CELLAR ORDER JULY 13 – AUG 16, 2021
LOIRE, PROVENCE, LANGUEDOCROUSSILLON AND CORSICA Opimian.ca
ON 286 287
FEATURED PRODUCERS THEIR MOST POPULAR OPIMIAN WINES
Cellar 287
LOIRE, PROVENCE, LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON AND CORSICA Blue skies and sunshine have attracted artists and tourists alike to Southern France for centuries, and are conducive to grape growing. Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence are generally a pretty sure bet for grape growing. Yet as I was writing this Cellar Offering, frosts hit the whole of France, including the south. Some of Opimian’s growers featured here have been affected in 80-90 percent of their vineyards and the French government has declared an agricultural disaster. It is heartbreaking to see virtually a whole crop wiped out overnight. Spring frosts damage the delicate young leaves recently emerged from buds and the embryonic flower clusters that represent the year’s crop. Only time will tell the full extent of the damage. That’s the bad news; the good news is that the 2020 vintage, which features heavily, has produced some deliciously concentrated wines.
LOIRE
PROVENCE
P12 MAISON FOUCHER LEBRUN
P18 CHÂTEAU LA CASTILLE
DOMAINE DE LA BRETONNIÈRE MUSCADET DE SÈVRE ET MAINE, SUR LIE, AOC MUSCADET SÈVRE-ETMAINE, 2020, LOT 2713, P17
MARINETTE AOP COTES DE PROVENCE 2019, LOT 2714, P19
DELIVERY WILL BE
EARLY WINTER 2022
JANE MASTERS MW, OPIMIAN’S MASTER OF WINE Every wine offered by Opimian is tasted and selected for its deliciousness and value by our consultant Master of Wine, Jane Masters. Jane has an in-depth knowledge of the world of wine. Her aim is to share her experience and love of wine with members in an easy and informal manner. She is one of 416 Masters of Wine worldwide and was elected Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine 2016-2018 by her peers.
— Morgane Le Breton, daughter of the Domaine de la Jasse's owners, wanders on the estate while enjoying a glass of Vieilles Vignes.
cover
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CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
DIRECTORS’ CUT...........................................................................P5 JANE’S COUPS DE COEUR.....................................................P7 DOMAINE DE LA JASSE.............................................................P8 MAISON FOUCHER LEBRUN............................................... P12 JEWELS OF THE CÔTE D'AZUR..........................................P18 Château La Castille...................................................................... P19 Domaine Dupuy De Lôme....................................................P20
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
Domaine Tour Campanets................................................... P22 TOP VALUE WINES....................................................................P26 DOMAINE D'O................................................................................P28 CHÂTEAU CANET.........................................................................P30 CELLAR UP!.....................................................................................P34 DOMAINE JONES........................................................................ P36 Domaine Jean-Marc Astruc.................................................P45 DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY..................................P46 COLLECTOR’S CORNER.........................................................P50 WEB EXCLUSIVES............................................................. P52
P8 DOMAINE DE LA JASSE
P28 DOMAINE D'O
TÊTE DE CUVÉE DE LA JASSE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2019, LOT 2703, P11
DOMAINE D'O CHARDONNAY, IGP HAUTE VALLÉE DE L'AUDE, 2020, LOT 2731, P28
CORSICA
P30 CHÂTEAU CANET
P36 DOMAINE JONES
WEB EXCLUSIVE PAUL SAPIN
CHÂTEAU CANET, AOP MINERVOIS, ROUGE, 2020, LOT 2738, P32
DOMAINE JEAN-MARC ASTRUC HERBARIUM CARIGNAN, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2020, LOT 2754, P45
DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE RÉSERVE PINOT NOIR, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020, LOT 2694, WEB EXCLUSIVE
P46 DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY, AOP MUSCAT DU CAP CORSE, 2020, LOT 2761, P49
— CELLAR 287 ONTARIO
3
EDITORIAL
From Good to Great | Southern France Comes into Its Own Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Co-Managing Directors
Opimian is all about relationships. Most notably, those between Members and Winemakers. This was never so obvious to us than when we were preparing this Cellar. So many unique opportunities this year. Who would have thought that after 48 years, there are still new and fresh ways for Opimian to be a part of the global wine community? But that is the joy of wine, isn't it? Beginning with Domaine de La Jasse, Bruno Le Breton and his daughter Morgane (that's her on the cover) have become fast friends of Opimian. Year after year, they provide us with their true expression of Languedoc and their philosophy of sustainability through their Corporate Social Responsibility program (CSR). Those values are also the hallmark of the Lemstra family at Château Canet. Floris and Victoria now complement their own fabulous wines with those of their daughter Charlotte (Fleur de Charlotte) and son Oliver (Domaine d'O). The theme of sustainability and social responsibility continues with Oliver planting trees with a portion of wine sales and Charlotte being chosen as the youngest member of Robert Swan's '2041 Foundation' Antarctica Expedition, dedicated to its preservation as a natural reserve. To do our part, Opimian will be sponsoring Charlotte by giving back 100% the proceeds earned from 'Fleur de Charlotte' wine sales this year. Watch for reports from Charlotte as it draws near. Katie Jones and her husband Jean-Marc Astruc are no strangers to Opimian either. If you haven't seen one of her 'vineyard rambles' on social media, then you're in for a treat. She takes you through her wonderful property in her vintage Citroën named Dyane. Look inside for one of our most unique offerings ever. Katie is making an orange wine exclusively for Opimian Members this year. Only 600 bottles that are still on the vine
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CELLAR 287 — EDITORIAL
and will be in Canada in 2022. As if that wasn’t enough, Katie’s wines scored so well this year that for the first time in recent memory, one estate was awarded both The Masters Case and the Founders Choice in the same Cellar. If you haven’t yet joined Canada’s largest wine subscription program, there has never been a better month! Our friendship with Corsica just got stronger too. Domaine Orenga de Gaffory is now offering you their first label. Known for their quality (and a favourite of Jane's), these wines have been all the rage among world-renowned wine writers like Jancis Robinson. You'll want to try them yourself. Opimian has always been about value, regardless of the price point. Our longtime partner, Paul Sapin, has never let us down and over-delivers again this year. Look for perennial favourites Maison Belleroche, Domaine Peiriere, and Cœur des Lanciers as Web Exclusives this year. Let’s kick off this Cellar with Opimian’s largest offering of Loire Valley wines ever, and then join us as we travel to southern France to visit three new family estates that are turning heads all over Provence! On a final note, we think the time has come to begin to plan Opimian travel once again. We are in the early stages of planning an escorted tour of France. If joining us in the spring of 2022 appeals to you, send an email expressing your interest to memberservice@opimian.ca. We'll then keep you in the loop as plans progress. Here's to health and happiness!
Michael & Greg
DIRECTORS’ CUT MICHAEL’S PICKS
GREG & MICHAEL’S PICKS FOR THIS CELLAR OFFERING
CUVÉE SIGNATURE HENRI ORENGA DE GAFFORY CASE, LOT 2764, P50
FINES BULLES DE LA JASSE ROSÉ, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020, LOT 2699, P9
CHÂTEAU CANET CASE, LA CHAPELLE & LES ÉVANGILES, LOT 2742, P35
GREG’S PICKS
ALONG CAME JONES LLEDONER PELUT HAIRY GRENACHE, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020, LOT 2752, P39
PICPOUL DE PINET, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, AOP PICPOUL DE PINET, 2020, LOT 2736, P31
CÉCILE LEBRUN SANCERRE, ROUGE, AOC SANCERRE, 2020, LOT 2705, P13
— CELLAR 287 DIRECTORS’ CUT
5
MASTER PIECE
The Future is Rosé Jane Masters MW is Opimian’s Master of Wine
Rosé's popularity is endless. Wine consumers around the world are filling their boots with demand for rosé, which is higher than the supply. Producers are responding by launching new rosés at all quality levels, from the cheap and cheerful up to more interesting, ultrapremium wines.
DOMAINE TOUR CAMPANETS ESPRIT, AOP COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE, 2020, LOT 2722, P22
MARINETTE, AOP CÔTES DE PROVENCE, 2020, LOT 2714, P19
The last time I wrote about rosé wines for Opimian in May 2019, this trend had already been going for some years. Covid, it seems, has amplified it even more. A glass of rosé was the must-have drink for virtual drinks over Zoom for many! Covid aside, increasing numbers of celebrities, film stars, fashion designers and rappers have declared their love for rosé. France is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of rosé with the southern region of Provence the benchmark for quality. 90% of wines produced in Provence are rosé, but neighbouring Languedoc is also shifting its focus to produce more premium rosés to sit alongside its affordable quaffable pinks. At Opimian, this Cellar has a selection of twelve rosés from southern France, Corsica and the Loire. Included in the selection are wines from two newly introduced estates: Domaine Tour Campanets in Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, north of Aix-en-Provence, where Emmanuelle Baude makes three qualities of rosé; and Domaine Dupuy de Lome in Bandol close to the Mediterranean Sea with wines made by Laurence Minard. Both make wine from organically farmed grapes from varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. But rosé goes beyond southern France. Bordeaux rosés produced from Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have a
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CELLAR 287 — MASTER PIECE
JANE’S COUPS DE COEUR EVERYDAY DRINKING
DOMAINE DE LA BRETONNIÈRE MUSCADET DE SÈVRE ET MAINE, SUR LIE, AOC MUSCADET SÈVRE-ETMAINE, 2020 , LOT 2713, P17
CELLARING POTENTIAL
FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE SYRAH ROSÉ, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020, LOT 2727, P27
more leafy character than Provence wines, which complement red fruit aromas. Our friend Martin Krajewski has been making quality rosé in Bordeaux for years. While the Bordeaux region has a history of making rosé, Martin was the first person to make it in the Saint-Émilion area at Clos Cantenac, launching L’Exuberance several years ago. It was so good, and the interest was so high, that he and his daughter Charlotte introduced the ultra-premium Elegance from the 2020 vintage – a wine with fine silky texture completely in keeping with its name. The trend does not stop with still rosé wines. Champagne and sparkling rosé are gaining in popularity too. Rosé champagne represents only a small (5%) proportion of production, but demand has skyrocketed in recent times. And Prosecco, which itself has seen exponential demand in the last decade, making it the world’s best-selling fizz, was until recently restricted to white sparkling wines made from the Glera grape. That all changed last harvest when DOC Prosecco regulations were amended in 2020 to make provision for rosé Prosecco with the addition of 10-15% of Pinot Noir grown in the region. Carlo Alberto at Zucchetto estate in Valdobbiadene’s first attempt (see Cellar 287) is a delight. Industry experts are even predicting a shortage of rosé Prosecco this year!
TÊTE DE CUVÉE DE LA JASSE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2019, LOT 2703, P11
L'APPROCHE MAS D'ENCHA, AOP FAUGÈRES, 2020, LOT 2740, P33
Rosé wines can vary in style from the palest, almost imperceptibly coloured, to deep pink bordering on light red wines. Rosés can be light, fruity and frivolous or rich and weighty. Some producers add texture and flavour using oak. Modern styles tend to be dry, although rosé from the Loire valley and Zinfandels from California often have some sweetness. Rosés are generally best drunk when fresh and chilled. A word of caution: many are sold in clear glass bottles, which we call "flint" in the trade. The colour of the wine is so attractive, producers want to show it off. Sadly however, clear glass offers no protection from UV light, making the wines sensitive to becoming “lightstruck” and developing off, vegetal aromas. Steer clear of buying rosé bottles that have been sitting on store shelves and keep your wines at home wrapped or in a dark place in order for them to be in tip top shape when you drink them.
— CELLAR 287 JANE’S COUPS DE COEUR
7
FRANCE
LANGUEDOCROUSSILLON
Domaine de la Jasse Named for the 110-year-old plane tree that sits in the courtyard and is visible from the tasting room, La Jasse means "shelter" in the local Occitan language. The tree has sheltered many a man and beast over the years and features on the estate’s wine labels. Owner Bruno Le Breton makes premium Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the foothills of the Cévennes mountains, behind Montpellier at Combaillaux where he farms 55 hectares of vines of which 60% are Cabernet Sauvignon. As well as producing top quality wines, Bruno has led the way in the region in reducing his estate's environmental impact by encouraging biodiversity and efficient use of fertilizer, sprays and water.
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CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
photo — Bruno Le Breton is Domaine de la Jasse's proprietor.
NEW
2698
BLANC DE BLANCS DE LA JASSE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Chardonnay, Viognier $ 23.00
2699
FINES BULLES DE LA JASSE ROSÉ, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020
Grenache, Syrah, Merlot $ 138.00
$ 25.00
2700
COEUR DE CUVÉE ROSÉ DE LA JASSE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Grenache, Syrah, Merlot
$ 150.00
Attractive floral notes and red fruit aromas are immediately appealing. It is crisp and has a fresh tangy acidity with more red fruit flavours, herbs and peardrops on the finish. Produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Merlot, fermented and bottled early to capture the natural sparkle and fruitiness.
$ 22.00
$ 132.00
Salmon pink in colour, Cœur de Cuvée Rosé has winey aromas with delicate floral notes. It is a smooth wine, quite broad on the palate and easy drinking. Black Grenache, Syrah and Merlot grapes were very gently pressed giving the juice a touch of colour before it was fermented at low temperature.
2021-2022, M8 D9
2021-2022, M8 D9
Floral, red fruit
6°C
Floral, winey
6°C
Peardrops, red fruits herbs, [D]
13%
Supple, citrus, [D]
13%
Salade Niçoise
Grilled trout with thyme
Before becoming ensconced in the South of France, Bruno was originally from the Loire. Naturally, he loves white wines which are fresh and elegant. His 2020 has fresh apple aromas with some quince. It is smooth and round with a peach and citrus pith finish that adds length. Produced from a blend of 65% Chardonnay and 35% Viognier. 2021-2022, M8 D9 Quince, fresh apple
6°C
Citrus pith, [D]
13%
Grilled swordfish with carrots and apricot purée
photo — The Domaine de la Jasse iconic plane tree sits at the heart of the estate.
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON DOMAINE DE LA JASSE
9
PRODUCERS' CORNER
BLB Vignobles | Everyday Grands Crus BLB Vignobles is a family winery located in Montpellier. Bruno Le Breton arrived at Domaine de la Jasse in 1995 when he was hired by the former owner to help him produce a great Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2008, Bruno Le Breton took over the company and gave it his own name. Today he manages a team of 10 people. His daughter Morgane Le Breton joined the family business as the Marketing and Communications Manager. BLB Vignobles has three estates: Domaine de Montlobre, Vignes des Deux Soleils, and our beloved Domaine de la Jasse.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BLB Vignobles is committed to a Corporate Social Responsibility charter and these values drive their daily choices. The winery aims to nurture its employees and all stakeholders, to ensure the sustainability of the company, and to contribute to a better world for future generations. “Our voluntary pledge to social responsibility hinges on our corporate values: high standards, respect, responsibility, enjoyment and sharing,” says Morgane. It is something that would certainly differentiate BLB from other wineries in addition to the openmindedness to guarantee our freedom of expression. “We feel like we owe this to everyone sharing our adventure: the respect of an employer towards his employees, of an entrepreneur towards his customers and of a wine producer mindful of his environmental footprint,” states Bruno. BLB Vignobles define their wines as "everyday grands crus", for they are special, known for their quality and value. Bruno’s team aims to make drinkable, affordable wines that bring people together. By choosing Domaine de la Jasse wines, Opimian Members are not only enjoying these wines for their taste but are supporting a family winery committed to making better wine, vintage after vintage, and a better world, year after year.
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CELLAR 287 — PRODUCERS' CORNER
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING? As the winemaker of la Jasse, it is difficult for Bruno to pick his favourite. However, Tête de Cuvée is his thing! He loves mature and ripe Cabernet with the freshness brought by the barrel and notes of menthol, eucalyptus and licorice. His wife Françoise has a thing for Les Fines Bulles. "I love it because it sparkles!" she says. She likes to take a bottle out of the fridge at any occasion, as it calls for joy and wellness. Morgane and her sister love the Blanc de Blancs. This Viognier paired with Chardonnay to bring structure and complexity make the apricot Viognier aromas last longer. It’s fresh and crispy and can be enjoyed as an apéritif or with grilled fish. Finally, Morgane’s brother, Maël, is really a Vieilles Vignes person. He just turned 21 and enjoys wine with his friends at barbecues. The Vieilles Vignes is a great cuvée to discover wine and Cabernet Sauvignon. It can be enjoyed at any occasion!
FINES BULLES DE LA JASSE ROSÉ, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020, LOT 2699, P9
READ ABOUT BRUNO LE BRETON'S SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATION ON PAGE 24 .
2701
VIEILLES VIGNES DE LA JASSE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot $ 24.00
$ 144.00
Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is the heart of Domaine de la Jasse. The limestone soils of the estate and the local climate conditions are the key to making high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the Languedoc. Tasted as a barrel sample, partial aging in oak has produced a wine with lots of vanilla spice, woody, sweet tobacco and smoky aromas with floral and mint characters in the background. It is medium bodied with ripe blackcurrant and black cherry flavours leading to lingering bitter fruits and olives on the finish.
2702
RÉSERVE D'EXCELLENCE DE LA JASSE, ÉLEVÉ EN FÛTS DE CHÊNE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon $ 25.00
2703 $ 150.00
Cherry fruits, cherry menthol, vanilla with a touch of soot combine with green-leaf aromas. It has a fine silky texture and is elegant in structure with quite a light mid palate. Mellow flavours of red cherries and vanilla oak are flavoursome and lead to a lingering bitter cherry character. Réserve d’Excellence is a cuvée made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from selected plots. The grapes to macerate on skins for an extended period. The wine was matured in barrel for up to 16 months.
2021-2025, M7 D8
TÊTE DE CUVÉE DE LA JASSE, IGP PAYS D'OC , 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon $ 28.00
$ 168.00
My favourite in this lineup – it is mellow and tasty. Aromas of toast and vanilla complement ripe blackcurrant and mulberries. On the palate more pâtisserie flavours emerge. This is an exceedingly smooth wine, with plump fruits, bitter cherries and other dark fruits. The very best Cabernet Sauvignon grapes go into the Tête de Cuvée with the selection being refined each year. Parcels of old clearings of scrubland, typical of the region on the best limestone soils, are left as late as possible before harvesting to produce a rich concentrated wine.
2021-2024, M8 D9
2021-2025, M8 D9
Vanilla spice, woody, floral, mint
18°C
Cherries, menthol, vanilla
18°C
Toast, blackcurrant, mulberries
18°C
Blackcurrant, black cherry, smoky
14%
Bitter cherry, sweet tobacco
14%
Bitter cherries, dark fruits, vanilla
14%
Vegetable tian
photo — The one and only Berry, loyal Domaine de la Jasse dog!
Roasted leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic
Aged Cheddar and dried fruit
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON DOMAINE DE LA JASSE
11
FRANCE
THE LOIRE VALLEY
Maison FoucherLebrun ALLIGNY-COSNE
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CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
The Loire wine region straddles both sides of the eponymous river that is the longest in France. Sauvignon Blanc vines are cultivated south of Paris to produce Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines. As the river wends its way westward to the Atlantic Ocean, Chenin Blanc and Gamay vineyards around the historic towns of Tours and Angers act as a backdrop to the grand Châteaux built by French nobility in the 15th and 16th centuries. Further west still, Muscadet is produced from Melon de Bourgogne as a perfect partner to the local seafood and oysters. Maison Foucher-Lebrun is a small winery and négociant at Alligny-Cosne that specializes in the wines of the Loire. Winemaker Marc Vappereau works with some of the best growers across the region.
photo — Sunflower fields and vines are part of the Loire Valley landscape.
MIXED CASE 2704
CÉCILE LEBRUN SANCERRE BLANC/POUILLY FUMÉ CASE
$ 39.00
2705
$ 234.00
Pinot Noir
The little towns of Sancerre and Pouillysur-Loire lie 200 kilometres directly south of Paris; their vineyards represent the eastern end of the Loire Valley region producing mainly white wines from Sauvignon Blanc which are crisp and fresh.
$ 38.00
SANCERRE BLANC & POUILLY FUMÉ
Sauvignon Blanc
CÉCILE LEBRUN POUILLY FUMÉ, AOP POUILLY FUMÉ, 2020
Sauvignon Blanc
Sancerre lies at the eastern edge of the Loire Valley wine region with three main soil types: chalk, limestone-gravel and flint (known as silex). Mineral and slate aromas are complemented by gooseberries, fresh lime and floral lanolin notes in this 2020. It is supple on the palate with nice weight and depth. Sancerre is also known for its highquality goat cheeses which are an excellent match with the wine.
The little town of Pouilly-sur-Loire lies on the opposite side of the river to Sancerre and produces similar wines. Fumé refers to the local name for Sauvignon, after its sometimes flinty or smoky character. The 2020 Lebrun Pouilly-Fumé has a pungent grassy aroma with more fruit showing through on the palate. It is smooth in texture and quite broad in structure with gooseberry, fresh apple and lime flavours.
2021-2023, M8 D9
2021-2023, M8 D9
Slate, gooseberry, floral
5°C
Pungent, grassy
6°C
Ripe lime, [D]
13.5%
Gooseberry, lime, fresh apple, [D]
13.5%
Baked goat cheese balls
$ 228.00
A minority proportion of wines produced in Sancerre are red made from Pinot Noir. Not surprising really as Sancerre is at a similar latitude to Dijon. The 2020 is deep in colour with aromas of violets and blackberries. This is not a typical Pinot Noir, marked by the warm temperatures in the run up to, and during, harvest. It is medium bodied with a supple palate and bitter fruit flavours.
THREE BOTTLES EACH
CÉCILE LEBRUN SANCERRE, BLANC, AOC SANCERRE, 2020
CÉCILE LEBRUN SANCERRE, ROUGE, AOC SANCERRE, 2020
Smoked salmon canapés
2021-2026, M7 D8 Violet, blackberries
18°C
Dark fruits
13.5%
Crispy roasted Peking duck
— THE LOIRE VALLEY MAISON FOUCHER-LEBRUN
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2706
CÉCILE LEBRUN TOURAINE SAUVIGNON, AOC TOURAINE, 2020
Sauvignon Blanc $ 21.00
$ 126.00
Named after the town of Tours, Touraine is at the heart of the Loire wine region with Tours situated halfway between Sancerre to the west and Nantes on the coast. Touraine is where the Loire and its tributaries, the Cher and the Indre, converge. Soils are varied with Sauvignon Blanc the most planted variety. 2020 Cécile Lebrun Touraine-Sauvignon has intense aromas of white peach, cassis with a touch of smoke. More flinty character comes through on the palate with flavours of tinned grapefruit and a firm acidity. 2021-2022, M8 D9 White peaches, flint
6°C
Grapefruit, [D]
12.5%
Linguine with white wine and Parmesan sauce
2707
CÉCILE LEBRUN TOURAINE, AOC TOURAINE, 2020 746 MEMBERS ORDERED CÉCILE LEBRUN WINES LAST YEAR.
Cabernet Franc, Cot $ 19.00
$ 114.00
2021-2023, M8 D9 Wine gums, hibiscus
16°C
Raspberry, mineral
13%
Roasted Chioggia beet salad with toasted walnuts and grilled shallots
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CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
2020 was an early vintage in Touraine, and this red has all the signs from the warm summer conditions. Floral aromas of hibiscus with wine gums lead to a mediumbodied wine with raspberry flavours complemented by a firm mineral acidity. A blend of Cabernet Franc with Malbec, which is called Cot in the region.
2708
CÉCILE LEBRUN CHINON, AOC CHINON, 2020
Cabernet Franc $ 26.00
2709
CÉCILE LEBRUN VOUVRAY, AOC VOUVRAY, 2020
Chenin Blanc $ 156.00
Incense and floral notes with dried flowers lead to a fine silky texture on the palate. This is a medium bodied wine with savoury flavours of hoisin sauce and a bitter cherry finish. Cabernet Franc is grown on sandy terraces and calcareous soils known as Aubuis in Touraine.
$ 25.00
$ 150.00
The Vouvray Appellation in the west of Touraine produces wines from Chenin grapes in a variety of styles from dry to sweet, still and sparkling. This wine, with aromas of fresh Orange Pippin apple and fleshy white fruits, has 25 g/l, giving it an initial sweet impression countered by a naturally high acidity and zesty lemon flavours. Delicious in its youth, Vouvray can age substantially due to the high acidity, as they do so becoming more honeyed and developing more texture on the palate.
2021-2023, M8 D9
2021-2023, M8 D9
Incense, dried flowers
18°C
Fresh apples, white fruit
6°C
Bitter cherry
13.5%
Lemon zest, [SD]
12.5%
Pot au feu with marrow bones
Fish and leek terrine
2710
CÉCILE LEBRUN CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT, AOC CRÉMANT DE LOIRE Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay $ 29.00
$ 174.00
Chenin Blanc is the main grape used to make Crémant de Loire; for Cécile Lebrun it was blended with 25% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir. Fresh apples, pears, honey and spice are complemented by a savoury earthy character. Sour apple flavours are followed by lime and other citrus pith characters which persist on the palate. It was matured on lees in bottle for 24 months, twice as long as required for the Appellation, giving a creamy fine mousse. Grapes were grown on a nine-hectare vineyard close to the town of Montlouis with flinty and pebbly clay soils over a limestone base (tuffeau) typical of the region. 2021-2022, M8 D9 Pears, honey, apple
6°C
Citrus pith, [SD]
12%
Dried-fruit tart with crème fraîche
photo — Sauvignon Blanc is the most planted variety
in Touraine.
— THE LOIRE VALLEY MAISON FOUCHER-LEBRUN
15
MIXED CASE 2711
LES VII ARPENTS/SOUS LE CHÂTEAU CASE
$ 27.00
$ 162.00
THREE BOTTLES EACH SAUMUR CHAMPIGNY & ST-NICOLAS DE BOURGUEIL
NEW
ST-NICOLAS DE BOURGUEIL, LES VII ARPENTS DE LA CHAPELLE AUX VIGNES, AOP SAINT-NICOLAS-DE-BOURGUEIL, 2020
Cabernet Franc
SAUMUR CHAMPIGNY, "SOUS LE CHÂTEAU", AOP SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY, 2020
Cabernet Franc
Interesting aromas of blackberry compote, floral violets with a touch of fresh tobacco lead to a supple palate. It has nice sweet mid-palate fruit and is medium bodied with a fine texture. This is 100% Cabernet Franc, grown on sand and gravel soils around Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgeil. Fresh blackberry and other dark fruit flavours are complemented by grassy notes. 2021-2024, M7 D9 Blackberry compote, violets, fresh tobacco
18°C
Dark fruits, grass
12.5%
Slow-braised lamb shanks in red wine broth
Also a 100% Cabernet Franc wine, vineyards for Saumur Champigny lie on the opposite side of the river to Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgeuil, on the southern bank of the Loire. Soils are characterized by the presence of limestone and tufa which help to regulate water supply to the vines by absorbing excess water and holding it for use during dry periods. Ripe and cooked fruit aromas of blackberries and blueberries are apparent. Initially supple on the palate, this leads to a firm acidity with flavours of sour cherries and red apples and a slightly austere finish. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Blackberries, blueberries
18°C
Sour cherries, red apples
13.5%
Chèvre and sweet and spicy walnuts
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CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
photo — Pouilly-Fumé wines are made with Sauvignon Blanc and are among the most revered in the Loire Valley.
2713
DOMAINE DE LA BRETONNIÈRE MUSCADET DE SÈVRE ET MAINE, SUR LIE, AOC MUSCADET SÈVREET-MAINE, 2020 Melon de Bourgogne $ 21.00
2712
$ 126.00
CABERNET D'ANJOU, EN MIREBEAU, AOC CABERNET D'ANJOU, 2020
Cabernet Franc $ 20.00
$ 120.00
To the west of Touraine is the region of Anjou, around the city of Angers with Cabernet d’Anjou an Appellation dedicated to rosé wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. En Mirabeau is 100% Cabernet Franc grown at the northeastern boundary of the Appellation on a plot with gravel soils. It has a vibrant raspberry colour with herbal green leaf, red fruits and blackcurrant aromas. Its initial sweetness (20 g/l) gives it richness in terms of weight, with red apple flavours and firm acidity.
Bertrand Cormerais at Domaine de la Bretonnière, situated just south of Nantes, farms 23 hectares of vineyards close to the Atlantic coast in the Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine Appellation. His family have been vine growers in the region since 1890. His 2020 has subtle aromas of nectarines, spring blossoms with a touch of honey. It is smooth mid palate with a firm mineral savoury finish and was matured on lees in tank for six months. Vines are planted on granite schist soils with good drainage.
2021-2022, M8 D9 Herbal red fruits, blackcurrant
8°C
Nectarine, spring blossom
6°C
Red apple, [SD]
11.5%
Mineral, savoury, [D]
12%
Strawberry cheesecake
photo — Marc Vappereau is the director and winemaker of Maison Foucher. He has extensive knowledge of the soils, terroir and parcels of the Loire region.
2021-2022, M8 D9
Moules marinières
— THE LOIRE VALLEY MAISON FOUCHER-LEBRUN
17
FRANCE
PROVENCE
Jewels of the Côte d'Azur
18
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
In the south of France, Provence has drawn artists and tourists alike in admiration of its beautiful landscape, lifestyle and quality of light. For wine lovers, its rosé wines are the benchmark quality against which others are judged. Often very pale in colour, these are elegant wines, showing restraint while being flavoursome, with texture and presence on the palate.
photo — Château La Castille is certified High Environmental Value, which promotes environmentally-friendly practices.
NEW
2714
MARINETTE, AOP CÔTES DE PROVENCE, 2020
CHÂTEAU LA CASTILLE, GLORIUS, ROUGE, AOP CÔTES DE PROVENCE, 2019
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah
Syrah, Carignan
$ 156.00
$ 26.00
Coming from the Côtes de Provence subregion of Sainte-Victoire, the region is just east of Aix-en-Provence and takes its name from the Montagne Saint-Victoire, a dominant feature in the landscape that has been captured by artists over the years. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes were grown around the villages of Trets, Peynier and Pourrières. It is pale in colour with elegant floral and red fruit aromas. 2021-2022, M8 D9 Floral, red fruit
8°C
Redcurrant, [D]
12.5%
Grilled monkfish with asparagus
$ 42.00
2716
$ 252.00 $ 83.00
2717
$ 249.00
Wild herbs and spicy incense aromas lead to flavours of liquorice and meaty notes. This is a medium-bodied wine, quite tight and linear in structure with a firm tannic finish which should mellow with some time. More floral and brambly flavours emerge with some aeration. 2021-2026, M6 D7 Incense, wild herbs, blackberries
18°C
Savoury meaty, liquorice
13.5%
Roast venison with Cumberland sauce
CHÂTEAU LA CASTILLE Established in the 15th century, Château La Castille's castle and vaulted cellars were built in the 18th century by Louis de Selle, advisor to the King and Treasurer General of the Navy in nearby Toulon. Today, the 160-hectare estate cultivates 25 grape varieties.
NEW
2715
CHÂTEAU LA CASTILLE, GLORIUS, BLANC, AOP CÔTES DE PROVENCE, 2020
Rolle, Ugni Blanc $ 42.00
$ 252.00
Elegant white, fresh apple aromas combine with fresh green herbs with dill and lemon. It is quite light in weight with a fine texture produced from a blend of Vermentino (Rolle) and Ugni Blanc. 2021-2022, M8 D9 Fresh apple, dill, lemon
6°C
White fruits, lemon, [D]
12.5%
Grilled sea bass with lemon-dill sauce
photo — Aude Lebessou-Faudon, the cellar master and oenologist at Château La Castille, decides when to harvest and vinifies the grapes.
— PROVENCE CHÂTEAU LA CASTILLE
19
DOMAINE DUPUY DE LÔME The Bandol Appellation in Provence lies around the Mediterranean coastal town of Bandol east of Marseille. Domaine Dupuy De Lôme is a family estate at Sainte-Anne d’Évenos run by Laurence Minard with 18 hectares of organically farmed vineyards.
2718
LA MATELOTE, DOMAINE DUPUY DE LÔME, IGP MONT CAUME, 2020
Grenache, Syrah, Rolle $ 35.00
2719
DOMAINE DUPUY DE LÔME, BLANC, AOP BANDOL, 2020
Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Rolle $ 210.00
Salmon in colour, it has winey apple aromas. Produced from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah with 10% Rolle, it has good intensity, quite a firm acidity and some saline character. Casting a morning shadow over the vineyards, Mont Caume is an 800-metre hill north of Toulon and to the east of Bandol.
$ 330.00
$ 55.00
A wine with delicate yet distinctive character, it has citrus lemon and lime aromas with vine blossom and fennel. Produced from a blend of 70% Clairette – the variety that makes up the core of Bandol white wines – 25% Ugni Blanc and 5% Rolle.
2021-2022, M8 D9 Fresh apples, winey
10°C
Lime, lemon, vine blossom, fennel
6°C
Redcurrant, saline, [D]
12.5%
Yeasty savoury finish
12.5%
Bruschetta with prosciutto and ricotta
20
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
2021-2022, M8 D9
Steamed clams with fennel in butter broth
photo — Domaine Dupuy de Lôme does not use synthetic pesticides in order to respect their exceptional terroir.
2721
2720
DOMAINE DUPUY DE LÔME, ROSÉ, AOP BANDOL, 2020
Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault $ 45.00
$ 270.00
Salmon pink in colour, this has nice mixed fruit aromas with raspberry, cherries and a touch of herbs. It is elegant with a supple round palate and some complexity. Produced from 70% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache and 10% Cinsault. Grapes were grown on two locations on the estate: La Toulouzanne, which is north-facing on limestone sandstone, and south-facing on Le Canadeau clay limestone.
PROVENCE IS KNOWN FOR ROSÉ, BANDOL AOP FOR RED. CHOOSE BOTH!
DOMAINE DUPUY DE LÔME, ROUGE, AOP BANDOL, 2018
Mourvèdre, Grenache $ 57.00
$ 342.00
Mourvèdre is most commonly found as a minority player in red wines from the Rhône. But this sun- and heat-loving grape, really at home by the Mediterranean Sea,has its finest wines produced in Bandol. 2018 Dupuy de Lôme is a savoury wine with complex aromas – meaty notes of calfskin and warm puppy – herbs and vetiver, a member of the grass family. The mid palate is quite light and supple fruits, leading to a grippy finish with dark fruits and savoury leathery flavours. It is a blend of 90% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache and was matured for 18 months in large old oak vats.
2021-2022, M8 D9
2021-2028, M6 D8
Raspberries, cherries, herbs
10°C
Savoury, meat, herbs, vetiver
18°C
Mixed red fruits, [D]
13.5%
Dark fruits, savoury grippy finish
14%
Feta, spinach, tomato quiche
Herb-roasted quail
— PROVENCE DOMAINE DUPUY DE LÔME
21
2722
DOMAINE TOUR CAMPANETS ESPRIT, AOP COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE, 2020 Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon $ 27.00
$ 162.00
One of my favourite rosé wines in the tasting, it is a delightful pale baby-pink colour. On the nose yeasty aromas combine with lemon, some cherry and raspberry. Produced from 40% each Grenache and Syrah, 10% Cinsault and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
DOMAINE TOUR CAMPANETS 2021-2022, M8 D9 Lemon, yeasty, red cherries
10°C
Raspberries, [D]
13%
This estate at Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade is nestled among woodlands in the hills north of Aix-en-Provence and overlooks the Luberon hills. Emmanuelle Baude has been restoring the vineyards and slowly converting to organic viticulture since purchasing the property in 2012.
Lemon tart with shortbread crust
2723
DOMAINE TOUR CAMPANETS, TOUR CAMPANETS, AOP COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE, 2020
Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault $ 32.00
$ 192.00
2021-2022, M8 D9 Strawberries
10°C
Supple, vinous fruit, [D]
13%
Grilled squid with Espelette pepper
22
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
Similarly pale in colour to the Esprit, this is a more serious vinous rosé. Some earthy fruits, strawberry-leaf aromas lead to a supple mid palate which is round and crisp with pink grapefruit flavours. A blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Cinsault grown on a predominantly limestone slope facing north. Direct pressing of the grapes was followed by fermentation in traditional concrete tanks.
photo — Owner Emmanuelle Baude enjoys a glass of Tour Campanets.
2724
DOMAINE TOUR CAMPANETS BOIS DES FÉES, ROSÉ, AOP COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE, 2020 Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache $ 40.00
$ 240.00
Herbal leaf and strong blackcurrant aromas immediately indicate the presence of Cabernet Sauvignon in the mix – it is complemented by 60% Syrah and 10% Grenache – and these are enhanced with almond notes. This wine has a good intensity with rich sweet fruits on the palate, offset by earthy notes and a bitter finish giving interest and balance.
2725
DOMAINE TOUR CAMPANETS BOIS DES FÉES, BLANC, AOP COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE, 2020
Vermentino, Ugni blanc $ 40.00
$ 240.00
A wine with lots of appeal, it has aromas of fresh blossom, honey and acacia. The palate is fresh and elegant with white fruits, crisp zesty citrus notes and a long lingering finish. Produced from a blend of 70% Vermentino and 30% Ugni Blanc. 2021-2022, M8 D9 Blossom, acacia, honey
6°C
Citrus, [D]
13%
Fried artichokes with lemon yogurt dip
2021-2022, M8 D9 Blackcurrant, herbal leafy
10°C
Sweet dark fruits, earth, [D]
13.5%
Seared scallops with citrus butter
photo above — The Tour Campanets team during a
special open house event.
— PROVENCE DOMAINE TOUR CAMPANETS
23
COMMUNITY
A Sustainable Cellar Sustainabilty is one of Opimian’s core values. From eliminating plastic in our Cellar Offering packaging, to supporting causes like South Africa's Adama Foundation and the 2041 Foundation, to reducing our carbon footprint by being mindful about wine containers, we are actively committed to sustainability. We dubbed this issue “The Sustainability Cellar”, as our winemakers are equally committed to these values. Bruno Le Breton at Domaine de la Jasse identifies three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental and economic. From an environmental point of view, Bruno felt the most widespread organic certifications in Europe didn’t go far enough. Organic farming uses a lot of sulphur, which is derived from oil and gas and thus has a high carbon footprint. Copper also depletes the planet of non-renewable resources, which does not respect the principles of sustainability. This is why, although his wines are produced in an environmentally sustainable manner, you won’t see our “organic” icon attached to the Domaine de la Jasse wines. In Bruno’s words, “We all have the same objective, and that is to be mindful of the health of our employees and neighbours, while generating economic benefits ensuring the sustainability of our businesses, giving back to society, and ultimately producing wine at a reasonable price for the consumer.” To earn their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) certification, Domaine de la Jasse has really stepped up to the plate. They have improved water management in the vineyard and the cellar, reduced their fuel consumption, improved their recycling program, reduced their carbon emissions, improved the quality of their soils, developed local activities, produced solar power and co-authored a responsible wine tasting charter.
BLANC DE BLANCS DE LA JASSE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020, LOT 2698, P9
24
CELLAR 287 — COMMUNITY
DISCOVER THE COLLECTION OF FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE WINES ON THE NEXT PAGE.
FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE MERLOT, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020, LOT 2729, P27
CHARLOTTE LEMSTRA AND THE 2041 FOUNDATION Young Fleur de Charlotte winemaker Charlotte Lemstra is equally dedicated to sustainability and the environment. Growing up in the vineyards beside her parents Floris and Victoria Lemstra of Chateau Canet, Charlotte learned to cherish the environment and about sustainability early on. The design of the Fleur de Charlotte labels reflects this connection: “Poppies have always reminded me of walking through the vineyards when I was small and because they can't survive in a vase I could never pick them, so had to leave and appreciate them amidst the vines.” Charlotte has always been interested in sustainability and participated in a humanitarian mission in Borneo in 2018 before starting her studies at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. About 2 years ago Charlotte met Robert Swan, the man behind the 2041 Expedition. Rob has the distinction of being the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles, and after chatting about his dedication to sustainability and the preservation of Antarctica, she jumped at the opportunity to join him on his next Antarctic expedition. The opportunity to go to Antarctica and be exposed to the impacts of climate change firsthand, as well as working alongside leaders in the field of climate change and sustainability, is not something I could turn down! It will give me a greater understanding and broaden my perspective regarding the impact of this global issue, and I’m determined to learn and take in as much as possible to make this often intangible phenomenon an experience that I can share with my sponsors and their communities. Ultimately, I hope to spread the message of sustainability far and wide and encourage Opimian members to join the community of climate pioneers, and what better motivation than wine! To go however, I had to fundraise my expedition fees, so after formally applying and being accepted to join the mission, I set my fundraising goal at 20,000€ ($30,000 CAD), and have been on a fundraising journey ever since. I decided to go down the corporate funding route and create partnerships with companies, such as Opimian, to drive change and encourage a shift towards sustainability in the workplace as I really believe this is the future. So far I’ve had great success with corporate funding and have raised around 90% of my goal, and am hugely grateful to Opimian for their generous support as my primary sponsor! The expedition will take place March 24 - April 4, 2022, after having been postponed due to the Covid crisis. “I am so excited for the Fleur de Charlotte wine sales to be part of my fundraising campaign, as it merges two parts of my life: growing up in the vineyards and my drive for a sustainable future. “ Proceeds from the Fleur de Charlotte wines (p 26-27) will be used to support Charlotte on her expedition. Charlotte and Opimian will take you along on her journey via our blog and social media. Stay tuned!
— CELLAR 287 COMMUNITY
25
NEW LOWER PRICE
2726
NEW LOWER PRICE
FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE VIOGNIER, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Viognier $ 14.00
2728
FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon $ 168.00
Restrained in style with some yogurt and lemon flavours. Grapes were grown close to the Mediterranean Sea around Sète.
$ 14.00
Some oaky aromas of cedar, pencil shavings and soot dominate the fruit. Ripe dark fruits emerge on the palate combining with a warm toasty finish.
2021-2022, M8 D9 Lemon, yogurt Citrus, [D]
Charlotte Lemstra has followed in her parents’ and brother’s footsteps and created her own range of wines working with the cellar team at Château Canet. Currently a student at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews, her wines reflect a young and elegant style.
THE PROCEEDS FROM FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE WILL SUPPORT CHARLOTTE'S ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION.
26
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
2021-2023, M8 D9
6°C Cedar, dark fruit
18°C
Black cherries, toast
13.5%
13%
Sweet-roasted squash, parsnips, carrots and sweet potatoes
FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE
$ 168.00
Charred broccoli-rabe, radicchio and Brussels sprouts
TOP VALUE FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE
WINES FOR YOUR EVERYDAY DRINKING
NEW LOWER PRICE
2729
NEW LOWER PRICE
FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE MERLOT, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Merlot
2730
FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE CHARDONNAY, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Chardonnay
$ 14.00
$ 168.00
Sweet ripe dark fruits lead to a medium-bodied wine with some structure. Black fruits, bitter cherry and chocolate all show on the palate. Merlot from vineyards situated around the medieval city of Carcassonne underwent a short cold maceration before fermentation.
$ 14.00
$ 168.00
A medium-bodied white with ripe white fruits, melon and apple aromas, it is smooth with more fresh white fruit flavours and citrus pith on the finish adding length.
NEW LOWER PRICE
2727
FLEUR DE CHARLOTTE SYRAH ROSÉ, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Syrah, Cinsault $ 14.00
$ 168.00
A Coup de Coeur wine, it is pale in colour with appealing fruits aromas, red berries and talc. Simple, easy drinking and flavoursome with good acidity produced from grapes from younger vineyards. 2021-2023, M8 D9
2021-2022, M8 D9
2021-2022, M8 D9
Sweet fruits
18°C
Melon, apple
6°C
Red berries, floral
6°C
Black & bitter cherry, chocolate
13.5%
Citrus, [D]
13%
Red fruit, [D]
12.5%
Roast pork loin with blackberry-balsamic sauce
Lemon-poached salmon with Hollandaise sauce
Lobster-cream cheese phyllo bites
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON TOP VALUE WINES
27
FRANCE
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
Domaine d'O LIMOUX The Limoux Appellation, where Domaine d’O is located, has the coolest climate and highest vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon giving the Appellation's wines a distinctive style. Oliver Lemstra, born in Burgundy and raised at Château Canet in Minervois, chose Limoux for its potential to produce the best Pinot Noir in Southern France. Domaine d’Os vineyards are just south of Saint-Hilaire in the foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains at around 400 metres. As the powers-that-be do not permit Pinot Noir in Appellation Limoux wines, Oliver produces a range of wines classified IGP Haute Vallée de l'Aude. Despite running a small operation and being a young gun in the region, Oliver wants to produce carbonfriendly wines to contribute to the fight against climate change. Oliver calculated the carbon footprint of each bottle of Domaine d’O wine produced, applying the principles of “PAS 2050” standard. He offsets his calculated greenhouse gas emissions through certified tree-planting schemes such as Reforest Action and Miro Forestry in Ghana and Sierre Leone, where he worked during his gap year from university.
2731
DOMAINE D'O CHARDONNAY, IGP HAUTE VALLÉE DE L'AUDE, 2020
THE LEMSTRA LEGACY CONTINUES. EXCEPTIONAL WINES FROM LIMOUX.
Chardonnay $ 25.00
$ 150.00
Tasted as a young barrel sample, the Domaine d’O had pear, lemon and mandarin aromas combined with cedary and resin notes. Chardonnay was picked at night, fermented and a partial malolactic fermentation occurred similar to techniques used in Burgundy. The wine was part aged in French oak barrels with 35% new oak from Bertranges and Nièvre.
28
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
2021-2022, M8 D9 Pear, mandarin, cedar
6°C
Savoury earthy fruits, [D]
13%
Butter chicken
photo — Oliver, the 'Artisan Winemaker', is the O behind Domaine d'O.
NEW
2733
DOMAINE D'O PINOT NOIR, IGP HAUTE VALLÉE DE L'AUDE, 2020
2734
BULLES D'O, AOP BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, 2018
Mauzac, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
Pinot Noir $ 27.00
$ 162.00
$ 27.00
$ 162.00
It is brimming with savoury earthy aromas with smoke, rolling tobacco and a touch of old leather. Similar flavours appear on the palate combining with dark spicy and bitter fruits. It has a silky-layered texture with quite a grippy finish creating an overall full-bodied Pinot Noir. Grapes underwent a cold maceration for 3-4 days before fermentation. It was part aged in French oak barrels from the renowned Ermitage cooperage using oak from Bertranges Forest. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Smoky, rolling tobacco, leather
18°C
Spicy fruits
13%
Coq au vin
NEW
2732
DOMAINE D'O CINSAULT ROSÉ, IGP HAUTE VALLÉE DE L'AUDE, 2020
Cinsault $ 27.00
$ 162.00
Limoux is historically known for its sparkling wines, and it is believed that monks at the abbey in Saint-Hilaire were the first to ever produce sparkling wine fermented in bottle – as far back as 1531. Mauzac grapes are the local speciality and make up 90% of cuvée Bulles d’O with 5% each of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Bready aromas with lime custard and honeydew melon gives lots of appeal. It is fresh and crisp on the palate with lemony citrus flavours and nice easydrinking fruit. The Blanquette de Limoux Appellation rules require the wine is kept in bottle on lees for a minimum of nine months; in this case, Oliver left it for a total of two years producing a fine creamy mousse. 2021-2022, M8 D9
2021-2022, M8 D9
Cinsault at Domain d’O is used to make rosé with floral lily aromas leading to a supple palate with nice weight and presence in the mouth.
Floral, lily
6°C
Custard, bready, white fruit
6°C
Supple, earthy fruit, [D]
12.5%
Lemon citrus, [D]
12%
Arroz con pollo
Foie gras with fig jam
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON DOMAINE D'O
29
FRANCE
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
Château Canet RUSTIQUES
30
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
Château Canet, a 12th century wine estate in Rustiques, was purchased by Floris and Vicky Lemstra in 2007. Situated in the west of the Minervois region, it is located close to the medieval city of Carcassonne which is well worth a visit if ever you are in the area. The family have built the estate up, challenging themselves to make better quality wines each year.
photo — Victoria and Floris Lemstra share a glass of wine, and much more!
2735
VIGNOBLES CANET MERLOT CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SPECIAL OAK RESERVE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon $ 19.00
$ 114.00
Blockbuster oak with intense aromas of toast, smoky bacon, cloves and incense mingle with dark fruits. This is a mediumbodied wine which is dense and has some astringency on the finish. 2021-2023, M8 D9 Cloves, dark fruits, smoky bacon
18°C
Dense black fruits, incense
13.5%
2736
PICPOUL DE PINET, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, AOP PICPOUL DE PINET, 2020
Picpoul $ 22.00
$ 132.00
Full of spring scents with white blossom, lily of the valley, acacia and a hint of lemon. It is more steely on the palate with a tart lemon acidity which is refreshingly satisfying. Picpoul de Pinet vineyards are close to the Mediterranean Sea but separated from it by the Étang de Thau – the largest lagoon in Languedoc and a breeding ground for oysters and shellfish.
Roast beef with mushroom sauce
2021-2022, M8 D9 Spring blossom, lemon
6°C
Steely acidity, [D]
12.5%
Fish cakes with herbs and lemon aioli
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON CHÂTEAU CANET
31
2737
CHÂTEAU CANET, AOP MINERVOIS, BLANC, 2020 Roussanne, Vermentino, Bourboulenc, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains $ 25.00
$ 150.00
A supple white with flinty and lime aromas. It has a creamy texture with good weight mid palate leading to a mineral finish. Grapes were slowly fermented over several months with a small part matured in oak.
2738
CHÂTEAU CANET, AOP MINERVOIS, ROUGE, 2020
Syrah, Grenache $ 25.00
$ 150.00
Jammy fruit aromas with cooked strawberries, raspberry and floral notes make this wine immediately appealing. It is round and smooth on the palate with lots more ripe red fruit flavours and supple tannins. Quite a simple but concentrated wine with lots of charm.
2021-2022, M8 D9
2021-2024, M8 D9
Flint, lime
6°C
Jammy red fruits
18°C
White fruits, linear, [D]
13.5%
Raspberry, strawberry
13.5%
Herbed shrimp and noodles with mild limechili sauce
Braised rabbit with dried fruit
2739
CANET FAMILY RESERVE, AOP MINERVOIS, 2020
Syrah, Grenache $ 27.00
$ 162.00
Oak aged in barrel, the Family Reserve is made from barrels selected by the family and has pencil lead and graphite aromas over a plummy fruit background. It is supple with succulent fruits and a juicy acidity and was made from 85% Syrah and 15% Grenache grapes. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Graphite, plums
18°C
Dark succulent fruits
14%
Beef daube Provençal
32
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
photo — The Jardins à la Française of Château Canet.
2741
ALTERNATIVE CHARDONNAY, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020 (WOOD CASE)
Chardonnay $ 147.00
$ 49.00
A rich buttery style, toasted aromas combine with those of ripe banana and pineapple fruits. The palate is rich and broad with a weighty middle and persistent oak and roasted pineapple flavour. 2021-2023, M8 D9 Banana, pineapple, buttery toast
6°C
Oaky, pineapple, [D]
14%
Risotto with spring vegetables
2740
L'APPROCHE MAS D'ENCHA, AOP FAUGÈRES, 2020
Syrah, Grenache $ 32.00
$ 192.00
A tight-knit, dense wine with structure, it was somewhat shy at the time of tasting but did show some spice and chocolate aromas. More dark fruits and savoury spices came out on the palate creating a wine with good depth and fine tannins, scoring highly overall. Made by Richard Dalichoux at Mas d’Encha, a 5-hectare vineyard in Faugères – an Appellation known for its rich reds. Located in the foothills of the Cévennes Mountains, vines are cultivated on schist soils at 300 metres and face south towards the Mediterranean Sea some 30 kilometres away. 2022-2026, M7 D8 Chocolate, spice
18°C
Dark fruits
13.5%
Red-wine braised beef cheeks
photo — Miles the Canet 'Wine' maraner.
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON CHÂTEAU CANET
33
CELLAR UP! WINES TO SHAPE YOUR CELLAR
These are the dog days of summer. We get some wickedly hot days, even in Canada. What better time to assess your wine storage than now? Remember, even if you don't have a purpose-built, climate controlled wine cellar, you should still treat your wine well. Make sure that you store it on its side (this keeps the cork moist), avoid large or regular temperature swings (kitchens – you know we mean you!), and keep your bottles out of direct, natural light. Now that we have that out of the way, why not check out the wines on this list and try something new? Enjoy your summer!
SPARKLING Pairs with anything, celebrations, romance BULLES D'O, AOP BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, 2018, LOT 2734, P29
LIGHT WHITE White/light fish, sipping on its own COEUR DES LANCIERS BLANC, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020, LOT 2696, WEB EXCLUSIVE
FULL BODY WHITE Poultry, mild cheeses, pork CÉCILE LEBRUN SANCERRE, BLANC, AOC SANCERRE, 2020 (PART OF A MIXED CASE), LOT 2704, P13
ROSÉ Most appetizers, sipping on its own, the back deck DOMAINE TOUR CAMPANETS ESPRIT, AOP COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE, 2020, LOT 2722, P22
AROMATIC OR SWEET Dessert, rich foods like foie gras ORENGA DE GAFFORY RAPPO, VIN DE LIQUEUR, LOT 2763, P51
LIGHT RED Many pastas, pork, poultry, sipping on its own KATIE JONES ROUGE, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020, LOT 2743, P37
MEDIUM RED Versatile; many meats without heavy sauces, casseroles CHÂTEAU LA CASTILLE, GLORIUS, ROUGE, AOP CÔTES DE PROVENCE, 2020, LOTS 2716-2717, P19
FULL BODY RED Heavy stews, many game meats, lamb, strong cheeses, even dessert RÉSERVE D'EXCELLENCE DE LA JASSE, ÉLEVÉ EN FÛTS DE CHÊNE, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2019 , LOT 2702, P11
34
CELLAR 287 — CELLAR UP!
MIXED CASE CHÂTEAU CANET LA CHAPELLE, AOP MINERVOIS, CUVÉE GRENACHE, 2018
2742
CHÂTEAU CANET LA CHAPELLE/ LES EVANGILES (WOOD CASE)
Grenache $ 48.00
$ 288.00
An elegant wine which is soft and easy to drink yet has great depth. Cola, vanilla and mellow spicy aromas dominate red cherry fruit with similar flavour on the palate. It is supple, relatively light yet smooth with a lingering cherry menthol finish. Produced from the oldest vines on the estate planted over 70 years ago, the cuvée is named after the 12th century chapel, the remnants of which sit amongst the vines. 2021-2025, M7 D9 Cola, vanilla, red cherries
18°C
Mellow, cherry menthol
15%
THREE BOTTLES EACH LA CHAPELLE & LES EVANGILES
Char-grilled rare tuna steak
CHÂTEAU CANET LES EVANGILES, AOP MINERVOIS, CUVÉE SYRAH, 2019
Syrah
Coconut, vanilla and hazelnut characters combine in a mellow bouquet leading to a rich concentrated palate. Savoury, meaty flavours combined with dark fruits and cedar make this immediately appealing. It also has the potential for cellaring. Bitter cherry, black liquorice and oak persist in the mouth. 2021-2028, M6 D8 Coconut, vanilla, hazelnut
18°C
Savoury meaty notes, dark fruits, cedar, black liquorice
14.5%
Grilled quail with Bourbon and jelly glaze
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON CHÂTEAU CANET
35
FRANCE
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
Domaine Jones TUCHAN Husband and wife team Katie Jones and Jean-Marc Astruc make a formidable duo in the backwater that is Tuchan in the southwestern corner of the Languedoc. Jean-Marc is local from a family of wine growers, while Katie, originally from the UK, brings her creativity, challenges traditions and makes wine fun. Katie has purchased small plots of very old vines in the most extreme hillside sites and makes tiny batches of wines from each – wines that are vibrant with depth yet somewhat understated.
36
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
2748
2743
KATIE JONES ROUGE, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020
DOMAINE JONES VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP FITOU, 2019
Carignan, Grenache, Syrah $ 35.00
Grenache, Syrah $ 20.00
$ 120.00
Dark fruit, smoke and other savoury aromas, with more fruit coming out on the palate. It is at the lighter end of medium bodied with a powdery texture and sour cherry finish.
$ 210.00
Mixed forest fruits with blackberries and raspberries mingle with herbal aromas. This is a smooth wine with supple midpalate and succulent fruits. Carignan and Grenache from 100-year-old vines were blended with Syrah from vines with a mere 40 years! All to give a wine with depth and character and lingering bitter-fruit finish.
2021-2023, M8 D9 Dark fruits, smoke
18°C
Sour cherry
14.5%
Smokey lentil stew with leeks
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
2021-2025, M7 D9
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
Mixed forest fruits
18°C
Herbs, blackberries
14.5%
Cassoulet
photo — Pruning grapevines in early winter.
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON DOMAINE JONES
37
2749
JONES GRENACHE NOIR VIEILLES VIGNES, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2020
Grenache $ 31.00
2750
JONES VIEUX CÉPAGES CARIGNAN, VIN DE FRANCE, 2019
Carignan $ 186.00
The plot of Grenache Noir Vieilles Vignes, a breathtaking vineyard near Maury, is where it all started. Katie fell in love with the 90-yearold bush vines planted on dark black-slate soils. The 2020 is brimming with brambly and red fruits. It is medium bodied and smooth with strawberry and raspberry flavours. A flavoursome wine with absolutely no edges. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Brambly fruits
18°C
Strawberries, raspberries
14.5%
Lamb tagine with apricot and almonds
$ 37.00
$ 222.00
Carignan was grown in two small vineyards planted over 100 years ago close to Tuchan. The plots have quite different soils, but both produce very low yields given the age of the vines. This is a full-bodied wine, dense and concentrated. Savoury aromas of wild green herbs and graphite dominate the fruit which is slightly hidden in the background but which comes through on the palate. This is a structured wine with some big chewy tannins. 2022-2026, M6 D8 Wild herbs, fresh undergrowth, graphite
18°C
Raspberry
14.5%
Mushroom “meatballs” and charred eggplant in tomato sauce
38
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
photo — The village of Tuchan is surrounded by a sea of vineyards which turn a beautiful red shade in autumn.
NEW
2751
NEW
JONES GRENACHE GRIS VIEILLES VIGNES, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020
Grenache Gris $ 33.00
2752
ALONG CAME JONES LLEDONER PELUT HAIRY GRENACHE, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020
Lledoner Pelut $ 198.00
Rarely found as a single varietal wine, Grenache Gris is usually blended with Grenache Blanc or Macabeu. This 100% Grenache Gris has delicious grapey and floral aromas enhanced by mineral gunflint character in the background. Produced from 90-year-old vines, it is round and medium bodied on the palate with flavours of lime and fresh apples leading to a citrus pith finish. 2021-2022, M8 D9 Grapey, floral, gunflint
6°C
Fresh apples, citrus pith, [D]
13.5%
Scallop crudo with orange and sherry
$ 35.00
$ 210.00
Hairy Grenache – sounds like something from a 1960’s sci-fi movie. It is so named because the vine leaves have a furry down on the underside which evolved to protect the plant from losing too much water from transpiration in the heat, conserving moisture and limiting stress. The 2020 has intense sweet aromas of red fruits and parma violets. It is supple, medium bodied with ripe fruits leading to some savoury bitter chocolate flavours and some grip on the finish creating great balance. 2021-2025, M8 D9 Red fruits, parma violets
18°C
Bitter chocolate, ripe fruit
14.5%
Barbecued galbi beef short ribs with Asian pear marinade
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON DOMAINE JONES
39
SPOTLIGHT
Along Came Jones Wine Labels or... Graphic Novel? Got a hankering to dive into a graphic novel about winemaking while enjoying a glass or two from Domaine Jones? Just order these four wines on the next page or – hint, hint – subscribe to The Masters Case plus lot 2747 and you've got your wish!
40
CELLAR 287 — SPOTLIGHT
— CELLAR 287 SPOTLIGHT
41
FOLLOW DYANE THE CITROËN AS KATIE'S BLUE CAR RAMBLES THROUGH THE DOMAINE JONES.
NEW
2744
ALONG CAME JONES, THE GANG OF THREE, GRENACHE, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2020
Grenache $ 25.00
42
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
$ 150.00
Dried herbs, oregano, thyme on the nose morph into red fruit flavours on the palate with strawberries and cherries. This is a medium-bodied wine with some dry tannin on the finish.
2021-2024, M8 D9 Oregano, red fruits
18°C
Strawberry, bitter cherry, herbs
14.5%
Mild lamb rogan josh with basmati
NEW
2746
ALONG CAME JONES, THE GANG OF THREE, FITOU, AOP FITOU, 2020 NEW
Carignan, Grenache, Syrah $ 25.00
$ 150.00
Sweet vanilla, chocolate and forest fruits precede a supple juicy palate. It has ripe dark and red cherry fruits, vanilla and caramel flavours. Bitter cherries and savoury notes come through on the finish and some firm tannins give presence.
2745
ALONG CAME JONES, THE GANG OF THREE, CARIGNAN, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2020
Carignan $ 150.00
$ 25.00
A succulent wine with aromas of black cherries and coffee liqueur, more ripe black fruits and bilberries gather on the palate. 2021-2023, M8 D9 Coffee liqueur, black cherry
18°C
Cherries, bilberries
14%
Steak and kidney pie
NEW
2747 2021-2024, M8 D9 Sweet vanilla, chocolate, forest fruits
18°C
Caramel, red cherry
14.5%
Hanger steak with red wine sauce
ALONG CAME JONES, THE GANG OF THREE, SYRAH, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2020
Syrah $ 25.00
$ 150.00
A rich, concentrated and structured Syrah, it has herbal and black fruit aromas. More meaty savoury notes come through on the palate with notes of Marmite alongside cherry. This is a full-bodied wine which will benefit from a little time before drinking. 2022-2025, M7 D8 Black fruits, herbs
18°C
Meaty, cherries
14.5%
Balsamic Portobello burgers with grilled sweet onions
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON DOMAINE JONES
43
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Old Vines, New Style | Ready in 2022 Veteran winemaker Katie Jones was not really a fan of orange wine when her followers on social media began to insist that she make one. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she set out to make an elegant style of orange wine from her old vine Macabeu grapes in the village of Tuchan. That experiment became the tiniest of the 2020 vintage 'Old Vines Vineyard Collection - Orange'. The wine turned out so well, Katie is kicking herself for not making more. In fact, one person bought the only two barrels made. Here at Opimian, we were fascinated by the whole story so we asked for a bottle to be sent to Jane Masters MW for tasting. Wouldn't you know it: Jane, who shared Katie's original opinion of this style, loved it too! "We want our Members to experience this new and exciting wine style!" exclaimed Managing Director Greg Rinehart. So here is your chance to be one of the first people on the planet to taste this unique style. Ms. Jones has agreed to produce another two barrels (just 600 bottles) of the 2021 vintage exclusively for us. The grapes are still hanging on the vine, so we'll be seeing this wine on our shores sometime in 2022. It will be worth the wait, guaranteed (literally). With just 100 cases available for the whole country, it will sell out fast.
IN KATIE'S WORDS "I have been intrigued (although not totally convinced) by the orange wine movement for a while, but it wasn’t until my followers on social media asked me to make an orange wine that I decided to bite the bullet. I wasn’t really a fan of this style of wine as I found the ones I had tasted too funky, cloudy and often tasting too much of apple. So I set out to make an elegant style of orange wine from my old vine Macabeu here in the village of Tuchan. I wanted to see if I could make a style that I liked, so only left the skins in for 6 days. I made the tiniest amount just in case! Now that it’s bottled, I’m kicking myself for not making more! But it did give me a chance to show you the style of wine and I’m very excited that for the 2021 vintage the wine will be coming over to Canada for Members of Opimian. You will be able to follow the vineyard too and see the harvesting and making of the wine which should really bring my orange wine alive."
NEW & AVAILABLE 2022
2753
DOMAINE JONES MACABEU, ORANGE WINE, VIN DE FRANCE
Macabeu $ 44.00
$ 264.00
Orange in colour with restrained candy floss aromas, subtle flavours of bitter orange show on the palate. It is broad in structure, filling the mouth with its weight and has a lovely layered texture with a bitter pith finish. Macabeu grapes were handpicked from one of Katie’s tiny vineyards, known locally as Colombiers. The vines are 60 years old and this is one of the last vineyards planted to Macabeu in Tuchan. Grapes were picked and placed into a small tank. After a week, the fermenting grapes were pressed and the must matured in two three-year-old barrels. 2021-2023, M8 D9 Candy floss
8°C
Bitter orange, pith
TBD
Oven-baked Camembert
DOMAINE JEAN-MARC ASTRUC 2754
DOMAINE JEAN-MARC ASTRUC HERBARIUM CARIGNAN, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2020
Carignan $ 126.00
$ 21.00
Balsamic, dill and pickley aromas mix with those of ripe dark fruits and musk. It is smooth with a fine texture and a sour redberry finish. The Herbarium range of wines was inspired by the wild flowers and herbs found in Katie and Jean-Marc’s vineyards. The label depicts wild rosemary, lavender and poppy all of which grow naturally. 2021-2023, M8 D9 Dill, balsamic, dark fruits
18°C
Sour red berries, musk
14%
Rack of lamb with blackberry-Dijon sauce
NEW
2755
DOMAINE JEAN-MARC ASTRUC HERBARIUM SYRAH, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, 2020
Syrah $ 25.00
$ 150.00
Deliciously spicy Syrah with aromas of sweet tobacco, it is full bodied with vibrant fruits and liquorice. Great with meaty and stronger flavoured gamey dishes. Syrah came from 25-year-old vines planted on clay and limestone and sandy soils. 2021-2024, M7 D9 Dark chocolate, tiramisu, black cherries
18°C
Plums, sour cherry
14%
Slow-cooked wild boar with sweet soy
photo — Jean-Marc was born in the village of Tuchan, where he makes his Herbarium wines.
— LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON DOMAINE JEAN-MARC ASTRUC
45
CORSICA
Domaine Orenga de Gaffory PATRIMONIO
46
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
Corsica is a beautiful place and the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean. Most of the island is granite, but sedimentary rock and deep limestone-rich chalk and clay soils in the north of the island form the basis of the Patrimonio Appellation where Domaine Orenga de Gaffory is located; the winery sits on the road from Patrimonio to SaintFlorent. Its vineyards, scattered between neighbouring communes, bask in sunshine and breathe in maritime air from the deep blue Med. Indigenous grape varieties, mainly Niellucio, Grenache and Vermentino, are planted here. All are farmed organically.
photo — Sciaccarello grapes harvested early in the cool morning hours are used in rosé blends alongside Nielluccio.
NEW
2758
DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY, BLANC, AOP PATRIMONIO, 2020
Vermentino $ 35.00
$ 210.00
NEW
2759
NEW
DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY, ROSÉ, AOP PATRIMONIO, 2020
Nielluccio, Sciacarello $ 35.00
Aromas of orange and mandarin blossom, tilleul and white fruits are elegantly appealing. Vermentino loves the limestone rich soils of Patrimonio and is where the grape variety shows its great potential. The 2020 is smooth with a round mid palate, peach flavours and a long lemony finish. Grapes were left for a short skin maceration after picking.
2760
DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY, ROUGE, AOP PATRIMONIO, 2018
Nielluccio, Grenache $ 210.00
$ 34.00
$ 204.00
Produced from 80% Nielluccio and 20% Sciacarello, grapes were directly pressed after picking to produce a salmon-pink wine. Fresh mixed fruits, redcurrants, savoury yeasty and floral notes are all present with good mineral acidity to balance.
A savoury red, meaty, earthy and mineral graphite aromas are complemented with cherries and bitter chocolate on the palate. Overall, this is a medium-bodied wine with quite a light mid palate, tight in structure with some firm tannins on the finish. Tasted as a young tank sample, it will benefit from some bottle maturation prior to drinking.
2021-2022, M8 D9
2022-2026, M7 D9
2021-2022, M8 D9 Mandarin blossom, tilleul, orange
6°C
Redcurrants, floral
6°C
Savoury meaty, graphite
18°C
Peach, lemon, [D]
12.5%
Mixed fruits, savoury edge, [D]
12.5%
Cherries, bitter chocolate
14%
Grilled whole snapper with mango and red onion
photo — Vermentino boasts an array of fruity and floral aromas with gripping mineral undertones.
Fried cauliflower wings with spiced feta dip
Pares Filipino beef stew
— CORSICA DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY
47
A CONNOISSEUR’S DREAM. Exclusive to this program, Founders Choice wines are not available elsewhere in the Cellar Offering and won’t be for another five years. Dedicated to the spirit of our Founders, this program presents only the finest wines. From our producers’ cellars to yours, this is an opportunity to experience another level of quality. This case of one premium wine is curated with the potential to age. Included in your six bottle case, you will find tasting notes and a special message from the producer to treasure. The Founders Choice producer for this Cellar is Domaine Jones from Languedoc-Roussillon.
REVEAL THE REMARKABLE SUBSCRIBE NOW
$188
Via your Dashboard at Opimian.ca
Email MemberService@Opimian.ca
Call 1-800-361-9421
per Cellar Offering
2762
ORENGA DE GAFFORY CUVÉE DES GOUVERNEURS, AOP PATRIMONIO, 2017
Nielluccio $ 55.00
$ 330.00
2021-2026, M7 D8 Mellow ripe fruits, vanilla, savoury
18°C
Complex fruit & savoury
14%
Mellow ripe fruits with vanilla, cherries and a savoury edge are very appealing. Produced from 100% Niellucio coming from old vines, it has great balance on the palate. Grapes were picked by hand, de-stemmed and left on skins for an extended 30 days. On the palate, it is smooth with cherry menthol and bitter cherry flavours lingering on the finish. It was matured for 12 months in 300- and 600-litre French oak casks with 30% new oak. Drinking nicely now, it should stay at its peak for some years.
DON'T MISS ORENGA DE GAFFORY'S PREMIUM WINES ON THE NEXT PAGE.
Venison stew with mushrooms and port
2761
DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY, AOP MUSCAT DU CAP CORSE, 2020
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains $ 31.00
$ 186.00
Cap Corse, in the far north of the island, protrudes into the Mediterranean Sea pointing directly north towards Italy's Ligurian coast. This is a beautiful sleepy corner of the island, once the heart of maritime trade here. Domaine Orenga de Gaffory Muscat du Cap Corse has floral aromas of rose petal and peaches. On the palate, it is sweet yet delicate with bitter orange and fresh vanilla pod. Muscat Petit Grains grapes were picked by hand and underwent 24-hour skin maceration. The addition of grape spirit arrested fermentation of the juice, achieving perfect balance between sweetness, alcohol and acidity. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Floral, peaches
6°C
Bitter orange, vanilla, [S]
16
Peach cobbler with Frangelico whipped cream
photo — Philippe Rideau, the enologist of the estate, samples the wine straight from the barrel.
— CORSICA DOMAINE ORENGA DE GAFFORY
49
MIXED CASE 2764
WINE CUVÉE SIGNATURE HENRI ORENGA DE GAFFORY
$ 96.00
$ 192.00
ONE BOTTLE EACH VERMENTINO & NIELLUCCIO
CUVÉE SIGNATURE HENRI ORENGA DE GAFFORY, AOP PATRIMONIO, VERMENTINO, 2015
Vermentino
Nielluccio
A clear demonstration of the ability for Vermentino wines to age, after five years Cuvée Signature 2015 has intense spicy aromas with marmalade and cooked bitter orange. On the palate, it is rich and concentrated with mellow complex flavours including more bitter orange and vanilla giving an impression of old Burgundy. It was produced from a special selection of the best barrels from the oldest vines on the estate. It was matured in oak for 18 months with regular lees stirring giving lots of toasty character. 2021-2023, M8 D9 Spices, marmalade
6°C
Bitter orange, vanilla, mellow, [D]
14%
Vitello tonnato
CUVÉE SIGNATURE HENRI ORENGA DE GAFFORY, AOP PATRIMONIO, NIELLUCCIO, 2015
A mellow bouquet with oak, red fruits, crushed raspberries and floral potpourri notes. It is quite light on the palate – elegant and ethereal in nature. It is flavoursome with a long smoky finish: 2015 was a very good vintage with warm summer temperatures producing ripe fruit flavours. Matured in demimuids (600-litre French oak casks) using 100% new oak for 24 months, yet the oak is not overpowering in any way. Cuvée Signature was first produced in 2013 and released in 2017 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Domaine Orenga de Gaffory. A limited number of bottles are produced in the best years. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Mellow oak, crushed raspberries, pot pourri
18°C
Smoky fruits
14%
Slow braised pork belly with cannellini beans
COLLECTOR’S CORNER
RARE FINDS TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR
2763
ORENGA DE GAFFORY RAPPO, VIN DE LIQUEUR
Aleatico $ 128.00
$ 64.00
A stunning red fortified wine, it is medium brick-ruby in colour with intense aromas of cherry menthol, chocolate and raspberry. It is sherry-like with delicious chocolate and liquorice flavours, great depth and a long nutty finish. Aleatico grapes cultivated in Cap Corse were picked by hand, de-stemmed, crushed and macerated. The fermentation was arrested by the addition of grape spirit producing a wine with 15% alcohol and residual sweetness. It was matured for up to ten years in old French oak barrels and is a blend of several vintages. 2021-2026, M7 D9 Cherry menthol, chocolate, raspberry
14°C
Sherry, chocolate, nutty, [S]
15.5%
Chocolate-port wine cake
— CELLAR 287 COLLECTOR’S CORNER
51
Web Exclusives Please visit Opimian.ca for your province's pricing on these wines.
52
CELLAR 287 — WEB EXCLUSIVES
2688
MAISON BELLEROCHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon $ WEB
2689
MAISON BELLEROCHE MALBEC, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Malbec $ WEB
A supple, easy-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon with sweet fruit and herbal flavours.
$ WEB
MAISON BELLEROCHE GRENACHE ROSÉ, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Grenache $ WEB
Aromas of sweet spicy tobacco precede a medium-bodied wine with vibrant fruit finish.
2021-2023, M8 D9
2690
$ WEB
$ WEB
Subtle fruit flavours with a crisp dry palate.
2021-2023, M8 D9
2021-2022, M8 D9
Dark fruit, herbs
18°C
Spicy, tobacco
18°C
Pears
6°C
Sweet fruit
13%
Fresh fruit
13%
Soft and easy, [D]
12.5%
Grilled aged Cheddar burger with crispy fried onions and tomato jam
Barbecued lamb kebabs
Grilled veggie skewers with chimichurri
— CELLAR 287 WEB EXCLUSIVES
53
2691
DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE RÉSERVE SAUVIGNON, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Sauvignon Blanc $ WEB
2692
DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE RÉSERVE VIOGNIER, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
2693
Viognier $ WEB
More floral notes with white blossom, acacia and lily than previous vintages with crisp acidity on the palate.
DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE RÉSERVE MERLOT, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Merlot $ WEB
$ WEB
$ WEB
$ WEB
Delicate floral notes, tinned peaches and fresh white fruits give lots of appeal. The palate is round with citrus notes, good acidity and just a touch of bitterness adding length.
Soapy floral aromas with lavender and violets, it is quite firm on the palate.
2021-2022, M8 D9
2021-2023, M8 D9
2021-2022, M8 D9 Acacia, lily
6°C
Tinned peaches, white fruits
6°C
Violet, lavender
18°C
Peardrops, [D]
12%
Lemon, citrus, [D]
13%
Dark fruit
13%
Beetroot, asparagus and goat cheese salad
Sautéed veal scallopini
2694
Pasta Bolognese
DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE RÉSERVE PINOT NOIR, IGP PAYS D'OC, 2020
Pinot Noir $ WEB
$ WEB
2021-2022, M8 D9 Griotte cherries, red fruits
18°C
Cranberry
13%
Roast chicken with sour cherries and citrus sauce
54
CELLAR 287 — WEB EXCLUSIVES
A supple Pinot with griotte cherry, other red fruits and a tangy cranberry and sour cherry finish.
2695
COEUR DES LANCIERS ROUGE, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon $ WEB
$ WEB
Red fruits, sour cherry with some grip on the finish.
2696
COEUR DES LANCIERS BLANC, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020
Colombard, Gros Manseng $ WEB
$ WEB
Aromatic white with lemon, lime, gooseberry and white fruits. Quite light with a tangy sour green apple acidity and passion fruit flavours.
2021-2023, M8 D9
2697
COEUR DES LANCIERS ROSÉ, VIN DE FRANCE, 2020
Cinsault, Syrah $ WEB
$ WEB
Refreshing pale in colour, easy drinking rosé with light fruits.
2021-2022, M8 D9
2021-2022, M8 D9
Red fruit
16°C
Ripe gooseberry, lime
6°C
Melon, apple
6°C
Grippy finish
13%
Passion fruit, apple, [D]
11.5%
Light fruits, peardrop, [D]
12.5%
Charcuterie and cheese board
Cucumber-avocado soup with lime zest
Ricotta and sweet pea toast
— CELLAR 287 WEB EXCLUSIVES
55
2021 Cellar Schedule C280: Burgundy Pinot Noir, Australia & New Zealand Opens November 10, 2020 Last day to order: December 14, 2020 Mail form by: December 1, 2020 Expected release: Spring 2021
Legend
C281: Tuscany & South Africa Opens December 15, 2020 Last day to order: January 18, 2021 Mail form by: January 4, 2021 Expected release: Early Summer 2021
Red - White - Rosé - Sparkling - Port/Dessert - Spirit
Bottle size
C282: Alsace, Argentina & Chile Opens January 19, 2021 Last day to order: February 22, 2021 Mail form by: February 8, 2021 Expected release: Summer 2021
Number of bottles in case
Aroma
C283: Rhône, Champagne & Burgundy White Wines Opens February 23, 2021 Last day to order: March 29, 2021 Mail form by: March 15, 2021 Expected release: Late Summer 2021
Taste
Serving temperature
C284: Spain Opens March 30, 2021 Last day to order: May 3, 2021 Mail form by: April 19, 2021 Expected release: Early Fall 2021
Percent of alcohol1
Ideal with Evolution Drink this year Will develop, drink within 2 years Meant for cellaring
C285: Bordeaux, Bergerac & Beaujolais Opens May 4, 2021 Last day to order: June 7, 2021 Mail form by: May 21, 2021 Expected release: Fall 2021
Concentration Light - Medium - Great
C286: Piemonte, Veneto, Italy & Germany Opens June 8, 2021 Last day to order: July 12, 2021 Mail form by: June 28, 2021 Expected release: Early Winter 2022
Oak Light - Medium - Heavy
C287: Provence, Loire, Corsica & Languedoc-Roussillon Opens July 13, 2021 Last day to order: August 16, 2021 Mail form by: July 30, 2021 Expected release: Early Winter 2022
Organic2
C288: Portugal, California, Oregon & Austria Opens August 17, 2021 Last day to order: September 20, 2021 Mail form by: September 3, 2021 Expected release: Winter 2022 Fall Online Offering: September 21 - October 11, 2021 CWEB21 Online Offering: October 12 - November 8, 2021
If you have any questions or want to order, contact us: MemberService@opimian.ca or 1 800 361-9421
Limited quantity
Vegetarian2
Overall top 10 from last year
Medal winner M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature
D—Degree of Drinkability (1-10) D1 = needs time D10 = ready to drink
D = Dry <10g/l SD = Semi dry <30g/l
SS = Semi sweet <50g/l S = Sweet >51g/l
1
The alcohol percentage value is subject to change before delivery. This information is provided by
2
our producers and may not reflect Canadian norms.
Ordering Made Easy 1. SELECT YOUR WINES Let yourself be inspired by Opimian’s Master of Wine, Jane Masters MW, and her detailed descriptions included in the Cellar Offering. Our custom chart on the reverse side features a list of symbols to help guide your selection. Still unsure which wines to order? Contact us! 2. PLACE YOUR ORDER There are four ways to order. The last day to order for each Cellar Offering can be found listed on the reverse. No orders will be processed after this time.
Full name _________________________________________________ Member no. ________________________________________________ Payment Methods
l Cheque l Use of wine credits l Use credit card on file. Please go to your dashboard at Opimian.ca
to update your credit card on file or contact Member Service.
How can we reach you if we have questions on your order? Telephone: _________________________________________________
Cellar Number
Opimian.ca
Lot
Description
Date Number of cases
Cost/case
Total
MemberService@Opimian.ca
1 800 361-9421 TOTAL
If you need more space, please add a blank page.
Mail this form 14 days before end of the Cellar
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. For this Cellar Offering, the expected release date is listed on the reverse. 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.
Conditions of Purchase • Accepted payment methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), wine credits or cheque payable to Opimian. • Prices include all applicable federal and provincial markups and taxes. • A valid membership card is required to order. • Bottle prices are for reference only. In the case of any price discrepancy between printed materials and the website, the price published on the website prevails. • All orders are by the case, with no minimum required. Notes, as required by the law in the Province of Quebec • A member ordering from this Cellar Offering requests that Opimian acts as the member’s agent in ordering the wines from the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) and requests that Opimian remits the funds enclosed (minus any administration fees) to the SAQ to pay for the wines ordered. • The prices as shown are the estimated costs to be charged by the SAQ plus an administration fee and consolidation charges. Notes, as required by the law in the Province of Alberta • All purchase transactions are completed pursuant to the laws in the Province of Alberta and are between you as the customer and Rocky Mountain Wine, Spirits & Beer (“Rocky Mountain”), an independent third party of Opimian Society (“Opimian”). All charges will appear on your credit card statement as Rocky Mountain. • You hereby acknowledge and agree that your dealings with Rocky Mountain which are not related to an Opimian purchase, including payment and all other terms, conditions, representations and warranties related to such transaction, whether implied by law or by expressed agreement between you and Rocky Mountain, are solely between you and Rocky Mountain and not Opimian. You hereby acknowledge that Opimian is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of, or in connection with, or a resulting transaction, and you hereby release and waive any claims you may have against Opimian in connection thereof.
PAUL SAPIN’S
LOT 2695
LOT 2696
LOT 2697
FRENCH BOTTLE SHOP
NEW LOOK!
CŒUR DES LANCIERS
CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION OF WEB EXCLUSIVE WINES! GO TO OPIMIAN.CA AS YOU WON’T FIND THEM IN PRINT.
LOT 2688
LOT 2689
LOT 2690
Opimian.ca
MAISON BELLEROCHE
MemberService@Opimian.ca 1-800-361-9421
LOT 2691
LOT 2692
LOT 2693
LOT 2694
DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE
300-2170 RENÉ-LÉVESQUE WEST MONTREAL QC H3H 2T8 OPIMIAN.CA
