ORDER JAN 7 - FEB 10, 2025
Viña La Rosa's winemakers Cynthia Ortiz and Gonzalo Cárcamo.
IDEALISTA - THE DREAM TO CREATE
All told, there are at least 50 species of juniper worldwide, which is a good excuse to try another gin. For the record, the base in Idealista is a blend of the Patagonian and Macedonian kind. Argentina is currently experiencing a great gin boom and experimenting with
the potential of its botanicals – like eucalyptus, which is included: it’s technically an import, although go back far enough and it was indeed a Patagonian native. The craft movement is leading the pack, so it is no surprise that Mauricio Lorca, ever the creative type, should turn his hand to gin. Further touches, like candied grapefruit and kumquats aged in oak barrels, add a signature touch to an old classic. If you were wondering where the gin scene is currently, then perhaps something from Argentina should be your next port of call.
OUTSIDE OF SOUTH AMERICA FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME
84 $ 336
Spicy and lingering
Idealista has fire to it. The humdinger nose of black pepper, cardamom and juniper is a racy, provocative affair that attacks with conviction. Feral on the palate, it exhibits warming cinnamon, coriander and a dash of zesty fresh orange, with the initial black pepper/juniper hit never too far from the action. There is real definition to the botanicals – clearly chosen with diligence – and the finish exhibits a lingering spiciness and confident bearing that says, “Martini time.” 2025-2026 – mp
Black pepper, cardamom, juniper, anise
Cinnamon, fresh orange, coriander, clove
Finish
COUPS DE COEUR
ARGENTINA
Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca
CHILE
Viña La Rosa
EVERYDAY WINES
Viña Echeverría
Villard Fine Wines
ALSACE
Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr
CELLAR UP!
ROUSSILLON
Terres Fidèles
COLLECTOR’S CORNER
EDITORIAL
Of all the gin joints ...
By Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Managing Directors
... In All The Towns In All The World ... Humphrey Bogart may have been talking about Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca, but we're talking about Mauricio Lorca in Mendoza. He has created the perfect addition to Opimian's growing spirits portfolio - Idealista Gin. Whether your go-to cocktail is a Negroni or French 75, this is the gin for it. That's why we have made it the feature product for this Cellar. Find it on page 3.
Vendanges Tardives literally means 'Late Harvest'. Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr in Alsace has mastered this process of leaving the grapes on the vine to concentrate flavours and create a wine with our Masters of Wine singing its praises. Check out the Coup de Coeur on page 23 and our Grand Cru mixed case on page 26. There are many vintages of these wines in the cellars of our MWs, and maybe even your Managing Directors.
Wine production in South America has declined in the past several years despite its popularity, being one of the few bright spots in global wine consumption. This is due to climate change. It continues to get hotter and hotter in the wine growing regions, forcing producers to harvest less per hectare than in the past. Amid all of this uncertainty, quality has remained high and these wines continue to be our best sellers by volume. There is no doubt that value is one of the reasons for its continued popularity. Our friends in Chile and Argentina so appreciate the decades-long support of Opimian Members and their orders.
As we make our way through another Canadian winter, its always a delight to open some 'sunshine in a bottle' from the south.
Cheers
Greg & Michael
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. Let us handle the rest.
British Columbia and Ontario members, your wine will be delivered to your door.
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.
Michael Palij MW Michael Palij is an adventurer, entrpreneur, and the 3rd Canadian Master of Wine. Over the years, he has introduced Opimian to some truly special producers such as Cabutto, Giovanna Tantini and Cantina Clavesana.
Jacky Blisson MW: JB Michael Palij MW: MP Igor Ryjenkov MW: IR
The Rising Global Appeal of South America’s Premium Wines – From Mendoza to the Valley’s of Chile
By Michael Palij MW
One thing is certain about South American wines: they deserve to be taken seriously.
Viñedo Chadwick, Chile’s most expensive wine, currently has an average price of US$327 and earns an aggregate score of 94 points from leading critics[1]. In comparison, Bordeaux's Pétrus is priced at US$4421, with a slightly higher score of 96 points. So, for your US$4094, you either get an extra two points or can purchase an additional 12 bottles of Chile’s flagship red.
To make this a fair fight, the heavyweight from Argentina, Nicolás Catena’s top drop, Estiba Reservada, is still a quarter of what Pétrus will charge. Chadwick – no parvenu - is a seasoned campaigner of 23 vintages and 10,000-bottle yearly output (still not huge – only a third of the Pétrus average). Furthermore, the 2021 was released on La Place de Bordeaux to a gluttony of superlatives and scored a perfect 100 points from The Wine Advocate's Luis Gutiérrez. What isn’t to like?
Why the low valuation? Several factors are at play. There are differences in production costs that contribute towards South American wines offering better value than their European
counterparts. While transportation and packaging outlay tends to remain consistent globally, labour costs vary massively. A vineyard worker in Chile, for instance, will earn approximately US$9 per day, compared to US$11 per hour for a worker in France. And this is before examining either the value of the brand or the vineyards from which it comes. Pétrus has an unalienable sense of place and nothing in either Argentina or Chile has the glittering lineage dating back half a century.
Cheap land, a soft labour market (Viñedos Chadwick takes the matter seriously and has a documented sustainability policy covering employees) [2] and weak currencies all work in South America’s favour but the natural potential of this region is enormous.
According to Jancis Robinson, vineyards over 500 meters in Europe are the exception to the altitude rule as they are prone to unreliable ripening[3]. This is where South America scores big. The Andes are a gigantic rain shadow offering spellbinding viticultural conditions. At Mauricio Lorca’s Vista Flores vineyard in the Uco Valley, a combination of poor soils, low humidity, and a consistent macroclimate allow for ripening even at
1000m (as impressive as this is, the vineyards in Salta, in Argentina’s northwest corner, can reach 2000m and still perform – Merlot is planted here[4]).
Altitude brings higher natural acidity and fuller flavour, while ‘higher radiation can make photosynthesis more efficient and plants healthier’[5]. Mendoza is at such altitude that winemakers need worry less about insects and bacteria that would otherwise be an issue. Vineyards can reach ripe old agesLorca’s vines can be centenarian. Phylloxera gets short shrift, too. It is only sporadic in Argentina, and non-existent in Chile, so that producers need not invest in grafted vines.
The sum of these advantages is genuine quality at a lower price point which, unsurprisingly, has attracted some of the wine world’s most prestigious names including both Lurton and Rothschild. Argentina and Chile have made Malbec and Carmenère, respectively, their own in ways that France perhaps cannot. But such a division for its own sake is crude: what has taken place over the last 40 years is a synergy of talents that bridges the hemispheres.
Thus, one has Paul Hobbs venturing to Chile in the late 1980s before being
lured to Argentina by Nicolás Catena’s brother, Jorge, and forging the beginnings of Malbec as a premium concept although it was Attilio Pagli, the Tuscan wizard, who made the first export Malbec for Catena in 1994 [6]
Chilean Carmenère shares a similar timeline. It was mistaken for Merlot until J.M. Boursiquot identified it correctly in 1994 (DNA profiling confirmed his conclusions in 1997)[7]. Thereafter, its stock rose considerably. Carmenère plays a minor role in the spectacular Rothschild/Concha y Toro Almaviva blend, but really comes into its own as a monovarietal elsewhere: a late-ripener, Carmenère loves Chile’s beach-bum climate and responds with plush, warm flavours.
This is the New World by name if not by nature. Vines of great age bear testimony to origins in pre-phylloxera Europe, the expertise is truly international, and really it is only the climate and the economy that remind one of the distance from Paris or London. It’s a shame that Chile and Argentina find it hard to shake off the happy-go-lucky supermarket image but for canny consumers there is bona fide prestige to be found, and at very favourable prices.
[1] https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/vinedo+chadwick+maipo+valley+chile
[2] https://errazuriz.com/pdf/policy_en.pdf
[3] https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/the-highest-vineyards-in-the-world
[4] https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/the-highest-vineyards-in-the-world
[5] https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/the-highest-vineyards-in-the-world
[6] https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/catena-argentina-mostinfluential-wine-estate
[7] Robinson, Jancis, et al. Wine Grapes, Allen Lane (2012), p.191
COUPS DE COEUR
OUR MASTERS OF WINE'S FAVOURITE WINES IN THIS CELLAR
IGOR'S COUPS DE COEUR
TEMÁTICO ARGENTINO JOVEN TORRONTÉS, LA RIOJA, 2024, LOT 5330, P9
MICHAEL'S COUPS DE COEUR
CORNELLANA WINEMAKERS SELECTION
BARREL RESERVE, CARMENÈRE, PEUMO, 2023, LOT 5338 (375 ML) AND 5339 (750 ML), P12
RIESLING
GRAND CRU
SCHOENENBOURG, AOC ALSACE, 2023, LOT 5364, P23
GEWURZTRAMINER VENDANGES TARDIVES, AOC ALSACE, 2022, LOT 5368, P25
DE COEUR
ARGENTINA
Altitude does great things for thick-skinned grape varieties. Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital, has a surfeit of it elevation, but what it lacks is rain and therefore relies largely on meltwater from the Andes for irrigation. Flood irrigation works up to a point but comes unstuck on free-draining soils, so drip irrigation, first brought to Argentina in the 1980s, is the key to cracking hardto-reach regions, like the upper reaches of the Uco Valley. Today, a destination on par with Napa Valley, winemakers long thought the Uco simply too high, too dry and too inaccessible to be worth the effort. If a Damascene moment exists, it was the planting of Catena’s Adriana vineyard at Gualtallary in 1992. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, few thought the grapes would ripen: but ripen they did thanks to both long sunlight hours and increased solar intensity. Furthermore, the cool nights balanced the acidity a treat. The secret was out of the bag: behemoth wines could be produced on the Uco’s spartan, sandy, alluvial soils with the help of drip irrigation, making full use of the Andes’ colossal rain shadow. Enter Malbec, hitherto a relatively obscure variety and now a sine qua non for many restaurants worldwide. It was not long before the Bordeaux glitterati came calling, welcoming back their lost child with barriques in tow. Malbec – and Argentinian wine – had arrived.
MENDOZA
BODEGA Y VIÑEDOS
MAURICIO LORCA
Mauricio started at the deep end with Catena before going on to become chief winemaker at Luigi Bosca, but today he is his own man, often choosing to work without oak. That requires skill because the wines have
nothing behind which to hide. The altitude helps, lending vibrant fruit character and high natural acidity –a useful starting point. The rest is up to him, although with his previous experience he is never at sea.
Deep ruby in colour. Plump and fragrant with a revealingly youthful nose of black cherry, plum, red apple and delicate florals. An approachable, easy-going palate combines soft tannins and moderate acidity with focused flavours of raspberry, blackcurrant, violets and just a hint of oak. 2025-2026 –mp
Black cherry, black plum, red apple, rose Raspberry, violets, blackcurrant, chocolate
Rillettes of duck with cranberry
5329
LORCA FANTASÍA MALBEC, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2024
Malbec
LEARN MORE ABOUT BODEGA Y VIÑEDOS MAURICIO LORCA
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
photo — Mauricio Lorca crafts his
5331
TEMÁTICO ARGENTINO JOVEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2024
Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium ruby. Frank and unabashed on the nose with fruity aromas of Victoria plum, blackberry and florals. Waves of blackberry jam lead the palate, offset by a little cold tea and rose flavour, aromatics that are perhaps indicative of the Vista Flores altitude. Youthfully exuberant but harmonious, sporting gentle tannins alongside soft acidity. 2025-2026 – mp
5330
TEMÁTICO ARGENTINO JOVEN TORRONTÉS, LA RIOJA, 2024
Torrontés
honeysuckle, linden blossom, Asian pear, linden bark, lychee, [1.80]
5332 LORCA FANTASÍA SYRAH, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2024
Syrah 5333
Deep purple hue. Welcoming notes of black plum, black pepper, cherry and currant. The palate combines perfectly balanced tannins with bright acidity wrapped around luscious blackberry fruit, raspberry, mint and cardamom. The long, spicy finish provides a bonus backdrop. Who wouldn’t enjoy this? 2025-2026 – mp
From vineyards at 900 metres above sea level. The wine has a light lemon-yellow appearance and medium-plus intensity textbook aromas of acacia blossom and pod, honeysuckle and honey, with a hint of linden blossom, oil and lychee. It is dry on the palate with a medium frame – acidity, extract and body – and shows a medium texture, and lovely length and fruit of acacia, honeysuckle, linden blossom, Asian pear and linden bark, with a hint of lychee towards a medium finish. Really lovely, highly aromatic and has none of the bitterness this grape can show. 2025-2026–ir
MAURICIO LORCA GRAN PETIT VERDOT, FINCA LOS ALTEPES, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2021
Petit Verdot
Blackberry jam lead the palate, black cherry, currant, red fruit (griottes, red plum), Christmas cake, oaky vanilla and sweet spice. Still developing, the palate walks a tightrope between formidable tannins and swirling notes of blackcurrant, cooked plum, vanilla and licorice which combine for a delicious and almost exotic feel. 2025-2030–mp
Chimichurri rice with red pepper flakes
Acacia blossom and pod, honeysuckle, honey, linden blossom, oil and lychee
Acacia,
Argentine red shrimp ceviche
Victoria plum, blackberry, raspberry, florals
Blackberry jam, cold tea, rose, sweet capsicum
Carbonado criolla stew with mushrooms
Black plum, black pepper, black cherry, currant
Blackberry, raspberry, mint, cardamom
Smoked Gruyère
Bramble, griottes, Christmas cake, sweet spice
Blackcurrant, cooked plum, vanilla, licorice
5335
MAURICIO LORCA GRAN BLEND/GRAN ÓPALO BLEND CASE: 3 BOTTLES EACH:
$ 73 $ 438
SUBLIME, FULL-BODIED BLENDS
MAURICIO LORCA GRAN BLEND, FINCA LOS ALTEPES, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2021
Malbec, Syrah, Petit Verdot
A deep ruby-hued monster with a brooding nose of ripe blackberry, plum, damson and cooked cherry, developing further into licorice, cinnamon, forest floor, vanilla and tobacco. Reaching maturity, on the palate there are abundant flavours of cassis, black plum, date, dried blueberry, vanilla and cedar delivered with energy and brio. The finish is sublime: lingering, complex and warming. 2025-2026 – mp
Ripe blackberry, damson, vanilla, tobacco
Cassis, date, dried blueberry, cedar
Bolognese pasta
MAURICIO LORCA GRAN ÓPALO BLEND, FINCA LOS INICIOS, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2022
Deep purple. A blend of 50% Malbec, 30% Syrah and 20% Petit Verdot selected cluster by cluster and aged exclusively in concrete tanks providing a balance between power and freshness. The lively nose offers a hit of black cherry, bramble, mint and kirsch. The full-bodied palate is awash with layers of blackberry, damson, fig and prune and wrapped in ripe, grippy tannins. Finishes with authority and verve. 2025-2028 – mp
14.5%
Black cherry, bramble, mint, kirsch
Blackberry, damson, fig, prune
Grilled herb-marinated flank steak with mixed vegetables
Malbec, Syrah, Petit Verdot
photo — The winery boasts the latest technology in the production of wines of the highest quality.
A 200 Year Legacy
Celebrating a rich legacy of innovation, resilience, and winemaking expertise, La Rosa proudly marks its 200th anniversary this year. Since its founding, this remarkable Chilean winery has been deeply woven into the social and agricultural landscape of Chile, advancing from humble roots to a prestigious place in the international wine scene.
This heritage stems from Francisco Ignacio Ossa y Mercado, the grandson of a Basque immigrant, who amassed a fortune in the 19th century through mining and strategic investments in agriculture. His legacy of ambition and progress was passed down through generations, evolving with each steward of the Ossa family.
Under the leadership of Recaredo Ossa Undurraga, La Rosa became a trailblazer in Chile’s fruit and wine industries, setting standards that transformed agriculture in the country’s Central Valley. By the time Ismael Ossa Errazuriz, the sixth generation of the Ossa family, took the reins, La Rosa had developed a global
reputation for quality, bolstered by a commitment to its workers, the environment, and the community.
Since 1996, Opimian members have been part of this legacy, enjoying exclusive access to La Rosa's exceptional wines. This partnership has brought La Rosa’s vision and winemaking mastery to Canada, offering members a taste of its 200-year tradition. With this milestone anniversary, Opimian celebrates La Rosa’s dedication to excellence and innovation in winemaking, a tradition as enduring as the vineyard's roots in Chilean soil. Cheers to 200 years and to a future of exceptional vintages!
11 — CELLAR 322 VINA LA ROSA
VINA LA ROSA
photo — Harvest operation in the1930's under the supervision Mr. Luis Arce. The lees left in the primary fermentation tank are pressed to remove the wine that soaks it, an operation that is carried out with a basket press.
photo — Implementation of a plant nursery in the 1990's.
photo — Young woman harvesting grapes in the 1950s at La Rosa.
A premium Carménère that opens with a delectable nose of cherry jam, coffee, pencil shavings, green tea and woodsmoke. The palate unfolds gently at first, soft acidity and tannins keeping everything in check and leading out with a crashing wave of ripe bramble, currant, cooked plum and cherry compote underpinned by subtle oak notes – and every bit as hedonistic as it sounds. 2025-2026–mp
Chile is a thin strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains running north-south for most of the length of South America. The ancestor of today’s Pais grape was first planted here by European missionaries in the mid-1550s. Today, the wine regions span almost the entire length of the country from the outskirts of Atacama Desert in the north to the cool and wet far south, but it is the country’s “mid-section” that is responsible for most of production, export and international acclaim. The recently re-discovered Bordelaise grape Carménère is
somewhat of a specialty for Chile, as it is not widely grown or bottled as a varietal anywhere else. Chile was already well-established at the end of the 20th century as a source of a good-quality value international varietal wines: at the now-historic 2004 Berlin tasting, Eduardo Chadwick’s wine, Seña, stood shoulder to shoulder with the illustrious Bordeaux and other reference wines. The country now has the breadth of the offer including world-class collectibles yet without losing its impressive value credentials.
Cherry jam, coffee, green tea, pencil shavings
Bramble, currant, cooked plum, cherry compote
Spit-roasted lamb
Carmenère
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
photo — Gonzalo Cárcamo and Cynthia Ortiz strive to create unique wines that represent Chile.
CACHAPOAL VALLEY
VIÑA LA ROSA
Viña La Rosa, based in the Peumo sub-area of the Cachapoal Valley, has been around for over a hundred years and has six-generations of Ossa family behind it. The venture, from its early days, was instrumental in developing the socioeconomic landscape of the area, providing employment opportunities to the people in the area as well as founding the local school, health centre and theatre. Today, the wines are still estate-bottled in the original 100-year-old winery, capturing the spirit of the area and the people who look after it, an homage to the vision of its founders.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VIÑA LA ROSA
5340
CORNELLANA CUVÉE GRAN RESERVE, PEUMO, 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère 5341
50% Carménère with other grapes in minor supporting roles. An opaque, deep ruby robe here. The nose opens with a broad range of medium-intensity elements of tar, smoke, charred zucchini and poblano peppers, lard, dried black olive, chokeberry and dried blueberry pie. The dry palate follows with a low acidity (yet somehow it works), a medium extract, medium superfinetextured tannins and a medium body. The medium-plus length and persistence complete the set, although it will take some time to unfold with flavours of lard, charred vegetables, chokeberry, tomato leaf, dried blueberry and bitter chocolate/toffee and closing with a medium finish. 2025-2027– ir
CORNELLANA DON MANUEL VINEYARD CARMENÈRE, PEUMO, 2023
5342
with potato pavé
This vineyard’s deep colluvial soils are a perfect fit for Carménère. The wine has a black-ruby opaque presence. The nose offers mediumintensity lifted notes of red plum reduction, burnt milk, onion tart, chokeberry and cream. It is dry, has mediumminus acidity, medium extract, medium fine-textured tannins, medium body and lovely length and lifted intensity of red plum reduction, cream, onion tart and chokeberry with a medium finish. 2025-2027– ir
CORNELLANA CUVÉE ICON, CARMENERE, CACHAPOAL, 2012
Carménère
$ 117 $ 234
It was aged for 14 months in French oak. Still youthful with a black-ruby opaque robe and a hint of garnet on the rim. It shows a medium-plus intensity aromatic set: cream, walnut essence, high-roast coffee pressings, tar, leather, chicory root, cold embers, grilled prune and chokeberry reduction with an herbal/medicinal, iodine-like note. The palate is dry, has medium-minus acidity, medium-plus to high extract, medium-plus fine-textured tannins and a full body wrapped with nice length and fruit of walnut essence, espresso pressings, tar, leather, dried nasturtiums and grilled prune with an iodine/ medicinal note and a medium-plus to long finish. In a really good place for its age and could keep another few years. 2025-2027–ir
and
Pan-seared wild boar chops with
Tar, smoke, charred zucchini
poblano peppers, lard, dried black olive, chokeberry and dried blueberry pie
Lard, charred vegetables, chokeberry, tomato leaf, dried blueberry and bitter chocolate/toffee
Magret
Red plum reduction, burnt milk, onion tart, chokeberry and cream
Lifted, red plum reduction, cream, onion tart and chokeberry
Estofado beef stew
Carménère
Cream, walnut essence, coffee pressings, tar, leather, chicory root, cold embers, grilled prune, chokeberry reduction, herbs, iodine
Walnut essence, espresso pressings, tar, leather, dried nasturtiums, grilled prune, iodine
blackberry sauce
5343
CORNELLANA SPARKLING WINE CASE: 3 BOTTLES EACH
$ 23 $ 138
TWO GREAT SPARKLINGS IN ONE CASE
CORNELLANA ROSÉ BRUT SPARKLING WINE, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2024
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Grigio
35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Pinot Noir with equal parts of Syrah and Pinot Grigio. A pale grey salmon appearance with mediumintensity and a bit of confectionery aromatics: a hint of cassis, poached red plum and plum nectar, red pear and pink grapefruit. Dry with a medium acidity and lazy coating mousse, the palate shows a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and attractive length and flavours of poached pear, pear nectar, berry/ cassis and pink grapefruit zest preceding a medium finish. Primary, uncomplicated fruit, but pleasant. 2025-2026 –ir
12%
of cassis, poached red plum and plum nectar, red pear and pink grapefruit
Poached pear, pear nectar, berry/cassis, pink grapefruit zest, [9.00]
A fresh summer salad with fruit
CORNELLANA CHARDONNAY BRUT SPARKLING WINE, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2024
Chardonnay
A light lemon-yellow colour in the glass. Quite overt, medium-plus intensity aromas of pear essence, oil/lees, poached pear and fresh fig. A bit confectionery. The palate is dry with a mediumminus acidity, a medium fine foamy mousse, a medium-minus extract, a soft texture, a mediumminus body and nice length and fruit featuring poached pear, pear essence and yellow plum preserve and a medium finish. 2025-2026–ir
12%
Pear essence, oil/lees, poached pear, fresh fig
Poached pear, pear essence, yellow plum preserve, [9.00]
Sashimi and sushi
Hint
CORNELLANA RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2024
Sauvignon Blanc
Harvested at night to retain the grape’s delicate aromas. It is water-white platinum in the glass. Its nose is of a medium intensity with elements of lemon flesh and seeds, pencil lead, white currant and lees/ oil/batter. Dry, it shows medium acidity, medium extract, medium texture, medium body and nice length and fruit – quite round on the palate – with notes of lemon, white currant, mineral/pencil lead and a medium finish with tomato leaf tones. 2025-2026 – ir
RESERVE CHARDONNAY, CACHAPOAL VALLEY 2024
Chardonnay
Half of the wine was barrel-fermented and aged for six months in French oak. A pale lemon-yellow colour. On the nose, there are medium-intensity aromas of poached yellow pear, pencil lead, pencil shavings, dough and lemon seed. On the palate it is dry, has medium acidity and medium extract, a softplus texture, a medium body and subtle fruit with hints of lemon pith and dough and a brief finish. 2025-2026 – ir
5344
CORNELLANA RESERVE ROSÉ, RESERVE CHARDONNAY AND RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC CASE: 4 BOTTLES EACH
$ 19 $ 228
Explore a curated mixed wine case featuring three sparkling wines. Highlights include Cornellana Reserve Rosé, with bright notes of cassis and grapefruit; the crisp Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, offering lemon and mineral flavours; and Reserve Chardonnay, with delicate hints of poached pear and subtle oak.
CORNELLANA RESERVE ROSÉ, CACHAPOAL VALLEY, 2024
Cabernet, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Grapes were harvested in the cool of the morning to better preserve the fruit freshness. The wine shows a very light ruby appearance and medium-intensity aromas of cassis berry and leaf, oil/lees, pink grapefruit and pomegranate. Dry, it is medium-sized in acidity, extract and body with a medium texture and attractive length and persistence of lemon, pink grapefruit and pomegranate with a medium finish. Quite a flavourful rosé. 2025-2026 – ir
and leaf, oil/lees, pink grapefruit,
pink grapefruit and pomegranate,
12.5%
Cassis berry
pomegranate
Lemon,
[1.40]
Fried chicken
Lemon flesh and seed, pencil lead, white currant, lees/oil/batter
Lemon, white currant, minerally, pencil lead, [1.50]
Shrimp pad Thai
Poached yellow pear, pencil lead, pencil shavings, dough, lemon seed
Lemon pith, lees/dough, [1.80]
Pastel de jaiba blue crab pie
CORNELLANA
Syrah
Cazuela de vaca beef and pumpkin stew
5354
CHILE
Viña Echeverría
MOLINA
Roberto Echeverría Jr. has big shoes to fill: his father succeeded in establishing an international reputation for his wines based in Molina, in the Curicó Valley, around 200 kilometres south of
Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Medium garnet hue. Richly aromatic nose of blackcurrant, forest floor, black cherry and clove. The palate is medium bodied with a robust tannic grip, mixing flavours of blackcurrant leaf and wild strawberry with barrique-inspired nutmeg and coconut. 2025-2026 – mp
5355
EL BARRIO CARIGNAN, MAULE VALLEY, NATURAL WINE FROM CHILE, 2024
Carignan
Medium purple colour. Dynamic, sassy nose of red currant, pomegranate, hawthorn and cranberry. The palate impresses with its firm acidity and resounding freshness that would lend itself well to chilling. Bright fruit flavours of sour cherry, red apple, pomegranate and licorice incisively with soft tannins and leading to a bold, juicy finish. 2025-2026 – mp
the capital Santiago. He’s not short on strategy: he manages the family’s 65 hectares of vineyards in half-hectare increments employing specific pruning, irrigation, canopy management and harvesting techniques for each plot. His organic methods are labour-intensive, but he believes in representing provenance as accurately as possible.
The family is of both French and Basque heritage, and the focus is on French
glaze
5356
CASA NUEVA FAMILY WINES GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2023
Cabernet Sauvignon
Discreet nose of cassis, blackcurrant leaf, mint and black cherry. Textbook palate of blackcurrant, blackberry, strawberry and cigar box complemented by grippy tannins, balanced acidity and a silky mouthfeel. 2025-2026 – mp
Blackcurrant, forest floor, black cherry, clove
Blackcurrant leaf, wild strawberry, nutmeg, coconut
Wild mushroom risotto
Cassis, blackcurrant leaf, mint, black cherry
Blackcurrant, blackberry, strawberry, cigar box
Beef shoulder daube with red wine
PROPUESTA, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2023
Red currant, pomegranate, hawthorn, cranberry
Sour cherry, red apple, pomegranate, licorice
Roasted pork shoulder with dark berry
varieties and winemaking techniques employing natural yeasts, extending lees contact and using French oak for maturation. Roberto Jr.’s goal is to keep Viña Echeverría at the forefront of Chilean innovation while holding on to old-world finesse. This is cool eastern Curicó and the cards are stacked in his favour, but it is nothing without hard work.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VIÑA ECHEVERRÍA
HACIENDA DE MOLINA RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CABERNET FRANC, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2024
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Medium purple. Refined, accomplished nose of ripe black cherry, black plum, blackcurrant and sweet spice. The palate impresses with its ripe berry fruit delivering a fulsome, structured mouthful of cassis, black plum, strawberry, sweet spice and vanilla supported by deft tannins and acidity. The finish has plenty of punch. 2025-2026 –mp
5357 HACIENDA DE MOLINA CASE: 4 BOTTLES EACH
$ 20 $ 240
HACIENDA DE MOLINA GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CARMENÈRE, CURICÓ VALLEY, 2023
Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère
Medium garnet hue. Inviting nose of black cherry, soy sauce, ink and pencil shavings. Fruit-forward on the palate, there is fleshy ripe plum and blackcurrant held firm by ripe tannins and trimmed with subtle vanilla and licorice. A confident finish is driven by plenty of blackcurrant, cherry and plum fruit. 2025-2026 – mp
black cherry, black plum, blackcurrant, sweet spice
Cassis, black plum, strawberry, vanilla
Grilled striploin with braised bitter veg
Red wine-braised short ribs with oregano, rosemary, thyme and parsley
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE RESERVA, BOTTLED EXCLUSIVELY FOR OPIMIAN
Bottled exclusively for Opimian, the Hacienda de Molina range is made to the same exacting standards as Viña Echeverría’s core wines, offering exceptional quality and value.
The wines each have varietal splits of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc. Fermented in stainless steel, they are matured in French barriques for up to six months and in the case of the Gran Reserva, for a further six months. All fruit is sourced from Viña Echeverría’s proprietary vineyards.
HACIENDA DE MOLINA RESERVA CABERNET FRANC SYRAH, CURICO VALLEY, 2024
Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot
Deep ruby colour with a bright, forward nose of red cherries, plum and hint of cinnamon. The palate is refreshingly uncluttered offering ripe strawberry, cassis with a little umph and a swirl of sweet licorice. The measured acidity and soft tannins make this an instant hit. 2025-2026 – mp
Red cherry, plum, cinnamon, star anise
Ripe strawberry, cassis, cooked plum, licorice
Grilled mushrooms and veg on black beluga lentils
Ripe
Black cherry, soy sauce, ink, pencil shavings
Ripe black plum, blackcurrant, vanilla, licorice
Villard Fine Wines
CASABLANCA VALLEY
Charlie Villard is the public face of Villard wines, having first worked there officially in 2005 – officially because he is the son of Casablanca trailblazer, Thierry Villard, the welltravelled Frenchman who once drove from Paris to Kabul before ending up in
Australia, where he would remain for the best part of two decades. A familyowned outfit with a more engrossing backstory would be hard to find.
Charlie, for his part, studied agriculture for three years in Chile and viticulture and oenology for two years in Bordeaux before an apprenticeship that took him to Australia, South Africa and France. He shares responsibility for oenology at Villard with Anamaria Pacheco, who has been with them since 1997. They are guided by the grape and by the vintage, adapting their
style to suit what nature has provided. Very much a low-intervention outfit, the winery has a gravity-flow design while a long-standing partnership with French cooper Nadalié gives access to arguably the best barrels in the country, complementing their cool climate wines made from French varieties.
5358 EXPRESIÓN RESERVE CHARDONNAY, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2024
Chardonnay
5359 LE CHARDONNAY GRAND VIN, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2023
Chardonnay
$ 53 $ 318 $ 39 $ 234
Green apple, tangerine and chamomile lead on the nose in a satisfyingly brisk combo. The palate shows just a hint of smoke and hazelnut with a backbone of grapefruit, peach, lemon and a finish of creamy lemon curd. Stylish and wellbalanced. 2025-2026 – mp
Pale lemon hue. Opens with big barrel-fermentation notes of vanilla, coconut and sweet spice before revealing greater complexity in fresh banana, mango and quince. The medium- to full-bodied palate shows concentration and energy with flavours of coconut, apple pie, ripe peach, nectarine and apricot in sharp focus. The mouth-watering acidity is a high point, and the finish is exceptionally long. 2025-2026 –mp
herbed chicken
LEARN MORE ABOUT VILLARD FINE WINES
Green apple, tangerine, chamomile, smoke
Grapefruit, peach, lemon curd, lemon, [1.00]
Roast halibut with a lemon cream sauce
Vanilla, sweet spice, fresh banana, quince
Coconut, apple pie, ripe peach, nectarine, [1.55]
Chardonnay-poached
photo — Charlie Villard is proud to create wines that represent their terroir.
5360 ARGANAT CHARDONNAY, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2023
Chardonnay
119
Medium lemon. Still a little young but starting to show its class: filagree aromas of yellow apple, tangerine, hazelnut, almond, walnut, toffee, caramel, preserved lemon and grapefruit coming through. On the palate, the oak is quite forward (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, sawdust) but in no way overshadows proceedings which also sport orchard fruits of apricot, pear and apple with a little citrus. Notable alcohol provides even more weight although it does not want for acidity. 2025-2026–mp
5362 L'ASSEMBLAGE GRAND VIN, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2022
Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Carignan, Carménère, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot
5361
Vegetable and pistachio
EXPRESIÓN
RESERVE PINOT NOIR, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2024
Pale purple. Breezy nose of red currant, red cherry and plum. This grows in stature on the palate exhibiting concentrated flavours of blackberry, raspberry, red plum, hints of spicy clove and cedar. Some welcome tannic grip elevates the package, and it finishes with a spicy tingle. 2025-2026 – mp
A very Chilean blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Carignan, Carménère, Petite Syrah and Petit Verdot. Phew! Should this work? Well, it really does. A statement nose of rose petal, cassis, mineral oil, dried cranberry, peppercorn, mushroom and red plum makes a swashbuckling entry. On the palate, there is black plum, cassis, black cherry, mint and walnut wrapped in jaunty acidity with supple tannins. There is more: flavours of cinnamon, clove and dark chocolate drive an intense finish. Lengthy barrel time has shaped this into a beast of a wine that will continue to develop through the long-term. 2025-2026 – mp
Yellow apple, preserved lemon, walnut, toffee
Nutmeg, clove, apricot, pear, [1.43]
terrine
Red currant, red cherry, red plum, strawberry
Blackberry, raspberry, violets, clove
Grilled tuna steaks
Rose petal, cassis, mineral oil, peppercorn
Cassis, mint, walnut, dark chocolate
Osso buco with polenta and gremolata
Pinot Noir
Tucked into its far northeastern region on the German border, Alsace is one of the most recent regions ceded back to France, returning for the last time only after WWII. The time spent in Germany, in large part, influenced its varietal mix as well as its labelling conventions. It has four “noble” white grapes, most of which it shares with its Teutonic neighbour: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Muscat, and several interesting secondary ones – plus Pinot Noir, its only red. At its best, the region makes benchmark expressions of its white grapes. Also, the varietal labelling was the norm here decades before it became legal elsewhere in the country in the late 2000s. By and large, the wines here are made to communicate their provenance through the lens of the varietal, helped by a dry and warm climate. Thus, the norm is a pure, focussed and gastronomic grape expression of the place, large or small, or vice-versa.
Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr
HUNAWIHR
The wine co-operative of the village of Hunawihr was founded in 1954, during the lean post-WWII recovery, as a way to pool the meagre individual resources of local winemakers. Today, it has 110 members with 200 hectares under their care, 80% of which is from the area around the village. The Cave uses only their own grapes, including those from 13 hectares of Grand Crus and in the mid-2000s was recognized by “La Revue du Vin de France” as the best co-op in Alsace –and third best in all of France.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CAVE VINICOLE DE HUNAWIHR
photo — Timothée Boltz is Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr's Managing Director.
2023 Riesling
$ 40 $ 240
This vineyard sits at 260-380 metres above sea level and has a chalk-marl clay soil. The wine shows a light lemon-yellow color. There are intriguing, medium-intensity aromas on the nose – thistle, roasted lemon, chalk, oatmeal, cardamom, marigold, oil/clean wax – and a “bouillony,” almost marrow-like, note. A well-fitted palate is dry and shows a medium-plus acidity, a medium extract, a soft yet tight and dense texture, a medium body, a good length and an impressive intensity of roasted lemon, oatmeal, thistle, marigold, cardamom, chalk and bouillon notes. It finishes with a medium-plus-to-long finish with an oily/ tarry, pleasant aftertaste. Quite long-lasting on the palate. 2025-2028 – ir 5364
roasted lemon, chalk, oatmeal, cardamom, marigold, oil/clean wax, bouillon/marrow
Roasted lemon, oatmeal, thistle, marigold, cardamom, chalk, bouillon, [6.90]
Foie gras on brioche with white wine-citrus sauce
13.5%
Thistle,
photo — The Harvest in Hunawihr.
5366
5367
GEWURZTRAMINER RÉSERVE, AOC ALSACE, 2023
Gewurztraminer
A light lemon-yellow appearance. The nose offers medium-intensity elements of starfruit, lemon pith, oil/ lees/dough and blanched yellow plum with a faintly floral overtone. Dry with a medium acidity, it has a medium extract, a soft texture, a medium body and a nice length and fruit with flavours of starfruit, blanched yellow plum, lemon pith, a doughy note and a hint of yellow plum pit with a medium finish. Quite a bit here for a Pinot Blanc. 2025-2026 – ir
The wine has a light lemonyellow appearance and offers medium-intensity aromas of lemon peel oils, yellow plum preserve, lemon preserve, lifted floral notes (mimosa?), a hint of fresh juniper and wet chalk. The palate is dry with a medium frame – acidity, extract and body – a soft texture and lovely length and persistence of yellow plum, lemon preserves and floral hints towards a medium finish. It’s quite mellow for a Riesling. 2025-2027– ir
A medium lemon-yellow pour. The nose features medium-intensity notes of linden bark and late blossom, red fragrant pear, oil/lard, smoke, dried lemon and goldenrod. It is medium-sweet with a typically low acidity, a medium-plus extract, a soft texture, a medium-plus body and nice length and flavours of pear, linden, flowers, tar and wax/oil, closing with a medium finish. Not quite a textbook nose, but within the range – and which style might appeal to those who normally find the grape too strong. 2025-2026 – ir
Starfruit, lemon pith, oil/lees/dough, blanched yellow plum, floral
Starfruit, blanched yellow plum, lemon pith, dough, yellow plum pit, [3.00]
Pan-seared scallops in a creamy leek sauce
Lemon peel oils, yellow plum preserve, lemon preserve, lifted, floral, juniper and wet chalk
Yellow plum, lemon preserves, floral, [3.00]
Mussels steamed in white wine broth 13.5%
linden bark and late blossom, red fragrant pear, oil/lard, smoke, dried lemon and goldenrod
Pear, linden, flowers, tar, wax/oil, [18.00]
As an aperitif
5365 PINOT BLANC RÉSERVE, AOC ALSACE, 2023
Pinot Blanc
RIESLING RÉSERVE, AOC ALSACE, 2023
Riesling
VENDANGES TARDIVES
Vendanges Tardives (VT) literally means “late harvests,” the best of which is made from either slightly raisinated grapes on the vine, or botrytisaffected grapes: both come with certain risks and loss of volume and are usually sweet wines. This wine, as with other quality sweet wines, makes you wonder why you don’t enjoy them more often. Yes, it is sweet, but oh-so balanced and an absolute treat. The experience it offers at its price – which is premium, mind you – far exceeds its price tag. In other words, in the vast majority of cases, one would have to pay much more to come close to this level of gustatory pleasure. For the sugar-mindful: yes, it has some, but with under 100 g/l of residual sugar, we have about a tablespoon of the grape’s natural sugars in a generous five-ounce pour. It’s worth keeping things in perspective.
5368 GEWURZTRAMINER VENDANGES TARDIVES, AOC ALSACE, 2022
Gewurztraminer
The colour of this VT is a promising deep golden-yellow. The nose continues the promise with a medium-intensity and compelling aromatic set: lokum, honey, poached and dried pears, goldenrod, late linden blossom, oil, cooked lemon, golden raisins and fig. And the palate completes the treat: sweet, yet nicely balanced, with a medium-minus acidity, a high extract, a soft-plus texture, a full body, a length for days and an impressive persistence of honey, fragrant poached and dried pears, goldenrod, linden blossom, golden raisins, peach preserves and fig, closing with a long savoury twist finish. 2025-2032– ir
13.5%
Lokum, honey, poached and dried pears, goldenrod, late linden blossom, oil, cooked lemon, golden raisins, fig Honey, fragrant poached and dried pears, goldenrod, linen blossom, golden raisins, peach preserves, fig, [91.00] Muenster cheese with spiced nuts and a drizzle of wildflower honey
5369
GEWURZTRAMINER GRAND CRU CASE: 3 BOTTLES EACH
$ 53 $ 318
This case features two Grand Cru expressions of Gewurz from a challenging but, in the end, very successful vintage: Froehn has heavier, clay-marl soil over limestone, while Schoenenbourg – none other than Voltaire used to own a part of this site – has stonier, sandier soils over clay and limestone. Both sites are known for their rich and aromatic wines, and these two live up to that promise. It could be a case of “po-TAY-to” versus “po-TAH-to” in the best possible way: the differences are so subtle, but neither one is likely to disappoint.
GEWURZTRAMINER GRAND CRU FROEHN, AOC ALSACE, 2021
Gewurztraminer
This site is on the slope ranging between 270 and 300 metres above sea level. A mediumplus lemon-yellow appearance here. On the nose are medium-intensity dried flowers: mimosa/goldenrod, poached fragrant yellow pear, linden, a hint of lychee, wax/oil and a “bouillony” note. The palate is off-dry with a medium-minus acidity, a medium-plus extract, a soft texture, a medium-plus body and lovely length – gliding on the palate –and fruit with poached pear, linden, dried flowers, wildflower honey, lychee, spice/ cardamom and bouillony elements, with a medium-plus to long finish. 2025-2028 – ir
Dried mimosa/goldenrod, poached fragrant yellow pear, linden, lychee, wax/oil, bouillon
Poached pear, linden, dried flowers, wildflower honey, lychee, spice/cardamom, bouillon, [24.00]
Duck breast à l’orange with star anise and cardamom
GEWURZTRAMINER GRAND CRU SCHOENENBOURG, AOC ALSACE, 2021
Gewurztraminer
This site’s elevation ranges between 260 to 380 metres above sea level. The wine offers a medium-plus lemon-yellow color and medium-intensity aromas of tea, dried pear, honey, linden, oil/lard and dried goldenrod. Off-dry with medium-minus acidity, the palate shows a medium-plus extract, a soft texture, a medium-plus body, a nice gliding length and well-enunciated flavours of poached and dried pear, linden, honey, oil, nutmeg and dried flowers. It offers a medium-plus, warm finish, with tarry olive oil richness. A nice presence on the palate, quite forward aromatically already. 2025-2026 –ir
Tea, dried pear, honey, linden, oil/lard and dried goldenrod
Poached and dried pear, linden, honey, oil, nutmeg, dried flowers, olive oil, [14.80]
Tuna tartare
INSTANT CELLAR!
Temático Argentino Joven
Torrontés, La Rioja, 2024, LOT 5330, P9
Long-time Opimian partner, Mauricio Lorca never disappoints with his attention to every detail in the winemaking process. Torrontés is a delicious, rare variety that belongs in every cellar - including yours!
Our Cellar Up! program is evolving to make your ordering experience even smoother.
Many Members love to order each of the Coups de Coeur. For this Cellar, you can easily order all four Coups de Coeur, the top selections from your Masters of Wine, with a single lot number. CHEERS TO CONVENIENCE AND QUALITY.
Riesling Grand Cru
Schoenenbourg, AOC Alsace, 2023, LOT 5364, P23
Riesling is known as 'the sommelier's grape' for its depth of flavour. Our friends at Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr are masters of achieving that depth in the glass. This is a versatile white for you to have on hand and boasts a pedigree fit for a king.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BUYING CELLAR UP! AND GET THESE WINES AT THIS SPECIAL RATE.
LOT 5377
$ 924
Cornellana Winemakers Selection Barrel Reserve, Carmenère, Peumo, 2023, LOT 5339, P12
Carmenere is at once both popular yet untasted by many. It is always interesting, often delicious, and occasionally spectacular. This is one of those occasions. Don't wait to put this one in your cart.
Gewurztraminer Vendanges
Tardives, AOC Alsace, 2022 LOT 5368, P25
If you still don't have any sweeter wines (not only for dessert) in your cellar, the time has come. Don't judge this one based on any ice wines you may have tried. This is so much more nuanced and pleasing to the palate. You'll expand your wine knowledge and enjoyment (and that of your friends) with this Gewurztraminer.
ROUSSILLON
Terres Fidèles
PERPIGNAN
Terres Fidèles (“Faithful Land”) is brain-child of Fergal Tynan, MW, who, having travelled the world’s winemaking regions, was captured by the yet-untapped potential of the Roussillon area of southern France. For over 20 years, the team has been working with the local growers and winemakers to feature the best the region has to offer; more recently, it launched its own line of wines using the unparalleled roster of contacts and access to some of the most interesting sources. Fergal, along with his mates Emmanuel Cazes, a 4th generation Roussillon winemaker, and Remy Moens who oversees operations, pursue a vision echoed throughout their website: “It is our duty to create wines that allow the fruit to express the spirit of the place.” The results are for you to judge, but spoiler alert: they are pretty impressive.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TERRES FIDÈLES
Viognier NEW
FOR
A light lemon-yellow in the glass. The nose has a medium intensity with notes of poached yellow pear, lees/dough, honey, overripe peach and sage. It is dry, with a medium acidity, a medium-plus extract, a soft texture, a medium-plus body and nice length and fruit –yellow pear and apple, a hint of overripe peach, sage and dough, and a medium finish. Not the most aromatic Viognier but a well-made full-bodied version. 2025-2026–ir
Poached yellow pear, lees/dough, honey, overripe peach, sage
Yellow pear and apple, overripe peach, sage, dough, [0.60]
Pasta primavera
5370 MONT ROCHER VIOGNIER, VIEILLES VIGNES, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
PRODUCER
THIS CELLAR
photo — The Terres Fidéles team (l-r) Rémy (Operations), Emmanuel (Winemaker), Fergal (Founder & Master of Wine), Chris (Director).
5371
5372
MONT ROCHER CABERNET FRANC, VIEILLES VIGNES, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2022
Cabernet Franc
5375 FIDÈLE CORRAL D'EN PI, AOP COLLIOURE, VIEILLES VIGNES, 2022
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan NEW
An 80/10/10 Grenache/ Syrah/Carignan blend sourced from 50-yearold vines from a single vineyard just four kilometres from the coast. Only 110 cases of 12s were made. A deep ruby color here. The nose offers medium-intensity elements of toffee, vanilla, chocolate, carnation, pear blossoms and poached red pear. The palate is dry with mediumminus acidity, mediumplus extract, medium-plus fine-textured tannins, a medium-plus body and a nice length and fruit with notes of fig jam, toffee, vanilla, chocolate, pear blossoms and poached red pear appearing before a medium-plus finish. 2025-2027–ir
Cedar, mint, celery, black soil, cassis and chokeberry, a hint of fig and tobacco leaf
Floral, cedar, celery, black soil, chokeberry, overtones of cassis, tobacco and endive
Grilled veal chops with mushrooms and Madeira sauce
5373
MONTSABLÉ
PINOT NOIR, IGP HAUTE VALLÉE DE L'AUDE, 2023
Pinot Noir
MONT ROCHER CARIGNAN, VIEILLES VIGNES, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2023
Carignan
Black cherry with pit, bitter chocolate, chicory root, peony, black raspberry preserve
Black plum, black raspberry with stalk, bitter chocolate, chicory root, black cherry cola
Braised quail with cream and tarragon sauce 5374
Dark chocolate, toffee, vanilla, beetroot and cranberry reduction
Plum skin and pit, hints of blood orange, beetroot, cranberry reduction
Garbure
TERRES FIDÈLES, AOP CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES, ORGANIC WINE, 2021
Grenache, Carignan
Red fruit/cranberry reduction, toffee, floral, a hint of blood orange
Red plum and cranberry reduction, toffee, a hint of blood orange, floral
Civet
Toffee, vanilla, chocolate, carnation, pear blossoms, poached red pear
Fig jam, toffee, vanilla, chocolate, pear blossoms, poached red pear
Navarin d’agneau
de cerf braised venison stew
TANAGRA
The top shelf of production, Tanagra is regularly rated as one of Chile’s outstanding Syrahs. The fruit is sourced from select parcels of bush vines planted on clay loams at Tapihue, just east of the winery, in 2008.
Winemaking is carried out exclusively in barrel. Crushing is undertaken lotby-lot followed by a cold maceration of seven days at 8°C; fermentation takes place between 28-30°C and there is a full malolactic fermentation. The final blend spent 20 months in barrel (36% American oak and 64% French, all sourced from the Nadalié cooperage).
Total production is 2,706 bottles.
Syrah
$ 145 $ 435
Still in its romper suit but destined for great things. There is oak to spare on the nose, which offers an immediate hit of vanilla, clove, coconut and sawdust before filling out with black pepper, capsicum, iron filings and leather. No doubting this is Syrah on the densely-layered palate: its flavours of black pepper, blackcurrant, black olive, sultana, and game hint at the big boy it will become. The lingering finish sets vanilla and clove against waves of luscious dark fruit. 2028-2032– mp
Vanilla, coconut, black pepper, iron filings
Blackcurrant, black olive, sultana, game
Moroccan lamb tagine
5363 TANAGRA SYRAH, CASABLANCA VALLEY, 2022
INSPIRADO
When top Malbecs are ten a penny and Cheval des Andes a Bordeaux-only affair, why not throw a good chunk of Syrah in the mix and keep it original? Never one to follow the crowd, Mauricio Lorca has his own take on the Mendoza icon.
Inspirado is a blend of hand-picked Malbec, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc from the Los Altepes vineyard at Los Árboles, southwest of Tupungato, all situated at 1,250 metres above sea level.
Fermentation takes place in both French and American oak barrels, while maturation is 18 months in new oak (85% French and 15% American); the final assemblage takes place after maturation. Total production is 3,000 bottles.
RARE WINES TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR
EACH CLUSTER IS SELECTED TO MAKE A WINE WITH THE VERY BEST GRAPES FROM THE HARVEST.
NEW
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah
Deep purple hue. Irresistible nose of succulent blackcurrant, cracked black pepper, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, cooked plum and forest floor. Ethereal from the first sip, it dances across the palate like a ballerina in full flow, Syrah’s bramble and leather bridging the gap with Cabernet’s cassis and pencil shavings. Deep down, there is, of course, plenty of structure: brisk acidity keeps the fruit on an even keel, while seriously fine tannins only add to the sense of occasion. 2025-2032– mp
14.5%
Blackcurrant, cracked black pepper, nutmeg, forest floor
Bramble, leather, cassis, chocolate
Smoked Texas brisket with tangy blueberry and brown sugar sauce
5336
MAURICIO LORCA INSPIRADO BLEND, VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA, 2020
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Meet Markus Molitor, “Mr. 300 Points”
EVERYTHING BUT RED
Reveal the Remarkable
FOUNDERS CHOICE
Explore and cultivate your curiosity with three styles of wines from one wine region! These are chosen by a Master of Wine for Members like you.
Germany’s most awarded winemaker
Whether it’s white, rosé or sparkling, you can discover exceptional wines with each shipment.
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!
A mixed case of 6 everyday wines
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A personalized message and tasting notes from the producer
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