Cloudsley Cellars

Cloudsley Cellars is a boutique winery, located in Vineland, Ontario that specializes in producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that evoke a sense of place. Drawing on his 20 plus years of experience as a wine professional, founder Adam Lowy is inspired by his love of Burgundy and his appreciation of the unique Niagara terroir to create elegant wines that reflect the cool climate of the region.

Chardonnay

$ 60 $ 360

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

11.5%

Honeydew melon, peach, apple, lemon

Honeydew melon, peach, apple, lemon, [2.00]

Salmon cakes with lemon aioli and a fresh greens salad

4220

CLOUDSLEY CELLARS HOMESTEAD VINEYARD PINOT NOIR, VQA TWENTY MILE BENCH, 2019

Pinot Noir

$ 73 $ 438

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 Burgundian style 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

$ 50 $ 300

We first met proprietors Doug Barzelay and Nathan Todd on the recommendation of Michael Palij, MW, who tasted the Foxtrot wines at the annual Canada House tasting in London, England. We were fascinated by their passion for Pinot Noir – and the wine lived up to its stellar reputation. We are thrilled to be able to offer a limited parcel of the 2020 Foxly Opimian Special Reserve Pinot Noir to our Members and look forward to sharing more wines from the portfolio as they become available. A swirl of this delicately-hued wine releases a bouquet of cherry, red currant and plum wrapped in the warmth of toasty oak. The palate is notably concentrated with the red fruit profile evolving to flavours of strawberry, cranberry and plum. The barrel influence carries through with hints of cinnamon and clove, adding dimension. Light tannins and fresh acidity frame the core as the wine tapers off into a satisfying finish. 2023–2027–lw

12.5%

Cherry, leather, balsamic, cured meat

Cherry, strawberry, raspberry

Beef carpaccio

13%

Cherry, red currant, plum, toasted oak

Strawberry, cranberry, plum, cinnamon, clove

Wild mushroom risotto

Whisky

$ 60 $ 60

Whisky 45%

Orange zest, toasted coconut, mince pie

Grilled orange, apricot, date, caramel

Allspice lw

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.

LIGHTFOOT

4138

Riesling

$ 44 $ 264 $ 56 $ 336

The wine world is buzzing about pétillant naturel or “pet nat” wines. In this ancient method of making sparkling wine, the one fermentation finalizes in the bottle, trapping the bubbles inside. It is also common for these wines to be hazy, or have sediment, as they are often not disgorged. The 2021 Lightfoot and Wolfville Small Lot Pétillant Naturel has a cloudy lemon hue and generous complexity. An enticing dance between its peachy, apricot stone-fruit notes and its savoury leesy bread dough side takes place on the nose and the palate. This mouthwatering conversation starter is a perfect way to begin an evening. Only 365 cases produced. 2023–2024–lw

10%

Peach, apricot, bread dough, lees

Peach, apricot, bread dough, lees, [3.50]

Duck fat French fries

Do the wines of Niagara have the potential to age? Derek Barnett’s wines confirm that they can. With 6 years under its belt, this 2016 Cabernet Franc it is still very much alive. Time in bottle has developed a complex nose with highlights of cherry, strawberry and fresh herb accompanied by notes of licorice, floral and vanilla. The palate also offers the classic reauvigd and green profile expected from this variety, with flavours of raspberry, red currant, rhubarb and spearmint. 10 barrels produced. 2023-2026–lw

Sémillon, Vidal, Malbec

$ 34 $ 204

A unique blend of grape varieties, including the only Malbec grown in Prince Edward County, gives the Karlo Estates Patio Reserve Rosé lots of personality. Rose petal perfume and aromas of pink grapefruit carry through to the palate where a refreshing twist of lime appears on the finish.2023-2024– lw

13.5%

Cherry, licorice, strawberry, herb, floral, vanilla

Raspberry, red currant, rhubarb, spearmint

Vegetarian chili

13%

Rose, pink grapefruit

Rose, pink grapefruit, lime, [6.00]

Mussaman Thai curry with galangal, basil and lime leaf