An Ode to Saint-Émilion

Clos Cantenac is a two-hundred-year-old estate located in the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. The “Megalith de Pierrefitte”, a prehistoric standing stone, lies nearby pervading the vineyards with a sense of being planted on hallowed ground. Indeed, the terroir of this small, six-hectare estate is special. A temperate, continental climate, gentle south-facing slopes, and mixed soils of deep gravel, sand, and clay, over limestone provide ideal conditions for Merlot to flourish. Vineyard work is carried out with meticulous care, using only chemical-free sustainable methods.

The 2020 growing season was exceptionally hot and dry, after an initial phase of rainy spells in spring. Harvest began early and yielded a small crop of ripe, concentrated grapes. The “La Roseraie” cuvée is a Merlot-dominant red wine. Secondary blending grapes include Cabernet Franc, for its vibrant fruity fragrance, and Cabernet Sauvignon to reinforce the tannic framework, adding structure to the plush, broad Merlot base.

To develop flavour and integrate tannins, the wine macerated on its skins for several weeks after fermentation. Ageing then took place for one year in mainly second and third-fill French oak barrels. These seasoned barrels impart more subtle cedar, vanilla oaked nuances, while still allowing a gentle micro-oxygenation, rounding out and harmonizing the blend. The result is a full-bodied, tightly knit red with remarkable finesse. Notes of dark summer fruit gain in complexity, with undertones of cedar and smoked meat. Overall, a well-integrated, if still slightly taut, red that will age gracefully over the medium term. 2024-2034 –jb

Editorial

A Blockbuster Cellar

Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Managing Directors

As you'll read in Jacky Blisson MW's report in the Master Piece on page 6, Bordeaux had its challenges this year. Similar challenges faced the other two "Bs" as well. Despite that, there are plenty of exceptional wines to choose from in this issue. Our MWs were delighted by the quality that appeared in the samples sent to our Head Office in Montreal for tasting.

Thousands of Opimian Members have taken advantage of the value that Château Pique-Sègue wines bring from Bergerac. If you haven't tried them, you owe it to yourself to discover why they are so popular year after year.

The Beaujolais wines are drinking better than ever. We've created several mixed cases so that you can work your way through the various Crus. While it may seem daunting, keep in mind that it's all Gamay and it's all delicious, with subtle variants by Cru.

There is a saying that is as old as Opimian's 50 years : "There is nothing constant but change." If you're a lover of Opimian's venerable Prince Pirate red and white, you're in for a treat. As the quality of wines in the Cellar has gone from good to great, some wines, like the 'Vin de France' that is Prince Pirate were lagging behind the trend. Our MWs sought to source a new, better alternative from Bordeaux at that Top Value price point. Thanks to a long-time, trusted partner, the Darriet Family, we've found it. Enter Château de Rouquette red and white made exclusively for you. Every Member should have this in their cellar, on their counter and in their hand!

Add to this an array of wines at all price points - all the way up to the world-famous Grand Cru of St. Émilion. With French spirits for every palate and dessert wines that only a select few in the world have ever tasted, you have a blockbuster Cellar that the three Bs provide year after year.

Now is the time to enhance your existing cellar. If you're just beginning, have a look at the Instant Cellar on page 33 and let our experts provide you with a wonderful assortment of iconic wines.

Cheers!

Michael & Greg