CELLAR ORDER NOV 9 - DEC 13, 2021
NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA & BURGUNDY OUR LARGEST EVER BURGUNDY SELECTION
Fiona Traill-Stevenson from new producer Mischief and Mayhem
Opimian.ca OPIMIAN.CA
NS 290
LOT 2957
2 BOTTLES EACH $ 45 / 750ML BOTTLE $ 270 CASE OF 6
ShaneHarris TOP WINEMAKER IN AUSTRALIA 3 YEARS
DELIVERY SPRING 2022 SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE SEASON!
Verdelho / Pinot Grigio / Arneis Mixed Case LOT 2957 FIRST LAUNCH GLOBALLY FOR THESE WINES Shane Harris is the only Australian to be named Winemaker of the Year three times by Australia’s Winestate magazine, having won the award in 2012, 2018 and 2020. Before entering the wine industry, Shane was a chef by trade and still uses these skills to complement his winemaking philosophy and make food-friendly wines. Shane relies on the vines to translate the unique message of the vineyard into something tangible and sees his role as "not losing the message between picking the grapes and opening the bottle". A near-perfect 2021 vintage across South Australia allowed for a slow ripening of the grapes and great flavour development. The three European grape varieties represented in this mixed case thrived and produced can’t-miss wines.
Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Verdelho, Limestone Coast, 2021 Intense herbal aromas of basil and tomato leaf continue onto the palate. It has nice mid-palate weight with some melon and mint characters coming through. Verdelho was one of the original grape varieties planted at Wirrega Vineyards in 1993. Some skin contact was carried out for six hours after picking, the grapes pressed and fermented at low temperature.
Verdelho
2022-2023, M8 D9
6°C
12.5%
Broiled tiger prawns with lime
Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Pinot Grigio, Limestone Coast, 2021 A rich and full Pinot Grigio with ripe apple and spicy earthy flavours. It is supple with good mid-palate weight and depth. 2021 is the first release of this wine – and what a treat. Grapes were grown at Wirrega Vineyard close to Mundulla on the Limestone Coast. Over a million years ago, the region was an inland sea which has left a unique geological profile with a base of limestone and layers of terra rossa soils high in iron content. Old Sémillon vines were grafted over to Pinot Grigio in 2009.
Pinot Grigio
2022-2023, M8 D9
6°C
12.5%
Seafood salad
Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Arneis, Adelaide Hills, 2021 Crystalline in structure, it has subtle aromas of grass and fresh nectarine. It is supple with similar flavours on the palate and a crisp citrus finish. Arneis was planted at K1 at the same time as a number of other experimental varieties in 2008. Originally from Piedmont in Italy, it is quite a difficult grape to grow and vinify. Shane seems to have found the key to success through reductive handling of the juice.
Arneis
2022-2023, M8 D9
6°C
13%
Tarragon zucchini patties
EDITORIAL
A New Season Begins
Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Co-Managing Directors
Welcome to the first Cellar of the 2022 Cellar Season. We've got lots to tell you. From the continuous improvement of this publication to our constant search for the best wines in the world, Opimian remains Canada's Wine Club.
OPIMIAN SUGGESTS............................................................. P5 COUPS DE COEUR.................................................................. P7 MASSEY DACTA.........................................................................P8 BERTON VINEYARDS........................................................... P10 HASTWELL & LIGHTFOOT................................................ P14 CELLAR UP!................................................................................ P16 BEC HARDY WINES.............................................................. P18 GEOFF HARDY......................................................................... P24 TOP VALUE WINES.............................................................. P32 BRIAR RIDGE VINEYARD................................................. P34 CHAPMAN GROVE WINES............................................. P36 DOMAINE DES TERRES GENTILLES / MAISON ALPHONSE JACQUIER ................................ P41 DOMAINE BONNARDOT.................................................P44 DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND...........................P48 DOMAINE THEVENOT LE BRUN.................................P52 DOMAINE DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS.................... P54 NEW MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM.................................. P58 COLLECTOR’S CORNER.................................................. P62
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CELLAR 290 — EDITORIAL
Each of the wine regions featured here had its own challenges in this past year (as if a global pandemic wasn't enough!). New Zealand had its poorest harvest in memory. Terrible weather devastated the crop. As a result, Massy Dacta is representing the country all by themselves. Please support their determination. Australia, on the other hand, had a bumper crop and an amazing vintage. They have been dealing with a ban on Australian wines by the Chinese, but soldier on by making exceptional wines for Canada and the rest of the world. So much good news here. Bec Hardy won the coveted award "top 40 under 40" in South Australia this year. The winemaker at Geoff Hardy, Shane Harris, won Australian Winemaker of the Year - the first to do so for the third time! Chapman Grove submitted such a stellar range of wines for you this year, we've chosen the largest portfolio of their wines ever. Add to that the return of Berton, Briar Ridge and Hastwell & Lightfoot and the Opimian light is shining brightly down under. Oh, Burgundy! We were so sad to hear of the potential of the worst harvest in 45 years in many parts of France. Production could be down by 30 percent. The low production and ever-increasing shipping costs throughout the world resulted in
price increases but luckily our strong relationships in Burgundy mean that we will still have phenomenal wines to choose from. In addition, we have a new, exclusive partner from Burgundy. Michael Ragg and his wife Fiona Traill-Stevenson of Mischief & Mayhem tell the story of Burgundian terroir through their remarkable wines. Burgundy lovers take note! We have refreshed several of the features of your Cellar. We have expanded the "Directors' Cut" segment to include additional voices and opinions and, as a result, changed the name to 'Opimian Suggests'. The more diversity, the better. Cellar Up!, your vehicle to diversity in your cellar, has been refined. We'll feature the styles that best represent the regions of the Cellar with more detail about each of them. You can then go online to explore the suggestions for additional wine styles. We continue to expand our variety of pack sizes and provide more mixed case options for you. How better to discover all that the world of wine has to offer? Those bonus wines that are only found at opimian.ca (we call them Web Exclusives), will continue and grow. Cheers to the 49th year of sharing the joy of wine!
Michael & Greg
OPIMIAN SUGGESTS OUR PICKS FOR THIS CELLAR
MANAGING DIRECTOR
MICHAEL LUTZMANN
Michael has level 3 training from WSET. Before discovering more about wine through training, he only drank heavy reds. While those are still favourites, his palate pleasers now include the full spectrum with dessert/ fortified wines edging toward the top of the list.
BEC HARDY WINES PINOT GRIS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2021, LOT 2947, P19
DOMAINE BONNARDOT BEAUNE PREMIER CRU BELISSAND, AOP, 2015, MAGNUM WOOD CASE, LOT 2996, P47
MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOC, 2018, LOT 3018, P61
BERTON VINEYARD THE BONSAI, HIGH EDEN, 2019 LOT 2934, P11
HASTWELL & LIGHTFOOT SANDS OF TIME SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2020, LOT 2945, P17
MASSEY DACTA PINOT NOIR, MARLBOROUGH, 2021 LOT 2931, P9
MANAGING DIRECTOR
GREG RINEHART
Greg's wine style is at the opposite end of the spectrum and gravitates towards less serious styled rosés and whites. He believes that all events should start with a glass of bubbly! However, when done right, there is no better red grape for producing lighterbodied wines of elegance and complexity than Pinot Noir.
— CELLAR 290 OPIMIAN SUGGESTS
5
MASTER PIECE
What in the World? Jane Masters MW is Opimian’s Master of Wine
As Opimian Cellar Offerings start to feature 2021 wines and the wine harvest in Europe is getting into full swing, it’s a perfect time to look back at this year’s growing season.
Each year, the Southern Hemisphere wine grape harvest kicks off in late January through to April, depending on the region. If Australia was anything to go by, this year was looking good. A relief for Australian wine growers after the hot dry year which was 2020 with its wild fires and low yields. The 2021 vintage in Australia had near perfect growing and ripening conditions, producing the largest crop ever. A cooler summer has produced refreshing wines across all regions with fresh fruit flavours, moderate alcohol levels and naturally balanced acidity. There are plenty of delicious wines to choose from in C290.
6
damages young shoots and buds and restricts yields. Earlier budding varieties are more susceptible. Inclement weather during flowering reduced the crop further. However from then on the season was perfect for ripening grapes and lead to harvest ten days earlier than the norm. In Ben’s words, “from a very challenging and small vintage – there are some exquisite gems. “
Sadly, New Zealand was not quite so lucky. The wines produced are high in quality, but they are very short in supply. The Marlborough region in the north of the South Island where Ben Glover is based saw an overall reduction in wine production of more than 20%. Losses were greater or lesser depending on the site and grape variety planted. Ben lost 90% of his Chardonnay, 70% of his Gewurztraminer and 25% of his Sauvignon Blanc. The reduced crop was essentially due to spring frost in September. The frost hit after warm winter temperatures and lower rainfall than usual had brought the vines into an early budbreak. Frost
For many years, France and Italy vied for the number one position as the world’s largest wine producing country. For some years now that accolade has consistently gone to Italy, followed by France and Spain in third place, but with a significant gap. That’s all about to change, as the latest forecast shows that France will produce its lowest wine crop on record at -29% of 2020, taking it a peg below Spain. Similar to New Zealand, France experienced a nationwide frost in April, which the government declared a national emergency. In addition to the frost, regions with high humidity and rainfall have suffered attacks of downy mildew, while others have suffered from drought (irrigation is not permitted generally in France), both of which lead to further reductions in crop. Hail hit certain localised parts of Champagne with some fire damage in southern France. The overall trend is down, but the impact is heterogenous. The Burgundy region featured in C290 is
CELLAR 290 — MASTER PIECE
JANE MASTERS MW is one of 416 Masters of Wine worldwide. Every wine offered by Opimian is tasted and selected for its deliciousness and value by Jane, our consultant Master of Wine.
COUPS DE COEUR THIS CELLAR'S HIGHEST SCORING WINES.
EVERYDAY DRINKING BRIAR RIDGE WINE COLD SOAKED CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ORANGE, 2018, LOT 2974, P35
MASSEY DACTA WINE SAUVIGNON BLANC, MARLBOROUGH, 2021 , LOT 2930, P9
CELLARING POTENTIAL expected to produce half the amount of wine in 2021, with Chablis in the far north even harder hit. As these wines are only just being made, the current Cellar is based on previous vintages. 2019 and particularly 2020 Burgundies are great – so now is the time to stock up the cellar. In other parts of France, generally earlier ripening varieties like Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot were most affected. The low volumes mean there will be price pressure and it is too early to say what wine quality will be, so if you are looking for nice everyday drinking wines, Australia should be a serious consideration.
DOMAINE WINE DÉSERTAUXFERRAND CÔTE DE NUITS-VILLAGES, AOP, 2019, LOTS 3003-3004, P51
DOMAINE WINE DÉSERTAUXFERRAND POMMARD, AOP, 2019, LOT 3000, P50
As if harvest challenges weren’t enough, international shipments of wine are being hampered. Significant delays to shipping brought on by lock down constraints at ports, rescheduling of ships and container shortages are being experienced around the world with the cost of shipping increased dramatically. A general lack of truck drivers is also impacting road haulage. All in all, these are strange times with much uncertainty. At such a time, it is the small pleasures in life that make it worthwhile. I certainly appreciate having my sense of taste and smell more than ever! As well as a well-stocked cellar to dip into whatever the occasion.
— CELLAR 290 COUPS DE COEUR
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NEW ZEALAND
Massey Dacta DILLONS POINT Late spring frosts and cool spring weather led to a much reduced grape crop in New Zealand in 2021 – and, hence, a dramatically reduced list of New Zealand wines in this Cellar Offering. In Marlborough, the country’s largest and most renowned wine region, average crops were down around 20-30%. That’s the bad news. The good news is due to these lighter crops, the quality and flavour intensity is exceptional. Located in the Dillons Point subregion, many of the Glover family vineyards are within kilometres of the sea in a sheltered position in the lee of the Wither Hills. Most years, easterlies blowing in off the Pacific Ocean offer protection against frost. In fact, the last time Glover's vineyard was touched by frost was in 1993 (and then only slightly). No one was expecting the freezing cold that wafted across the Wairau Plains on October 22, 2020. Even if they had, frost was so rare that the Glovers had no protection infrastructure in place. Ben Glover describes the day as like a scene from “Apocalypse Now.” A constant wind blew from the southwest all day then suddenly stopped at 6 p.m. Everything went dead still and calm. Frost machines and choppers were in the air most of the night, but the damage was done. Ben lost 90% of his Chardonnay, 70% Gewurztraminer and some 25% Sauvignon Blanc. In Ben’s words, “from a very challenging and small vintage, there are some exquisite gems.” As I write this in September 2021, spring is in the air in New Zealand and the vines are waking up. Covid-19 restrictions have meant a shortage of skilled vineyard workers, so Ben and his wife Susie have done much of the pruning themselves. All with the hope to be back on stream with a wider range of Massey Dacta wines with the 2022 vintage.
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CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — Ben Glover, winemaker at Massey Dacta, with his trusty 135 Massey Ferguson tractor.
2930
MASSEY DACTA SAUVIGNON BLANC, MARLBOROUGH, 2021
Sauvignon Blanc $ 34
YOUR ONLY CHANCE TO ORDER NEW ZEALAND WINES THIS YEAR!
$ 204
Massey Dacta 2021 has nice fruit aromas with greengages and lime blossom. It is supple and round with good mid-palate fruit leading to a limey acidity and citrus pith finish. Sauvignon from Glovers’ Kerseley Estate and Alice Mills vineyards in the lower Wairau Valley have been blended this year with some fruit grown in Awatere Valley at Little Oasis Vineyard. A difficult start to the growing season was followed by good ripening conditions through to harvest which was approximately 10 days early and of super quality – one of my Coups de Coeur wines. 2022-2023, M8 D9 Greengage, lime, blossom
6°C
Fresh lime, citrus pith, [3.00]
13%
2931
MASSEY DACTA PINOT NOIR, MARLBOROUGH, 2021
Crab fettuccine with scallions
Pinot Noir $ 49
$ 294
Tasted as a tank sample, the 2021 has a good intensity with red cherries and peony aromas. It is medium bodied with a smooth, supple palate and soft tannins finishing with nice red fruit flavours. A mix of Pinot clones were grown in the Omaka Valley in the Southern Valleys subregion of Marlborough with 90% of grapes from Settlement Vineyard planted on northwest facing slopes of clay and silt loam. Ten percent came from Kennedys Road Vineyard which sits beneath the slopes on the valley floor and has higher clay content. Grapes were handpicked a week earlier than normal. 2021-2024, M7 D8 Red cherries, peony
18°C
Smooth, supple, red fruits
13%
Pinot noir coq au vin
photo — Dogs Wave and Baloo with Jacob Collins and George Glover, on a break during pruning in winter 2021.
— NEW ZEALAND MASSEY DACTA
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AUSTRALIA Australia is a big country – not quite as big as Canada but not that far off. Its history as a winemaking country dates to its settlement, in 1788, when the First Fleet (the 11 ships that departed Portsmouth, England) arrived with vines in the area that is now Sydney. James Busby, known as the father of the Australian wine industry, established a vineyard in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, 250 kilometres north of Sydney in the 1830s. Very soon after, vineyards were being planted in South Australia and Victoria states. Australia is hot and dry – 70% of the country is arid or semi-arid land; hence, wines are made in the cooler southern parts. Winemakers search for sites that benefit from cooling influences such as sea breeze (Australia is
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CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
surrounded by water) or a little bit of altitude (Australia is low and flat) with access to water. Without irrigation, even the hardy grapevine would be unviable across Australia. Overcoming these challenges, Australia produces highly flavoursome wines, with lots of ripe fruit flavours. Berton Vineyards reflects its founder Bob Berton: casual, friendly and approachable. It makes affordable, easy drinking wines at its Yenda winery in Riverina. There is also a serious side to Bob, reflected in Berton Vineyards' stellar premium wines. These are produced from grapes grown on selected sites and at Bob’s estate in the High Eden in Barossa Valley. The block, which sits on rolling hills at 450 metres, was purchased by Bob and his wife Cherie in 1996.
photo — The Bonsai is Berton Vineyard's flagship
High Eden Shiraz Cabernet.
2932
BERTON VINEYARD WINEMAKER'S RESERVE SHIRAZ, PADTHAWAY, 2020
Shiraz $ 31
$ 186
Always a showstopper, the 2020 Winemaker’s Reserve Shiraz is a dense purple colour. On the nose, it oozes ripe blueberries, damson, smoke, menthol and oaky notes. It is medium to full bodied although a little more austere in style than previous vintages – a reflection of the cooler summer – with savoury dark fruits, oak and plum-skin flavours. Shiraz grapes were grown in the Padthaway Region of South Australia about 300 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. Padthaway has a similar cool climate to Coonawarra but slightly warmer.
2021-2024, M8 D9 Blueberries, damson, smoke
18°C
Savoury oak, plum skins
14.5%
2934
BERTON VINEYARD THE BONSAI, HIGH EDEN, 2019
Olive-crusted lamb with adzuki (red) bean stew
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon $ 58
2933
BERTON VINEYARD WINEMAKER'S RESERVE FIANO, RIVERINA, 2021
Fiano $ 31
Berton Vineyards
$ 186
Fresh apples, melon and a touch of cheese rind are followed on the palate by more citrus notes of lemon and limes. Fiano grapes were harvested from a single vineyard in Riverina on February 19. It’s also suitable for vegans.
RIVERINA
$ 348
The Bonsai has moody aromas of dark fruits, coal, graphite, smoke, vanilla and coconut. Slightly lighter in structure than previous vintages, it has nice juicy black fruit flavours followed by a firm acidity. It has supple tannins and a fine texture. 2019 was a drought year – the dam at Bob’s High Eden estate ran dry – and produced the smallest crop since planting. A blend of 77% Shiraz with 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was matured in a combination of new and old French and American oak barrels for 14 months. The Bonsai vineyard in the High Eden subregion of Barossa Valley was planted by Bob and Cherie on a plot purchased in 1996. The plot is at 450 metres and is subject to wind as well as lots of summer sunshine. At the time of planting, there was no dam and no water for irrigation – the young vines struggled to survive let alone grow shoots and canes – a visiting Swedish friend joked that they looked like Bonsai plants: the name stuck. It is a beautiful and remote spot.
2022-2023, M8 D9
2021-2025, M7 D9
Fresh apple, melon
6°C
Dark fruit, graphite, smoke, vanilla, coconut
18°C
Lemon, lime, crisp acidity, [1.70]
11.5%
Juicy black fruits
14.5%
Red lentil tarka dhal
Red-wine braised ox cheeks with mushrooms
— AUSTRALIA BERTON VINEYARDS
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2935
BARREN JACK SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC, EDENGATE, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA, 2021 Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc $ 19
$ 228
A medium-bodied white with aromas of gooseberry and lime which are followed by a crisp steely palate with a crystalline lemon acidity. It is relatively light in alcohol at 11.5%. An earlier harvest than usual with Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes picked in the Riverina the first weeks of February.
2936
BARREN JACK CHARDONNAY, EDENGATE, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA, 2021
Chardonnay $ 19
$ 228
$ 19
$ 228
A light- to medium-bodied Shiraz, it has earthy blackberry aromas. Sour blackberry flavours with a marked acidity come through on the palate. Shiraz was harvested between late February and mid-March, benefitting from mild conditions and some rainfall to top up soil moisture levels.
2022-2023, M8 D9
Gooseberry, lime
6°C
Spicy oak, white fruits
6°C
Steely, fresh lemon, [2.20]
11.5%
Lemon, crisp, [1.80]
12.5%
Pan-fried salmon with citrus vinaigrette
BARREN JACK SHIRAZ, EDENGATE, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA, 2021
Shiraz
Spicy oak and fruit aromas lead to a crisp palate with firm acidity. Chardonnay was fermented slowly at low temperature with lightly toasted oak.
2022-2023, M8 D9
2938
Roasted squash ravioli
2021-2023, M8 D9 Blackberry, earth
16°C
Sour black fruits
14%
Roast lamb loin and veg with cherry gastrique
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CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — The 2021 Chardonnay crush at Berton Vineyards.
STOCK UP ON THESE FOR YEAR-ROUND DRINKING!
2937
BARREN JACK PINOT GRIGIO, EDENGATE, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA, 2021
Pinot Grigio $ 19
$ 228
Subtle and elegant – and so pale it’s almost colourless. Fresh pear aromas follow through onto the light crisp palate. 2022-2023, M8 D9 Fresh pears
6°C
Light and crisp, [2.20]
12%
Tossed green salad with sunflower seeds
2939
BARREN JACK SHIRAZ CABERNET, EDENGATE, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA, 2021 Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot $ 19
$ 228
More obvious oak with pencil lead notes complementing black fruits and blueberries. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Shiraz has resulted in a wine with more weight and structure. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Black fruits, pencil lead
18°C
blueberry
14%
Pasta puttanesca
photo — Bob and Cherie Berton established Berton Vineyards in 1996.
— AUSTRALIA BERTON VINEYARDS
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AUSTRALIA
Hastwell & Lightfoot MCLAREN VALE McLaren Vale, approximately 35 kilometres south of Adelaide, is close to the Gulf of Saint Vincent with its stunning beaches and blue sea. It is an historic region viticulturally and still has some very old vines planted around 100 years ago. McLaren Vale is known for producing, amongst other things, high quality Shiraz wines as well as Grenache and Mourvèdre and a range of Mediterranean varieties. The region has diverse soils that have been mapped in detail. Hastwell & Lightfoot have 16 hectares of vines located on the northern deep sand slopes along Foggo Road in the McLaren Flat subregion.
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CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — FAT'n SKINNY Pinot Grigio's new label. When we think Grigio and Italian we think Armani Grey suits. The FAT'n SKINNY men have had another makeover!
2940
FAT'N SKINNY PINOT GRIGIO, LANGHORNE CREEK, 2021
Pinot Grigio $ 32
2941
FAT'N SKINNY THE RED FURY, MCLAREN VALE, 2019
Tempranillo, Garnacha $ 192
A crisp Pinot Grigio with fresh apple and melon aromas. It is medium bodied with lemon and lime flavours, crisp with good presence on the palate. Pinot Grigio grapes were sourced from a new vineyard in Langhorne Creek.
$ 32
$ 192
$ 32
$192
Intense in colour, this is somewhat restrained in aromas with shy notes of red cherry and blackberry. The palate is quite savoury and dry with mid-palate fruit developing and leading to a slightly austere finish which should mellow once in bottle. It was matured using a combination of French and American oak vats and stainless steel.
2021-2023, M8 D9
Fresh apples, melon
6°C
Red apple
16°C
Crisp with sour lemon and lime, [1.60]
13%
Sour cherry, some savoury
13.5%
Roast duck breast stir-fry with ginger and green onions
FAT'N SKINNY PICKER'S CHOICE, MCLAREN VALE, 2020
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromas of red fruits and apples lead to a soft, light palate. Flavours of sour cherry combine with some savoury notes. This is a blend of 75% Tempranillo and 25% Garnacha. There is no obvious oak character although the Garnacha received a lick of oak – probably adding the aforementioned savouriness.
2022-2023, M8 D9
2942
Bourbon-sauced pulled pork and ribs
2021-2024, M8 D9 Blackberries, red cherry
18°C
Savoury with sour fruits
13.5%
Grilled flat iron steak with pepper sauce
photo — Charcuterie platter and a glass of FAT'n SKINNY Picker's Choice on the deck of the H&L cellar door.
— AUSTRALIA HASTWELL & LIGHTFOOT
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CELLAR UP! WINES TO SHAPE YOUR CELLAR
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SPARKLING LIGHT WHITE Pairs with anything, White/light fish, sipping celebrations, on its ownromance DOMAINE WINE, LOT DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND XXXX, PXX BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ, AOP, 2020, LOT 3001, P50
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AROMATIC / SWEET WINE FULL BODY WHITE Dessert, rich foods like foie gras
Poultry, mild cheeses, pork HAND CRAFTED BY GEOFF HARDY MUSCAT, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, WINE, LOT XXXX, PXXLOT 2968, P30
Hand crafted, this Muscat is made from fortified grapes. It's sweet but complex Lorem ipsum amet, consectetuer sed diam nibh euismod and pairs withdolor manysit delicious desserts likeelit, Panforte - annonummy Italian dessert of fruit tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim minimA and nuts: a crowd pleaser that many people haven't heard of, let alonead tasted. veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo perfect addition to your cellar. consequat.
LIGHT RED
MEDIUM REDpork, poultry, sipping on Many pastas, its own Versatile; many meats without heavy sauces, casseroles DOMAINE BONNARDOT BOURGOGNE HAUTES-CÔTES NUITS, "L'ÂGE MÛRE", WINE, LOT XXXX,DE PXX AOP, 2019, LOT 2991, P45
This is a classic Burgundy there evernibh was euismod one. On your first sip, you'll dolore Consectetuer elit, sed diamif nonummy tincidunt ut laoreet understand why Burgundy is the flag bearer for Pinot Noir. Perfectly balanced, magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci pair this one with duck breast and the food and wine make each other sing. tation suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
MEDIUM-BODY FULL BODY REDRED Versatile; many meats without heavy Heavy stews, many game meats, lamb, sauces, casseroles strong cheeses, even dessert BEC HARDY WINES WINE, LOT XXXX, PXXRESERVE SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2019, LOT 2955, P23
Without question, Shiraz represents what Australian is allnibh Lorem ipsum dolorthis sit McLaren amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam Shiraz nonummy about — and why it's so famous. Yes,magna reserves cost aerat little more, but it shows euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore aliquam volutpat. Ut wisi enimup in glass. Only the grapes make it in and they are treated extranisl tender adthe minim veniam, quisbest nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipitwith lobortis ut loving this one in your cellar to pull out when dreaming of a visit to this aliquipcare. ex eaHave commodo consequat. beautiful part of the southern coast of Australia. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut HeavyLOT stews, WINE, XXXX,many PXX game meats, lamb, laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat strong cheeses, even dessert volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, ATTICUS THE FINCH COLLECTION RED BLEND, MARGARET RIVER, 2018, LOT 2978,quis P37 nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. A Bordeaux blend from Margaret River? You bet! You'll be the guest of honour when you bring this phenomenal wine to a party — or keep it for yourself. The ripe black fruit on the palate will hold up to your richest and most flavourful sauces. An excellent choice as you expand your cellar.
...AND FOR YOUR BAR FULL-BODY RED London Dry Gin
16
CELLAR 290 286 — CELLAR UP!
2943
HASTWELL & LIGHTFOOT SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2017
2944
HASTWELL & LIGHTFOOT CABERNET FRANC, MCLAREN VALE, 2018
2945 Shiraz $ 43
Cabernet Franc $ 258
Intense coffee and mocha aromas dominate the nose. The palate is light- to mediumbodied, supple with some red and black fruit emerging to complement coffee flavours. Relatively light in structure, it will be best drunk over the next few years.
$ 43
$ 258
Ripe cooked cherries with cherry menthol characterize the 2018 Cabernet Franc. It is light to medium bodied with soft tannins producing an easy drinking yet flavoursome wine. Herbal notes cede to lingering menthol flavours.
2021-2024, M7 D9
HASTWELL & LIGHTFOOT SANDS OF TIME SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2020
Shiraz $ 276
$ 46
Chocolate, coffee, herbs and sweet cherry aromas complement one another and lead to a palate with fruits, plums and sour cherry. For the third year in a row, McLaren Vale experienced a drier than usual season restricting the vine’s vegetative growth and producing low yields of grapes. Matured in American oak vats and barrels for 18 months. The soils at Hastwell & Lightfoot are deep and sandy – some are pure sand down to 5-6 metres or more – brought in and dumped over millennia by prevailing westerlies from the coast some 10 kilometres away.
2021-2023, M8 D9
2022-2026, M6 D7
Mocha
18°C
Ripe & cooked cherries
18°C
Chocolate, coffee, sweet cherry, herbs
18°C
Coffee, red & black fruits
14%
Red fruits, menthol
14%
Sour cherry, smoke
14%
Coffee-crusted pan-fried skirt steak
photo — Founder Mark Hastwell with General Manager and Partner Kishan Sidhu sampling the current vintage of Sands Of Time Shiraz.
Game pie in puff pastry
Slow-roasted goat with potatoes in white wine gravy
— AUSTRALIA HASTWELL & LIGHTFOOT
17
AUSTRALIA
Bec Hardy Wines MCLAREN VALE
Since devoting themselves full time to Bec Hardy Wines, Bec and her husband Richard have led the company from strength to strength. The wines are delicious and the appointment of winemaker Bec Swincer means they will only continue to improve. Bec is a business dynamo fully living up to the entrepreneurial spirit of previous generations of the Hardy family. Over the last year, she has been presented with various awards and recognized as one of South Australia’s finest young business people at the “40 under 40” and a National Recognition certificate from the Australian Export & Investment Awards. Bec is also a director at Nature Foundation – one of Australia’s largest private conservation landholders which champions sustainable nature conservation.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
18
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — Enjoying a glass of wine at Bec Hardy's McLaren Vale cellar door
2946
BEC HARDY WINES SAUVIGNON BLANC, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2021
Sauvignon Blanc $ 162
$ 27
Great Sauvignon character with intense gooseberry aromas, it is really flavoursome with spices and blossom notes that linger on the tongue. One of my coups de coeur last year, the 2021 is equally delicious. 2022-2023, M8 D9 Gooseberry, blossom, spice
6°C
Crisp limey flavours, [1.50]
13%
Grilled sardines with olive oil and lemon
2947
BEC HARDY WINES PINOT GRIS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2021
Pinot Gris $ 27
$ 162
An aromatic Pinot Gris with spring blossom, jasmine, fresh apple and talc aromas. It is light with an appealing lemony acidity. 2022-2023, M8 D9 Jasmine, fresh apple
6°C
Lemon, spring blossom, [2.00]
12.5%
Medium-hot chickpea murgh kari
photo — Bec Hardy receiving her "South Australia's
40 under 40" award in her last chance saloon.
— AUSTRALIA BEC HARDY WINES
19
NEW
2948
BEC HARDY WINES SPARKLING NV
2949
BEC HARDY WINES ROSÉ, ADELAIDE, 2021
Colombard, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc
Pinot Noir
$ 174
$ 27
$ 29
A touch of sweetness on the palate is balanced by the wine’s acidity and flavours of melon, peaches, white fruits and floral lanolin followed by a citrus pith finish.
NEW
2950
BEC HARDY WINES PINOT NOIR, ADELAIDE, 2021
Pinot Noir $ 162
$ 29
$ 174
One of only two rosés in this Cellar, Bec Hardy's rosé has delicate floral aromas leading to more fruit on the palate with fresh apple and raspberry. It is crisp and refreshing with a sour cranberry finish. A perfect sipping tonic at the end of a day.
An Aussie Pinot with lots of dark fruits, black cherry and savoury green leaf combined with smoke. It is a supple medium- to full-bodied style of Pinot, ready for early drinking with a very small amount of oak.
2022-2023, M8 D9
2021-2024, M8 D9
Rose, floral
6°C
Black cherry, vanilla, green leaf, smoke
18°C
Apple, raspberry, cranberry, [2.00]
13%
Bitter cherry
14%
Camembert with apple and almonds
Roast goose with redcurrant jelly
2022-2023, M8 D9 White fruits, peach, melon
6°C
Floral, citrus pith, [11.00]
12%
Ceviche
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CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — Kingfish ceviche with pickled papaya and Thai herbs, perfect with a glass of Bec Hardy sparkling.
2952
BEC HARDY WINES SHIRAZ, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2020
NEW
2951 A delicious example of Mourvèdre with its characteristic savoury nose adding just a touch of leather to aromas of spicy dark fruits, chocolate and dried roses. It is medium bodied and smooth with more fruit and herbal flavours and some chewy tannins on the finish. Mourvèdre from this block is usually blended with Grenache and Syrah; however, the 2020 was so good that Bec decided to mature and bottle it as a single varietal. photo — The Bec Hardy Wines team; Bec Hardy, Bec Swincer (Winemaker), Ashley, Anna, Hanne and Christina.
BEC HARDY WINES MOURVÈDRE, MCLAREN VALE, 2020
Mourvèdre $ 44
$ 264
Shiraz $ 27
$ 162
Sweet fruit and wine gum aromas with fresh grassy notes precede a supple medium-bodied palate. This is an easy drinking Shiraz with some bitter fruits and astringency on the finish giving length.
2022-2026, M6 D8
2022-2024, M8 D9
Spicy dark fruits, leather
18°C
Wine gums, sweet fruits, grass
18°C
Fruit and herbs
14.5%
Bitter fruits
14.5%
Grilled pork sausages with peppers and onions
Lamb apricot tagine with squash
— AUSTRALIA BEC HARDY WINES
21
2953
BEC HARDY WINES CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2020
NEW
2954
BEC HARDY WINES SHIRAZ CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon $ 27
$ 162
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon has more weight than the Shiraz. Floral, green leaf and smoke aromas are followed by a smooth round wine with cherry menthol flavours.
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon $ 27
A round, smooth wine with notes of hay, grass, lavender and cherries. Shiraz Cabernet blends are a classic in Australia.
2021-2024, M8 D9
2021-2024, M8 D9
Floral, leaf, smoke
18°C
Cherry, lavender, grass
18°C
Smooth, cherry menthol
14%
Round and smooth
14.5%
Daube of beef with beetroot and bitter greens
22
$ 162
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
Braise of broccoli-rabe, Brussels sprouts, radicchio and endive
photo — Wine dog Churchill with Matilda, the next generation of Bec Hardy Wines!
MIXED CASE 2955
BEC HARDY WINES MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ & RESERVE SHIRAZ CASE $ 52
$ 312
Shiraz is the mainstay black grape in Australia. It was one of the original varieties brought to Australia and is cultivated in all its wine regions. Shiraz is particularly suited to South Australia’s McLaren Vale where, according to specific site and soil characteristics, it naturally produces small berries and a range of wine styles.
THREE BOTTLES EACH SHIRAZ & RESERVE SHIRAZ
photo — Red Angels Trumpet at Tipsy Hill.
NEW
NEW
BEC HARDY WINES SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2019
Shiraz
Shiraz
A vibrant full-bodied wine with black cherries, blackcurrants and brambles. It has a grainy texture with good acidity and bitter fruits on the finish. Delicious to drink now, it has potential for keeping. Produced from a number of blocks of Shiraz in McLaren Flat, Blewitt Springs and Kangarilla. It was part aged with new oak for 18 months. 2021-2026, M7 D9 Black cherries,
18°C
Blackcurrant, brambles, smoke
15%
Moroccan-spiced lamb chops
BEC HARDY WINES RESERVE SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2019
2019 Reserve Shiraz is supple and rich, although the nose is a little closed at present. Well balanced with sour and bitter cherries on the finish. The 2019 growing season started with mild weather but lower than average rainfall. Late-spring rain brought some relief and a heat wave in January was too early in the season to cause any damage. The Reserve was produced from the best parcels of Shiraz – these were matured in oak with 40% new oak hogsheads and 60% older oak. 2021-2026, M7 D8 Dark fruits
18°C
Sour and bitter cherry
15%
Braised Romano beans with Parmesan
— AUSTRALIA BEC HARDY WINES
23
AUSTRALIA
Geoff Hardy KUITPO
Geoff Hardy quit the family business established by his great-greatgrandfather Thomas Hardy to pioneer in his own right. When he established the K1 vineyard at Kuitpo in the southern Adelaide Hills in 1987, it was the first commercial vineyard in the region. Kuitpo sits on a ridge between McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek and benefits from its elevation as well as the cooling influences of the Gulf Saint Vincent to the West and Lake Alexandrina to the southeast. The result is cooler summer temperatures with good diurnal shifts between day and night. The weather usually remains good late into autumn, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and develop maximum flavours. Geoff is a viticulturist at heart and over the years has trialled many different varieties. Shane Harris, winemaker since 2006, complements Geoff’s expertise and is the only Australian to be named Winemaker of the Year three times by Australia’s Winestate magazine.
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CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — The K1 cellar door in Kuitpo, Adelaide Hills, South Australia. The Middle Hill Shiraz comes from the rows directly behind the cellar door.
2959
GMH SHIRAZ, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2020
GMH MERITAGE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2020
2960
Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
Shiraz $ 27
2958
$ 162
A medium- to full-bodied Shiraz with distinctly graphite notes combined with spices and dark fruit aromas. The palate is also marked by oak with pencil shavings and chewy rustic tannins which should mellow with some time in bottle.
$ 27
$ 162
Floral soap aromas combine with those of dark fruits which follow through onto the palate. Quite firm on the palate, it has some chewy tannins and bitterness on the finish. Produced from a majority of Petit Verdot, grown in Langhorne Creek, blended with 29% Merlot, 11% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
2022-2025, M7 D8
Cabernet Sauvignon $ 162
$ 27
Relatively light compared to the previous two wines, GMH Cabernet Sauvignon has floral aromas with cherry and menthol flavours. It is medium bodied with a grainy texture and chewy tannin. Matured with French oak, the oak is less apparent.
2021-2024, M7 D8
Graphite, spice, dark fruit
18°C
Floral, soap, lint
18°C
Pencil shavings, oak
14%
Dark fruits
14.5%
Thornloe Devil’s Rock Creamy Blue
GMH CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2020
Korean-style pork medallions
2021-2024, M8 D9 Floral
18°C
Cherry menthol
14%
Bison and Cheddar meat pie
photo — Geoff Hardy pruning his vines.
— AUSTRALIA GEOFF HARDY
25
DID YOU KNOW?
You Had Me at Shiraz by Louise Wilson MW
Among world-class wines such as Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Hunter Valley Semillon, Eden Valley Riesling and Rutherglen Muscat, what is it about Australia’s flagship variety, Shiraz, that has us raising our glass?
For many, it is Shiraz’s generosity, with deep purple hues, seductive aromas and flavours of blue, red and black fruit. Depending on where the vine is grown, its profile can also include savory bacon notes or the spicy bite of black pepper. In southern France, where the cultivar is known as Syrah, wines tend to lean toward savory while the Australian expression is decisively more fruit driven. Across the many wine growing regions of Australia, Shiraz entices us with its range of styles. In the Barossa Valley, Shiraz-based wines are rich and powerful, sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Grenache and Mataro, utilizing their complementary characteristics. In the cooler climate of neighbouring Eden Valley, highlights of pepper and herb shine through Shiraz’s elegant black fruit. In the Hunter Valley, Shiraz is relatively savoury with red berry aromas and flavours, while notes of mocha and blueberry are the hallmarks of the wines of McLaren Vale. This malleable grape can be vinified into an easy-drinking, valuepriced wine with approachable tannins and welcoming fruit, making it an ideal crowd pleaser. Alternatively, Shiraz is capable of being crafted into an age-worthy, complex and well-structured wine, which only reveals its true potential after years of cellaring. One tool at the winemaker’s disposal is the grape's affinity for oak. Extended time in new American or French oak barriques elevates the fruit with notes of coconut, vanilla and spice. Shiraz charms us further with its food matching abilities. Lighter examples are enjoyable with or without food. Juicy, fruit-driven wines are the perfect partner for Tuesday night’s pepperoni pizza or the weekend BBQ. In more robust styles, the warmth of Shiraz’s flavours, its touch of spice and full body are a wonderful complement for braised meats or a hearty stew, while more tannic wines can enhance the finest cuts of beef. On a personal note, Shiraz plays a special role in my own ongoing journey of wine discovery. My first experience detecting an aroma other than simply “wine” was thanks to a distinctive note of ripe blackberry wafting from my glass of Australian Shiraz. This “ah ha” moment still resonates with me. Many years and many wines later, it’s still true; you had me at Shiraz.
Louise Wilson MW lives in the Niagara region and is one of ten Masters of Wine based in Canada. She has worked in a number of different fields including export, retail, hospitality and education. One of the highlights of her journey to becoming a Master of Wine was the honour of receiving the Yalumba Scholarship and having the opportunity to visit Australia’s oldest family-owned winery.
26
CELLAR 290 — DID YOU KNOW?
BRIAR RIDGE OLD VINES SHIRAZ, ORANGE/WRATTONBULLY/HUNTER VALLEY, 2018, LOT 2975, P34
MIXED CASE 2964
K1 MIDDLE HILL SHIRAZ / SHIRAZ CASE
$ 45
$ 270
Two Shiraz from two different plots on the K1 estate in the southern Adelaide Hills. These wines are linear and restrained compared to their Hand Crafted Shiraz with its typical fleshy McLaren Vale fruit characters.
THREE BOTTLES EACH MIDDLE HILL SHIRAZ & GEOFF HARDY SHIRAZ
K1 BY GEOFF HARDY SHIRAZ, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2019 K1 SINGLE VINEYARD MIDDLE HILL SHIRAZ, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2018
Shiraz
A spicy Shiraz with incense, raisins and black cherry aromas. It is light to medium bodied with a grainy texture and some grip on the finish. On the Middle Hill plot, vines are planted on the shallowest soils of the estate with crop levels self regulating accordingly. A small amount of Viognier was included in the blend and 15% of Shiraz was left as whole bunches.
Shiraz
Deeper in colour, with intense aromas, this is a more structured Shiraz. Ripe cherry menthol and mint are complemented by meaty leather notes. It is medium to full bodied with a supple mid palate and overall elegant feel. Coming from Shiraz vines planted in 1989, these low yielding plants are to the left of the driveway on entering the property. It was fermented in small open fermenters then matured in French oak of various provenances and sizes for eighteen months with 30% new.
2021-2024, M8 D9 Incense, spice, black cherries, raisins
18°C
Mint, cherry, menthol
18°C
Dark fruit
14.5%
Meaty, leather
14.5%
Smoked brisket
photo — The "Avenue" driveway into the K1 vineyard.
2021-2028, M7 D9
Pan-seared kangaroo with blackberry glaze
— AUSTRALIA GEOFF HARDY
27
2961
K1 SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2021
Sauvignon Blanc $ 38
2962
K1 BY GEOFF HARDY NV SPARKLING, ADELAIDE HILLS
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay $ 228
An interesting and distinctive wine with usual gooseberry and white peach aromas combined with curry leaves, herbs and saffron adding another dimension. It is crisp with sour lime and dill flavours and a long lingering finish. Produced from the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines at K1 planted in 1987. 2021 was a super vintage for the variety with good natural rainfall combined with a cooler longer ripening period than is usual.
$ 49
Pinot character shows through in this sparkler with restrained but mellow honeyed and spicy aromas. It has a creamy texture pierced by a firm acidity which creates presence and depth on the palate. It was made from 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay handpicked separately and pressed. Juices from the two varieties were combined for the first fermentation and matured on lees for nine months before secondary ferment.
2021-2023, M8 D9 6°C
Mellow, honey, spice
6°C
Lime, dill, gooseberry, [2.00]
12.5%
Creamy, lime, [2.40]
13%
K1 SINGLE VINEYARD GRUNER VELTLINER, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2021
Grüner Veltliner $ 38
$ 228
2021-2023, M8 D9 Jasmine, camomile, honey
6°C
Earthy spicy notes, [2.10]
13%
Miso-smoked trout
28
2021-2023, M8 D9
Gooseberry, curry leaves, saffron, white peach
Pan-roasted chicken thighs with lemon dill jus
2963
$ 294
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
Crispy Thai spring rolls with honey-soy dipping sauce
Another super-interesting white wine from Shane with spice, marzipan, jasmine, dried camomile and honey aromas. It is medium bodied with earthy spicy notes and fruit flavours. It has a distinct mineral acidity and lovely depth. Gruner Veltliner is not a common variety anywhere outside of Austria, although it is gaining traction in Adelaide Hills. The quality of this wine makes me wonder why more isn’t made. Planted at K1 in 2008-2009, Geoff was amongst the first wineries in Australia to release a Gruner Veltliner wine.
top photo — Yuan Yuan, export manager, with Shane
Harris, winemaker since 2006.
2965
K1 BY GEOFF HARDY CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon $ 300
$ 50
A floral wine with peony and rose combined with smoky notes. It is linear in structure with some grainy tannins and a slightly austere sour acidity on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in various blocks on the estate between 1988 and 2000. Fermentation temperatures were allowed to increase towards the end of ferment up to 32ºC. It was matured with 30% new French oak using a mix of barrels, hogsheads and staves from Nievres, Fontainebleu and Allier forest. 2022-2025, M6 D8
K1 BY GEOFF HARDY CHARDONNAY, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2019
Chardonnay $ 49
$ 294 2021-2026, M7 D9
Nectarine, pâtisserie, toast
6°C
Mineral, smoke, [2.00]
13%
Broiled lobster tails with lemon-butter
bottom photo — Locally made goat's milk brie is a perfect match with Sauvignon Blanc.
18°C
Sour fruit, smoke
14.5%
Bone-in ribeye with garlic-butter baste
OUTSTANDING COOL CLIMATE WINES FROM THE ADELAIDE HILLS
2966
Peony, rose, smoke
This wine is a combination of fruit, oak and minerality. Aromas of cooked white fruits, fresh nectarines, pâtisserie and toast give lots of appeal. The palate is tight with pure flinty and smoky flavours and great depth. Chardonnay was fermented in barrel with 30% new oak. Shane treats each barrel as a separate entity choosing to either go through full, partial or no malolactic fermentation according to taste. The wine was matured on yeast lees for nine months with regular stirring the first couple of months.
— AUSTRALIA GEOFF HARDY
29
NEW
2968
HAND CRAFTED BY GEOFF HARDY MUSCAT, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Muscat $ 55
$ 110
2021-2026, M8 D9 Raisin, smoke, dates
6°C
Raisins, coffee, dried fruit, liquorice, [280.00]
18.5%
Intense raisin, dates and smoke aromas combine to a complex bouquet and overall stunning wine. Its sweetness is nicely offset by a tangy acidity creating a harmonious balance. The same complex flavours of raisins and Christmas cake combine with bitter coffee, toffee, orange and liquorice on the palate. This is a wine with great depth. Labelled as non vintage, it is a blend of fortified Muscats with 48% being 18 years and older. The oldest elements in the blend were purchased by Geoff in the 1970s when he left the Hardy’s family business and started producing small amounts in the rafter of a shed.
2967
K1 SINGLE VINEYARD TEMPRANILLO, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2021
Tempranillo $ 38
$ 228
This is a supple juicy wine with blackcurrant and other forest fruit flavours and was produced without any oak to retain maximum freshness. After fermentation, the wine was racked and bottled early.
MIXED CASE
Dutch apple pie
2021-2024, M8 D9 Blackcurrant
18°C
Forest fruits
13.5%
Chiles rellenos
30
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — Owner and viticulturist Geoff Hardy.
NEW
HAND CRAFTED BY GEOFF HARDY SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2019
Shiraz
Lagrein
Concentrated flavours with soft sweet fruits, it is supple and very approachable. Shiraz grapes were sourced from subregions of McLaren Vale, Blewitt Springs, McLaren Flat and Seaview. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Black fruit, lint
18°C
Sweet fruits
14.5%
Braised lamb
HAND CRAFTED BY GEOFF HARDY LAGREIN, LIMESTONE COAST/ADELAIDE HILLS, 2019
Dense, almost black in colour, it has lots of ripe sweet fruits on the nose with blueberries and blackberries mingling with notes of sweet pipe tobacco. Black fruits follow onto the palate with sour blackcurrant and some rasping tannin. 90% of grapes were grown at Wirrega Vineyards in Limestone Coast giving opulent mid palate fruits. The balance grown in the Adelaide Hills was fermented separately uisng 15% whole clusters. 2021-2024, M7 D9 Blueberries, blackberries, pipe tobacco
18°C
blackcurrant
14%
Wild mushroom risotto
2969
NEW
HAND CRAFTED SHIRAZ/ LAGREIN/ DURIF CASE
$ 43
$ 258
Hand Crafted wines are made from parcels of hand-selected, premium grapes sourced from sustainably managed vineyards around South Australia.
TWO BOTTLES EACH SHIRAZ, LAGREIN & DURIF
HAND CRAFTED BY GEOFF HARDY DURIF, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2019
Durif
An interesting bouquet of raisins, Christmas cake, nutmeg and lavender. It is medium bodied with a tart acidity, sour blackcurrant and blackberry flavours. Durif (a.k.a. Petite Sirah) is a late-ripening variety more frequently used in Australia to produce fortified wine in Rutherglen in Victoria. Autumn conditions in southern Adelaide Hills allow the grapes to fully ripen, and Shane believes this to be the only planting of Durif in the region. 2022-2025, M8 D9 Nutmeg, raisins, lavender
18°C
Blackcurrant, blackberry
14%
Hoisin-braised beef short ribs
top photo — Sauvignon Blanc vines after harvest at
K1 in the Adelaide Hills.
— AUSTRALIA GEOFF HARDY
31
NEW FROM AUSTRALIA NEW
2970
CORAL REEF VARIETALS SHIRAZ CABERNET, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA, 2021
OPIMIAN QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon $ 20
$ 240
NEW
2971
CORAL REEF VARIETALS CHARDONNAY-SEMILLON, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA, 2021
Chardonnay, Semillon $ 20
A grippy wine with sour blackberry flavours and a firm chewy finish.
Easy drinking white with honey dew melon and stone fruit aromas. It is supple with a sour lemon and lime acidity and crisp finish.
2021-2023, M8 D9
2022-2023, M8 D9
Dark fruits
18°C
Honeydew melon, stone fruits
6°C
Sour blackberries, grippy finish
13.5%
Citrus, [3.00]
12.5%
Cheese and charcuterie board
32
$ 240
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
Niçoise salad
TOP VALUE WINES FOR YOUR EVERYDAY DRINKING
NEW
NEW
2972
DARLING RIVER SHIRAZ, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA, 2021
DARLING RIVER CHARDONNAY, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA, 2021
Chardonnay
Shiraz $ 18
2973
$ 216
Lots of floral and red fruit aromas with mulberries and violets. This is a supple smooth and flavoursome Aussie Shiraz.
$ 18
$ 216
Honeyed and spicy aromas with more nectarines and peaches on the palate. This is a smooth wine with some pithiness on the finish.
2021-2023, M8 D9
2022-2023, M8 D9
Dark fruits
18°C
Honey, spice
6°C
Sour blackberries, grippy finish
13.5%
Nectarines, peaches, [4.50]
13%
Lamb kebabs
Pasta alle vongole
— AUSTRALIA TOP VALUE WINES
33
AUSTRALIA
Briar Ridge Vineyard HUNTER VALLEY
Briar Ridge is located in the Mount View subregion of the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, some 160 kilometres directly north of Sydney. The region has a long viticultural history associated with James Busby, the so-called father of Australian wine. Briar Ridge is owned by the Davis family. The family also own vineyards in the cool climate region of Orange at altitude in the Great Dividing Range and at Wrattonbully in Limestone Coast in South Australia.
2975
BRIAR RIDGE OLD VINES SHIRAZ, ORANGE/WRATTONBULLY/ HUNTER VALLEY, 2018
Shiraz $ 42
$ 252
An elegant Shiraz, lighter in body and showing some restraint. It has red fruit aromas of redcurrants, wild strawberries and goji berries with milk chocolate. It has a soft silky texture with light tannins and nice blackcurrant finish. It was produced from a combination of grapes from mature vineyard blocks in each of Briar Ridge’s three estates in Hunter Valley, Orange and Wrattonbully: each was harvested separately and fermented using a yeast selected specifically for Shiraz. 2021-2025, M8 D9 Redcurrant, wild strawberry, goji, chocolate
18°C
Blackcurrant
13.5%
Grilled halloumi with roasted red pepper sauce
34
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — Shoot growth of Briar Ridge's Dairy Hill Shiraz vines in September 2021.
NEW
2976
2977
BRIAR RIDGE BIG BULLY CABERNET SAUVIGNON, WRATTONBULLY, 2019
Shiraz
Cabernet Sauvignon $ 50
BRIAR RIDGE LIMITED RELEASE SHIRAZ, HUNTER VALLEY, 2020
$ 300
As the name suggests, this is a big full-bodied wine. On the nose, crushed red fruits and strawberries jostle for position complemented by a touch of mint. It is mellow with a smooth, supple palate which is rich and has good mid-palate weight. Not yet at its peak, it is nevertheless deliciously approachable with bitter cherry flavours. Cabernet Sauvignon is grown at Wrattonbully, a region within Limestone Coast on well-drained fertile red clay soils over limestone similar to neighbouring Coonawarra. It was matured for a year in new and one-year-old French oak barrels for 16 months.
$ 55
BRIAR RIDGE COLD SOAKED CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ORANGE, 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon $ 330
Oodles of spice, leather and smoky bacon aromas lie over a black cherry fruit background. It is a supple wine with good mid-palate weight and fruit leading to a bitter chocolate finish. The firm tannin structure creates a great framework balanced by lingering fruits. 2020 saw high temperatures and dry conditions in the Hunter Valley. Briar Ridge vineyards, in the Mount View subregion of Hunter Valley, are on well-drained sandy loam soils with controlled drip irrigation. Hunter Valley, north of Sydney, is Australia’s most historic viticultural region with vines first planted there in the 1830s by James Busby.
2022-2028, M6 D8
2974
$ 42
$ 252
The 2018 Cold Soaked Cabernet Sauvignon is outstanding – the best vintage I’ve tasted of this wine. Deep in colour, it has earth, dark fruits, graphite, floral violet and sweet fruit aromas. It is smooth and round with nice bitter cherry flavours. This is a really ripe style, at the same time it is reminiscent of Bordeaux. It is well balanced, elegant and with great depth. Grapes were grown at Briar Ridge’s vineyard in Orange in New South Wales. The region is at altitude with vines cultivated some 750 metres above sea level benefitting from cool-climate conditions and soils derived from volcanic basalt rock. 2018 was a drought year, with the region also experiencing some unusually hot days during harvest. “Cold soak” refers to the practice of crushing the grapes and allowing the juices to steep on skins prior to the onset of fermentation: this was done for three days to enhance colour and flavour extraction.
2021-2028, M7 D8
2021-2026, M7 D9
Crushed red fruits, mint
18°C
Spice, leather, smoky bacon
18°C
Earth, dark fruit, graphite, violet
18°C
Bitter cherry
14.5%
Black cherries, bitter chocolate
14.5%
Sweet fruits, bitter cherry
14.5%
Burger with smoky aged Gouda
photo — Alex, Winemaker, with Briar Ridge staff, Grace and Riley having fun testing the blending kits for their 2021 Blending Session event.
Grilled veal chops
Spice-crusted butterflied leg of lamb with caramelized onions
— AUSTRALIA BRIAR RIDGE VINEYARD
35
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Chapman Grove Wines MARGARET RIVER
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
The vineyards of Western Australia are clustered in the state’s southwestern corner close to the coast. Its most renowned region, Margaret River south of Perth, is similarly as far from Adelaide as Osoyoos is from Niagara: it’s no wonder its wines have their own distinctive style which is different to other Australian wines. Margaret River wine region, in the far southwest of the state, lies on a rectangular peninsula that juts into the ocean and stretches 100 kilometres from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south. Its maritime climate creates cooler conditions than other Australian wine regions which are the closest Australia has to a Bordeaux climate. Margaret River produces some of Australia’s finest wines, restrained and more akin to European wine styles. The region is also known for its beaches, surf and natural beauty. Ron Fraser found his perfect spot in Margaret River at Rosa Glen and began planting vines in 1997. It was only some years later, when the vines reached maturity and were producing consistently high-quality grapes, that he started to make his own wines employing the skills of local star winemaker Bruce Dukes.
36
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
NEW
2979
NEW
ATTICUS THE FINCH COLLECTION SYRAH, MARGARET RIVER, 2020
$ 378
$ 157
$ 314
Youthful cherry and mixed forest fruit aromas are quite simple yet concentrated. It is supple with flavours of mint and liquorice developing in the glass. The 2020 vintage in Margaret River was characterized with low rainfall and warmer than average temperatures in spring and summer leading to an early vintage with good quality grapes.
Intense blackcurrant, vanilla and nutmeg precede a supple palate with fine velvet texture. It is smooth, oozing more youthful blackcurrant flavours and smokiness. A mediumbodied wine which is complex and elegant.
2022-2026, M6 D7
2021-2028, M7 D9
Mixed forest fruits
18°C
Blackcurrant, vanilla, nutmeg
18°C
Cherry, liquorice, mint
13.5%
Black fruit, smoke
13.5%
Barbecued spare ribs
2978
ATTICUS GRANDE RESERVE CABERNETS, MARGARET RIVER, 2018, WOOD CASE Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Shiraz $ 63
2980
Meat-sauce strozzapreti
ATTICUS THE FINCH COLLECTION RED BLEND, MARGARET RIVER, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot $ 57
$ 342
2022-2032, M6 D8 Woodland, blackcurrant, smoke
18°C
Ripe black fruits
14%
Tomato-rosemary braised lamb shanks
Not yet at its peak, it is starting to show nice tertiary notes and has lots of potential. Woodland aromas combine with blackcurrants and smoke. This is a dense and structured wine with a lovely silky texture. More ripe blackcurrant flavours on the palate cede to a firm acidity and lingering finish. Produced from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it was matured in French oak for 12 months with 30% new.
— WESTERN AUSTRALIA CHAPMAN GROVE WINES
37
NEW
2981
NEW
ATTICUS GRANDE RESERVE CHARDONNAY, MARGARET RIVER, 2017, WOOD CASE
Chardonnay $ 157
ATTICUS PREMIUM MUSEUM CHARDONNAY, MARGARET RIVER, 2014
$ 86
CHAPMAN GROVE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ESTATE GROWN, MARGARET RIVER, 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay $ 314
2983
$ 258
$ 53
$ 318
The 2017 is restrained in aroma with some notes of honey and spice. It has a piercing acidity which gives the wine depth and a Chablislike purity and structure. It remains youthful with citrus flavours of mandarin and lemon curd evolving to create a wine with good depth and a lingering pithy finish. Grapes were handpicked and fermented in barrel. It was matured for ten months in oak with 40% new and 60% second use.
Golden yellow in colour and perfectly mature. It has intense spicy aromas with toast, caramel, roasted pineapple and some struckflint character. Nice tropical fruit flavours are balanced by a lemony acidity. Produced from the Gingin clone of Chardonnay introduced into Western Australia in 1957, it is the dominant clone for producing elegant complex wines. 2014 was a great year for whites in Margaret River.
Typically Margaret River in style, it has a cool fresh character with a finegrained texture. Earthy fruits, mulberries and plum aromas are complemented on the palate with violets and savoury notes. It has a marked acidity giving some austerity with chewy tannins on the finish and was oakmatured using a combination of old barrels and staves.
2022-2030, M6 D7
2021-2024, M8 D9
2022-2030, M6 D7
Honey, spices
6°C
Toasted ripe fruits
6°C
Mulberries, plums
18°C
Citrus, lemon curd, pith, [1.20]
12.5%
Tropical, citrus, oak, [1.20]
13%
Violets, savoury
13.5%
Vegetable terrine
38
2982
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
Chicken mango salad
Roast pork shoulder with prunes
photo — Misty morning in Chapman Grove's Margaret River vineyard in May, post-harvest.
NEW LOWER PRICE
2984
NEW LOWER PRICE
CHAPMAN GROVE SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON, ESTATE GROWN, MARGARET RIVER, 2018
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon $ 27
$ 162
Nicely developed with broad structure and ripe tropical fruits. It has limes, gooseberry and cassis on the nose. The rich viscous body is balanced with a crisp acidity and finish. It is a blend of 60% Sauvignon and 40% Sémillon.
2985
NEW LOWER PRICE
DREAMING DOG CABERNET SHIRAZ, MARGARET RIVER, 2017
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz $ 27
$ 162
DREAMING DOG CABERNET SHIRAZ MERLOT, MARGARET RIVER, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot $ 162
$ 27
Some notes of undergrowth combine with blackcurrant aromas. The 2017 blend is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with 18% Shiraz. It was matured in a combination of used French oak barrels and staves and has some firm grainy tannins adding astringency on the finish.
2022-2023, M8 D9
2021-2023, M8 D9
Gooseberry, cassis
6°C
Blackcurrant, undergrowth
18°C
Tropical fruits, [1.30]
13%
Musk, grainy texture
13%
Goat’s cheese salad
2986
Baked Portobello mushrooms stuffed with Parmesan
A higher proportion of Shiraz and a dash of Merlot give the 2018 Dreaming Dog more weight and fruit. It has intense green leaf, dark fruits and blackcurrant pastel aroma. Sweet and sour black fruits are in abundance on the palate with blueberries and blackberries. It has a fine silky texture and lingering blackcurrant flavour and is a blend of 53% Cabernet, 42% Shiraz and 5% Merlot. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Dark fruits, green leaves
18°C
Blueberries, blackberries
13%
Aged Welsh Cheddar
photo — Ron Fraser winning the Len Evans trophy with Sally Evans at the Sydney Royal Show.
— WESTERN AUSTRALIA CHAPMAN GROVE WINES
39
FRANCE
BURGUNDY
A Rich History of Winemaking Burgundy, in central eastern France, has the longest, most detailed documented history of any wine region dating back to the 13th century. Its history, its villages, the architecture with its coloured patterned roofs and Romanesque churches – and of course its wines – make it like no other region. The terroirs of Burgundy have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The vintage effect and the specific terroirs are all important in Burgundy. The best vineyards lie in a narrow band on the east side of the escarpment, mid-slope facing south or southeast enjoying maximum exposure to the sun. The climate in Burgundy is continental with short hot summers and long cold winters. Climate conditions can deteriorate quite rapidly at harvest time in autumn and getting the grapes ripe can be problematic some years – hence, early ripening varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted. Spring frosts, which have always been a threat, are an increasing problem. Knowledge built up over centuries by monks led to an understanding of the quality potential of different plots. A classification according to soil type, angle and exposition creates a hierarchy of quality. There are 44 villages in the Côte-d'Or that denote a particular style; Premier Crus are a notch above and those of the highest potential are classed as Grand Crus. At the time of the French Revolution, most vineyards owned by monasteries and nobility were distributed. Napoleonic succession laws led to further fragmentation; hence, for a given “climat” or Cru, there are usually a large number of growers working with different philosophies and access to resources.
40
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — The Roche de Solutré is an emblematic limestone site, overlooking the vineyards of Burgundy. A breathtaking panorama can be seen from the top.
MIXED CASE 2988
DOMAINE DES TERRES GENTILLES / MAISON ALPHONSE JACQUIER BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY CASE
$ 270
$ 45
THREE BOTTLES EACH BOURGOGNE BLANC & BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
NEW
DOMAINE DES TERRES GENTILLES BOURGOGNE BLANC, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP, 2020
Chardonnay
NEW
The Mâconnais region – named after the town of Mâcon – is some 100 kilometres south of Beaune and the Côte-d'Or. As prices of wine and land increased in the most highly sought after Appellations in Côte-d'Or, the Mâconnais has seen renewed interest and investment in it. Martine Boivin at Domaine des Terres Gentilles, in the village of Azé, has 30 hectares. Her 2020 Bourgogne, fermented with no use of oak, has aromas of fresh apple, lemons with some almond notes.
MAISON ALPHONSE JACQUIER BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP, 2020
Chardonnay
Medium bodied with fresh fruits, lemon and verbena aromas. More tropical and pineapple flavours emerge on the palate with a nice citrus pith finish.
2021-2023, M8 D9
2021-2023, M8 D9
Fresh apple, lemon, almond
6°C
Verbena, lemon
6°C
Spicy fruit, [2.00]
13%
Tropical fruit, pineapple, [2.00]
13%
Salmon fish cakes with parsley-dill mayonnaise
Lemon-butter and herb linguine
— BURGUNDY DOMAINE DES TERRES GENTILLES / MAISON ALPHONSE JACQUIER
41
WINE TOURISM
A Burgundy Bucket List
Dijon 14 19
Burgundy wines are known around the world. Bourgogne is a historic wine region in France, with viticulture dating as far back as the 2nd century. Covering 230 kilometres from north to south, Burgundy produces a large diversity of wines, mostly made up from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region is made up of distinct areas, including Chablis in the far north, the Côte-d'Or, the Côte Chalonnaise and the Mâconnais to the south. The most highly sought after and prestigious wines are made in the Côte-d'Or. The Côte-d'Or itself is made up of the Côte de Nuits, stretching from north of Beaune up to Dijon and named after the small town of Nuits-Saint-Georges, and the Côte de Beaune which runs down to Santenay and includes famous white Appellations such as Puligny-Montrachet. Behind the main escarpment, in parallel on higher ground, run the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune and Hautes-Côtes de Nuits.
CÔTE DE NUITS 5
3 3
3 4
Nuits-Saint-Georges
7
6
CÔTE DE BEAUNE
Our Opimian producers hail from all parts of Burgundy, from Domaine des Terres Gentilles in the south to new CÔTE CHALONNAISE producer Mischief & Mayhem's Gevrey-Chambertin vineyards in the northern part of the region. The culturally rich wine region is a traveller's delight: by foot, on a bicycle or even by boat, visitors get to experience the beauty of the region and enjoy some of the best wines in the world.
7 4
4 Beaune
7
did you know?
7 7 7 7 Chalon-sur-Saône
2
Montrachet comes from an old Burgundy dialect, meaning "bald mountain". Nothing but vines grew here. Montrachet covers 8 hectares in Puligny and Chassagne and produces some of the greatest Chardonnay in the word.
1 7
Mâcon
OUR BURGUNDY PRODUCERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
42
Domaine des Terres Gentilles (p41) Maison Alphonse Jacquier (p41) Domaine Bonnardot (p44) Domaine Desertaux Ferrand (p48) Domaine Thevenot Le Brun (p52) Domaine Dubois Bernard & Fils (p54) Mischief and Mayhem (p58)
CELLAR 290 — WINE TOURISM
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS SAVIGNYLÈS-BEAUNE, AOP, 2018, LOT 3012, P56
DOMAINE BONNARDOT CÔTE DE NUITSVILLAGES, AOP, 2019, LOT 2990, P45
MIXED CASE
DOMAINE DES TERRES GENTILLES BOURGOGNE ROUGE, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP, 2020
2989
Pinot Noir
Floral soapy aromas precede quite a firm palate with some austere tannins giving presence and a slightly chewy finish.
DOMAINE DES TERRES GENTILLES / MAISON ALPHONSE JACQUIER BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR CASE $ 45
$ 270
2021-2024, M8 D9 Floral, soapy aroma
18°C
Firm
13%
Pan-seared Arctic char on Salade Niçoise
THREE BOTTLES EACH
BOURGOGNE ROUGE & BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR
NEW
MAISON ALPHONSE JACQUIER BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOP, 2020
Pinot Noir
Appealing red apple and cherries complement floral notes. It is medium bodied with succulent fruits mid palate and a grainy texture. 2021-2023, M8 D9 Red apple, floral
18°C
Cherry, succulent fruit
13%
Grilled sweetbreads with apple-onion chutney
photo — Mickaël Marillier firmly believes in the potential of his home region: quality wines at affordable prices, which is increasingly rare in Burgundy.
— BURGUNDY DOMAINE DES TERRES GENTILLES / MAISON ALPHONSE JACQUIER
43
FRANCE
BURGUNDY
Domaine Bonnardot HAUTES-CÔTES DE NUITS
44
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
Danièle Bonnardot was brought up in a small wine-growing family in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits at Villers-la-Faye with her two siblings. Despite always being interested in the family business, the size and scale of the vineyard and the seemingly natural succession that her brother would take over the estate from her parents, as the fourth generation, Danièle ploughed her own furrow outside of wine living and working abroad. In an unexpected twist of life, she found herself running the estate in 2008. With her came a new, more open perspective which led to improved wine quality. Over the years, she has slowly purchased more vineyards.
photo — Danièle Bonnardot keeps the Burgundian tradition of manual harvesting with a team of 30 grape pickers.
2990
DOMAINE BONNARDOT CÔTE DE NUITS-VILLAGES, AOP, 2019
2991 Pinot Noir $ 56
$ 336
A medium- to full-bodied Côtes de NuitsVillages, it has restrained spicy aromas with red fruits, vanilla and oak. The palate is supple and rich with a good tannic frame complemented by lingering bitter cherry flavours. Côtes de Nuits-Villages wines are produced from grapes from designated villages in the north and south of the Côtes de Nuits. In this case, Danièle’s vineyards are in the south at Comblanchien and Corgoloin, roughly half way between Beaune and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Vines are on average 70 years old. Classic vinification was carried out with wines matured in oak using 20% new.
DOMAINE BONNARDOT BOURGOGNE HAUTES-CÔTES DE NUITS, "L'ÂGE MÛRE", AOP, 2019
Pinot Noir $ 342
$ 57
The heart of the Bonnardot estate and winery is at Villers-la-Faye in the HautesCôtes de Nuits on higher land behind the main Côte-d'Or escarpment. The higher altitude in the Hautes Côtes results in a cooler climate. Vines are trained and trellised higher with widely spaced rows at three metres apart making them less sensitive to frost. Wild strawberry and vanilla aromas lead to a smooth supple palate. It is well balanced with crushed mulberry and griotte cherry flavours.
2022-2028, M6 D8 Spice, vanilla, red fruit
18°C
Wild strawberry, vanilla
18°C
Bitter cherries
13.5%
Mulberry, griotte
13%
Smoked baby back ribs
photo — The Chapel of Our Lady of Happiness in the Hautes Côtes de Nuits-Villages vineyards watches over the harvest.
2022-2026, M6 D7
Roast leg of lamb with cherry glaze
— BURGUNDY DOMAINE BONNARDOT
45
NEW
2992
NEW
DOMAINE BONNARDOT LADOIX "LES RANCHES", AOP, 2019
Pinot Noir $ 76
2993
DOMAINE BONNARDOT BEAUNE PREMIER CRU BELISSAND, AOP, 2018
Pinot Noir $ 456
One of Danièle’s vineyard purchases, the Ladoix vines are in two parcels at Les Ranches lieu-dit facing east-southeast on the mid slope at 240 metres. Fifty-year-old vines are densely planted with 10,000 vines per hectare. Bright ruby in colour, the 2019 has intense aromas of wild strawberries and menthol with some savoury leafy notes. Sweet fruit flavours on the palate complemented with liquorice and spices produce a broad mid palate and long finish. Approachable now with cellaring potential.
$ 87
CLASSIC BURGUNDIES FROM NOBLE TERROIRS
$ 522
Belissand is a classified Premier Cru vineyard south of the town of Beaune on the route towards Pommard. The vineyard, purchased in 2012, was planted in 1966 on deep clay limestone soils. After a series of unfortunate harvests when the vineyard was affected by frost and hail, the 2018 is a powerful and muscular wine. It has a spicy, oaky nose with hints of recessive red fruits. It is medium bodied with griotte, bitter cherry and almond characters emerging on the palate and proceeding to a long cherry menthol finish. Matured in barrel for 18 months. 2022-2030, M6 D7 Spicy dusty oak, red fruit
18°C
Cherries, marzipan, menthol
13.5%
Époisses de Bourgogne
2021-2026, M8 D9 Wild strawberry, menthol
18°C
Leafy savoury, liquorice spice
13.5%
Whole roasted pheasant with bumbleberry sauce
46
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — The Aligoté vines rest under the winter frost near the village of Villers- La-Faye.
NEW
2994
DOMAINE BONNARDOT BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ, AOP, 2019
NEW
2995 Aligoté $ 48
$ 288
Danièle is a member of Les Aligoteurs – an association of growers with the aim of defending, enhancing and promoting the Aligoté grape by making characterful wines. The thin acidic wines of previous times made from high yields of Aligoté were best drunk with a dash of Crème de Cassis as Kir. Her 2019 has aromas of malt, oatmeal and tinned grapefruit. It is smooth and round on the palate with refreshing crisp sour lemon finish adding length. Aligoté is a crossing between Pinot Noir and Gouais that is grown mainly in Burgundy. It is a vigorous variety, meaning that if left to its own devices, high yields of grapes can result. However, when mastered accordingly interesting flavoursome wines are made. Domaine Bonnardot has two parcels of Aligoté cultivated at 370 metres which Danièle harvests late to maximize aromas.
NEW
DOMAINE BONNARDOT LADOIX "LES RANCHES", AOP, 2017, MAGNUM WOOD CASE
Pinot Noir $ 185
DOMAINE BONNARDOT BEAUNE PREMIER CRU BELISSAND, AOP, 2015, MAGNUM WOOD CASE
Pinot Noir $ 185
A wine which is crystalline in structure with good depth. It has mellow spicy aromas with wild strawberry followed by a marked acidity on the palate. It is firm, slightly austere and will benefit from more time in bottle before drinking, particularly in magnum form which naturally develops more slowly.
2022-2023, M8 D9
2996
$ 191
$ 191
Lots of oaky aromas – cloves, incense and nuts – are present but don’t dominate sweet fruit aromas. More succulent fruits are apparent on the palate, which is brimming with flavour supported by tannin structure. Some astringency is countered by fruit character creating a wine with weight and presence. As it matures, the oak should integrate further becoming smoother and developing a more complex bouquet.
2022-2030, M7 D8
2021-2026, M7 D8
Oatmeal, tinned grapefruit
6°C
Mellow, spices, wild strawberry
18°C
Incense, cloves, sweet fruit
18°C
Lemon, [1.00]
12.5%
Sour cranberry
13%
Nutty fruit
13%
Raw oysters with lemon-herb mignonette
photo — Danièle and her faithful Déone who follows her everywhere, even on her tractor!
6-month aged Manchego
Cassoulet
— BURGUNDY DOMAINE BONNARDOT
47
FRANCE
BURGUNDY
Domaine DésertauxFerrand CÔTE D'OR
48
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
Vincent Désertaux naturally has a very sunny disposition. It was a pleasure to meet him when I dropped in at short notice, in October 2020, on a day when it was raining cats and dogs. We got soaked merely running 30 seconds from the car to the winery: Vincent was there to greet us beaming from ear to ear. The 2020 harvest was in, he was racking his wines to barrel, and in his view it was a super vintage! And from what I have subsequently tasted, I concur. On top of that, Vincent’s 2019 wines are outstanding. It’s very unusual that two wines from a single producer blow me away – but that’s exactly what happened with Vincent’s Côte de Nuits-Villages Blanc 2019 and his Pommard 2019 featured in this Cellar Offering.
photo — At the end of November, vignerons collect grapevine cuttings and burn them in these carts, called "brûlots", as is the tradition in Burgundy.
DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND CÔTE DE NUITS-VILLAGES LES PERRIÈRES, AOP, 2020
Pinot Noir $ 62
2998
$ 372 $ 106
2999
$ 318
2997 DON'T MISS THIS PRODUCER'S PREMIUM PINOT NOIR ON PAGE 63.
DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR, AOP, 2020
Pinot Noir $ 49
$ 294
Quite light in colour, it is translucent with a bright ruby hue and is brimming with aromas of wild strawberry, spices and floral notes. A classic Burgundian style, elegant and fine in texture.
Produced from a single three-hectare vineyard site, Les Perrières is in the south of the Côte de Nuits-Villages Appellation. It is a vivid deep purple colour with rich youthful red fruit aromas of plums and damsons with a touch of graphite. It is supple, medium bodied with more sweet and bitter cherry fruits on the palate. A dense wine with ripe fruits and nice acidity. 2023-2028, M6 D7 Plums, graphite
18°C
Sweet and bitter cherry
14.5%
Stew of venison with mushrooms and blackcurrant
2021-2024, M8 D9 Floral, wild strawberry
18°C
Spicy pinot
13%
Blueberry-guajillo pepper glazed roast ham
photo — The Désertaux-Ferrand team: Vincent is surrounded by his sister, his wife, his son and the apprentices.
— BURGUNDY DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND
49
NEW
3000
NEW
DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND POMMARD, AOP, 2019
Pinot Noir $ 91
3001
NEW
DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ, AOP, 2020
Aligoté $ 546
An immediate Coup de Coeur, this fragrant wine has lots of appeal. Bright in colour, it is a translucent ruby. Peony, red berries, rose petal and hay with a touch of mint complement one another in the bouquet. The palate is supple with succulent fruits and a velvet texture which together create a smooth, round impression and lead to a menthol finish. The village of Pommard lies just south of Beaune. The Appellation produces almost exclusively red wines and some of the most serious of the Côte de Beaune. Vincent acquired a small plot of 0.85 hectares from old family contacts now retired. Grapes were picked by hand, de-stemmed and crushed. After cold soak for three to five days, fermentation was carried out by indigenous yeast followed by maturation in oak with 40% new for 12 months.
$ 50
3002
DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND BOURGOGNE BLANC, AOP, 2020
Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay $ 300
$ 55
$ 330
2020 Aligoté has subtle aromas of vanilla custard with some flinty mineral notes. It is smooth and round with good weight and body. Fermented and matured in tank for eight months with no use of oak.
Intense white fruit, nectarine and honey aromas precede a smooth, creamy texture. It is supple with a racy crisp acidity evolving in the mouth and a fresh lime finish. Produced from 85% Pinot Blanc with 15% chardonnay.
2021-2023, M8 D9
2021-2024, M7 D8
Vanilla custard, flint
6°C
Honey, nectarine, white fruits
6°C
Smooth, white fruits, [0.40]
13%
Creamy, racy acidity, [0.60]
13%
Prawn risotto
Escargots à la bourguignonne
2021-2028, M7 D9 Peony, red berries, hay, mint
18°C
Succulent fruit, menthol
14.5%
Pan-seared tuna steak with sauce Gribiche
50
CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — Anceline, Vincent's daughter, with Bernard, the Domaine's most loyal harvester, who knew her as a baby!
NEW
DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND CÔTE DE NUITS-VILLAGES, AOP, 2019
Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc $ 69
3003
$ 414 $ 115
3004
$ 345
A second Coup de Cœur for Vincent. This wine has spices, vanilla, fresh apple and honey aromas. It is rich with a smooth texture; round and broad, but the lemon and lime acidity keeps it from being flabby. Lots of white fruits, toast, vanilla and other spices linger on the palate. An unusual blend of 70% Chardonnay with 30% Pinot Blanc, grapes were hand-picked, pressed and the juice left to settle. The clear racked grape must was fermented in oak barrels using 25% new and matured for 10 months. Not only is the use of Pinot Blanc rare now in Burgundy, but only a very small proportion of Côtes de Nuits-Villages vineyards produce white wine. This really is a specialty of Domaine Désertaux-Ferrand. 2021-2025, M8 D9 Spices, vanilla, fresh apple, honey
6°C
Lemon, toast, vanilla, [0.90]
13.5%
Fontina d’Aosta cheese
photo — Pinot Noir is an emblematic grape variety that
has contributed to the great reputation of Burgundy.
3005
DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES PREMIER CRU LES CHABOEUFS, AOP, 2019
Pinot Noir $ 154
$ 462
Nuits-Saint-Georges is a major viticultural hub in Burgundy and the town that lends its name to the Côtes de Nuits – the northern half of the Côte-d'Or that runs from Dijon down to Beaune. The Appellation has a good number of Premier Cru sites, most of which including Les Chaboeufs are located in a strip to the south of the town on the mid slope of the escarpment. The macroclimate in Chaboeuf is slightly cooler than neighbouring crus due to landscape and downdrafts. Vincent Désertaux farms 0.37 hectares of 50-year-old vines. His 2019 has aromas of fresh herbs, dill and tarragon mixed with red apples. It is supple with succulent mid-palate fruits with red, sour and bitter cherries all present with a menthol finish. A weighty wine with structure.
2021-2028, M7 D8 Dill, tarragon, red apple
18°C
Ripe cherry, sour fruit, menthol
14%
Grilled asparagus with lemon-dill aïoli
— BURGUNDY DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND
51
FRANCE
BURGUNDY
Domaine Thevenot Le Brun HAUTES-CÔTES DE NUITS Domaine Thevenot-Le-Brun is based at Marey-lès-Fussey at the southern end of the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. It has 30 hectares of vineyards all located within two kilometres of the winery. Napoleonic inheritance laws mean that vineyard sites in Burgundy are typically divided into tiny plots owned by a multitude of growers. It is extremely unusual to find a single wholly-owned vineyard – or “monopole” – yet this is the case with the seven-hectare Clos de Vignon. At Marey-lès-Fussey, the plot is on a steep hill enclosed within a ancient stone wall. Situated close to an old abbey, the plot was planted to vines in the 13th century. Phylloxera in the early 20th century led to vines being ripped out. Maurice Thevenot rediscovered the Clos in the 1960s and it was replanted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
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CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — Little Suzie is Nicolas Thevenot-Lebrun's daughter. She enjoys helping out around the winery!
NEW
3007
DOMAINE THEVENOT-LE BRUN BOURGOGNE HAUTES CÔTES DE NUITS, BLANC, "CLOS DU VIGNON", MONOPOLE, AOP, 2019 Chardonnay $ 61
3010
DOMAINE THEVENOT-LE BRUN BOURGOGNE HAUTES CÔTES DE NUITS, BLANC, AOP, 2020
Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay $ 366
2019 is showing mellow aromas with spices, flint, lime and honey. It is rich and smooth with a tangy acidity. A classy wine with great depth and lingering flavours.
$ 49
$ 294
A light and refreshing wine with fresh apple and pear flavours, a crisp grippy acidity and flavours of sour lemon and lime on the finish. Pinot Blanc grapes from vines planted about 10 years ago in the Hautes Cotes were complemented by grapes from 20-year-old Chardonnay vines situated on a lower slope. A very small amount of the wine spent eight months in oak and underwent malolactic fermentation.
2021-2024, M7 D9
2022-2023, M8 D9
Flint, spices, lime, honey
6°C
Fresh apple, pears
6°C
Smooth and tangy, [0.00]
13%
Lemon, crisp finish, [2.00]
13%
Sole meunière with lemon
DOMAINE THEVENOT-LE BRUN BOURGOGNE HAUTES CÔTES DE NUITS, ROUGE, "CLOS DU VIGNON", MONOPOLE, AOP, 2019 Pinot Noir $ 53
3008
$ 318
Grilled swordfish with lemon mayonnaise and fennel slaw
$ 93
3009
$ 279
Clos de Vignon is a steep south-southeast facing slope with very little topsoil and lots of stones forcing vine roots to drill deep down for water. Five hectares Pinot Noir were planted at Clos du Vignon by Maurice Thevenot over 55 years ago; half of them were replaced in 2001. 2019 is a savoury wine with some game and marzipan aromas. It is light, elegant with a lifted acidity and some simple red fruit flavours matured in old oak barrels. 2021-2025, M8 D9 Game, marzipan
18°C
Red fruit
13%
Cherry-marinated grilled venison steak
photo — The team of Domaine Thevenot-Le-Brun. Youth and good humor make good wines.
— BURGUNDY DOMAINE THEVENOT LE BRUN
53
FRANCE
BURGUNDY
Domaine Dubois Bernard & Fils CHOREY-LÈS-BEAUNE Jacques Dubois continues the family tradition passed from father to son since the early 1800s. He farms 13 hectares of vines in four Appellations: Chorey-lès-Beaune, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton and Beaune, all in close proximity (around five kilometres between them) to the north of Beaune town. Jacques harvests all grapes by hand and makes his wines at his little winery on the outskirts of Chorey-lès-Beaune.
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CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — Domaine Dubois is run in the Burgundian tradition by Jacques Dubois and his team.
MIXED CASE 3011
DOMAINE DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS CASE
$ 71
$ 426
THREE BOTTLES EACH
LES RATAUSSES & LES BRUNETTES
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS ALOXE-CORTON, "LES BRUNETTES", AOP, 2020
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS SAVIGNY-LÈSBEAUNE, "LES RATAUSSES", AOP, 2020
Pinot Noir
Fresh, youthful aromas of red and black fruits lead to a supple medium-bodied palate. It is well balanced with ripe fruit flavours of red cherry and strawberry mid palate and the structure to develop. Les Ratausses is a “climat” at the eastern end of the Appellation. Vines are around fifty years old. Tasted as a barrel sample, it will remain in oak a total of twelve months with 25% new.
Pinot Noir
Intense ripe forest fruit aromas with some yeasty notes lead to a soft rich palate. This medium-bodied wine is characterized by its velvet texture. More ripe fruit flavours are in abundance on the palate with cherries, raspberries and strawberry. It is succulent and well balanced showing breeding and depth. It was produced from grapes from 80-year-old vines planted at Les Brunettes in Aloxe-Corton. The Appellation is named after the penultimate village of the Côte de Beaune before it becomes the Côte de Nuits. Previously known as Aloxe, Corton was appended in the 19th century and is a reference to the hill of Corton famous for its Grand Cru vineyards.
2022-2028, M6 D7
2022-2026, M7 D8
Red and black fruits
18°C
Forest fruits
18°C
Red cherry, strawberries
14%
Cherries, ripe fruits, velvet texture
14%
Pork tenderloin stuffed with dried fruits and nuts
Roast chicken with morels and lemontarragon cream
— BURGUNDY DOMAINE DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS
55
3012
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS SAVIGNY-LÈS-BEAUNE, AOP, 2018
Chardonnay $ 70
3013
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS, BEAUNE 1ER CRU, LES BRESSANDES, AOP, 2020
Pinot Noir $ 420
$ 81
$ 486
Premier Cru “Les Bressandes” is a 17-hectare plot located northeast of Beaune and which sits quite high up on the escarpment at the foot of the Montagne de Beaune. Deep in colour, this has a more savoury character than Jacques’ other wines with meaty animal and black tea aromas laid over a fruit background. It is firm with a grainy texture and some bitter fruits on the finish. 2022-2026, M7 D8 Savoury meaty, tea
18°C
Dark bitter fruits
13%
Pan-seared duck breast with lentil and parsnip salad
VERTICAL CASE
NEW
A wine with great balance and depth – this is what white Burgundy is all about! Intense aromas of spices, vanilla, honey and pineapple lead to supple smooth palate. It has a tangy acidity which keeps the wine fresh and lively. Only about 10% of wine produced in Savigny-lès-Beaune is white – and this is a real treat. Chardonnay was planted approximately 40 years ago. Grapes were picked by hand, pressed, fermented and matured in oak barrels. Barrels were made from oak from the Allier forest in central France with 25% new. 2021-2025, M8 D9 Spices, vanilla, pineapple
6°C
Smooth, tangy finish, [1.00]
13%
Roasted halibut with pineapple-ginger soy
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CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — Jacques Dubois is known around Burgundy for his colorful character, letting his passion for wine and his ancestral land shine through.
NEW
3014
DOMAINE DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS VERTICAL TASTING CASE
$ 84
$ 252
The Savigny-Lès-Beaune Premier Cru vineyards are located in two distinct groups. One, which includes Clos des Guettes, is on the south-facing hillside opposite the Corton hill, the other on the slopes of Mont Battois between Beaune and Savigny. Aux Guettes has a total of 14 hectares immediately east of Savigny village.
NEW
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS SAVIGNY-LÈSBEAUNE 1ER CRU, "CLOS DES GUETTES", AOP, 2018
Pinot Noir
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS SAVIGNY-LÈSBEAUNE 1ER CRU, "CLOS DES GUETTES", AOP, 2019
Pinot Noir
A pale translucent colour, the 2018 has red fruits with some leather, spice and dried rose petal aromas. It is light bodied, supple initially evolving in the mouth to reveal a grainy texture with bitter cherries and savoury notes on the finish.
2019 is deeper in colour, a reflection of the smaller vintage perhaps, with similar spices and some smoky aromas. It is relatively light with good succulent fruit mid palate and bitter cherry on the finish. 2021-2026, M7 D9
2021-2025, M8 D9 Red fruit, leather, dried rose petal
18°C
Spices, bitter cherry
13.5%
Spice, smoke
18°C
Succulent fruit, bitter cherry
13.5%
Aged Camembert
ONE BOTTLE EACH
Chicken liver pâté with Cognac
2018, 2019 & 2020
NEW
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS SAVIGNY-LÈSBEAUNE 1ER CRU, "CLOS DES GUETTES", AOP, 2020
Pinot Noir
Youthful aromas of red and black fruits lead to a more structured wine. It is medium bodied, supple with ripe fruits on the mid palate including red cherry and strawberry. Well balanced with intense cherry menthol flavours. 2022-2027, M6 D7 Fresh cherries
18°C
Menthol, ripe fruits
13.5%
Smoked fish
— BURGUNDY DOMAINE DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS
57
FRANCE
BURGUNDY NEW PRODUCER
Mischief and Mayhem ALOXE-CORTON Michael Ragg and Fiona Traill-Stevenson moved to Burgundy full time in the spring of 2003. They cofounded Mischief and Mayhem from scratch and over the best part of two decades have gradually grown this into a Domaine and micro-négociant, with a winery in the beautiful village of AloxeCorton, which is also where they live. Michael had previously worked for UK fine-wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd. Both are dedicated to producing wines of the highest quality from across the region. In the beginning, the company purchased grapes from growers in key villages; then in 2012, they purchased their first plot in Aloxe-Corton. The following year, an additional vineyard in SavignyLès-Beaune was acquired and more recently an exceptional site in Puligny-Montrachet.
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CELLAR 290 — NOVA SCOTIA
photo — Traditional cultivation using a horse-drawn plough in the biodynamic, old vineyards of GevreyChambertin.
NEW
3015
NEW
MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR, AOC, 2019
Pinot Noir $ 64
3017
MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM ALOXECORTON, LES CAILLETTES, AOC, 2018
Pinot Noir $ 384
Deep in colour with ripe fruit red apple aromas, this is a medium- to full-bodied Pinot. It has a supple mid palate with good structure and a firm acidity conferring the potential for cellaring. Grapes came from selected plots in the Côte de Nuits, Mercurey, Rully, Aloxe-Corton and Brochon with an average vine age of 49 years. Most of the wine was fermented in stainless steel with the 10% Aloxe-Corton component matured in one- to two yearold-oak barrels.
$ 348
$ 116
Spicy and cola aromas precede a palate with lots of ripe fruits, raspberry, red berries and prune. It is smooth in texture with a supple mid palate, good weight and well balanced. The vanilla oak notes integrate deliciously with the fruit finishing with lingering cherry menthol flavours. Produced from a small parcel of 36-year-old Pinot Noir vines adjoining Michael and Fiona’s house in Aloxe-Corton: “Les Caillettes.” This was the original plot purchased by Mischief and Mayhem making them domaine owners. Grapes were handpicked on September 5, 2018, sorted and vinified in open-top fermenters using 25% whole bunches. It was matured for 16 months in one-year-old French oak and bottled on May 18, 2020.
2022-2028, M6 D7 Ripe fruits, red apples
18°C
Supple, quite full bodied
13%
Seared ahi tuna
NEW
3016
MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY, AOC, 2019
Chardonnay $ 64
$ 384
2021-2025, M7 D8 Mineral, flint
6°C
White fruit, honey, citrus pith, [1.50]
13%
Moules marinières
CHECK OUT MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM'S PREMIUM CHARDONNAY, PAGE 62.
Initially a little closed on the nose, it opens up to reveal complexity and depth. Mineral flinty aromas lead to a smooth round palate with white fruits. More flavour builds in the mouth with honey, citrus and some bitter pithiness giving length. Chardonnay was grown in Mâcon, Saint-Aubin and three sectors in Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault Appelations. Light barrel treatment of the Meursault element adds depth and character rather than obvious oak.
2021-2026, M7 D8 Cola, spice, raspberries
18°C
Red berries, vanilla, cherry menthol
13.5%
Baked trout with balsamic-blackberry glaze
— BURGUNDY MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM
59
Q&A
Mischief and Mayhem Michael Ragg and Fiona Traill-Stevenson, a husband-and-wife team from England, moved to Burgundy almost 20 years ago. Their passion for wine, and Burgundy in particular, led them to found Mischief and Mayhem.
READ THE FULL Q&A ONLINE ON OUR BLOG.
Mischief and Mayhem produces wine from a number of outstanding vineyards. Extreme care and attention is taken at every stage of the winemaking process from vineyard to bottling. Wines are produced in small batches, often only 2-3 barrels, with a focus on quality above all else. Read on to learn about this new Opimian producer.
60
Burgundy, then we would never have moved here at all! So there is an element of what I might call constructive anarchy to the name. Irrespective of that, we have the greatest possible respect for the region and its vineyards and consider it a privilege to do what we do.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO BURGUNDY IN THE FIRST PLACE?
HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK ON THE ESTATE? WHICH WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES DO YOU USE?
F&M: The world’s greatest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards. The beauty of the region itself. The people also – my (Michael's) experience of visiting many Burgundy producers for a number of years left me with a deep impression of how open, knowledgeable, generous and passionate most growers here are.
F: We have a small team and Michael is in charge! We deploy organic and biodynamic winemaking techniques in the vineyards and in the cuverie. We always get our hands (and feet!) involved in the process. We try to use less new oak for our wines as well as experimenting with more stainless steel.
WHERE DOES THE NAME MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM COME FROM?
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WINEMAKER?
M: It reflects the character of two English winemakers who perhaps caused a little bit of a stir arriving in a traditional region and unashamedly aiming to emulate some of the established superstars by creating their own label. It is also reflective of the journey. If Fiona and I had thought too hard about this and analysed all of the pitfalls and risks of setting up a winery in
F: I have always thought the most wonderful gift was a patch of land… both feet on the earth and your head in the stars. Also, the pleasure derived from creating something unique, and knowing that many different people, most of whom we will never meet, have enjoyed the wines that we have put so much love, time and effort into making.
CELLAR 290 — Q&A
MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM PULIGNY-MONTRACHET PREMIER CRU, LES REFERTS, AOC, 2019, LOT 3021, P62
WHICH WINEMAKING TRADITIONS, IF ANY, ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?
F: Respecting the soil, respecting the vines, while maintaining the classic Burgundian principles; searching for harmony, purity, and elegance. WHAT BOTTLE IS OPEN IN YOUR KITCHEN RIGHT NOW?
F&M: Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2019. WHAT ARE MISCHIEF & MAYHEM’S CORE VALUES?
F&M: To strive for quality in all aspects of our work. Brilliance simplified.
MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR, AOC, 2019, LOT 3015, P59
NEW
3018
NEW
MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM GEVREYCHAMBERTIN, VIEILLES VIGNES, AOC, 2018
MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM SAVIGNY-LÈSBEAUNE PREMIER CRU, AUX GRAVAINS, AOC, 2018
Pinot Noir $ 133
Pinot Noir $ 399
Gevrey-Chambertin, situated about halfway between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Dijon in the Côte de Nuits, makes some of the Côted'Or’s most powerful and structured wines. Mischief and Mayhem's 2018 has aromas of fresh green herbs, mint, menthol and woody spices mixed with notes of cassis. It is succulent on the palate with good midpalate weight and lots of red fruits including raspberries and pomegranate on display. Supple and rich with silky tannins. Produced from grapes grown on old vines with an average age of 50 years, these are in three sites: La Justice, En Champs and Corvées to the north, south and east of the village. Grapes were fermented in an open-topped oak tank followed by maturation in oak barrels for 16 months using 30% new and 70% one- and two-year-old barrels. 25% of the grapes were whole bunch fermented.
3019
3020
$ 143 $ 429 $ 266 $ 266
A little subdued at the time of tasting, with aromas of peony, fresh green herbs and dusty oak. More flavours come through on the palate with meaty savoury notes combined with fruit. It is tight and structured yet with a supple mid palate and should become more expressive with time. This Premier Cru wine came from a tiny parcel of 40-year-old south facing vines in Savigny-Lès-Beaune Aux Gravains. The cru, just half a mile east of Savigny-LèsBeaune village, has an excellent terroir with limestone, marl and loose stone soils.
2022-2030, M6 D7 Peony, fresh herbs
18°C
Supple, savoury meaty notes
13.5%
Pheasant stew with dumplings
2022-2030, M6 D8 Fresh herbs, mint, woody, cassis, red fruit
18°C
Raspberry, pomegranate
14.5%
Pan-fried calves’ liver
previous page photo — Fiona & Michael with 'Ears' the dog – “Walking the fabled hill of Corton always helps to remind us why we came here!”
— BURGUNDY MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM
61
MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM
3021
MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM PULIGNYMONTRACHET PREMIER CRU, LES REFERTS, AOC, 2019
Chardonnay $ 227
$ 681
Puligny-Montrachet, in the Côte de Beaune, is synonymous with high quality, longlived Chardonnay wines – a result of its limestone soils and particular climate that give the wines a distinctly mineral character and firm structure. Seventeen premier cru sites are demarcated and classified within the Puligny-Montrachet Appellation. Les Referts lies north of Puligny town close to the boundary with Meursault. Soils are slightly deeper than other parts of PulignyMontrachet with more clay marl and iron content producing richer wines. The 2019 is bright in colour, with subtle stone fruit, almond and savoury notes. It is smooth and rich on the palate. White peach flavours are complemented by savoury notes. As the wine unfurls on the palate, more ripe pineapple and tropical fruits shine through leading to nice bitter fruit finish. It is pure and perfectly balanced. Grapes were picked by hand on September 10 and directly pressed. The wine spent 12 months in oak with 30% new and 70% in one- and twoyear-old barrels. 2021-2027, M6 D8 White fruit, almond
6°C
White peach, pineapple, [1.5]
13.5%
Roasted chicken with black truffle
62
CELLAR 290 — COLLECTOR’S CORNER
DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND
3006
DOMAINE DÉSERTAUX-FERRAND NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES PREMIER CRU LES SAINTS-GEORGES, AOP, 2019 Pinot Noir $ 196
$ 588
2022-2030, M6 D7 Red apples, cherries,
18°C
Sweet & bitter cherry, almond
14.5%
Les Saint-Georges is the most highly regarded Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru with many experts in support of it being raised to Grand Cru status. SaintGeorges is also one of the oldest vineyard sites, roughly one kilometre southeast of the town of Nuits-Saint-Georges. It is a gentle slope with deep soils made up of several different kinds of limestone with just the right amount of clay to provide hydration to the vines and good drainage. The town previously simply called Nuits, appended the name of its most famous and prestigious vineyard – Saint-Georges – to become Nuits-Saint-Georges in the 19th century. Other Burgundian villages which did the same include PulignyMontrachet and Gevrey-Chambertin. The cru has a total of 7.5 hectares and Vincent has a plot of 0.62 hectares of 50-year-old vines. Red apples and cherries on the nose also show on the palate with sweet and bitter fruit flavours with almond.
COLLECTOR’S CORNER
RARE FINDS TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR
Asian-spiced roast duck
— CELLAR 290 COLLECTOR’S CORNER
63
2022 Cellar Schedule C290: Burgundy, Australia & New Zealand Opens November 9, 2021 Last day to order: December 13, 2021 Mail form by: November 30, 2021 Expected release: Spring 2022
Legend
C291: South Africa & Tuscany Opens December 14, 2021 Last day to order: January 17, 2022 Mail form by: January 3, 2022 Expected release: Summer 2022
Red - White - Rosé - Sparkling - Port/Dessert - Spirit
Bottle size
C292: Argentina, Chile & Alsace Opens January 18, 2022 Last day to order: February 21, 2022 Mail form by: February 7, 2022 Expected release: Summer 2022
Number of bottles in case
Aroma
C293: Rhône, Chablis, Champagne & Scotland Opens February 22, 2022 Last day to order: March 28, 2022 Mail form by: March 14, 2022 Expected release: Summer 2022
Taste
Serving temperature
C294: Spain & Austria Opens March 29, 2022 Last day to order: May 2, 2022 Mail form by: April 18, 2022 Expected release: Fall 2022
Percent of alcohol1
Ideal with Evolution Drink this year Will develop, drink within 2 years Meant for cellaring
C295: Bordeaux, Bergerac, Beaujolais & Cognac/Armagnac Opens May 3, 2022 Last day to order: June 6, 2022 Mail form by: May 20, 2022 Expected release: Fall 2022
Body Light - Medium - Great
C296: Veneto, Puglia & Northern Italy, Germany & Corsica Opens June 7, 2022 Last day to order: July 11, 2022 Mail form by: June 27, 2022 Expected release: Winter 2023
Oak Light - Medium - Heavy
C297: Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire & Provence Opens July 12, 2022 Last day to order: August 15, 2022 Mail form by: July 29, 2022 Expected release: Winter 2023
Organic2
Limited quantity
Vegetarian2
Overall top 10 from last year
C298: The United States, Portugal and the Port Bottle Shop Opens August 16, 2022 Last day to order: September 19, 2022 Mail form by: September 2, 2022 Expected release: Winter 2023
Medal winner M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature
C299: Piedmont, Sicily, Le Marche, Abruzzo & Canada Opens September 20, 2022 Last day to order: November 7, 2022 Mail form by: October 25, 2022 Expected release: Spring 2023
Residual Sugar Dry = 0-10g/l Semi dry = 11-30g/l 1
Semi sweet = 31-50g/l Sweet = 51+g/l
The alcohol percentage value is subject to change before delivery. This information is provided by our producers and may not reflect Canadian
2
If you have any questions or want to order, contact us: MemberService@Opimian.ca or 1 800 361-9421
D—Degree of Drinkability (1-10) D1 = needs time D10 = ready to drink
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 _________________________________________________ Telephone ________________________________________________ Member no. ________________________________________________ Payment Methods
l Cheque Opimian.ca
1 800 361-9421
MemberService@Opimian.ca
Mail this form 14 days before end of the Cellar to Opimian Wine Club de Vin 300 - 2170 René-Lévesque West Montreal, QC H3H 2T8
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. Cellar Number Lot
Description
Date Number of cases
Cost/case
Total
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.
TOTAL
Notes to Member Service ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Processed on ________________________ (date)
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Give the Gift ofWine This Holiday Season, make your friends and family happy by sharing the joy of Opimian wines. When you get them started on a subscription program, they will also receive a complimentary one-year Opimian Membership (value of $109 +tx). For more details, go to Opimian.ca/giftshop/
A curated 6-bottle mixed case showcasing 3 wines from each Cellar for
$163
6 bottles of one exclusive premium wine with each Cellar for
$249
300-2170 RENÉ-LÉVESQUE WEST MONTREAL QC H3H 2T8 OPIMIAN.CA
MORE GREAT GIFT IDEAS AT OPIMIAN.CA/ GIFTSHOP/