C288-SK: Austria, Portugal, California and Oregon by opimianwineclubdevin

CELLAR ORDER AUG 17 - SEPT 20, 2021

AUSTRIA, PORTUGAL, CALIFORNIA & OREGON Opimian.ca

SK 286 288

AUSTRIA

FEATURED PRODUCERS THEIR MOST POPULAR OPIMIAN WINES

P12 NEW PRODUCER RAMILO WINES

P8 HÖPLER HÖPLER GRÜNER VELTLINER, BURGENLAND, 2020, LOT 2765, P9

PORTUGAL

P20 GESPROVE

P17 SANTOS & SEIXO

P24 PORTO RÉCCUA VINHOS

P28 ADEGA CARVOEIRA

ESTOPA RESERVA, DOC DOURO, 2019, LOT 2783, P20

CABEÇO DA PEDRA, VINHO REGIONAL TEJO, 2019, LOT 2776, P17

ENCOSTAS DO PESO, TINTO, DOC DOURO, 2020, LOT 2788, P24

MIRANTE, TINTO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2019, LOT 2802, P28

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

— Angelo Pera, his daughter Olivia and wife Laura enjoying Backstage and Duxinaro wines.

cover

CALIFORNIA

OREGON

P34 ANGELO PERA

P42 KAUTZ FAMILY VINEYARDS

P44 HOOK & LADDER

P52 HOLLORAN VINEYARD WINES

OPIMIAN CALIFORNIA RED, CALIFORNIA, LOT 2829, P29

STONE VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CALIFORNIA, 2020, LOT 2845, P43

HOOK & LADDER THE TILLERMAN RED BLEND, ESTATE BOTTLED, LOS AMIGOS RANCH, CHALK HILL, SONOMA COUNTY, 2017, LOT 2814, P46

HOLLORAN PINOT NOIR, DUNDEE HILLS, 2016, LOT 2825, P52

Cellar 288

DELIVERY WILL BE

WINTER 2022

AUSTRIA, PORTUGAL, CALIFORNIA & OREGON

Cellar Offering 288 covers four distinctive regions. While Austria is known mainly for its white wines, in particular its national grape Grüner Veltliner, Burgenland in the east of the country makes interesting reds too. Portugal represents the western point of mainland Europe, is strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and has an array of indigenous grapes. It creates characterful wines often with a strong natural acidity conferring longevity. And then there’s California – renowned for its rich and opulent styles, high in alcohol and low in acidity – but even in the Golden State, cooler zones associated with the influence of the Pacific Ocean create wines with more restraint. Finally, the cool climate of Oregon’s Willamette Valley has inspired winemakers to produce fine Pinot wines.

DIRECTORS’ CUT...........................................................................P5 JANE’S COUPS DE COEUR.....................................................P7 HÖPLER.................................................................................................P8 NEW RAMILO WINES................................................................ P12 PORTUGAL VARIOUS PRODUCERS................................ P16 Santos & Seixo................................................................................. P17 Caves Campelo..............................................................................P18 Gesprove............................................................................................P20 José Gaspar....................................................................................... P21 Porto Réccua Vinhos................................................................P24 Boas Quintas................................................................................... P26 TOP VALUE WINES....................................................................P28 CELLAR UP!.................................................................................... P44 DANIEL LEFRANCOIS............................................................... P32

JANE MASTERS MW, OPIMIAN’S MASTER OF WINE Every wine offered by Opimian is tasted and selected for its deliciousness and value by our consultant Master of Wine, Jane Masters. Jane has an in-depth knowledge of the world of wine. Her aim is to share her experience and love of wine with members in an easy and informal manner. She is one of 416 Masters of Wine worldwide and was elected Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine 2016-2018 by her peers.

ANGELO PERA...............................................................................P34 KAUTZ FAMILY VINEYARDS................................................. P42 HOOK & LADDER WINERY.................................................. P44 BLUE ROCK VINEYARD...........................................................P50 HOLLORAN VINEYARD WINES......................................... P52 COLLECTOR’S CORNER.........................................................P54 WEB EXCLUSIVES......................................................................P56

— CELLAR 288 SASKATCHEWAN

EDITORIAL

The Real Deal

Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Co-Managing Directors

Why would you want a "Port-style" wine when you can get the genuine article from Portugal? Austria, renowned for its expression of Grüner Vetliner and Riesling, provides you with a unique wine experience that can't be replicated elsewhere. The same holds true for the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon from California and Pinot Noir from Oregon. In Austria, our friend Christof Höpler produces wines that appear on the wine lists of world-class restaurants and is the house wine of the Austrian Von Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont (of The Sound of Music fame). If you haven't tasted his Grüner Veltliner, then this is the year, as it is osne of the most ordered Opimian wines year after year. For Portugal, we have answered the call from many of you to expand the selection from this fantastic viticultural gem. Soneto Port is back by popular demand, and we've added several small, high-quality Port producers in our Web Exclusives. And if that wasn't enough, we are featuring one of Portugal's most talked about family wineries and continental Europe's most Westerly located winery, Ramilo Wines. We hope you are as excited as we are to see Opimian's most extensive Portuguese range of fortified, white, and red wines that Opimian has ever offered in Canada. Our closest neighbour to the south, the U.S., has upped its game this year. Long time Opimian partner Angelo Pera has given us access to his most prestigious wines with his "Backstage" range. His Duxinaro lineup, popular with Members, is back. Daniel Lefrancois, familiar to Opimians with his Wine Spots & Zinfandelic brands, is back after a short hiatus. Finally, Kautz's Stone Valley wines, Hook & Ladder and Blue Rock are back to provide a comprehensive selection from California. Oregon Pinot Noirs continue to garner accolades from the wine press, collectors, and aficionados around the world. Don't miss a chance to understand why with Holloran on page 52. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our now regular features. Choose the wines that you will be enjoying later this year. As always, we wish you good health.

Michael & Greg

CELLAR 288 — EDITORIAL

DIRECTORS’ CUT MICHAEL’S PICKS

GREG & MICHAEL’S PICKS FOR THIS CELLAR OFFERING

BABY BLUE ESTATE RED BLEND, BLUE ROCK VINEYARD, SONOMA COUNTY, 2019, LOT 2823, P51

CRAUFURD PORTO, 30 YEARS OLD TAWNY, DOC PORTO, AGED IN WOOD (WOOD CASE), LOT 2801, WEB EXCLUSIVE

HÖPLER GRÜNER VELTLINER, BURGENLAND, 2020, LOT 2765, P9

HOOK & LADDER PINOT NOIR, ESTATE BOTTLED, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2019, LOT 2817, P47

BACKSTAGE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY, BACKSTAGE VINEYARD, 2015, LOT 2842, P55

GREG’S PICKS

RAMILO COLHEITA TINTO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2019, LOT 2774, P13

— CELLAR 288 DIRECTORS’ CUT

MASTER PIECE

Choices, Choices, Choices How to Select Your Wine Jane Masters MW is Opimian’s Master of Wine

Ever felt daunted by a wall of bottles and the sheer number of wines to choose from? Ever been handed a mammoth restaurant wine list and not known what to pick, feeling anti-social as you ignore your friends to pore over it in search of the right wine?

Wines are made all around the world from hundreds of different grape varieties and every single wine is unique. New emerging regions and the rediscovery of old ones means there will always be new wines to discover and this should be celebrated, yet it can also be intimidating.

European wines tend to have a more savoury character than the New World. If you are interested in good value, food friendly reds with cellaring potential, Portugal and Spain have some great examples. Your starting point can be grape variety, a wine region, style or producer. It really doesn’t matter!

Wine is made to be enjoyed. It should not be intimidating or daunting. We all have different flavour preferences as well as differing levels of knowledge about wine, where it comes from, who makes it and how. But at the end of the day, wine is to be enjoyed. Getting to know our own preferences and discovering new wines can be part of the fun.

In my role as Master of Wine at Opimian, I want to help you discover wines that you will enjoy. Every wine is tasted and selected based on its quality and value for money. I compare and contrast wines from within their regions as well as in the global context to bring you the best examples. Descriptive tasting notes and the Cellar Up categories are helpful and give better insight than a numeric score. If you like sweet toasty buttery flavours of oaked whites from California, you might try an oaked Chardonnay from Australia or even give Réccua, Branco, DOC Douro, 2020 (Lot 2791) a whirl. But if you are into rich, oaky wines, then a high scoring wine with subtle aromas, no oak and mineral character is of little significance.

When Members ask me what they should be buying, my first questions are always to understand which wines they have previously enjoyed. White? Red? Any particular grape varieties? The answers are a good starting point to explore similar wines. The flavour of wine is influenced by many factors: grape variety, region and winemaking. If you like Sauvignon Blanc from Chile, then why not try it from somewhere new to you? For a more mineral style, head to the Loire Valley. For a smoother rounder style, try California, or New Zealand for something in between. If you like Bordeaux reds, go for Cabernet based blends from Chile, Australia or other regions of France. If you are into big bold concentrated wines with high alcohol (14%+), these tend to be produced in warm climates like Australia, South Africa and southern France.

CELLAR 288 — MASTER PIECE

TALENTUS BY JOSÉ GASPAR, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2019, LOT 2786, P21

RÉCCUA, BRANCO, DOC DOURO, 2020, LOT 2791, P25

JANE’S COUPS DE COEUR

EVERYDAY DRINKING BACKSTAGE, SAUVIGNON BLANC, RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY, SWING VINEYARD, 2020, LOT 2841, P39

CABEÇO DA PEDRA, VINHO REGIONAL TEJO, 2019, LOT 2776, P17

For most of us, as our experience widens, so too does the variety of wines we enjoy. As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life – I enjoy a wide range of foods and have an eclectic mix of music in my collection. Enjoying listening to classical music or opera does not mean I don’t enjoy heavy metal, reggae or jazz! Enjoying a particular wine style does not preclude another. Not everything you try will be a hit, but you will discover some gems, as I always do while tasting wines for the Cellar Offerings – these are the wines which are my Coups de Cœur. The Masters Case program is a way for Members to expand their wine experience. The wines in each mixed case reflect the best that a particular producer/region has to offer. It includes wines that are ready for drinking and some that have some potential for cellaring, so you can see how they evolve and over the course of a year, members will taste at least 30 wines from a variety of regions and producers. So whatever your starting point, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy.

CELLARING POTENTIAL ABASTADO GRANDE RESERVA, DOC DOURO, 2018, LOT 2784, P20

HOOK & LADDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ESTATE BOTTLED, CHALK HILL, 2018, 2018, LOT 2818, P47

MOUNTAIN VIEW SAUVIGNON BLANC, CENTRAL COAST, KETTLE VINEYARD, 2020, LOT 2831, P35

— CELLAR 288 JANE’S COUPS DE COEUR

PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR

AUSTRIA

Höpler BURGENLAND

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

This year Christof Höpler celebrates his 20th vintage having taken over from his father Jöst. Christof farms 50 hectares of vineyard in the Leithaberg hills on the shore of Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland in the east of Austria. The region lies on the edge of the Pannonian plain close to the border with Hungary. The continental climate with sunny summers and the shallow Neusiedlersee Lake make for an ideal location to produce a range of white, red and dessert wines.

photo — Looking over Lake Neusiedl from Höpler's vineyard Edelgraben on a cold April day.

2766

HÖPLER RIESLING, BURGENLAND, 2020

Riesling $ 43.00

2767

HÖPLER BLAUFRÄNKISCH, BURGENLAND, 2018

Blaufränkisch $ 258.00

Floral aromas of lilies and jasmine mingle with some aniseed notes creating a distinctive wine with plenty of character. The refreshing acidity complements good mid-palate weight with nectarine and peach fruit flavours. Whilst I recommend to drink within a couple of years whilst fresh, if you enjoy the character of mature Rieslings it will last a good deal longer becoming fatter and more resinous in style.

$ 42.00

$ 252.00

$ 36.00

$ 216.00

Quite restrained in terms of aroma, it has subtle notes of lemon and spring blossoms revealing more nectarine, green apple and stone-fruit flavours on the palate. It is soft and smooth with good presence in the mouth. Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s national grape.

2021-2024, M8 D9

Floral, lilies, jasmine, fennel

6°C

Earthy fruits, cherries, floral

18°C

Nectarine, peach, [D]

12.5%

Smooth, dark fruit, smoky finish

13.5%

Poached trout with tarragon

HÖPLER GRÜNER VELTLINER, BURGENLAND, 2020

Grüner Veltliner

Burgenland is Austria’s best red wine region, and Blaufränkisch its most famous grape variety. Christof’s 2018 has earthy fruits, cherries, floral notes with a touch of soot. It is medium bodied, smooth and fine in texture.

2021-2023, M8 D9

2765

Cherry balsamic-braised lamb shanks

2021-2022, M8 D9 Spring blossom, lemon

6°C

Nectarine, [D]

12.5%

Butter-roasted oysters with charred lemon

photo — Christof Höpler, owner and winemaker, celebrates his 20th vintage making wine.

— AUSTRIA HÖPLER

2768

HÖPLER PINOT NOIR, BURGENLAND, 2019

Pinot Noir $ 44.00

$ 264.00

Red cherries, spices, smoke and some soft leather notes combine to create a complex bouquet. It is light to medium bodied with nice depth and a fresh finish. Grapes were picked by hand on October 19, fermented and the wine matured for 14 months in used oak barrels.

2021-2024, M8 D9 Red cherries, spice, soft leather

18°C

Smoky fruit

13.5%

AUSTRIAN WINES ARE HARD TO FIND OUTSIDE OF AUSTRIA. OPIMIAN OFFERS THESE WINNERS!

Duck confit with chanterelles

2769

HÖPLER "ERWEIN" ST. LAURENT, BURGENLAND, 2018

St. Laurent $ 41.00

$ 246.00

A firm and structured wine made from the aromatic dark-skinned Saint Laurent grape variety, it has dark fruits, spice and chocolate aromas. On the palate it is medium to full bodied with sour cherry flavours, firm tannins and a marked acidity. It was matured for 18 months in used oak barrels and will benefit from a bit more time in bottle before reaching its peak.

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

2021-2026, M6 D8 Dark fruits, spice, chocolate

18°C

Sour cherries

12.5%

Hard cheeses

photo — The Höpler winery is sustainable and has been certified as such since 2020.

MIXED CASE 2770

PANNONICA MIXED CASE

$ 204.00

$ 34.00

TWO BOTTLES EACH WHITE BLEND, ROSÉ & RED BLEND

NEW

PANNONICA WHITE BLEND, BURGENLAND, 2020

Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay Fresh apples, pears and a nutty character lead to more white-fruit flavours in the mouth such as lemon, lime and melon. It has a refreshing acidity with a crisp finish.

PANNONICA ROSÉ, BURGENLAND, 2020

Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir, St. Laurent Floral aromas with redcurrants and a touch of resin lead to more fresh fruits on the palate, cranberries, cherries. This is a smooth medium-bodied rosé with character.

2021-2022, M8 D9

PANNONICA RED BLEND, BURGENLAND, 2018

Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir

A medium-bodied red with some gamey aromas and balsamic flavours. It has quite a firm acidity with a solid tannin framework. Perfect with a good rump steak on the barbecue.

2021-2022, M8 D9

2021-2023, M8 D9

Fresh apples & pears

6°C

Floral, redcurrant, resin

6°C

Gamey

18°C

White fruits, lemon, melon, [D]

12.5%

Redcurrant, cherries, [D]

14%

Balsamic, dark fruits

13%

Wiener schnitzel with lemon

Herb-roasted salmon

Grilled sirloin with balsamic - red wine glaze

— AUSTRIA HÖPLER

PORTUGAL NEW PRODUCER

Ramilo Wines LIZANDRO RIVER VALLEY When Nuno and his brother Pedro took over running the Ramilo family estate in 2013, they were determined to make wines that really stand out. They farm approximately 20 hectares of vineyards at Casal de Ramilo in the Lizandro Valley northwest of Lisbon between Sintra and Mafra and at the coastal wine region of Colares.

PRODUCERS FOR THIS CELLAR

NEW

2772

RAMILO VALE LIZANDRO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2019

Aragonez, Touriga Nacional A vibrant wine with dark fresh fruit aromas, black cherry and apples. It is supple with a juicy acidity, tangy red cherry flavours and a slightly chewy finish. Produced from a blend of Aragonez (Tempranillo) and Touriga Nacional grapes, these were grown on the 20-hectare Quinta do Casal do Ramilo estate which has been in the family’s hands for four generations. The estate is located in the Lizandro Valley close to the Sintra Mountains and was a major wine producing area in the 19th century.

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

$ 23.00

$ 138.00

2021-2023, M8 D9 Dark fruits

16°C

Red cherries

13.5%

Vegetable stew

photo — Nuno Ramilo and Jorge Mata, winemaker, in the Castelão vineyard with the Lizandro River Valley in the background.

NEW

2774

RAMILO COLHEITA TINTO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2019

Castelão, Aragonez, Touriga Nacional $ 37.00

$ 222.00

Fresh mixed berry fruits, blackberries and blueberries are mixed with some more savoury mineral notes. This is a mediumbodied red with supple mid-palate fruit. Tasted as a tank sample, it should benefit from some bottle age. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Fresh blackberries, blueberries

18°C

Mixed fruits

13%

São Jorge cheese

NEW

2773

RAMILO COLHEITA BRANCO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2020

Arinto, Viosinho, Alvarinho $ 37.00

$ 222.00

2021-2023, M8 D9 Lime, wet stone

6°C

White fruits, lemon, green apple, [D]

13.5%

Greek salad

photo — Senhor Valdemar, a neighbour, holding a black bird in the Ramilos' Arinto vineyard.

Portugal’s reputation for white wines has been gaining in stature in recent years. The freshness and minerality of this wine reminds me of young Chablis. Produced from Arinto, Viosinho and Alvarinho grapes, it has subtle white fruit and lime aromas with citrus and green apple characters on the palate.

— PORTUGAL RAMILO WINES

PRODUCERS' CORNER NUNO'S PICK "Freshness and elegance, but at the same time structured with very smooth tannins.” RAMILO COLHEITA TINTO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2019, LOT 2774, P13

The Ramilo Family | Two Brothers Turn Back Time Manuel Francisco Ramilo devoted much of his land area to wine production in 1937. Four generations later, in 2013, his great-greatgrandsons, Nuno Ramilo and his older brother Pedro started working in the family winery only to realize they had the potential to do something different: to bring back typical grape varieties of their region, as well as the winemaking processes better adapted to those varieties.

READ OUR Q&A WITH NUNO RAMILO ONLINE ON OUR BLOG.

Following a career in structural engineering, Nuno Ramilo understood that the vineyard and the cellar were what really made him happy and decided to work for the family business on a full-time basis. “We had the opportunity to make wines with their own character and personality,” says Nuno. Today, he leads the winery while Pedro and his parents act as advisors for guidance and participate in major decisions regarding the family business. The team of five also includes Jorge Mata, a young and talented winemaker who is responsible for supervising the production and sales. The Ramilo family owns two estates: Casal do Ramilo and Quinta do Cameijo. The first one, Casal do Ramilo, is where the family has most of its vineyards. Located eight kilometres from the ocean, in the valley of the Lizandro River, the vineyards are all planted in terraced slopes on limestone clay soils, to concentrate heat and shelter the vines from the sea winds. “Here we can make wines that combine the freshness and saltiness of the ocean, with a structured and smooth palate brought by the shelter of the terraced slopes,” adds Nuno. The Quinta do Cameijo estate is located in DOC Colares, one of the smallest wine regions in the world. The vineyards are located one kilometre from the ocean. Ungrafted vines grow in sandy soils and are trained lower to the ground. Almost all of the work is done by hand, and the yields are extremely low. This type of viticulture is unique and gives the wines a finesse and extraordinarily salty touch, making them capable of aging for decades. When we asked Nuno what he would like Opimian Members to know about Ramilo Wines, he answers: “It’s always a joy when people taste our wines and use the word “purity” to describe it. If Opimian Members have that feeling, I think that’s about everything they need to know about us.”

PEDRO'S PICK "We love white wine, and the mineral and salty touch of this wine is perfect!” RAMILO COLHEITA BRANCO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2020, LOT 2773, P12

CELLAR 288 — PRODUCERS' CORNER

FOOD

Carne de Porco à Alentejana This traditional recipe comes from the Alentejo region in southern Portugal. The Iberian black pig is considered top-quality meat because of its diet. The addition of potatoes to the recipe only came after the discovery of the Americas.

VISIT OUR BLOG FOR OUR BACALHAU A BRAS RECIPE.

Ingredients

Directions

• 2 lbs. (900g) pork loin, cut into 2-in cubes

1. Marinate pork cubes overnight using white wine, 1 tbsp. paprika, garlic, salt, pepper and bay leaf.

• 5 - 7 oz. (150-200g) diced chouriço (Portuguese sausage with paprika) • 2 cloves crushed garlic • 1 /2 to 1 tsp. sea salt • 1 tbsp. garlic powder • 1 tbsp. onion powder • 1/4 c. olive oil • 1 bay leaf • 1 c. white wine • 1.5 tbsp. smoked paprika, divided • 4 c. raw potatoes, cut into 2-in cubes • 2 lbs. (900g) fresh, precooked, frozen small white clams • 1/4 c. beef stock • 1/4 c. flour

2. Following day, preheat oven to 425F. In baking pan, mix potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, remaining paprika, salt, pepper and bit of olive oil. Bake potatoes for about 40 mins for slight crunchiness. 3. Place clams in bowl and rinse with cold water. 4. Preheat large skillet or wok on high heat with 1/4 cup olive oil, then add drained, marinaded pork mixture, reserving liquid and chouriço. Let pork brown on all sides and cook for about 5 minutes. 5. Rinse and dry clams and add to pork for several minutes, so flavour is absorbed. When done, set aside. 6. In small saucepan over low heat, add leftover marinade with flour and beef stock to thicken sauce a bit.

• Chopped cilantro as garnish (if desired)

7. Once sauce is complete, assemble dish by combining potatoes and sauce with pork and clams.

• Olives as garnish

8. Garnish with parsley.

• Oil for frying

— CELLAR 288 FOOD

PORTUGAL

Bem-vindo from Our Portuguese Producers Portugal specializes in growing many of its own indigenous grapes, with over 250 varieties identified. Recently, grapes such as Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca have come to the forefront of winemaking. Discover Opimian's Portuguese producers through their delicious creations.

SANTOS & SEIXO A company started by Alzira dos Santos and Pedro Seixo in 2010, they have approximately 70 hectares at Tomar, in the Tejo Region, in central Portugal, northeast of Lisbon. The region, previously known as Ribatejo, is named after the Tejo River (Tagus in English) which flows from Spain into the Atlantic Ocean at Lisbon and provides water to vineyards on either side of its banks.

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

photo — Hélder Lima, Managing partner, in one of Campelo's vineyards.

NEW

2776

CABEÇO DA PEDRA, VINHO REGIONAL TEJO, 2019

Castelão, Aragonêz, Trincadeira $ 28.00

$ 168.00

An immediate hit for me – this wine is very approachable, hugely drinkable and flavoursome. It is deep ruby in colour, with mellow plum, cherry and other dark fruit aromas. It is medium bodied with a fine texture and supple tannins produced from a blend of 40% Castelão, 40% Aragonêz and 20% Trincadeira grown on the estate close to Tomar. Winemaker Marco Crespo matured the wine in French oak barrels for four months.

2777

CABEÇO DA PEDRA RESERVA, VINHO REGIONAL TEJO, 2018

Castelão, Aragonêz, Trincadeira $ 41.00

$ 246.00

Matured for nine months in oak, the 2018 Reserva has intense coffee, chocolate and mocha characters over a ripe blackcurrant fruit background. It is medium to full bodied with supple mid palate leading to a chewy finish. Nice mellow flavours develop in the glass.

2021-2023, M8 D9

2021-2030, M7 D7

Plums, cherries, dark fruits

18°C

Coffee, chocolate, blackcurrant

18°C

Dark fruit

13.5%

Mellow fruits

14%

Pasta with sundried tomato sauce

2778

ENCOSTA DO SOBRAL SELECTION, VINHO REGIONAL TEJO, 2019

Terrincho cheese

Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon $ 39.00

$ 234.00

Mellow aromas with cooked fruits, plums and liquorice lead to a juicy palate. A marked sour-cherry acidity builds in the mouth with redcurrant balanced by an appealing bitter chocolate finish. It is well balanced, structured with some cellaring potential. Touriga Nacional was blended with 40% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and matured for ten months in French oak. 2021-2026, M6 D8 Ripe and cooked dark fruits

18°C

Raspberries, sour cherries, bitter chocolate

13.5%

Bison stew

photo — Touriga Nacional has recently come to the forefront of winemaking in Portugal.

— PORTUGAL SANTOS & SEIXO

CAVES CAMPELO Caves Campelo is in northwest Portugal, in Minho province, next to the border with Spain and Galicia. This is vinho verde-country making fresh light wines, low in alcohol and with some spritz. It is the wettest, greenest region of Portugal with rains coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. Traditional grape varieties are cultivated on high pergola structures.

EASY DRINKING ON THEIR OWN AND FOOD-FRIENDLY TOO.

NEW

2780

CAMPELO, VINHO ROSADO, DOC VINHO VERDE, 2020

Vinhão, Amaral, Borraçal $ 28.00

2779

MIRANDA, DOC VINHO VERDE, 2020

Loureiro, Trajadura, Arinto $ 23.00

$ 138.00

$ 168.00

Quite deep in colour, Campelo Rosé has appealing aromas of rosehip and grenadine. It is quite weighty on the palate despite having a lowish alcohol of 10% with a sour cranberry twist on the finish. 2021-2022, M8 D9 Rosehip, grenadine

6°C

Cranberry, [D]

10%

Sashimi 2021-2022, M8 D9 Lemon, blossom

6°C

Lemon, honey, spritz, [D]

10%

Tremoços lupini beans

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

Light in style with a refreshing spritz on the palate, Miranda 2020 has subtle blossom and lemon aromas which continue on to the palate followed by a honeyed finish. Produced from traditional varieties 40% Loureiro, 30% Trajadura and 30% Arinto, it is light in alcohol at 10%. photo — Campelo is located in Barcelos, the city known for the famous “Galo de Barcelos”, one of the symbols of Portugal.

2781

VD VINDIMEIRO, DOC DOURO, 2019

Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca $ 29.00

$ 174.00

2782

MONTELOURO, DOC DOURO, 2019

Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca $ 36.00

$ 216.00

Campelo also sources grapes from the much hotter, drier inland Douro Valley to the east. Vindimeiro is a perfumed red which has sweet red fruit aromas with raspberry jam and rose petal. Initially quite light on the palate, red jammy fruits build to a firm lingering bitter cherry finish.

Deep ruby colour with plums, cherries and floral violet flavours, this is a mediumbodied wine. Selected Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grapes were left for cold maceration for four days before fermentation. It is dense with a firm acidity and persistent finish.

2021-2024, M8 D9

Perfumed, raspberry jam, rose petal

18°C

Plums, cherries, violets

16°C

Sweet red fruits, bitter cherries, oak

13%

Red fruits

13%

Roast lamb with apricot sauce

photo — The harvest in one of Campelo's wineries, in the Paiva subregion.

Indian curry

— PORTUGAL CAVES CAMPELO

2783

ESTOPA RESERVA, DOC DOURO, 2019

Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional $ 36.00

$ 216.00

Mellow oaky aromas combine with those of herbs and spices and lead to a firm palate with sour cranberry and redcurrant flavours. This is a full-bodied wine, with lots of chewy tannins and crunchy fruit. Grapes were grown on stone-terraced plots in the Upper Corgo subregion. It was matured in new French oak barrels for six months and will benefit from a little more time in bottle before drinking. 2022-2026, M6 D7 Vanilla oak, herbs and spices

18°C

Cranberries, redcurrants

13.5%

Roasted octopus with potatoes

GESPROVE 2784

Gesprove is a family winery at São João da Pesqueira in the Douro Valley. It was set up by José Pinheiro who makes a range of still table wines as well as ports – Jose was previously winemaker for Sandeman Port. His winery is in the heart of the Cima Corgo region where some of the best grapes are grown on schist soils under the harsh dry Douro Valley climate.

ABASTADO GRANDE RESERVA, DOC DOURO, 2018

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Souzão $ 49.00

$ 294.00

Abastado, meaning “wealthy,” is the name chosen by Jose for his top cuvée. Produced from 80% Touriga Nacional, 15% Touriga Franca and 5% Souzão, it is a rich concentrated wine. Deep plum in colour, it has mellow coconut aromas complemented with dark fruits. More rich ripe dark fruits emerge in the mouth with notes of vanilla. It is dense, round mid palate with a grainy texture and nice structure. Drinking nicely now, it should mature well over the next decade. Matured in new French oak for 12 months, it was bottled in September 2020.

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

2021-2030, M6 D8 Coconut, dark fruit

18°C

Vanilla, ripe fruits

14%

DISCOVER GESPROVE'S SONETO PORT CASE ONLINE, LOT 2785.

Transmontano cheese

photo — José Pinheiro, winemaker, tasting port wine aging in casks.

NEW

JOSÉ GASPAR José Gaspar’s family own a small estate north of Lisbon. This inspired him early on to a varied career in the Portuguese wine trade. An agronomist, lecturer, doctorate and wine consultant, consultant, José has worked in many regions up and down the country for companies both large and small before setting up his own business.

2787

2786

TALENTUS BY JOSÉ GASPAR, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2019

TALENTUS GRANDE RESERVA BY JOSÉ GASPAR, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2019 Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon $ 61.00

Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional $ 28.00

$ 168.00

Talentus is made from a combination of international grape varieties, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, with Portugal’s most famous grape, Tourgia Nacional. Aromas of herbs and dark fruits waft up from the glass. This is a supple wine with sweet ripe blackcurrant flavours. It has a fine texture with some grippy tannins on the finish and was matured for three months in barrel. Made by José from grapes grown at his family’s vineyard Quinta da Barriera at Carreiras, north of Lisbon.

A savoury wine, with blackcurrant aromas combined with green leaves and beans. It is firm with some austerity on the palate; leafy green fruit flavours mellow in the glass given some air. It was matured in a combination of American and French oak barrels.

2021-2024, M8 D9

2021-2026, M6 D8

Dark fruit, herbs

16°C

Green leaf, blackcurrant, green bean

18°C

Blackcurrant

13.5%

Green fruits, sour blackberry

15%

Lamb chops with frizzled herbs

photo — The beautiful Portuguese landscape is the birthplace of many exceptional wines.

$ 366.00

Teriyaki

— PORTUGAL JOSÉ GASPAR

WINE TOURISM

Port is Bottled Poetry

Imagine it's the year 1700 and you find yourself in the Douro Valley, floating down the Douro River in Portugal. Your flat bottom boat, known as a 'barcos rabelos' is laden with barrels of port from various vineyards along the Douro and destined for the mouth of the river in Porto for bottling and storage. Port is a still wine typically made from five major grape varieties, the most desirable of which is Touriga Nacional, that is blended (fortified) with spirit alcohol to raise the alcohol level to 19% or 20%. This was initially done to preserve the wine for transport, but it was soon discovered that it made for a very tasty libation as well. You'll find that the most widely available ports are in three categories – Ruby, Tawny and Late Bottle Vintage (LBV). There are some remarkable examples of all three in the Soneto Mixed Case in this Cellar. In addition, the new to Opimian, Craufurd Porto is a Tawny, available to you after either 10 years or 30 years in bottle. New ports from Réccua are also in the extensive Web Exclusive list. This fortified wine is most often sweet and, as with so many other things in wine and life, North Americans drink port differently than the rest of the world. While Europeans will happily enjoy port as an aperitif, we Canadians generally reserve

port for dessert. There's no question that it pairs wonderfully with many desserts such as pecan pie or cheesecake. Also give it a try ahead of your meal with soft cheeses like brie or a tray of pickles and olives. Most ports are still sealed with cork so always store your port on its side. It's a good idea to move the bottle upright for a day or so before serving. This will allow any sediment to settle to the bottom. Port glasses are relatively small, tulip shaped vessels and will hold a three ounce pour comfortably. Serving temperature is important as well. Serve white ports cold (about 8°C). Tawny and LBV should be cool (10°C -15°C). The wine is no longer floated down the river, but rather shipped in tanker trucks to Porto. Far less romantic, but still as delicious as ever. For those of you who have yet to be converted, this is your chance. The centuries-old tradition of port production is alive and well, and available from Opimian.

SONETO PORTO, DOC PORTO MIXED CASE - 2 BOTTLES EACH, LOT 2785, WEB EXCLUSIVE

CELLAR 288 — WINE TOURISM

RESPLENDENT CITIES, SURROUNDED BY GORGEOUS COUNTRYSIDE eat | Pasteis de Nata – Portuguese egg tart – invented by the Belem nuns just outside of Lisbon. You can still buy them directly from the nuns at the monastery. pray | Walk the Portuguese Way, part of the Camino de Santiago. Start in Porto.. love | While it is lamenting the loss of love, a Fado performance is a must see when visiting Portugal. drink | Considered the best fortified wines in the world, drink Port in the country in which it was made. Everything tastes its best in that context.

If you have ever considered a visit to Portugal, or even if you haven't, go! The entire country, its capital city Lisbon, as well as the fabled city of Porto have much to offer. While you could easily fill your travels with nothing but wine, you can also add culinary delights (if you have never tried a pasteis de nata – Portuguese egg tart – you haven't lived). Music plays a huge part in the cultural life of the Portuguese as well. You will find countless venues to take in a performance of Fado, a hauntingly gorgeous style featuring voice and guitar. It has been world renowned for generations. Lisbon is fast approaching 3,000,000 inhabitants, and provides a vibrancy that caters to the interests of any traveler. Whether you like architecture, cuisine, music or the visual arts, there is lots to enjoy here. Porto, at the mouth of the Douro River where it meets the ocean, was proclaimed a World Heritage Site in 1996. If being the namesake for port wine isn't enough, Porto is also an important stop on the Portuguese Way, part of the Camino de Santiago that has been walked by countless pilgrims (not all of them religious). Like Lisbon, Portugal's second largest city offers an array of arts, entertainment, architecture and gastronomy.

To escape the cities, there is nowhere better than the Douro Valley to soothe your soul. You can visit the terraced vineyards on the banks of the Douro River and sample both port and non-fortified wines of Portugal. Wind your way through the valley by train, or if you're a little more adventurous, rent a car and lose yourself among the vineyards and cathedrals of the area. All in all, Portugal offers great value, beautiful countryside, amazing port, and literally something for everyone.

— CELLAR 288 WINE TOURISM

PORTO RÉCCUA VINHOS NEW

DON'T MISS THIS PRODUCER'S WEB EXCLUSIVE PORTS, LOTS 2792 -2793.

2788

NEW

ENCOSTAS DO PESO, TINTO, DOC DOURO, 2020

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, local grape varieties $ 32.00

$ 192.00

Coffee and leafy herb aromas lead to a supple palate with sour redcurrant flavours, tangy acidity and bitter cherry finish.

2789

ENCOSTAS DO PESO, BRANCO, DOC DOURO, 2020

Malvasia Fina, Vital, Fernão Pires, Rabigato $ 32.00

A sound and smooth white with delicate fresh white fruit aromas with a touch of celery. It is medium bodied with a crisp acidity.

2021-2024, M8 D9

2021-2022, M8 D9

Coffee, herbs

18°C

Fresh white fruits, celery

6°C

Redcurrant, bitter cherries

13%

Lemon, [D]

13%

Coffee-crusted rib roast

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

$ 192.00

Peri-peri chicken

photo — Porto Réccua Vinhos is an ambitious winery that works with a wide range of grape and wine producers.

NEW

2790

NEW

RÉCCUA, TINTO, DOC DOURO, 2020

Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz Touriga Franca, local grape varieties $ 42.00

$ 252.00

Porty aromas of raisined fruit, red apples and cocoa powder precede a soft smooth palate. It is quite light initially becoming quite firm and austere with a bitter cherry finish.

2791

RÉCCUA, BRANCO, DOC DOURO, 2020

Malvasia Fina, Vital, Fernão Pires, Rabigato $ 252.00

$ 42.00

This is a round smooth white, with spicy aromas, vanilla custard and almond. It is smooth with nice balance and some weight.

2022-2025, M6 D7

2021-2023, M8 D9

Cocoa powder, raisins, red apple

18°C

Spicy, vanilla custard

6°C

Bitter cherries

13%

Almond, [D]

13%

Lamb meatballs

photo — In the spring, the hills of Douro Valley are illuminated with vine leaves.

Grilled red mullet with charred onions

— PORTUGAL PORTO RÉCCUA VINHOS

2794

QUINTA DA GIESTA, TINTO, DOC DÃO, 2018

Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen $ 36.00

$ 216.00 Earthy meaty aromas lie over a fruit background. This is a supple wine which is quite light mid palate leading to robust sour cherry and red apple characters. It is well balanced and fine in texture.

2021-2023, M8 D9 Earth, meaty

18°C

Sour cherries, red apple

13%

Veal piccata

NEW

2795

DISCOVER BOAS QUINTAS' PORTS ONLINE, LOTS 2800 & 2801.

BOAS QUINTAS South of the Douro Valley is the mountainous region of Dão – basically a large granite plateau named after the river that flows through it. Quinta da Giesta, owned by Nuno Cancela de Abreu at Mortágua, has 12 hectares of vines. The family have been growing grapes in the Dão Region since 1884. In addition to making his own wines, Nuno works in partnership with other small wineries such as Pica Peixe.

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

QUINTA DA GIESTA, BRANCO, DOC DÃO, 2019

Arinto, Encruzado, Malvasia Fina $ 38.00

$ 228.00

A crisp mineral white produced from Arinto, Encruzado and Malvasia Fina. Grapes underwent a short skin maceration before a light pressing and fermentation at low temperature. Pale in colour, it has subtle white fruit flavours and a crisp acidity.

2021-2022, M8 D9 White fruits

6°C

Mineral, crisp, [D]

13%

Seafood salad

photo — Quinta da Giesta Branco is made with Encruzado, one of Portugal’s finest white grape varieties, still relatively unknown outside the country.

NEW

2796

WISDOM TREE, DOC DÃO, 2017

Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz $ 33.00

$ 198.00

NEW

2797

NEW

SALICÓRNIA RESERVA, DOC DÃO, 2019

Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz $ 43.00

$ 258.00

2798

PICA PEIXE, VINHO REGIONAL PENÍNSULA DE SETÚBAL, 2018

Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Aragonêz $ 33.00

$ 198.00

A light- to medium-bodied red with mineral graphite notes. It is an elegant wine with red fruit flavours and a bitter cherry finish. Drinking nicely now, it has some potential for cellaring.

A medium-bodied red brimming with fresh dark fruit flavours, ripe blackberries and cherries. The Setúbal Peninsula lies southeast of Lisbon across the estuary of the Tejo River. Pica Peixe vineyards are within the Sado estuary natural reserve. This is a blend of Touriga Nacional with Aragonêz (the local name for Tempranillo) and Syrah. Grapes were grown on the Peninsula’s sandy soils. It is soft and smooth with a delicious bitter cherry finish.

2021-2026, M7 D8

2021-2024, M8 D9

A distinctive smoky, bakelite savoury character on the nose is followed by more fruit on the palate. The wine was aged for three months in used oak barrels. It is medium bodied with tangy black fruit flavours and a firm finish. 2021-2023, M8 D9 Smoke, bakelite

16°C

Graphite, mineral

18°C

Raisins, black wine gums

18°C

Tangy black fruits

13%

Red fruits, bitter cherry

13%

Blackberries, black cherry

13.5%

Grilled pork chops with pear chutney

photo — The harvest at Boas Quintas. Grapes are placed in small boxes to preserve their integrity.

Caçoila Portuguese beef stew

Roasted pork tenderloin with balsamic-fig glaze

— PORTUGAL BOAS QUINTAS

PORTUGAL ADEGA CARVOEIRA A cooperative in Alenquer with 1,200 hectares of vineyards. The Alenquer region northeast of Lisbon adjoins Tejo and is protected from coastal cold Atlantic winds.

NEW

2802

MIRANTE, TINTO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2019

MIRANTE, BRANCO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2020

Fernão Pires, Seara Nova, Vital

Syrah, Castelão, Aragonês $ 19.00

2803

$ 114.00

Mellow aromas of dark fruits and chocolate lead to a relatively light palate. Overall, this is a medium-bodied wine with a firm sour acidity and blackberry and cranberry flavours.

$ 19.00

An easy-drinking white with honeyed aromas combined with nuts and white fruit flavours. Indigenous varieties Fernão Pires, Seara Nova and Vital were fermented at very low temperature.

2021-2023, M8 D9

2021-2022, M8 D9

Dark fruits, chocolate

18°C

Honey, nuts

6°C

Sour blackberries, cranberry

13.5%

White fruits, [D]

13%

Poached cod with tomato and saffron

$ 114.00

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

Grilled swordfish with apricot puree

TOP VALUE WINES FOR YOUR EVERYDAY DRINKING

CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN VIEW

2829

OPIMIAN CALIFORNIA RED, CALIFORNIA

Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah $ 240.00

$ 20.00

KEEP THESE VERSATILE WINES CLOSE BY FOR CASUAL SIPPING.

NEW

2804

VELHOS TEMPOS ALENQUER, DOC ALENQUER, 2017

Aragonêz, Syrah, Castelão $ 24.00

$ 144.00

Meaty spicy aromas with black olive and smoke lie over a red-fruit background. This is a light- to medium-bodied red with a firm acidity on the finish.

Sweet fruit aromas, this is an easy-drinking red, light to medium bodied with a sweet sour character. A blend of three varieties, a short time in French oak has given it some grip on the finish.

2021-2023, M8 D9

Spicy, meaty aromas, smoke

16°C

Confectionary sweet fruit

16°C

Black olive, red fruits

13%

Sweet-sour

13.5%

Venison Bolognese

Rosemary-lemon grilled Portobello mushrooms

— PORTUGAL & CALIFORNIA TOP VALUE WINES

CELLAR UP! WINES TO SHAPE YOUR CELLAR

In this Cellar, you have the opportunity to add no fewer than four major, global wine regions to your cellar. The wines listed here represent iconic expressions of the diverse climates and terroir. The perfectly balanced cellar has a wine that you can serve for every occasion and every mood. When your occasion calls for a relatively light Pinot Noir, having a stellar PN from Oregon to call on is just sheer joy. The same concept can be said for the others on this list. As you diversify your cellar and begin to drink a range of wine styles, your appreciation of the flavour profile of a particular wine will flourish. Your enjoyment of wine will grow and you will find yourself seeking out more new experiences. A virtuous circle. A toast to the joy of wine!

SPARKLING Pairs with anything, celebrations, romance HOOK & LADDER ROSÉ DE NOIRS SPARKLING WINE, SONOMA COUNTY, LOT 2819, P47

LIGHT WHITE White/light fish, sipping on its own RAMILO COLHEITA BRANCO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2020, LOT 2773, P13

FULL BODY WHITE Poultry, mild cheeses, pork STONE VALLEY CHARDONNAY, CALIFORNIA, 2020, LOT 2844, P43

FORTIFIED / SWEET Dessert, rich foods like foie gras RÉCCUA PORTO, 10 ANOS, DOC PORTO (WOOD CASE), LOT 2792, WEB EXCLUSIVE

ROSÉ Most appetizers, sipping on its own, the back deck CAMPELO, VINHO ROSADO, DOC VINHO VERDE, 2020, LOT 2780, P18

LIGHT RED Many pastas, pork, poultry, sipping on its own HOLLORAN VINEYARD WINES HOLLORAN PINOT NOIR, DUNDEE HILLS, 2016, LOT 2825, P52

MEDIUM RED Versatile; many meats without heavy sauces, casseroles HÖPLER BLAUFRÄNKISCH, BURGENLAND, 2018, LOT 2767, P9

FULL BODY RED Heavy stews, many game meats, lamb, strong cheeses, even dessert KAUTZ & KRAMER CABERNET SAUVIGNON, BLOCK 50, LODI, 2017 , LOT 2843, P42

CELLAR 288 — CELLAR UP!

Q&A

Daniel LeFrancois

READ MORE RESPONSES FROM DANIEL ON OUR BLOG.

Wine Spots

Daniel Lefrancois has worked in the wine industry for over 30 years. Originally from Virginia, he went on to work in Cognac, France, and San Francisco, CA, where he also worked as a wine broker. Read on to learn more about this amazing American winemaker. HOW DID YOU GET INTO WINE?

My journey into wine world began when I left Virginia as a young adult to spend 18 months backpacking throughout Asia and then Europe. I was enjoying a glass of wine at a café in Paris while looking at a map, trying to figure my next move. A drop of wine spilled onto the map, right next to Saint-Émilion. I took that as a sign and went on to backpack through Bordeaux. It was then that I just fell in love with the world of wine. WHEN DID YOU BECOME A WINEMAKER?

The idea first germinated when I was working in France at Camus Cognac, developing new wine and spirits brands. I knew that this is what I wanted to do, but first figure out my own style and choice of terroir. It was as a wine buyer, tasting wines from around the world, that I found myself gravitating towards winemakers who

sought balance and harmony. I was so excited with my first 2004 Wine Spots Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vintage. My next wine was my 2005 Zinfandelic Amador County Old Vine Zinfandel. That entire experience was amazing, from the label design to the wine blending. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CALIFORNIA WINE?

California is blessed in its diversity of regions and terroir. I love the kiss of California sunshine on the vineyards, we are blessed with great weather. Neighbouring regions, even neighbouring vineyards, can impart completely different personalities to the wine because of the varying terroir. I am constantly able to explore the different characteristics of the varietal, vineyard and region. While every vintage is unique, I am able maintain consistent quality along with excellent ripeness and freshness that is unique to California.

WHAT IS YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE FOOD-WINE PAIRING?

Without a doubt, Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and lamb chops. It’s that pairing that always has me pausing between each bite and sip, just enjoying how the interplay of the full-bodied Cab mingles with the earthier flavors of the lamb chops. AMONG THE WINES FEATURED BY OPIMIAN, WHICH ONE ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? AND WHY?

One of my favorite wines is my Wine Spots Napa Valley Cuvée 38 Red Blend. Napa Valley is one of the premier regions in the world for Bordeaux varietals and one of the iconic “spots “for Cabernet Sauvignon. The Napa Valley Cuvée 38 is an ode to my Bordeaux days and a celebration of the art and nuance of blending different varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet France & Malbec) to create a harmonious wine. I love how the Old World varietals take on a fresh, ripe quality from Napa Valley terroir. DESCRIBE YOUR PHILOSOPHY IN ONE WORD OR SENTENCE.

Balance. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE 60S ROCK MOVEMENT THAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE ZINFANDELIC?

Being a child of the 60s, I did not get to enjoy sixties music until my teenage years. There’s a unique style to 60s rock that you just don’t get from other decades. So much feeling and independent thought is captured in the songs. You can listen to the music and, without even knowing the history of that time, get a sense of what the artists were experiencing and almost relive it through their songs. It’s still my favorite music genre today.

photo — XXX

WINE SPOTS CUVÉE 38, NAPA VALLEY, 2017, LOT 2807, P33

— CELLAR 288 Q&A

CALIFORNIA

Daniel LeFrancois NAPA VALLEY Daniel LeFrancois began Wine Spots with the 2003 vintage in Napa Valley, producing a Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then he has expanded the range of wines and labels produced.

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

photo — Early grape clusters forming in the Rutherford vineyard, where the fruit for Wine Spots Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced.

2807

WINE SPOTS CUVÉE 38, NAPA VALLEY, 2017

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc $ 70.00

$ 420.00

A very oaky wine, with woody aromas alongside coal and smoke over a cherry background. It is medium bodied and supple with more fruits coming through mid palate, followed by a bitter grippy finish. A classic blend of Bordeaux varietals Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grown on gravelly well-drained hillside soils in Napa Valley.

2808

WINE SPOTS CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY, 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon $ 73.00

$ 438.00

A smooth Napa Cab with sweet fruits and blackcurrant flavours. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were sourced from the Stags Leap, Rutherford and St. Helena AVAs. It is well balanced and medium bodied with less apparent oak than Cuvée 38.

2021-2027, M7 D7

2021-2026, M7 D9

Oak, smoke, cherry

18°C

Blackcurrant

18°C

Dark fruit, oak

14.5%

Dark fruit

14.5%

Grilled skirt steak

Lamb chops

2809

ZINFANDELIC ZINFANDEL, LODI, 2018

Zinfandel $ 294.00

$ 49.00

Intense crushed strawberries aromas are complemented by herbal and celery seed notes. It is quite light with strawberry and other red fruit flavours with some grip on the finish. Produced from grapes from Lodi – the self-proclaimed “Zinfandel Capital of the World,” it has a label inspired by psychedelic rock posters from the 1960s. 2021-2023, M8 D9 Crushed strawberries, celery salt, herbs

18°C

Strawberries, red fruits

14.5%

Moroccan-spiced roast chicken

photo — An old vine Zinfandel sleeping during the winter months in Lodi, California.

— CALIFORNIA DANIEL LEFRANCOIS

CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN VIEW

Angelo Pera Angelo Pera makes a wide range of wines from those for everyday drinking to limited quantities of very special wines for cellaring. Over the years, he has built partnerships with growers in the best regions of California: Central Coast, Monterey, Napa and Sonoma.

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

photo — Angelo Pera's Encore vineyard in Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon thrives.

NEW

2831

NEW

MOUNTAIN VIEW SAUVIGNON BLANC, CENTRAL COAST, KETTLE VINEYARD, 2020

2832

Sauvignon Blanc $ 33.00

MOUNTAIN VIEW CHARDONNAY, MONTEREY COUNTY, 2020

Chardonnay $ 396.00

$ 39.00

$ 234.00

Quince and apple aromas are complemented by a touch of butterscotch. This is an oaky Chardonnay with custard and butterscotch flavours and a broad rich structure. Grapes were grown on the 40-plus year-old homestead vineyards in Monterey.

Very pale in colour, it has nice green fruit aromas with gooseberry and passion fruit. It is smooth and round on the palate with nice balance and refreshing flavours. Sauvignon grapes were grown in the Kettle vineyard planted in 2006. 2021-2022, M8 D9 Passion fruit, green fruits

6°C

Fresh lime, [D]

13.5%

Tuna tataki

NEW

2830

MOUNTAIN VIEW ROSÉ, CENTRAL COAST, WILLOW VINEYARD, 2020

Zinfandel, Pinot Noir $ 28.00

$ 336.00

Salmon in colour, it is not very expressive on the nose with just a hint of red fruits, raspberries and sherbet. In the mouth, it is soft and smooth with a firm acidity and cranberry and sour apple flavours. 2021-2022, M8 D9

2021-2022, M8 D9 Red fruits, raspberry, sherbet

6°C

Quince, apples , butterscotch

5°C

Cranberry, sour apple, [D]

13%

Custard, oaky, [D]

13.5%

Seafood risotto

Herb-roasted chicken

— CALIFORNIA ANGELO PERA

NEW

2835

MOUNTAIN VIEW PINOT NOIR, CENTRAL COAST, LIVE OAK VINEYARD, 2020

Pinot Noir $ 43.00

$ 258.00

Location is all-important to produce good Pinot Noir: this grape does not do well with heat. The 16-hectare Live Oak vineyard is located on the west side of the Santa Maria Valley, with prevalent fog and an ocean breeze creating cool-climate conditions. It is light bodied and smooth with nice redcurrant flavours and a supple velvet texture.

2021-2023, M8 D9 Redcurrant

16°C

Smooth supple red fruits

14%

Grilled asparagus with goat cheese tart

WINES TRUE TO CALIFORNIA'S MOTTO 'EUREKA!' GREEK FOR 'I HAVE FOUND IT!'

NEW

2833

MOUNTAIN VIEW MERLOT, CENTRAL COAST, CUYAMA CANYON VINEYARD, 2020

Merlot $ 38.00

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

$ 228.00

2021-2023, M8 D9 Earthy

18°C

Dark fruit, undergrowth

14%

Caramelized roasted veggies with wild mushrooms

Relatively light in colour, the 2020 Mountain View Merlot has subdued earthy aromas. It is supple, medium bodied with dark fruit flavours and a touch of undergrowth. It was matured in French oak. Merlot was planted in 1988 at the Cuyama Canyon vineyard at Santa Maria in the southern Central Coast.

photo — Cabernet Sauvignon from Slide Ranch Vineyard (Paso Robles) fruit coming through the destemmer/crusher after harvest.

NEW

2836

NEW

MOUNTAIN VIEW RED WINE BLEND, PASO ROBLES, BRECON VINEYARD, 2019

Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon $ 42.00

$ 252.00

2834

MOUNTAIN VIEW CABERNET SAUVIGNON, PASO ROBLES, SLIDE RANCH VINEYARD, 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon $ 252.00

$ 42.00

A firm structured wine with cherry menthol flavours. It is a blend of 65% Pinot Noir with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon – an unusual combination. I cannot think of another wine made up of these two varieties, but it works to produce a medium-bodied wine.

Some floral and leathery notes lead to a supple palate with sweet fruit flavours. It is medium bodied with a firm finish and was matured for eight months with French oak. Grapes were grown at the Slide Ranch vineyard in Paso Robles on sandy loam soils.

2021-2024, M8 D9

Cherry menthol

18°C

Leather, floral

18°C

Dark fruits

14%

Sweet dark fruits, leather

14%

Pink rack of lamb with rosemary

photo — A classic Napa Valley morning, with hot air balloons floating above the vineyards.

Medium-rare grilled ribeye

— CALIFORNIA ANGELO PERA

SECTION

Angelo Pera’s winemaking career started in 1993, fresh out of Business School. “Learning the business aspects of running a winery was fairly easy for me,” says Angelo – “It was 7 years of schooling (4 years of undergraduate and 3 years of MBA). The winemaking, however, took much more time”.

Title | Subtitle Author

Intro

Angelo has an incredible fascination with Old World winemaking techniques but is inspired to utilize cutting-edge, new-age winemaking techniques to master his craft. “Winemaking has come a long way, and it makes sense to keep up with modern winemaking techniques.” In today’s wine business, there is little room for mediocrity. The push for better wines is insatiable. Angelo’s preferred winemaking style allows for ample aromas, derived naturally from the vineyard and grapes. Not overusing oak barrels is essential in producing an aromatic wine. Text

Angelo took over the reins of Mountain View Winery in 2010. He now produces wines of distinctive varietal character and quality. The majority of Angelo’s wines are single-vineyard and single varietal. As far as his winemaking, Angelo says he will never be done learning – it is a true passion that has been developed over the last 20 years.

MEMBER STORY

Angelo Pera | Longtime Friend to Opimian Michael Lutzmann

One of the joys of my membership in Opimian has always been meeting the wine producers from around the world face-to-face. Before Covid put a temporary stop to our in-person dinners, tastings, and informal get-togethers, I was lucky enough to host several of these events. In 2 BC (before Covid – actually 2017), I hosted Angelo Pera, owner of Mountain View Vintners, for a dinner organized for Opimian Members during a tasting series.

CELLAR 288 — MEMBER STORY

You will notice that the wines from Mountain View in this Cellar are new brands to Opimian. As our partnership evolves, Angelo has become more comfortable trusting us with the jewels in his crown. The namesake Mountain View Wines is a range that expresses the terroir of various California wine regions. They provide strong varietal character in each white, rosé and red. Backstage is Angelo’s premium line. It is made in such small batches that he has to limit quantities to all of its fans. We are so very fortunate that we have been given the opportunity to experience these incredible wines. I for one will be taken back to 2017 – only better!

Our ambitious menu that night included salmon, smoked duck, beef tenderloin and a cheese plate, all deliciously paired with Angelo's wines from his vineyards in Monterey County and California's Central Coast. Angelo passionately described his perception of the nose and palate of all the wines tasted and his meticulous winemaking process.

BACKSTAGE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY, BACKSTAGE VINEYARD, 2015 LOT 2842, P55

MOUNTAIN VIEW ROSÉ, CENTRAL COAST, WILLOW VINEYARD, 2020, LOT 2830, P35

2838

DUXINARO PINOT NOIR, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2018

Pinot Noir $ 48.00

2837

DUXINARO CHARDONNAY, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2019

Chardonnay $ 288.00

An extremely smooth wine with depth and a fine texture. Cherry and herbal aromas lead to more fruits on the palate with a touch of vanilla – it was aged for just eight months in French oak barrels. It is easy drinking with a fresh finish. 2021-2025, M7 D9 Cherry, herbs

18°C

Vanilla, red fruits

14%

$ 246.00

$ 41.00

Lots of spicy oak, allspice and cloves with custard-tart aromas. The same flavours show on the palate which is rich and broad in structure. This is a rich and buttery wine with vanilla and bitter orange on the finish. It was matured in French oak barrels for a year. The vineyard in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley enjoys a cool microclimate.

Grilled lobster-tail skewers

2021-2023, M8 D9 Spicy oak, custard tarts

6°C

Buttery fruit, bitter orange, vanilla, [D]

13.5%

Roasted green vegetables with chermoula sauce

— CALIFORNIA ANGELO PERA

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! COMING BY SEPTEMBER 21ST TO A MAILBOX NEAR YOU!

C289 WILL FEATURE BRAND NEW AND FAVOURITE WINES FROM

ITALY, FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND

Being an Opimian Member just got better. The 2021 Cellar season will finish with a bang. We’ve combined our two online Cellars into the printed version that you’ve come to know and love.

BONUS PRINTED CELLAR

OVER 80 WINES

NEW

2840

NEW

DUXINARO ZINFANDEL, DRY CREEK VALLEY, 2019

Zinfandel

2841

BACKSTAGE, SAUVIGNON BLANC, RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY, SWING VINEYARD, 2020

Sauvignon Blanc $ 258.00

$ 43.00

One of my favourite Zinfandels in the tastings for this Cellar Offering. It has lots of sweet aromas of red apples, figs, dates, vanilla and raisins. This is a full-bodied wine with rich sweet mid palate balanced by lingering bitterfruit flavours on the finish. If there was ever any doubt, this wine proves that Dry Creek Valley deserves its reputation for producing some of California’s best Zinfandels.

$ 43.00

As soon as I picked up and sniffed this wine, I was hooked. Aromas of white peach, elderflower and lemon complement mellow spicy oak character. It is smooth and concentrated with ripe white fruits and floral notes. The rich palate is balanced with its citrusy acidity creating a wine with depth and a long peachy finish. Of course, the rest of the bottle had to come home with me at the end of the day!

2021-2024, M8 D9 Red apples, figs, dates, vanilla

18°C

Sweet dried fruits, bitter chocolate

14%

$ 258.00

2021-2022, M8 D9 White peach, lemon, elderflower, spicy oak

6°C

Citrus, floral fruits, peaches, [D]

13.5%

Baked ziti with eggplant and sausage Thai beef salad with Asian greens

2839

DUXINARO CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY, 2016

Cabernet Sauvignon $ 59.00

$ 354.00

A more restrained wine than the 2015 Duxinaro offered last year, it has appealing cherry menthol, vanilla and red fruit aromas. On the palate it is quite light with an elegant structure. Grapes from the small Encore vineyard in Rutherford were handpicked in early October 2016. It was matured for 36 months in French oak barrels and has not yet reached its optimum for drinking. 2021-2026, M7 D9 Cherry menthol, vanilla, red fruit

18°C

Black cherries

14%

Wagyu burger with aged Gouda

photo — The Backstage tasting room in Larkspur, where friends, wine and food go together !

— CALIFORNIA ANGELO PERA

CALIFORNIA

Kautz Family Vineyards LODI The Kautz family began farming in Lodi in 1926 and planted their first wine grapes in 1968. Today they are a large grower in Lodi and the Sierra foothills, have several wineries and have helped establish the region as a quality wine producer and tourist destination.

NEW

2843

KAUTZ & KRAMER CABERNET SAUVIGNON, BLOCK 50, LODI, 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon $ 57.00

$ 342.00

A strong oaky character on the nose and palate is combined with black cherry and soot aromas. Block 50 is in the Clements Hills sub-AVA of Lodi on the east side of the region. Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes harvested in the coolness of night. The wine was put into French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aged for 15 months. 2021-2024, M8 D9 Soot, black cherry, oak

18°C

Red fruits, toffee, wood

14.5%

Braised ox cheeks stew with smokey bacon

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

photo — The winery built by John and Gail Kautz.

2846

STONE VALLEY RED BLEND, CALIFORNIA, 2020

Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah $ 24.00

2844

STONE VALLEY CHARDONNAY, CALIFORNIA, 2020

Chardonnay $ 24.00

2845

$ 288.00

STONE VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CALIFORNIA, 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon $ 288.00

Peardrops and woody notes lead to a supple wine, broad in structure with some grippy citrus-pith character on the finish. A dash of Viognier was added to the final blend and the wine matured for two months with American oak.

$ 24.00

$ 288.00

Stone Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has spicy fruits with caramel and cedar aromas. It is medium bodied with an oaky character and bitter cherry finish.

More floral in character, Stone Valley red blend has caramel notes. It is medium bodied with a firm chewy finish and some residual sweetness. It was produced from a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Zinfandel and 10% Petite Sirah and was aged for two months with French oak. 2021-2022, M8 D9

2021-2022, M8 D9

2021-2023, M8 D9

Peardrops, oaky

6°C

Caramel, cedar, spicy fruit

18°C

Floral, caramel

18°C

Sweet white fruit, [D]

13.5%

Bitter cherry, oaky

13.5%

Chewy fruit

13.5%

Vegan Cobb salad

photo — Steve Millier is the Director of Winemaking at Kautz Family Vineyards.

Cherry-infused dark chocolate

Osso buco

— CALIFORNIA KAUTZ FAMILY VINEYARDS

CALIFORNIA

Hook & Ladder Winery SANTA ROSA

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

Jason De Loach runs the family Hook & Ladder Winery on the outskirts of Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. In 1970, his grandparents Cecil and Christine De Loach purchased their first plot in the Olivet Road district of Russian River Valley with vines planted in 1905. Today Jason farms a total of 70 hectares in several locations. As well as producing high quality wines, Hook & Ladder is involved in projects planting native oak trees, encouraging biodiversity such as barn owls and protecting the natural creeks, stream and river ways.

NEW

2810

NEW

HOOK & LADDER ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR, ESTATE BOTTLED, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2019

Pinot Noir $ 56.00

2811

HOOK & LADDER SAUVIGNON BLANC, ESTATE BOTTLED, OLIVET RANCH, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2020

HOOK & LADDER CHARDONNAY, ESTATE BOTTLED, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2020

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc $ 336.00

Salmon in colour, it has earthy fruit aromas on the nose which is quite restrained becoming more voluptuous on the palate. It is smooth and round with red fruit flavours. Pinot Noir grapes were grown on three vineyards – Stegman, Simeone and Los Amigos – located on the plains and rolling hills west of Santa Rosa.

$ 57.00

$ 342.00

One of my favourites in the lineup, this is a restrained yet flavoursome and complex Sauvignon with just the slightest hint of rose petal. The palate is supple with flavours of nectarines and lemon. It is medium bodied with a marked acidity and mineral finish. Sauvignon Blanc vines stretch along the front five acres of Hook & Ladder winery on Olivet Road. The wine was fermented in a combination of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks but has no discernible oak character.

2021-2022, M8 D9

$ 330.00 $ 251.00

2813

$ 251.00

Vanilla, lemon curd, nectarine blossom with a touch of pineapple combine to create an elegant bouquet. A soft velvet texture unfurls to reveal layers of different flavours with cream, lemon and mellow ripe fruits. Fermented in French oak barrels, the wine was kept on its lees for nine months with regular hand stirring.

2021-2022, M8 D9

Earthy fruits

6°C

Pink grapefruit, lemon zest, flint

6°C

Red fruits, [D]

13%

Nectarines, lemon, [D]

14%

Tartelettes with fresh peas, spring onion, feta and cherry tomatoes

$ 55.00

2812

Cod cakes with lemon aioli

2021-2023, M8 D9 Nectarine blossom, lemon curd, pineapple, vanilla

6°C

Mixed white fruits, vanilla

14.5%

Vegetable terrine

photo — The beautiful outdoor tasting area at

Hook & Ladder Winery's home Olivet Ranch.

— CALIFORNIA HOOK & LADDER WINERY

2814

HOOK & LADDER THE TILLERMAN RED BLEND, ESTATE BOTTLED, LOS AMIGOS RANCH, CHALK HILL, SONOMA COUNTY, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sangiovese $ 57.00

$ 342.00

It is only by exception that Opimian offers the same vintage wine twice. However, there is no The Tillerman 2018, and 2019 won’t be ready until next year. Given just how good the 2017 is, we have repeated it. Tasting just as delicious as when I scored it last year, the bouquet is brimming with mixed dark fruits, jam, oak spice and a touch of leather. It is smooth and supple with good weight and depth with more lingering dark fruits on the finish. The Tillerman is made from a blend of grapes grown on the Los Amigos Ranch in Chalk Hill Appellation: 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot and 1% Sangiovese.

2815

Zinfandel $ 62.00

2022-2028, M7 D8

Mixed dark fruits, jam, oak

18°C

Cooked fruits, blueberries, caramel

18°C

Dark fruits

14.5%

Blackberries, sour dark fruits

15%

Butterflied leg of lamb with cherry glaze

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

HOOK & LADDER ZINFANDEL, ESTATE BOTTLED, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2018

Pasta with anchovies, capers and olives

$ 372.00

Deep black cherry in colour, it has a complex bouquet with cooked black fruits, blueberries, vanilla, caramel and a touch of smoke. It is medium to full bodied with some grippy tannins enhanced by a tart blackberry acidity. It is concentrated with sour fruit flavours and vanilla becoming more savoury with some aeration. The vineyard, planted in 1922 and located due west of the winery, has been farmed by the Marcucci family for six generations. Grapes were fermented in open top tanks with punching down of the skins by hand. The wine was matured in American oak barrels for 20 months. photo — Winemaker Jason De Loach, tastes Los Amigos Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon during a blending trial creating a signature wine, “The Tillerman”.

NEW

HOOK & LADDER PINOT NOIR, ESTATE BOTTLED, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2019

Pinot Noir

$ 402.00 $ 280.00

2817

HOOK & LADDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ESTATE BOTTLED, CHALK HILL, 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon $ 67.00

2816

2818

$ 280.00

Lots of oaky aromas with vanilla, caramel and fudge laid over a fresh cherry and herbal background. It is smooth and supple with more red and sour-cherry flavours emerging in the mouth which dawdle on the tongue. It is youthful, well balanced and shows good potential for cellaring whilst being delicious to drink now. Cecil planted these Pinot Noir vines on the gentle rolling hills off Olivet Road in 1973 and was the first to plant the variety in the region. Since that time, Russian River Valley has become famous for Pinot.

$ 68.00

2819

HOOK & LADDER ROSÉ DE NOIRS SPARKLING WINE, SONOMA COUNTY

Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier $ 408.00

This is a full-bodied, dense and structured wine with a fine powdery texture, matured for 20 months in a combination of American and French oak with 30% new. It is powerful with lots of cellaring potential. Los Amigos ranch is in the Chalk Hill Appellation in the western foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. Wut warm summer temperatures in 2018 ensured full ripening of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes harvested in late October.

$ 94.00

$ 282.00

Salmon orange in colour, it has aromas of earthy fruits, crushed strawberries, cherry and menthol. On the palate it is structured with some austerity from the Pinot Noir giving backbone and depth. At the end of the tasting, I took this to my Parisian friend Catherine's French restaurant for the apéro without telling her what it was. After 40 years living in London, Catherine only drinks French Champagne – she was impressed!

2022-2030, M6 D7

2021-2023, M8 D9

Smoky dark fruits, blackcurrant

18°C

Cherry, menthol herbs

6°C

Cherries

14.5%

Crushed strawberries, earthy fruit, [D]

13%

Blue cheese-crusted filet mignon with balsamic shallots

A brunch aperitif

2021-2026, M7 D9 Fudge, caramel, fresh cherries

18°C

Red & sour cherries

14%

Duck confit with dried cherry compote

photo — Hook & Ladder Winery's beloved 1963 Willie's Jeep, pokes out of the tasting room barn known as “Station 10”.

— CALIFORNIA HOOK & LADDER WINERY

2820

HOOK & LADDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ESTATE BOTTLED, LOS AMIGOS RANCH, CHALK HILL, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon $ 80.00

NEW

FOUR ROWS CABERNET FRANC, ESTATE BOTTLED, CHALK HILL, 2015 $ 480.00

Chalk Hill is a subregion of Russian River Valley in the north. Its terroir in the hills escapes the fog that cools other parts of the region; hence, it is slightly warmer and Cabernet Sauvignon does well here. Los Amigos Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 has aromas of crushed dark fruits and vanilla. It is quite light mid palate with oaky flavours of vanilla, nutmeg and nuts complementing black fruits. Matured for 20 months in a combination of European and American oak, it has a firm grippy finish.

Cabernet Franc

Gingerbread, allspice, cola and cherries lead to a relatively light palate. Balsamic fruit flavours emerge on the palate. 2015 was an exceptional vintage in Russian River Valley with grapes ripening early and harvested on September 11. 2021-2025, M8 D9

2022-2027, M7 D8

All spice, gingerbread, cherries, cola

18°C

Crushed dark fruits, vanilla, nutmeg

18°C

Balsamic fruit

14.5%

Nutty, dark fruits

14.5%

Steak frites with shallot-lemon butter

Herbed standing rib roast

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

photo — Nicole De Loach pours Chardonnay for a group of visitors at the winery.

VERTICAL CASE

NEW

FOUR ROWS CABERNET FRANC, ESTATE BOTTLED, CHALK HILL, 2016

2821

FOUR ROWS CABERNET FRANC VERTICAL TASTING CASE

Cabernet Franc $ 114.00 More weighty than the 2015, it is medium to full bodied, with mellow dark fruit, vanilla and spice aromas. On the palate it has sweet-sour fruit impression with supple tannins and more integrated oak. 2021-2027, M7 D8 Mellow dark fruits spice

18°C

Sour blackberries

15%

$ 342.00

Four Rows is produced from four selected rows of Cabernet Franc vines at Los Amigos Ranch in Chalk Hill. Just three barrels (approximately 70 cases) of American and French oak are made each year with the wine matured for 30 months. Grapes are picked, gently de-stemmed and crushed to an open-top tank.

ONE BOTTLE EACH 2015, 2016, 2017

Merguez sausage kebabs

NEW

FOUR ROWS CABERNET FRANC, ESTATE BOTTLED, CHALK HILL, 2017

Cabernet Franc

Mellow oaky notes of coffee and coconut complement the dark fruit. Seemingly much more youthful than the previous wine, it is medium to full bodied with firm structured tannins and nice mid-palate weight. My preferred wine of the three – even though 2017 is generally considered a lesser vintage than the previous two. Just goes to show that when it comes to wine, there are no hard and fast rules! 2022-2028, M6 D7 Coffee, coconut, dark fruit

18°C

Dark fruit

14.5%

Spice-crusted duck breast with creamy polenta

photo — Visitors to Hook & Ladder Winery enjoy wines with the backdrop of the winery's Olivet Ranch Sauvignon Blanc Vineyard.

— CALIFORNIA HOOK & LADDER WINERY

CALIFORNIA

Blue Rock Vineyard ALEXANDER VALLEY

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

Alexander Valley, north of Healdsburg and Russian River Valley AVA, is one of Sonoma County’s warmer regions. Blue Rock estate, just north of Geyserville in the north of the AVA, was first settled by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century. The run-down property was resurrected by Kenny Kahn and his wife Cheryl and now produces top-notch wines from mainly Bordeaux varietals grown on the 40-hectare estate.

photo — Blue Rock Estate surrounded by Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyards.

2823

BABY BLUE ESTATE RED BLEND, BLUE ROCK VINEYARD, SONOMA COUNTY, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc $ 66.00

$ 396.00

Blackcurrant, herbs and milk chocolate aromas precede a supple palate. This is a medium-bodied wine, with a grainy texture and grippy finish. Flavours of black fruit coulis and vanilla shine through mid palate giving lots of appeal. A blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 10% Syrah, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc.

2824

BLUE ROCK ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ALEXANDER VALLEY, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot $ 106.00

$ 318.00

It has aromas of fresh blackcurrants and blackberries with a hint of leather. This is a smooth supple wine with a fresh tangy acidity. It is youthful and elegant with incredibly lingering flavours of blackcurrants and other dark fruits with layers of character creating complexity. Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon from four distinct blocks on the estate, with 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot.

2021-2026, M7 D9

NEW

2822

BABY BLUE ESTATE BLANC, BLUE ROCK VINEYARD, SONOMA COUNTY, 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier $ 378.00

$ 63.00

This was the first time I had the opportunity to taste the Baby Blue Blanc since Ken first told me about the project on a visit there in 2018 – Wow! Explosive aromas of white peach, elderflower and fresh lime lead to an equally flavoursome palate with herbal tarragon notes alongside lemon and lime-citrus characters. A wine with great elegance and length. Sauvignon Blanc from five selected vineyards was blended with 3% Viognier and 1% Semillon. Most of the grapes came from Kenny’s new Gapstone vineyard in Petaluma Gap AVA complemented with fruit from Russian River and Knights Valley.

2021-2030, M6 D8

2021-2023, M8 D9

Blackcurrant, herbal, milk chocolate

18°C

Fresh blackcurrant, blackberries, hint leather

18°C

White peach, elderflower, lime

6°C

Black fruit coulis, vanilla

14.5%

Complex flavours, pure dark fruits

15%

Tarragon, lemon, lime, [D]

13.5%

Hard cheeses, nuts, dried-fruit plate

photo — Owner Kenny Kahn (centre) hosting a group at Blue Rock.

Red wine-braised beef short rib with mashed potatoes

Red snapper ceviche with lime, tomatoes and serranos

— CALIFORNIA BLUE ROCK VINEYARD

2825

HOLLORAN PINOT NOIR, DUNDEE HILLS, 2016

Pinot Noir $ 74.00

$ 222.00

Bright cherry in colour, it has sweet cherry and jam aromas with a touch of grass. It is soft and light to medium bodied. An elegant wine with good Pinot expression with herbs and bitter cherries on the finish. Produced from Pinot grown on different sites.

2021-2024, M7 D9 Sweet cherry, jam, grass

18°C

Bitter cherry, herbs

13.5%

Wild mushroom soup with Parmesan toast points

OREGON

Holloran Vineyard Wines WILLAMETTE VALLEY

CELLAR 288 — SASKATCHEWAN

Bill Holloran and his wife made their first foray into winegrowing in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, in 1999, purchasing a vineyard in Dundee and parcel of land in Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The moist, cool climate in the region produces fine, delicate wines, and there is a strong focus on Pinot Noir which has attracted many Burgundian wine makers. Like Burgundy, the region’s growers increasingly focus on site selection and the impact of altitude, exposition and different clones of Pinot Noir.

photo — View from the winery overlooking Holloran’s Dundee Hills vineyards: ANA vineyard in the foreground, Le Pavillon vineyard at top of the hill in the distance.

NEW

2826

HOLLORAN PINOT NOIR, LA CHENAIE VINEYARD, EOLA-AMITY HILLS, 2016

Pinot Noir $ 81.00

2827

HOLLORAN PINOT NOIR, LE PAVILLON VINEYARD, DUNDEE HILLS, 2016

Pinot Noir $ 243.00

Coming from Eola-Amity Hills, which lie West of the Willamette River. The hills were created by ancient lava flows and tectonic shifts. Only land above 60 metres qualifies for the AVA. La Chenaie, a single vineyard site at 120170 metres, was planted with various clones of Pinot Noir; they are exposed to cooling winds in the afternoons and ripen several weeks later than other locations. This wine has good depth, weight and concentration, and should open up as it matures.

$ 89.00

$ 267.00

$ 94.00

$ 282.00

Dominated by American oak character, it was aged for 18 months in oak with 10% new french oak barrels and has aromas of coconut and vanilla with some cherries. La Chenaie currently has 1.6ha of Tempranillo planted with five different clones. It is quite angular on the palate, with the oak again making its presence known. The oak should become more integrated with another year in bottle.

2021-2025, M7 D9

Restrained, red fruits

18°C

Red fruits, herbs

18°C

Cherries, sweet fruit

14%

Strawberries, hay

13.5%%

Salmon with leek and pea risotto

HOLLORAN TEMPRANILLO, LA CHENAIE VINEYARD, EOLA-AMITY HILLS, 2018

Tempranillo

Dundee Hills is further north in the valley some 25 miles southwest of Portland. Le Pavillon is produced from some of the oldest vines planted between 1972 and 1974. It is a small plot of approximately two hectares planted up to an altitude of 200 metres on volcanic soils known as Jory, rich in iron and free draining. It is linear in structure with a firm acidity and will take some time to open.

2021-2025, M7 D9

2828

Braised veal with wild mushrooms

2022-2026, M7 D7 Coconut, vanilla, touch cherries

18°C

Red fruit and coconut

13.5%

Roast lamb with rosemary and juniper

photo — Holloran winemaker Mark LaGasse preparing a tank to receive wine, prior to bottling.

— OREGON HOLLORAN VINEYARD WINES

PORTUGAL

2799

CRAUFURD PORTO, VINTAGE 2016, DOC PORTO (WOOD CASE) Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão $ 412.00

CELLAR 288 — COLLECTOR’S CORNER

$ 412.00

2016 was a good year for Port with the vintage widely declared by the major Port Houses. Craufurd 2016 is youthful with floral notes combined with green leaf and hazelnut. The soft rich palate exudes sweet ripe fruits offset by bitter cherry creating great balance. After a warm wet winter, the vines were advanced at the start of the growing season but a cold snap in early summer naturally cut yields. Some relief was felt from the hot dry summer with just a bit of rain in August and September ensuring grapes fully matured and the low yield meant concentration.

2022-2035 Floral, hazelnut, green leaf

18°C

Sweet ripe fruits, bitter cherry

20%

Butter pecan ice cream

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

RARE FINDS TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR

CALIFORNIA ANGELO PERA

2842

BACKSTAGE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY, BACKSTAGE VINEYARD, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon $ 214.00

$ 428.00

Ripe blackcurrants, vanilla with a touch of dusty oak characterize the nose of Backstage 2015. On the palate, it is dense and full bodied with lots of dark fruit flavours and was matured in 100% new oak for 24 months. This is a structured Cabernet with ripe tannins and great balance coming from the excellent 2015 vintage. The Oakville vineyard, in the very heart of the Napa Valley, was planted in 1994 on clay soils and is surrounded by famous wineries. 2021-2028, M6 D8 Ripe blackcurrant, vanilla, oak

18°C

Dark fruits

14%

3-year aged Gouda

— CELLAR 288 COLLECTOR’S CORNER

Web Exclusives Portugal is synonymous with quality fortified wines, producing Port from the Douro Valley in the north of the country and Madeira from the eponymous volcanic island off the coast of Morocco, which has been Portuguese territory since the 15th century. Please visit Opimian.ca for your province's pricing on these wines.

CELLAR 288 — WEB EXCLUSIVES SASKATCHEWAN

NEW

2799

NEW

CRAUFURD PORTO, VINTAGE 2016, DOC PORTO (WOOD CASE) Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão $ WEB

$ WEB

2800

NEW

CRAUFURD PORTO, 10 YEARS OLD TAWNY, DOC PORTO, AGED IN WOOD (WOOD CASE) Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca E Tinto Cão and other indigenous grape varieties $ WEB

$ WEB

Brick brown in colour, with sweet vanilla, apple and raspberry aromas. It was matured for 10 years in oak vats called “pipas” and has a rich mid palate and raisin flavours.

2801

CRAUFURD PORTO, 30 YEARS OLD TAWNY, DOC PORTO, AGED IN WOOD (WOOD CASE) Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão and other indigenous grape varieties $ WEB

Pale amber in colour, it has lots of vanilla spice aromas followed by good depth on the palate. Dried fruits, vanilla and orange peel flavours combine giving an overall intense and complex flavour.

2021-2026 2022-2035 Floral, hazelnut, green leaf

18°C

Sweet ripe fruits, bitter cherry

20%

$ WEB

2021-2030

Apple, raspberry, sweet vanilla

18°C

Vanilla, spice, fruit

18°C

Nuts, dried fruit

19.5%

Orange peel, dried fruits

20%

Crème brûlée

Mince pie with almond and orange zest

Butter pecan ice cream

— CELLAR 288 WEB EXCLUSIVES

NEW

2792

NEW

RÉCCUA PORTO, 10 ANOS, DOC PORTO (WOOD CASE) Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and others $ WEB

$ WEB

Amber in colour, sweet candy floss aromas combine with treacle and nuts. It has good depth on the palate with more nuts, smoke and bitter chocolate flavours. 2021-2026 Candy floss, treacle, nuts

18°C

Smoke, bitter chocolate

19%

2793

RÉCCUA PORTO, VINTAGE 2004, DOC PORTO (WOOD CASE) Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and others $ WEB

$ WEB

Drinking nicely now after fifteen years in bottle, it has delicious red cherry, raspberry, wood, smoke and herbal aromas. The sweetness on the attack is offset by nice grippy tannins with flavours of bitter cherry and menthol. It has nice depth and is well balanced with lingering flavours.

Bourbon-chocolate pie

2021-2024 Smoke, wood, cherry, raspberries

18°C

Cherry menthol, bitter cherry, herbs

19.5%

Blackberry sorbet

CELLAR 288 — WEB EXCLUSIVES SASKATCHEWAN

MIXED CASE 2785

SONETO PORTO, DOC PORTO

$ WEB

TWO BOTTLES EACH LBV 2009, RESERVA ESPECIAL & RESERVA TAWNY

SONETO PORTO, DOC PORTO, LBV 2009 SONETO PORTO, DOC PORTO, RESERVA ESPECIAL

Blend of traditional Douro grape varieties Deep purple in colour with sweet cherry and plum fruit aromas. Soneto Reserva Especial has a rich sweet palate; it is smooth with cherry flavours and a bitter chocolate finish.

SONETO PORTO, DOC PORTO, RESERVA TAWNY

Blend of traditional Douro grape varieties Dried figs, tinned prunes and cherry menthol aromas follow through onto the palate with sultana and other sweet dried fruits.

2021-2024

Blend of traditional Douro grape varieties Intense dark fruits, cherries, cloves and vanilla follow on to a complex palate with flavours of bitter cherry and chocolate, which in turn lead to a savoury finish. Delicious to drink now, it has good depth and was matured in large oak vats.

2021-2024

2021-2028

Sweet cherries, plums

18°C

Dried figs, prune, cherry menthol

18°C

Dark fruits, cherries, cloves

18°C

Rich sweet fruits, cherries, chocolate

19.5%

Sultana, dried fruits

19.5%

Bitter cherries, chocolate vanilla, savoury

19.5%

Pain au chocolat

Pastéis de nata

Serra da Estrela

— CELLAR 288 WEB EXCLUSIVES

2021 Cellar Schedule C280: Burgundy Pinot Noir, Australia & New Zealand Opens November 10, 2020 Last day to order: December 14, 2020 Mail form by: December 1, 2020 Expected release: Spring 2021

Legend

C281: Tuscany & South Africa Opens December 15, 2020 Last day to order: January 18, 2021 Mail form by: January 4, 2021 Expected release: Early Summer 2021

Red - White - Rosé - Sparkling - Port/Dessert - Spirit

Bottle size

C282: Alsace, Argentina & Chile Opens January 19, 2021 Last day to order: February 22, 2021 Mail form by: February 8, 2021 Expected release: Summer 2021

Number of bottles in case

Aroma

C283: Rhône, Champagne & Burgundy White Wines Opens February 23, 2021 Last day to order: March 29, 2021 Mail form by: March 15, 2021 Expected release: Late Summer 2021

Taste

Serving temperature

C284: Spain Opens March 30, 2021 Last day to order: May 3, 2021 Mail form by: April 19, 2021 Expected release: Early Fall 2021

Percent of alcohol1

Ideal with Evolution Drink this year Will develop, drink within 2 years Meant for cellaring

C285: Bordeaux, Bergerac & Beaujolais Opens May 4, 2021 Last day to order: June 7, 2021 Mail form by: May 21, 2021 Expected release: Fall 2021

Concentration Light - Medium - Great

C286: Piemonte, Veneto, Italy & Germany Opens June 8, 2021 Last day to order: July 12, 2021 Mail form by: June 28, 2021 Expected release: Early Winter 2022

Oak Light - Medium - Heavy

C287: Provence, Loire, Corsica & Languedoc-Roussillon Opens July 13, 2021 Last day to order: August 16, 2021 Mail form by: July 30, 2021 Expected release: Early Winter 2022

Organic2

C288: Portugal, California, Oregon & Austria Opens August 17, 2021 Last day to order: September 20, 2021 Mail form by: September 3, 2021 Expected release: Winter 2022 Fall Online Offering: September 21 - October 11, 2021 CWEB21 Online Offering: October 12 - November 8, 2021

If you have any questions or want to order, contact us: MemberService@opimian.ca or 1 800 361-9421

Limited quantity

Vegetarian2

Overall top 10 from last year

Medal winner M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature

D—Degree of Drinkability (1-10) D1 = needs time D10 = ready to drink

D = Dry <10g/l SD = Semi dry <30g/l

SS = Semi sweet <50g/l S = Sweet >51g/l

The alcohol percentage value is subject to change before delivery. This information is provided by

our producers and may not reflect Canadian norms.

Ordering Made Easy 1. SELECT YOUR WINES Let yourself be inspired by Opimian’s Master of Wine, Jane Masters MW, and her detailed descriptions included in the Cellar Offering. Our custom chart on the reverse side features a list of symbols to help guide your selection. Still unsure which wines to order? Contact us! 2. PLACE YOUR ORDER There are four ways to order. The last day to order for each Cellar Offering can be found listed on the reverse. No orders will be processed after this time.

Full name _________________________________________________ Member no. ________________________________________________ Payment Methods

l Cheque l Use of wine credits l Use credit card on file. Please go to your dashboard at Opimian.ca

to update your credit card on file or contact Member Service.

How can we reach you if we have questions on your order? Telephone: _________________________________________________

Cellar Number

Opimian.ca

Lot

Description

Date Number of cases

Cost/case

Total

MemberService@Opimian.ca

1 800 361-9421 TOTAL

If you need more space, please add a blank page.

Mail this form 14 days before end of the Cellar

3. LET US HANDLE THE REST The wines featured on this Cellar Offering are still at the producers’ wineries when you order them, so it is normal that the process takes a bit of time and effort on our side. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board. For this Cellar Offering, the expected release date is listed on the reverse. Once the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution centre, you will receive a Pick-up Notice with the specified date (the Release Date) and your pick-up location.

Conditions of Purchase • Accepted payment methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), wine credits or cheque payable to Opimian. • Prices include all applicable federal and provincial markups and taxes. • A valid membership card is required to order. • Bottle prices are for reference only. In the case of any price discrepancy between printed materials and the website, the price published on the website prevails. • All orders are by the case, with no minimum required. Notes, as required by the law in the Province of Quebec • A member ordering from this Cellar Offering requests that Opimian acts as the member’s agent in ordering the wines from the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) and requests that Opimian remits the funds enclosed (minus any administration fees) to the SAQ to pay for the wines ordered. • The prices as shown are the estimated costs to be charged by the SAQ plus an administration fee and consolidation charges. Notes, as required by the law in the Province of Alberta • All purchase transactions are completed pursuant to the laws in the Province of Alberta and are between you as the customer and Rocky Mountain Wine, Spirits & Beer (“Rocky Mountain”), an independent third party of Opimian Society (“Opimian”). All charges will appear on your credit card statement as Rocky Mountain. • You hereby acknowledge and agree that your dealings with Rocky Mountain which are not related to an Opimian purchase, including payment and all other terms, conditions, representations and warranties related to such transaction, whether implied by law or by expressed agreement between you and Rocky Mountain, are solely between you and Rocky Mountain and not Opimian. You hereby acknowledge that Opimian is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of, or in connection with, or a resulting transaction, and you hereby release and waive any claims you may have against Opimian in connection thereof.

THE

PORTUGUESE B OT T L E S H O P

CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION OF WEB EXCLUSIVE PORTS!

GO TO OPIMIAN.CA YOU WON’T FIND THEM IN PRINT.

LOT 2800

LOT 2792

LOT 2801

LOT 2793

LOT 2785

memberservice@opimian.ca

300-2170 RENÉ-LÉVESQUE WEST MONTREAL QC H3H 2T8 OPIMIAN.CA

1-800-361-9421

C288-SK: Austria, Portugal, California and Oregon

Articles inside

BLUE ROCK VINEYARD

PORTUGAL VARIOUS PRODUCERS

YEARS OLD TAWNY DOC PORTO, AGED

JANE’S COUPS DE COEUR

HÖPLER

DIRECTORS’ CUT