A Winter Wine Tasting – Opimian Society Event

The local chapter of the Opimian Society hosted a wine tasting and education session recently at the NLC’s tasting facility at Howley Estates. Hosts Dave Conway and Courtney Escott welcomed participants with a glass of South African Kloof-en-Berg Chenin Blanc 2015 before we sat down for the event and the wine discovery activities.

The offerings were a varied selection of wines from South Africa, Germany, France, Spain, and Australia (with a bonus bottle of non-Opimian 2010 Bordeaux!). Dave worked through each of the wines explaining the grape varietals used, the characteristics of the region represented by the wine, and (to his nose) the aromas and flavours. The discussion was supported by several video clips explaining the supplier or region for some of the wines. On the side were a variety of cold cuts, cheeses, and bread to help enjoy the evening.

Here is the complete wine list with my comments in brief:

Kloof-en-Berg Chenin Blanc 2015, Sapin, Western Cape, South Africa – lovely soft fruit aromas supported with juicy acidity, always a great sipper. ♥♥

Riesling Spatlese 2014, Bretz, Rheinhessen, Germany – delicate aromas of lime and tropical fruit, mouth-filling texture with mouth-watering acidity. ♥♥

Merlot-Cabernet 2015, Domaine Saint-Martin, IGP Cité Carcassonne, Languedoc-Rousillon, France – fragrant aroma of red berries, and touches of oak, vanilla, smoke, and herbs; fresh; bit of mocha on the finish. ♥♥

Vieille Vignes 2013, Domaine Murinais, AOC Crozes Hermitage, France – stunning aroma of black fruit, violets, and ink; full-bodied with a hearty structure. ♥♥♥

Le Graminer 2013, Château de Montmirail, AOC Gigondas, Rhone, France – sweet cherry aroma with hints of tea and herbs de Provence in the background, good acidity. ♥♥+

Château La Roche Dorée 2010, AOC Médoc, Bordeaux, France – solid example of good Bordeaux style; restrained cassis and plum, smooth tannins, but still quite young. ♥♥+

Koden, 9 Meses 2014, Bodegas Luis Alegre, DOCa Rioja, Spain – mocha in the finish, young but approachable tannins; herbs, tobacco, and red berries in the aroma; delicious. ♥♥♥

Crianza 2011, Cillar de Silos, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain – mocha nose, rich red fruit and herbs aroma; fragrant; wonderful structure; also delicious. ♥♥♥

Noble Sweet White 2013, GMH, South Eastern Australia – botrytis edge with herbs, orange peel, burnt orange, honey, and spice; light and fresh on the palate; rivals quality Sauternes. ♥♥♥

 

 

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). Disclosure: I am member of the board of directors of the Opimian Society and former area representative.