reviews

Avaton wine is a combination of three indigenous grape varieties, Limnio, Mavradi, and Mavrotragano. Limnio is in the biggest proportion, and the oldest still existing ancient Greek variety. This wine is full-bodied, with red fruit flavours, and well-rounded. Try this wine with hearty stews, savoury dishes, game meat, and enjoy a piece of history. -Reviewed by Chrystala Georgiou, Marquis Wine Cellars   Wine: Red blend Producer: Gerovassilliou Vintage: 2006 Country: Greece Region: Macedonia Price: $46.00 (inc tax) Buy here!

From one of the titans of the French wine world.  At 17 years of age, this wine still has piercing acidity that is supported with slight developed notes of sous-bois and mushroom.  A balance of power and grace.  Wish I’d had some goat cheese on toasted crostini while enjoying my last bottle of this wine. -Reviewed by Jon Ellison, Marquis Wine Cellars   Wine: Chenin Blanc Producer: Domaine Huet Vintage: 1998 Country: France Region: Loire (Vouvray) Price: $65.00 (inc tax) Buy here!

Alluring, seductive nose of wild strawberries and undergrowth, cranberry, cinnamon and faint hint of clove. Soft, elegant and spicy on the palate. Supple notes of field berries, raspberry, bramble, and hints of pepper are met with a lovely long finish. -Reviewed by Marquis Wine Cellars Team Wine: Pinot Noir Producer: Ventolera Vintage: 2012 Country: Chile Region: Leyda Valley Price: $34.90 (inc tax) Buy here!

Sparkling Chenin is rare and even more so from a quality producer like HUET.  Most well known for their dry and semi-sweet Chenin based still wines, Domaine Huet also produce this beautiful vintage petillant (meaning slightly less effervescent).  I absolutely think this bubble stands up to Champagne with its quality.  Golden in colour and scented with honey, minerality and slight spice.  It is a great aperitif to welcome your guests with and will pair with bruschetta, salami, olives or simply sip on its own. -Reviewed by Leah Bickford, Marquis Wine Cellars   Wine: Chenin Producer: Huet Vintage: 2009 Country: France Region: Loire Valley Price: $43.13 (inc tax) Buy here!

Sweet red stone fruits, flowers and spices inform the pretty, nuanced finish. The Bourgogne emerges from parcels in Gevrey and Brochon. -Reviewed by Renny Pacheco, Marquis Wine Cellars Wine: Pinot Noir Producer: Louis Boillot Vintage: 2011 Country: France Region: Burgundy (Bourgogne Rouge) Price: $37.01 (inc tax) Buy here!

My desert island wine will always be Champagne; great with seafood and perfect for celebrating one’s rescue.  This delightful Grower Champagne is a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay.  The NV Brut Rosé Grand Cru has aromas of freshly cut roses, red fruits with good length. The wine’s balance and overall sense of harmony are first-class all the way.  Enjoy any time with or without food.12 -Reviewed by Kevin McKinnon, Marquis Wine Cellars Wine: Sparkling Rose Producer: Godme Vintage: NV Country: France Region: Champagne Price: $70.00 (inc tax) Buy here!

Herbal nose with a bit of leather, red fruit and earth on the palate.  Great with wild mushroom risotto. -Reviewed by Sarah Thurston, Marquis Wine Cellars Wine: Pinot Noir Producer: Domaine Denis Bachelet Vintage: 2011 Country: France Region: Burgundy (Cote de Nuits-Villages) Price: $60.01 (inc tax) Buy here!

This number starts soft on the nose, opening to reveal a combination of melon, pear, nuttiness, toast, and yeast. Creamy and rich on the palate, with intense flavours of ripe melon and white orchard fruits. Pair this complex and well-balanced wine with seafood (salmon, oysters, shellfish), a lamb curry or a creamy pasta. -Reviewed by Marjan Navab-Tehrani, Marquis Wine Cellars Wine: Chardonnay Producer: Joubert-Tradauw Vintage: 2008 Country: South Africa Region: Barrydale Price: $35.57 (inc tax) Buy here!

Miguel Merino is the eponymously named winery in Rioja for both father and son.  They are experienced, congenial, warm, quality-focused and make terrific wines. This wine has pure and high toned fruit aromas and flavours displaying admirable minerality. A little less oaky and a little more fruit forward than many Crianzas, but generally more lively and transparent than ones made in traditional styles. Delicious!  Pair with lamb or game and enjoy! -Tasted by Kevin McKinnon, Marquis Wine Cellars Wine: Tempranillo Producer: Miguel Merino Vintage: 2012 Country: Spain Region: Rioja Price: $18.00 (inc tax) Buy here!