Opimian Society – Offering 252

Opimian’s annual USA offering has always featured some very good wines and this one looks to follow the tradition. Finishing the ordering year with a second chance at some good Spanish values is a nice bonus. The combination of pricier wines, the US dollar, and living in one of the highest wine markup jurisdictions makes it unlikely I will be ordering much this time! I have tasted some of these offerings in the past though, and will pass on my experiences, based on my own preferences of course!

Washington & Oregon

Just this past January I happened to go on my first wine visit to Washington and Oregon with some Opimian friends. While we experienced a range of qualities, overall I was very impressed with the wines we tasted in both states (see my comments here and here). That quality seems to come with a corresponding price, as I found many wines to be relatively expensive, even at the wineries.

Kana Winery, Yakima

Although we visited more than a dozen wineries, our only intersection with this offering was Kana Winery, where we tasted a batch of whites and reds . #9315 Dark Star was one of them, and received favourable notes, even if it wasn’t my favourite of the selection. I liked it for its vibrant red fruit, spice, and acidity.

The Willamette Valley has developed a reputation for Pinot Noir, and my recent tastings were a confirmation for me. We tried many high quality wines, and the best clearly reflected the influence of their specific terroir – particularly evident at a tasting at Ken Wright Cellars. I don’t know the wines in this offering, but one of the two Holloran wines would likely be a good place to learn something about the region.

California

Opimian has been dealing with Hook and Ladder for a few years now, but that time frame has corresponded with poor exchange rates, and I have not ventured to purchase anything. I have, however, heard other members speak highly of these wines, notably #9325 Baby Blue Estate Red Blend. We also have a new supplier, Atlas Wine, and the enthusiastic notes from Jane Masters on #9322 Oro Bello Chardonnay and #9323 Agnitiõ Sauvignon Blanc leave me quite tempted!

Mountain View Winery

Mountain View has been with Opimian for longer than I have been a member, and has had its ups and downs. The last number of years, under new direction, it has certainly been on an upswing, while amazingly still offering attractive pricing. If you like a good taste of California from time to time, but don’t want to spend too much, you should start here. My picks would be #9337 Butterfly Ridge Pinot Grigio and #9339 Butterfly Ridge Merlot.

Cambridge Cellars

Another long time supplier, I particularly have enjoyed some of their white wines, but none are offered this year. I think these folks make wonderful Zinfandel, and last year’s version of #9346 Tierra y Mar Zinfandel was a whopper – recommended! I have to say that #9345 Barrel Road Red Blend is intriguing, having been aged in bourbon barrels!

Kautz Family Vineyards

The Stone Valley label from Kautz has made regular appearances at many of the Opimian dinners and events I have attended across the country. These are simply well-priced, tasty wines in the California style. Although I would recommend any of them, I would highlight #9348 Chardonnay (unoaked), and #9351 California Red Blend.

Spain

As Spain is one of the big three wine exporting countries, we need some space in a second offering to cover all our suppliers and regions. One of those special regions is DO Montilla-Moriles.

DO Montilla-Moriles is located in Andalusia, the same region as Jerez (Sherry) and makes fortified wines in a similar manner to Sherry. Montilla is an inland zone in contrast to Jerez, which is coastal. Palomino is the main grape for Sherry, while almost everything in Montilla comes from the Pedro Ximénez varietal – including dry and sweet wines. The region uses the same terminology as Sherry with Fino, Amontillado, and Oloroso designations, based on similar fermentation and solera aging techniques.

Pérez Barquero

If you like Sherry style wines, or have an interest in learning about that style of wine, you must invest in this range from Pérez Barquero (noting they are not actually Sherry!). I visited the winery about five years ago (before Opimian was involved) and was so impressed I arranged for a private order for my friends and I.

In this region when one asks for white wine in a bar, you get served fino, and you could only hope yours would be #9353 Los Amigos Fino. Amontillado is a wonderful wine for food pairings, especially some of the more difficult dishes to match, so don’t miss #9354 Los Amigos Amontillado. Don’t be put off by the sweetness of #9355 Pedro Ximénez de Cosecha – it is ambrosia in a (small) glass! Also, don’t overlook #9356 Brigadier Brandy. I have poured this for many people who have been amazed.

Vinoselección

A supplier for Opimian for perhaps fifteen years now, Vinoselección was responsible for building our strong offerings from Spain. The labels have changed over the years, and the ones that stand out in the current offering, for me, are #9365 Enate Gewürztraminer and #9366 Val de Los Frailes Rosado.

Diva Vinos is a new supplier, closing out a year in which a lot of new suppliers have been presented to Opimians – all for the best! #9362 Siete Pecados Garnacha Selección was the one on their list which caught my eye.

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 a former member of the board of directors of the Opimian Society and former area representative.