S49-MB: Bordeaux Futures

SPECIALOFFER49 1

ith a cherished position on the plateau above the village of Saint Quentin de Baron, the vineyards replanted by Martin Krajewski have flourished, putting their roots down through the free draining mixture of sand, shingle and clay to pierce deeply into the broken chalk rocks lying below.

2009 is a classic, it shows a dark ruby red colour with an elegant, ripe and concentrated nose. The aromas jumble together blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry, with hints of liquorice, gingerbread and chocolate. In the mouth the powerful fruit laden structure is balanced by silky tannins where clever use of oak leads to a full and persistent finish with memories of ripe red fruits and spice. This rich and complex wine will develop well over many years giving continuing evidence of why this is such an exceptional vintage. None other than Jancis Robinson has given a glowing commentary that reflects our own opinions.

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2010 Bordeaux Futures

LAST DAY TO ORDER: SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

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SPECIALOFFER49 2010 Bordeaux Futures

n Primeur” is a French wine trade term for wine which is sold as a “future”, prior to bottling and for delivery at a future date, usually one or two years after the “En Primeur” offer. For many wines the “En Primeur” price is expected to be the best price and, by purchasing in this way, buyers can be assured of the wine’s provenance, direct from the winery, where it will have been stored in perfect conditions. Bordeaux wines are usually offered “En Primeur” in the spring and summer following the vintage.

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A powerful rhapsody of perfect balance, poise and orchestration Bordeaux 2010 “En Primeur” - Kenneth Christie MW selects favoured wines of a great Bordeaux vintage After several visits to Bordeaux to review and taste the 2010 vintage it is difficult not to believe that lightning has struck twice in the same place. But, as early treatments of the new wine were completed, the quality of the vintage was clearly seen and appreciated. The wines are stunning, universally successful, a vintage where every château made wine that shows the superiority of the year with the presence of massive concentration, fascinating complexity, depth, structure and the potential for great longevity.

Some professionals have suggested that the wines of the Left Bank, that is, Graves and Médoc, are superior to those of the Right Bank.

However, just as many proclaim that the Right Bank wines, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Fronsac, are the finest of the year. No matter the appellation, it is undeniable that 2010 has produced a galaxy of bright stars, each shining brightly as the rich characteristics of the vintage emerge to reveal more of their secrets.

Travelling to Bordeaux for the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux tastings in early April, I spent a week visiting each appellation.

The sun shone, each château vying with its neighbour to present a dazzling display of summer flowers. However, the colour and perfume of the brightest blooms could scarcely compare with the brilliance of the wines.

With the release of the new wines it became clear that the frenzied demand seen a year ago for the 2009s would be repeated for the 2010s. With Bordeaux production being limited, it is perfectly clear that if battalions of buyers from China are to fill their order books, then other buyers from France and further afield must relinquish a part of their traditional allocations. Each case allotted to a new buyer from Asia will mean one less for other markets. Gone are the days when the SAQ or LCBO could simply order as many cases of the top wines as they wished; nor can Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard or Yale. Those days have been consigned to history by the burgeoning economies of Beijing, Shanghai and Taiwan.

Fortunately, truly great wines can still be found at prices that do not require a second mortgage on the family home, but finding them demands careful tasting and the selection of wines whose prices have not been chased vertically upwards by the newsletters of Robert Parker, Jancis Robinson, or James Suckling.

Twelve wines reached the final hurdle for this Opimian Special Offer. Each has been sensibly priced to reflect the style, class and quality of the year, yet always with an eye to the reality of the economy.

Opimians continue to cherish the ideal that wine should be a regular companion and part of their dining. This special selection of Bordeaux 2010 “En Primeur” has been directed to offer members a real opportunity to secure wines of superb quality and value from a senior vintage. An investment in these fine bottles is indeed an investment in future pleasure.

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LOT 6259

LOT 6260

CLOS CANTENAC, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2010 Martin Krajewski & Marcus Le Grice

CHÂTEAU DE SOURS, LA CHANSON D’AUTREFOIS, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOC BORDEAUX, 2010 Martin Krajewski

6 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $180.00

12 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $132.00

100% Merlot

90% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Aged in 65% new French oak, 35% second year oak for eighteen months

Matured for sixteen months in 300L barrels, 40% in new French oak, 60% in first and second year oak

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his is a tiny six acre vineyard planted on exceptional terroir of deep gravel, sand and clay over limestone. It lies close to the massive "Mégalith de Pierrefitte", proving the depth of ageless limestone just below the surface. Purchased in January 2007 by Martin Krajewski, with his friend Marcus Le Grice from New Zealand, the partners improved the vineyard architecture and re-equipped the ancient winery in preparation for the first harvest. Now in their fourth year as guardians of Clos Cantenac, the initial work has been completed allowing winemaker Valerie Valmy to handcraft the 2010 vintage. It is a wine with fabulous colour, deep black and intense. With a perfumed bouquet of rosemary, spice, grilled nuts and overripe brambles, the nose is still tight and has far to go. In the mouth the entry is fresh and ripe, filled with cassis and black fruits underpinned by piquant spice, fresh crushed black pepper and hints of bitter chocolate and smoke on the finish.

Acknowledging his close friendship with many Opimians, Martin priced his offer 31% below normal market value.

Enjoy 2014-2025

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pecially made for Opimian, this is a unique cuvée blended from modestly cropped Merlot vines planted beside the new “state of the art” winery that opened in time for the 2010 vintage. After Martin Krajewski acquired the property in 2004 he embarked on a programme of replanting. The fruit for this wine comes from the first vines planted which have now reached the satisfying maturity that produces outstanding colour and structure. The 2010 vintage exhibits different, but equal quality to the extraordinary 2009. Less sumptuous, but more fruity, it is another fabulous release boasting an almost black inky purple colour with abundant aromas of blueberries, ripe raspberries, liquorice, acacia and small notes of toasted oak. In the mouth it offers long, rich and densely concentrated flavour with well-integrated tannins. It will surely be considered one of the finest wines ever made at this property. Opulent and bold, it can be enjoyed within two years of bottling, but with such balanced structure, look to a future of at least twenty years!

Enjoy from 2014

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LOT 6261

LOT 6262

CHÂTEAU NOAILLAC, AOC MÉDOC, 2010 Xavier & Marc Pages

CHÂTEAU TOUR ST BONNET, AOC MÉDOC, CRU BOURGEOIS, 2010 Merlet-Lafon SARL

6 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $60.00

45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec

6 BTLS/750 ML

70% aged in small oak, 30% new

Deposit per case: $78.00

45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot

To maximize fruit essence, no small oak barrels were used

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his wine comes from a château in the extreme north of the Médoc, on the site discovered by Marc Pagès, with Bill Blatch of Vintex, in the summer of 1982 when he returned from Tunisia to live in France. Marc was a gritty character, who had experienced a tough war in North Africa and who began his search for peace among his newly planted vines. The vineyard dates back to planting in 1983. It has fabulously deep, free-draining gravel soil. The wine is wonderful, with a vivid, deep purplish crimson colour and a beautiful, lustrous shine that clings stubbornly to the glass. The appearance is both rich and textured with a bouquet that recalls a bowl of freshly picked red and black fruit. In the background small notes of smoke swirl around the glass with leaves, stalks and cream. From a château that has rarely sold “En Primeur”, but more often after bottling, it is already showing its ripe, sweet and balanced structure. This is an impressive achievement for such a modest property whose wine gained complexity and concentration from the very dry ripening season.

Enjoy 2013–2025

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he estate is run by Jacques Merlet who is not enthusiastic about using oak during the production of his wine, not only because of the spiraling cost, but because he feels that oak casks impart too heavily the aromas and flavours of vanilla. His goal is to have the true qualities of his ripe fruit stand alone. Nonetheless, in order to reap the benefits of wood ageing, he ferments his wine in concrete vats, before pumping it into large oak vats for eighteen months rather than in the traditional small oak barriques. The 2010 vintage is surprisingly hard and austere, truly a classical, red Bordeaux style. With a year or more to come in wood it will open up to reveal more of its intense cassis flavour accompanied by smooth, balanced tannins. The deep and vivid colour gives a full promise of rich, warm Médoc fruit and ripe, complex flavours. In the mouth it is far more attractive than anticipated, with a tight structure reinforced by leafy, grainy tannins and the piquant acidity of the grape harmoniously balanced by earthy notes from the loamy soil.

Enjoy 2013-2025

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LOT 6263

LOT 6264

CHÂTEAU FONRÉAUD, AOC LISTRAC-MÉDOC, CRU BOURGEOIS SUPÉRIEUR, 2010 Chanfreau Proprietaires

CHÂTEAU ROZIER, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2010 Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils EARL

6 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $90.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $96.00

52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc

Matured for twelve months in wood, one third new oak, the remainder once or twice used

Matured in oak barriques for twelve months, 50% new

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ituated at the highest point of the Médoc, Fonréaud enjoys commanding views over the local vineyards and towards the distant Gironde River. The estate originally took its name from “FontRéaux“ (royal fountain) as legend has it that in the 12th century King Henry II of England quenched his thirst from a spring he found on the grounds. Once again, Château Fonréaud has produced another winning wine, the latest in a long line from one of the most reliable properties in the Listrac appellation.

This is big with a beautifully polished palate of rich blackberry fruit, overlaid with a buzz of piquant spiciness, liquorice and roasted coffee-oak flavours. With lovely freshness and great length, it is relatively open and fruit-forward, with more softness than most, yet still retaining a big wave of ripe tannins.

Enjoy 2014-2030

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he estate, with more than fifty acres under vines, has been in the Saby family for 235 years. Its current manager, Jean-Christophe, the 8th generation, has assumed responsibility for wine production as he is a widely acknowledged wizard viticulturalist and an uncompromising winemaker.

His vineyards lie along the slope adjacent to those of Châteaux Pavie and Larcis-Ducasse, on a range of soils that start with pure clay at the foot of the slope, progressing to white chalk higher up the hillside. The fermentation, which was started in Jean-Christophe’s grandfather’s old concrete tanks, was transferred half way through to the new barrel cellar where the wines mature for a year in partially new wood. This wine comes from four adjoining plots and is typically a blend of the two varieties, both picked and vinified together. The result is rich and satisfying with a deep wash of intense colour, the nose filled with the perfumes of all the fruits of a glorious summer, the palate firmly tannic, leathery and smoky. It delivers a great wallop of fruit before the long and gripping farewell that hangs on to the tongue with a spicy embrace.

Enjoy from 2013, best 2018-2030

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LOT 6265

CHÂTEAU FOURCAS DUPRÉ, AOC LISTRAC-MÉDOC, CRU BOURGEOIS SUPÉRIEUR, 2010 Patrice Pages 6 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $102.00

44% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

Aged in wood for twelve months, 20% new oak hogsheads

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true “Pied-Noir” who returned to France when the North African colonies collapsed, Guy Pagès practically rebuilt the estate, which has gone through a dramatic metamorphosis and renovation over recent years, both in the winery and in the vineyard. Now managed by Patrice Pagès, who is as meticulous with his wine production as his father, the terroir enjoys a rare soil structure with more than 80% Pyrenean gravel, a fact which can be sensed, rather than savoured, in the wine. I tasted this alongside my old friend, Jancis Robinson, who commented that it is certainly better than any wine from this property that she can remember. She suggested that it showed “Extreme richness on the nose, then gorgeously smooth and polished, but with freshness, almost Margaux-like with a 2010 density; very impressive at this stage, very well done!” I found the colour almost impossibly intense, but all the colour and extract had little effect on the fresh, herbal-layered aroma with its balance of fruit lightened by the presence of cedar smoke. It is spicy, yet the piquancy draws back to reveal notes of ripe hedgerow brambles, field mushrooms, and a hint of earthy compost.

Enjoy 2015-2035

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LOT 6266

LOT 6267

CHÂTEAU LES TOURS SEGUY, AOC CÔTES DE BOURG, 2010

DOMAINE DU GALET, AOC BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR, 2010

J F Breton Proprietaire

Jean-Philippe Janoueix

6 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $48.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $84.00

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc

100% Merlot

No wood ageing

Matured for six months, 20% in cigar-shaped barrels, 80% in conventional casks

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he 35 acre vineyard has been in the Breton family for at least 160 years; it was registered in the 1868 edition of Férret, the bible of Bordeaux vineyard properties. Situated on the extension of the flat upland plain that continues the escarpment that begins with Saint-Émilion in the west, it was inherited by Jean-François Breton in 1997. Since then, he has worked with ceaseless passion to improve the overall quality of the property, which enjoys a formidable reputation. Picking the 2010 harvest began with Merlot on September 27th, ending on October 14th with Cabernet Sauvignon. After the driest summer for over twenty years, the yield was 15% below average, yet the fruit reached the presses in perfect condition, after 72 hours maceration on the skins to allow the flavours to develop. The colour is deep and full, rich cerise/crimson, dark to the heart of the glass, which is filled with fresh aromas of opulent fruit, rich with floral notes, then follows with black plums, cherries, and a touch of earth on the palate. Still evolving, the well-balanced flavours are medium full with light, easy tannins giving it a forward appeal. It will develop early, but there is no apparent lack of stamina.

Enjoy 2014-2017

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ean-Philippe’s second vintage is absolutely fantastic. It comes from his purchase of 48 acres, where the 42 year old vines are planted at the high density of 2,750 vines per acre, forcing them to struggle for water. This results in concentrated extract in the fruit to give far from usual levels of aromatics and flavour. During ripening, leaves were removed from the vines to assist full and even maturity before the harvest. After picking, the fruit was dropped directly into the open fermentation vats, without crushing, in order to begin fermentation within the grapes. As the process gained pace, the rising skins cap was manually punched down every six hours for twenty days. After fermentation, 20% of the new wine was run into the unique Janoueix cigar-shaped barrels, with the remainder run into traditional oak casks that had been warmed to the same temperature as the wine. Doubtless, Monsieur Janoueix is eccentric, but the results speak for themselves. He is clearly one of the most impressive Bordeaux wine producers. The colour is remarkable, rich, polished and deeply-toned suggesting a bouquet of massive power, fat, balanced, a compote of Morello cherries, black plums and raspberries. Although very closed, there are emerging signs of its powerful structure with a solid chunk of muscular tannin.

Enjoy 2013–2025

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LOT 6268

LOT 6269

CHÂTEAU VIEUX CLOS ST ÉMILION, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2010

CHÂTEAU DAUGAY, AOC SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU, 2010 ..

Christian de Bouard de Laforest

SCEA Terras 6 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $126.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $150.00

55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec

68% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

Aged for fourteen months in oak, 50% new

Matured 35% in new barrels, 35% one year old, balance in stainless steel tanks

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pimian has been proposed wine from this delightful, yet petite, property in several “en primeur” offerings and even more Cellar Offerings. The wines have been consistent, even outstanding, year in, year out, a tribute to the south-facing location of the vines, clinging to the steep hillside just below the ramparts of the ancient village of Saint-Émilion. The work in the vineyard is meticulous, culminating in the hand selection and harvesting of the grapes, from rows of vines too steep to permit machine harvesting. The 2010 is glorious, an amalgam from which it is difficult to separate aromas from flavour, all being presented in the glass in seamless harmony. There is a bowl of spice, mixed well with lavender, orange blossom, roses and oozing ripe black cassis. It is tough-tasting, with loads of grainy tannin and stewed damsons and plums in the finish.

Enjoy 2014-2030

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assing through Saint-Émilion on the first day of the 2011 Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux week of tastings, when the wines of the previous year are revealed to buyers for the first time, I noticed that a regional Saint-Émilion tasting was being hosted by Château Angélus. Joining the crowds, I tasted some forty wines, the best of which was without doubt the host’s wine. Château Angélus is a fabulous vineyard property owned by Hubert de Boüard de Laforest and Jean-Bernard Grenié, whose wife Hélène is the joint owner of Château Daugay, the thirteen acre adjoining property, which, until 1984, was part of Angélus. Given that the better known Angélus is on offer at about $171 per bottle, the Opimian offering of a wine from the same vineyard, terroir and ownership offers remarkable value. With 35% of the young wine matured in new French oak barrels, it is already showing its deep colour, thick and almost black. Then an appealing, powerful nose leads with massed ranks of the red berry army, with juicy blackberries leading the field. The entry to the palate shows sweet fruit notes, beguiling and initially soft, with fat, mouth-filling bundles of ripe berries and rose blossoms.

Enjoy 2015–2030

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HERE IS HOW IT WORKS

LOT 6270

LA CONQUÊTE, AOC POMEROL, 2010 Jean-Philippe Janoueix 6 BTLS/750 ML

Deposit per case: $180.00 100% Merlot

50% matured in new oak, 50% in once used

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his cherished piece of land, covered with 35 year old vines, is undoubtedly Jean-Philippe’s pride and joy. The ageing vines have begun to yield less fruit, but what there is produces fantastic high quality, surely as fine as that coming from many of the great classified growths.

Throughout the year, not a stone was left unturned to ensure the quality of the harvest, which was hand-picked between September 22nd and September 28th. Following his usual practice, JeanPhilippe tipped his uncrushed fruit straight into stainless steel and concrete fermentation vats, with temperature controlled at a modest 26ºC. The emerging wine was run into casks that were preheated to the same temperature to avoid any shock that might inhibit the end of yeast fermentation and the onset of malolactic. The colour dyes the teeth, from a glass filled with a profoundly dark purple, with such intensity that it sticks to the sides. The powerful aroma links directly to the grape.

It is interwoven with nuances of smoke, liquorice and spice that re-emphasize their intensity with softness, sweet ripeness and freshly crushed black pepper, before ending with subtle notes of Brazil nuts and roasted almonds.

Enjoy 2015–2025

The prices quoted on this Special Offer are deposits equal to the value of the wines lying in cask at the châteaux in Bordeaux plus the cost of future labelling, bottling and packaging.

This deposit is approximately one third (1/3) of the anticipated 2012 landed price in Canada (except Alberta). The final landed prices can only be approximated at this time as provincial and Canadian taxes, freight, mark-ups and currency are all potentially variable. The final prices will be calculated when the wines are ready to be shipped. Members will be advised of the balance owing which will include all the above described variables plus an administration fee payable in the summer of 2012. The purchase orders will be placed with each provincial liquor board and the wines will be shipped at the beginning of October to arrive in Canadian port at the beginning of November, 2012.

Example – Pricing to reflect projected landed price in Canada.

The following are two examples of the projected landed prices in Canada except Alberta where prices are significantly lower, by approximately 20 – 30%, due to privatization.

Special Offer Price (Deposit per Case)

Estimated landed price in Canada (Except Alberta)

$78

$234

$234 (estimated landed price in Canada) LESS $78 (Special Offer price – deposit) = Balance owing: $156

$150

$450

$450 (estimated landed price in Canada) LESS $150 (Special Offer price – deposit) = Balance owing: $300

Balance owing

18 CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE FOR SPECIAL OFFER 49 – 2010 BORDEAUX FUTURES All wines are available in very limited quantities.

Orders will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

All orders are by the case, with no minimum or maximum required.

Prices quoted in this Special Offer are in Canadian dollars and are deposits equal to the value of the wines lying in cask at the châteaux. The prices quoted do not include provincial and Canadian taxes, freight and mark-ups.

With current provincial and Canadian taxes, freight and mark-ups, the prices shown on this Special Offer represent approximately 1/3 of the final delivered price in 2012 (except Alberta).

In the summer of 2012, members will be required to pay the calculated outstanding balance owing prior to the orders being placed for delivery.

The Free Case Coupon and Referral Case Coupon programs are not applicable on this Special Offer.

Last day to order from this Special Offer: September 26, 2011.

A valid 2012 membership card is required to order for delivery and pick up.

Methods of Payment: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or by cheque made out to Opimian in Trust.

4 ways to order: Online: www.opim.ca Email at: opim@opim.ca Phone: 800-361-9421 Fax: 514-481-9699 Expected arrivals at Canadian Port: Beginning of November, 2012. Arrival dates at liquor boards depend on their distances from port of entry.

Release dates: Dependent upon actual arrival dates and processing time required by each liquor board.

Your order status: Updated weekly at www.opim.ca

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#420 - 5165 Sherbrooke West, Montreal, QC, H4A 1T6 T: 514-483-5551 or 800-361-9421 F: 514-481-9699 opim@opim.ca www.opim.ca