CELLAR UP!

Wines To Shape Your Cellar

If you have ever thought of building a climate-controlled cellar for your wine collection - and haven't done it yet - here are a bunch of good reasons.

Preservation: your wines will age much better (and even the short-term tenants will be at their best when you're ready to drink them.)

Convenience: it's such a pleasure to have properly stored wine at your fingertips. No more running out for that last-minute bottle.

Organization: you'll know what you have and what you need. An organized cellar is a wine lovers' dream.

Knowledge: you'll be surprised how much more you learn about the wines you own and drink. You'll find yourself researching the wines before you put them away for safekeeping and visiting them when it's time to choose a pairing for dinner.

Cost efficiency: proper storage will allow you to take advantage of special case lots, multiples of your favourites, and good value when you find it. Not only that, you can do your own aging. Wines intended for aging are far more inexpensive when young and increase in value with age. Whether you have a dedicated cellar or not, consider these wines and whisky for your collection.

...AND FOR YOUR BAR

Whisky

AM PRÀBAN GAELIC SCOTCH

WHISKY, LOT 4112, P55

This standard bearer for Opimian spirit never disappoints. Easily competing with single malt whiskys at a fraction of the price, the balance that blending affords make Am Praban a must for every bar - and only Opimian Members have them in Canada.

Sparkling

Pairs with anything, celebrations, romance

DM MILLESIME BRUT 2013, CHARDONNAY BLANC DE BLANCS, VERTUS PREMIER CRU, LOT 4103, P52

When is the last time you saw a 2013 Vintage Champagne? ... Exactly! Here is your chance to own and savour the delight of an aged Vintage Champagne. You can taste and feel the enthusiasm of the winemaker, Carole Doyard, in this exceptional bottle.

MEDIUM-BODIED WHITE

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

GRANDES SERRES URBAN SERIES WHITE POPE, AOP CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2021, LOT 4078, P20

Not only have many of us not heard of the grape variety Bourboulenc, it is rarely seen in a single varietal wine. This delicious example of a Châteauneufdu-Pape white will not only be a conversation starter, it will bring into focus how many great wines there are to discover in your wine journey.

MEDIUM-BODIED RED

Versatile; many meats without heavy sauces, casseroles

DOMAINE DES 3 LYS, TRUFFES NOIRES, AOP CÔTES DU RHÔNE, 2021, LOT 4042, P16

3 Lys has quickly become a Member favourite. This small estate is producing fabulous wines that express the Mediterranean climate and terroir of the southern Rhône. A versatile, food-friendly wine to be sure.

FULL-BODIED RED

Heavy stews, many game meats, lamb, strong cheeses, even dessert CHRISTOPHE PICHON PÈRE & FILS PROMESSE, AOP CÔTE RÔTIE, 2021, LOT 4071 , P37

We are always fascinated and delighted when winemakers put a splash of white into their reds. The Viognier in Promesse helps to stabilize the gorgeous colour of the Syrah and tempers the tannins to give this a wide drinking window - 2025 - 2035. Perfect for every cellar!

Sweet

Dessert, rich foods like foie gras VIOGNIER, VENDANGES D'OCTOBRE, COTEAU SAINT-GIRAUD, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2021, LOT 4119, P41

With a dessert or for dessert, this wonderful, sweet confection sings with nuts, salted caramel, vanilla and dried apricot. So many people only judge dessert wines from their experience with ice wine. Try this. A completely different (and spectacular) mouth feel and taste sensation.

DOMAINE TERRA NOÉ, ESPRIT DE NOÉ ROUGE, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2020

Cabernet

$ 33 $ 198

A juicy, fruit-led wine with notes of blackberry, black cherry and plum. Subtle hints of earth and herb add interest, while fresh acid and moderate tannins balance the full-bodied palate. Match with a hearty beef stew or slow-cooked pork ribs. Ready to enjoy. 2023–2025– lw

$ 31 $ 186

This ripe, full-bodied wine is made from 100% Syrah grown on volcanic soils. It invites with a vibrant ruby purple hue and a bouquet of mocha, plum, cranberry and spice. Ample flavours of cranberry, plum, and red currant along with a hint of leafiness engage the palate. Ripe tannins balance the fruit providing a judicious amount of tannic grip. 2023-2026–

4119

VIOGNIER, VENDANGES D'OCTOBRE, COTEAU SAINTGIRAUD, IGP ARDÈCHE, VIGNERONS ARDÉCHOIS, 2021

Viognier

$ 41 $ 246

The steep slopes and limestone soils of this vineyard bring a notable freshness to the Viognier planted here. This cooler micro-climate allows grapes to hang longer into the fall. By harvesting at the end of October, the winery obtains plump, sugar-rich Viognier grapes ideal for dessert wines. Aged for several months in oak barrels, this sweet white wine is rich and rounded with heady caramel, nutty flavours, and vivid aromatics. 2023-2028– jb

14.5%

Blackberry, black cherry, plum, earth, herb

Blackberry, black cherry, plum, earth, herb

Pork ribs with blackberry glaze

Mocha, plum, cranberry, spice

Cranberry, plum, red currant, leafiness

Roast duck with Madeira gravy

12%

White flowers, apricot, orange peel, vanilla

Nutty, salted caramel, vanilla, dried apricot, [95.00]

Almond tart