Opimian Society – Offering C255

Chile & Argentina

Chile was my first wine road trip and I was instantly impressed by the country – for wine and more. I have since been back for two more tours, one of which included a jaunt to Mendoza for an exploration of Argentine wine. The winemakers from both countries continue to take great strides, making better and better use of their natural advantages.

Both countries have long traditions with the grape, but it is only in the last generation that both have emerged as major players in the international wine market. Opimian was one of the first sources in Canada for wines from these countries, and continues to offer high quality wines over a wide price range. I will describe my experience with some of these wines and producers as a helpful guide (based on my tastes, of course) to some of the offerings in C255.

Antiyal

The Antiyal winery is pictured above, situated in the middle of its vineyards. If you are looking for biodynamically-made wines (related to organic, but not the same) then this is your place; the owners are world-recognized in the category. This is the first time these wines have been offered by Opimian, although I did get the opportunity to taste some of them at the winery in 2016.

My notes indicate that all of the wines had good body and mouth-feel, excellent fruit expression, and were packed with flavour. #9502 Kuyen 2015 was my favourite of the tasting.

Villard Fine Wines

I have long been a fan of Villard wines, and it seems at least one case finds its way to my cellar each year. My most recent sip was of Le Pinot Noir Grand Vin 2014 which was amazing. That wine is not offered this year, but I can imagine that #9507 Expresión Reserve Pinot Noir 2016 will be impressive. Villard also seems to understand Chardonnay. We were treated to a glass from a large format bottle of a well-aged example while visiting their new winery – it was magnificent. I therefore don’t hesitate to recommend either #9505 Expresión Reserve Chardonnay 2017 or #9508 Le Chardonnay Grand Vin 2016. Sticking with the Grand Vins, you won’t go wrong with #9509 L’Assemblage Grand Vin 2015.

 Viña Echeverría

Echeverría is one of the original Chilean suppliers to Opimian, and its long standing gives testimony to the quality of the wines and the enthusiasm of its owners. I have had so many excellent Casa Nueva wines over the years that it is hard to narrow down to a few recommendations. It is great to see the Sauvignon Blanc available again via #9514 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2017 and #9522 Cool Climate Sauvignon Blanc 2016. Tasting #9520 Gran Reserva Syrah/Carmenere 2015 at the winery brought exclamations of delight from many of our group; dense with flavour and well-structured it was one on my favourites, along with #9521 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot.

Viña La Rosa

This winery is part of a large agricultural production company, which among other things grows much of the orange juice poured in the hotels of Chile. Their expertise in food production shows in the attention to detail in the vineyards and winery. They have been a leader in researching how to make the best wines from Carmenere in terms of soils, exposures, growing conditions, and ripening. They are also an original supplier from Chile to Opimian, and you will always find some of their wines in my cellar.

Some of the best value purchases on this offering include: #9529 Sauvignon Blanc 2017, #9531 Reserve Chardonnay 2017, and #9532 Reserve Carmenere 2016. I will recommend any of their red wines which include Carmenere, but I wanted to highlight #9536 Winemakers Selection Barrel Reserve Carmenere 2015, and #9537 Gran Reserva Cuvée 2014. If you have ever wondered what a Carmenere wine tastes like, this winery should be your first stop.

Las Veletas

This is Opimian’s first offering of Las Veletas, and I have not had the chance to taste any of their wines. I have to say that the descriptions of each of the wines is exceptionally enticing! The CdP-like #9539 Grenache/Mourvedre/Carignan/Syrah 2015, the unusual blend in #9540 Petit Verdot/Cabernet Franc 2014, and the altitude-influenced #9541 Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc 2016 have me wondering how much of my budget I can place with this one winery.

Bodega y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca

Mauricio treated us to a fascinating tasting last year which showed his passion for his craft, and also the quality of his wine. Over the past few offerings we have purchased #9547 Lírico Malbec 2017, and an Ópalo Syrah, which is not available this year. Based on those experiences and the tasting, though, I would recommend #9547 already mentioned, #9548 Lírico Malbec Syrah 2017, and #9550 Ópalo Malbec 2016.

Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier

Opimian has been supplied wines by O. Fournier from Spain, Chile, and Argentina over the years. A highlight of our Chilean trip was a visit to a vineyard where the wines were well over 100 years old (and was part of last year’s Founders Choice). This year the highlight of their offering is #9557 Alfa Crux Malbec 2014, which despite its price, is worth every penny – a massive wine with immense fruit and great structure, yet having elegance and restraint. #9555 Blason de San Carlos Tempranillo 2017 should also be mentioned as it slips in comfortably in a tasting beside some of its more expensive brothers.

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.