP Picpoul de Pinet, 2023
If there ever was a unique wine in a unique bottle, this is it! Once you’ve tried this full-bodied white, you’ll have a lifetime memory of the bottle and the wine. A beautiful memory!
To order, please go to Opimian.ca and search lot 5107.
Cécile Lebrun Vouvray, AOC Vouvray, Sec, 2023
Since the Middle Ages, the Chenin Blanc of Vouvray has found its way into the cellars of kings, popes, and connoisseur. It’s your turn. Cécile Lebrun is now making this for you.
Orenga de Gaffory, Scala Santa, Vin de France, 2022
Often drinkability and complexity can fight one another. Not with this charmer. Mouth-watering with earthy undertones, this wine provides both. Corsica is a hidden gem of a winemaking region - but not for long!
Orenga de Gaffory, Scala Santa, Vin de France, 2022
Often drinkability and complexity can fight one another. Not with this charmer. Mouth-watering with earthy undertones, this wine provides both. Corsica is a hidden gem of a winemaking region - but not for long!
SPIRITS
Cognac is a high-quality brandy that can only be made in the appellation of the same name, located in the Charentais area of western France. This eaux-de-vie is distilled from local grapes, namely Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard. Cognac is twice distilled in copper pot stills and aged for at least two years in French oak barrels. Quality rankings, from VS to XXO, are based on the length of ageing beyond this duration.
5105 ELISABETH FINE COGNAC CASEONE BOTTLE EACH: VS, VSOP, XO
700ml
$ 175 $ 525
ELISABETH VS FINE COGNAC, AOC COGNAC FINS BOIS
Colombard, Ugni Blanc
Blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc, VS spends over four years in Limousin oak. A pale amber in appearance, the aromatic set shows a nice range of butterscotch, fusil oils, poached pear and yellow plum, fig and honey. It starts with a supple, soft attack, has a light to medium weight and follows the nose with poached pear/plum, fig, honey and butterscotch notes before it “heats up” very slowly towards a nice long butterscotch-, fig- and prune-laced finish – ir
Butterscotch, fusil oils, poached pear and yellow plum, fig and honey Poached pear/plum, fig, honey and butterscotch
This case represents the three main age categories of Cognac –from youngest (VS) to oldest (XO) –and gives you a great opportunity to firstly get to know the different age expression made by the same house, and then gauge where your personal palate preference lies. A sidebar: if it is with VS, then consider yourself lucky.
DOMAINE ELISABETH
Dating to 1767, Domaine's 50 ha are planted not only to the grapes for the base wine for the cognac, but also for some still wines, red and white. Now in the care of Arrivé family and part of a larger portfolio, it has been certified organic since 1997, with their entire Cognac-based offer, exceptionally, carrying that designation.
ELISABETH VSOP FINE COGNAC, AOC COGNAC FINS BOIS
Colombard, Ugni Blanc
This VSOP spends six years in oak. It is a light amber color in the glass with the aromas of dried flowers and herbs, wood varnish, butterscotch, vanilla and dried pear. The palate opens with a soft attack yet with an edge and is medium weight, showing a nice length with an implied sweetness beginning to build ahead of the alcoholic warmth. The latter peaks to quite high values, almost bitingly hot, and then wanes with honey and butterscotch onto a medium finish –ir
ELISABETH XO FINE COGNAC, AOC COGNAC FINS BOIS
flowers and herbs, wood varnish, butterscotch, vanilla and dried pear Implied
This medium amber potion spent over 15 years in barrels. It shows subtle with an elegant delivery, medium-intensity aromas of honey, poached pear and butterscotch nicely wrought together with a slight hint of apricot. The palate is medium weight with a nice soft and supple entry, a nice length and notes of prune, fig, poached pear and butterscotch with the heat building quite late on the palate towards a long, warm, prune, fig and chocolate finish –ir
Prune, fig, poached pear and butterscotch Finish A long, warm, prune, fig and chocolate
Colombard, Ugni Blanc
WEB EXCLUSIVE FIND THE WHITE PINEAU DES CHARENTES (LOT 5103) AND THE ARMAGNAC COLLECTION FROM MAISON RYSTDUPEYRON (LOT 5104) ONLINE ONLY!
5106
COGNAC CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE, VIEILLE RÉSERVE NO. 1, AOC COGNAC
Folle Blanche, Montils, Ugni Blanc
The Vieille Réserve No. 1 from Château Bellevue is a very special Cognac. Aged for over 50 years in the winery’s vaulted stone cellars, it has a powerful, hedonistic allure. Complex notes of caramelized sugar, mixed spices, dried fruit, sandalwood, and nutty hints feature on the nose. The palate is bold yet utterly harmonious, with a very smooth finish, and seemingly endless length –jb
Toffee, brown spice, lychee, dried orange peel
Toffee, prune, peppery spice, aromatic herbs
Heady, complex, and satiny smooth
NEW LOWER PRICE
photo — Wine distillation using a traditional Alambic.
$ 85 $ 510
14.5%
Beef stew with prunes and cherries
Aged for 24 months in just two new small barriques. A deep purple, opaque in appearance. The nose shows medium-plus intensity, lifted, floral and heady aromas of prune spread, black olive tapenade, pecan essence and toffee. Dry with a medium acidity, the palate tests the scales, but everything is in balance: a high extract, high fine-textured furry tannins, a medium-plus warm balanced alcohol and a full body with a nice length and well-enunciated flavours of cream, prune spread, hickory, black olive, pecan essence and toffee, and closing with a medium-plus to long finish. 2025-2026– ir
LA PERLE RARE GRENACHE GRIS - THE HIGHEST SCORING WHITE OF LANGUEDOC FROM DECANTER.
$ 85 $ 510
This starts out as a single new barrel topped up with a new vintage over at least three years. The wine displays a mediumplus golden yellow hue. The nose features medium-intensity elements of dried fruit – starfruit and lemon, then goldenrod, thistle, camomile tea, oil, lemon wax – with savoury, marrow and wild honey notes. It is clearly complex. It is dry and has a medium acidity, a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and lovely length and fruit intensity with flavours of lanolin, lemon wax, goldenrod, dried lemon, starfruit and quince and a hint of tequila and verbena all appearing before a medium-plus finish. Ready now. 2025-2026– ir
14%
and lemon,
lemon
Crispy crab cakes with starfruit chutney
5057 LA PERLE RARE JONES SYRAH, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020
Syrah
5056
LA PERLE RARE JONES GRENACHE GRIS, VIN DE FRANCE, NV
Grenache Gris
Dried starfruit
goldenrod, thistle, camomile tea, oil, lemon wax, marrow, wild honey
Lanolin,
wax, goldenrod, dried lemon, starfruit and quince, tequila and verbena [1.00]
Lifted, floral, prune spread, black olive tapenade, pecan essence, toffee
Creamy, prune spread, hickory, black olive, pecan essence, toffee
RARE WINES TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR
ORENGA
Nielluccio
The “Cuvée des Gouverneurs” is among the top wines from Domaine Orenga de Gaffory. It is sourced from the estate’s premier Nielluccio vineyards and aged for year in a portion of new French oak. The result is bold and heady with layered aromas of vibrant fruit and attractive savoury notes. The palate is powerfully built yet well balanced by lingering freshness. Ripe, muscular tannins structure the long finish. 2026-2036– jb
Smoky, meaty, dark plum, floral undertones
Plum, tangy cherry, dried herbs, cocoa
Stufatu di cignale (wild boar stew)
The Bottle Shop
5103 ELISABETH, AOC PINEAU DES CHARENTES, BLANC, BIO Colombard
A medium amber in appearance, the nose features dried pear, fennel, honeycomb, butterscotch and sake/fusil, slightly medicinal notes. It is sweet with a mediumminus adequate acidity, a medium extract, a medium texture, a medium-plus warm alcohol and a medium body. It shows a nice length and persistent flavors of dried pear, wild honey, fennel, medicinal herbs and a medium-plus finish. You can actually taste the cognac in this Pineau. Ready now, but will hold for 10+ years. 2025-2035 – ir
Dried pear, fennel, honeycomb, butterscotch, sake/fusil, medicinal
Dried pear, wild honey, fennel, medicinal herbs
Fresh cantaloupe
ARMAGNAC DE COLLECTION 2009, RÉSERVE
JOSEPH, MAISON RYST-DUPEYRON, 2009
Ugni blanc, baco
A medium-plus amber appearance. Lifted aromas of toffee, butterscotch, dried pear, fig and prune on the nose. It has a soft attack on the palate but the warmth quickly builds, shows a light to medium body, is soft and supple with a nice length. It glides over the palate to a medium finish with fruit notes of dark chocolate, dried pear, butter and butterscotch, toffee, nuts and wood varnish – ir
ARMAGNAC DE COLLECTION 2008, RÉSERVE
JOSEPH, MAISON RYST-DUPEYRON, 2008
Ugni blanc, baco
A medium-plus amber in the glass. With a gentle inhale it shows a medium intensity on the nose, featuring broad range of aromas - toffee, butterscotch, fennel, medicinalsyrups/rubber, butter, oil and wood varnish. On the palate it opens with a soft attack with notes of pear, butterscotch, fennel, toffee and chocolate, it is light to medium in weight with a good length, and the warmth builds on the palate to medium-plus warm medicinal finish – ir
Toffee, butterscotch, fennel, medicinalsyrup/rubber, butter, oil and wood varnish
Pear, butterscotch, fennel, toffee and chocolate
Roquefort cheese and candied walnuts
ARMAGNAC DE COLLECTION 2010, RÉSERVE JOSEPH, MAISON RYST-DUPEYRON, 2010
Ugni blanc, baco
A medium-plus amber. The nose shows medium-intensity notes of dried prune and pear, toffee, butterscotch, a slight fusil, sake-like element and dark chocolate. With a soft attack on the palate, it has a light to medium weight and hints of dried pear, prune, chocolate, butterscotch and touch of fusil oils as it warms towards the end of the palate and a medium finish – ir
5104
Toffee, butterscotch, dried pear, fig and prune
Dark chocolate, dried pear, butter and butterscotch, toffee, nuts and wood varnish
Pear Charlotte
Dried prune and pear, toffee, butterscotch, fusil, sake-like note and dark chocolate
Dried pear, prune, chocolate, butterscotch, hint of fusil oils
Tarte Tatin
MAISON RYST-DUPEYRON
ARMAGNAC DE COLLECTION, RÉSERVE JOSEPH, LA CAISSE DES MILLÉSIMES - 1 BOTTLE EACH: 2008, 2009, 2010
$ WEB $ WEB
ARMAGNAC
Further south than Cognac, Armagnac pre-dates its more famous cousin. Sharing the same key grape Ugni Blanc, (nearly exclusive in Cognac), Armagnac has more of a palette to work with as Folle Blanche, Colombard, and a hybrid Baco are also grown here. It is typically distilled once vs the double distillation practiced in Cognac, and once in the barrel, the eau-de-vies mature a little faster in Armagnac area, given a warmer climate. The use of the vintage year, rare in Cognac, has long been in use in Armagnac to identify the single year’s distillates stressing the individuality of each harvest’s expression.
3678
CANADIAN CORNER
PEARL MORISSETTE NIAGARA VINEYARDS COUP DE CŒUR, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2021
Chardonnay
$ 0 $ 0
This rye-forward whisky is loaded with personality. The nose is packed with orange zest, vanilla, toasted coconut, mince pie and crème caramel aromas. The initial sip opens with layers of grilled orange, apricot, dates and caramel before it transitions into a long spicy finish. Refined and polished, Beach’s signature smooth mouthfeel makes it easy to enjoy Rye 51 straight; however, its versatile style makes it perfect for classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned.– lw
The 2021 Pearl Morissette Coup de Cœur captures the essence of the Niagara region in a glass. It is a notably aromatic example of Chardonnay made from vines grown in the red clay soils of the 24-hectare Redfoot vineyard. The property, located in the Lincoln Lakeshore viticultural area, is heavily influenced by the moderating effect of Lake Ontario. Here, the mild climate and the long growing season allow the grapes time to slowly ripen while they develop maximum flavour. Elegant from the first aromas through to the extended finish, this wine offers an expressive bouquet of honeydew melon, peach, apple and lemon scents that are reinforced on the palate. Elevage in 10% new oak demi-muid and 90% foudre, in addition to eight months spent on lees, adds depth and texture to the wine. Fresh acidity perfectly supports the fruit creating a seamless balance. This wine is immediately delightful but also has the capacity to evolve in cellar. The best part? Opimian Members now have exclusive access to this small-lot Canadian gem. It is not even available at the winery! 2023-2028 – lw
4220
CLOUDSLEY CELLARS HOMESTEAD VINEYARD PINOT NOIR, VQA TWENTY MILE BENCH, 2019
Pinot Noir $ 0 $ 0
The 2019 Cloudsley Cellars Homestead Vineyard Pinot Noir is a single-vineyard wine crafted from fruit grown in Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench appellation. This is a Burgundianstyle Pinot with an evolving bouquet of cherry, leather, balsamic and cured meat. Upon the first sip, the palate expresses notes of cherry, strawberry and raspberry framed with fine grained tannin. An excellent match for beef carpaccio. 2023-2025 –lw 1079
Beef
Orange zest, toasted coconut, mince pie
Grilled orange, apricot, date, caramel
Allspice
Honeydew melon, peach, apple, lemon
Honeydew melon, peach, apple, lemon, [2.00]
Salmon cakes with lemon aioli
Cherry, leather, balsamic, cured meat
Cherry, strawberry, raspberry
carpaccio with arugula and Parmigiano-Reggiano
Whisky
4559 MELDVILLE CABERNET FRANC, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2020
Cabernet Franc
From 22-year-old vines, this was vinified using gentle extraction techniques. It has a deep ruby robe and leads with a nice intensity of aromatics of tomato leaf, black soil, dark fruit, celery and a roasted beetroot overtone. Well proportioned, it lacks a little definition now – medium acidity, extract and body, dry, with medium fine-textured tannins, a medium length and fruit intensity with black soil, leafy and minerally tones, and a medium finish. 2024-2028 –ir
4664
PEARL MORISSETTE FURIE
RED BLEND, VQA LINCOLN LAKESHORE, 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
$ 0 $ 0
Ambient yeast, no new oak and extended lees contact make this quite unlike most Bordeaux blends you encountered, so it is best to approach it as advertised – a red blend. Stylistic choices aside, it is still clearly a quality wine. It has a deep opaque ruby appearance. The nose offers medium-intensity aromas with a balsamic element, notes of tomato leaf/tomatillo, sour black plum, chokeberry, wood spice/clove, a touch of game, bell pepper stew, and pickling spices appear with some air. On the dry palate it shows a mediumplus acidity and a medium-plus frame: extract, super-fine powdery tannins and body, a nice length and intensity, with replays and echoes of the aromas – dark fruit, balsamic notes, graphite, earth/beet juice, game and tomato, and a long finish. An introvert for sure, it has a poise, a breed and a persistence. 2024-2028 – ir
4864
LIGHTFOOT & WOLFVILLE SMALL LOT TRIO BRUT, WOLFVILLE & AVONPORT, NOVA SCOTIA, 2017
Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir
A classic Champenoise blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier crafted in the traditional method. Initially restrained, this elegant sparkling wine offers delicate floral, spiced and biscuit-y notes typical of long lees-aged bubblies. Piercing acidity and lively mousse are nicely balanced by a subtly creamy, layered mid palate. Very precise and lifted. 2024-2029 –jb
Dark fruit, balsamic notes, graphite, earth/beet juice, game and tomato
Tomato leaf, black soil, dark fruit, roasted beetroot overtone and celery
Black soil, tomato leaf, minerally
Soy-chili grilled steak fajitas
Balsamic, tomato leaf/tomatillo, sour black plum, chokeberry, clove, game, bell pepper stew and pickling spices
Guinea hen
Chamomile, anise, apple, ginger biscuit
Apple, lemon, elderflower, brioche
Kung pao chicken
Everything but red REFRESHING ON ANY OCCASION
Introducing our Everything but Red subscription program, where you can discover exceptional wine with each shipment, whether it’s white, rosé, or sparkling, all with the ease of one convenient subscription.
In each case, you’ll discover:
6 bottles of delicious wine (surprise, it can be white, rosé, or sparkling!)
A personalized message and tasting notes from the producer
Exclusive wine not found in the cellar offerings
Subscribe now and receive 10 surprise cases of Opimian wines per year, expertly curated by our team!
In 2015, three of his wines from the 2013 vintage received a rating of 100 points from The Wine Advocate; thus his nickname, “Mr. 300 points” (Herr 300 Punkte in German). We are pleased to announce that Opimian has secured a small allocation of these outstanding wines from this brilliant winemaker. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your hands on these top-scoring wines, as they usually sell out in record time!
