Opimian Society – Offering C242

C242 – Burgundy, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence

The Opimian Society^# is “Canada’s wine club” and offers some 500 wines to 15,000 members across the country each year. All wines are selected by Master of Wine, Jane Masters, and sourced from suppliers from all the major wine regions of the world. Wines are ordered and delivered to members via the liquor boards or equivalent in each provincial and territorial jurisdiction (except Nunavut). As a long-time member of Opimian I have had some experience with many of the wines and suppliers, and even visited some of their wineries. Some current (or prospective) members might find my comments helpful in making their own selections – keeping in mind everyone has their own tastes and preferences!

Burgundy – Domaine Billard

Red and white Burgundies can be some of the loveliest wines in the world, but limited supply and ever-increasing demand have made even village level wines expensive. One strategy is to search for good producers just outside of the main appellations, and Domaine Billard fits that description. I am familiar with earlier vintages of these two wines, Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Beaune AOC, La Justice 2015 (white), and Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Beaune AOC 2015 (red). Both proved to be excellent examples of red and white Burgundy, but you would want at least a little time for them to develop, particularly the red. 2015 is supposed to be an exceptional year in Burgundy, and frosts this spring are suggesting 2016 volumes will be down (and prices up accordingly), so this might be the right time to buy. The prices compare quite favourably with NLC offerings.

Burgundy – Bernard Perrin

Saint-Bris is an oddity in Burgundy in that its appellation wine is made from Sauvignon Blanc. I have not had this Saint-Bris 2015, but enjoyed the offerings of earlier vintages from a previous Opimian supplier from the area. That wine was fresh, the aromatics were plentiful, but restrained and elegant – lovely acidity.

Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc-Roussillon has had a reputation as a bulk producer of wine, but there are plenty of good quality, good value wines to be found. Opimian is your source for such wines as the NLC has a rather limited selection, much of it in the very low end (think Piat d’Or) end of the market.

Languedoc-Roussillon – LGI

I’ve enjoyed many Tortoise Creek wines over the years, but one of the best and an absolute best buy is the Carignan, Vieilles Vignes 2015 (at least the last vintage of this was simply fabulous).

Languedoc-Roussillon – Paul Sapin

Paul Sapin has been an innovative and reliable supplier for Opimian for many years. I would say he specializes in bringing us great value (and very good) wines at affordable prices. I have had many Domaine Blomac reds and whites over the years and they have great fruit and good structure. Domaine Peiriere is perhaps one of Opimian’s best value suppliers, and this year’s Platinum looks very attractive. I have enjoyed the Heritage series Chardonnay from last year (see pic), and I would anticipate the Malbec in this year’s Offering should be interesting.

Languedoc-Roussillon – Chateau Canet

Chateau Canet has become one my go-to wineries, every wine I have had has met or exceeded expectations. I would make special note of the Picpoul de Pinet (see pic for a previous vintage), the Special Oak Reserve Chardonnay, and the Chateau Canet Minervois Blanc and Rouge. For anyone who is interested, they also have bed and breakfast cottages where many Opimians have enjoyed their stay.

Provence – Chateau Vignelaure

Vignelaure is a jewel of Provence wine-making, both the winery and the wines! See some of the photos from my visit below. The 2003 (middle of the pic) was our dinner wine tonight, and it was simply fabulous. You don’t really need to age it more than a dozen years, but we have recently been drinking a number of these, and they were worth the wait. There is a lot of expressive black fruit character, which is just starting to move from fresh fruit to dry fruit. There is plenty of structure and a lengthy finish. Cheers!

# In the interest of full disclosure, I am a member of Opimian, a former Area Representative, and currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Society.