EMANDARE Tasting @ Marquis

I often get asked what do I like most about the wine business. The answer is always the same, it’s the people. It’s the people that drive business and make life interesting, Mike and Robin Nierychlo are no exception. I first met Mike perhaps five or six years ago,  he was hosting a video series called The Wine Garage in his garage Langley. The only time that was mutually convenient for us to meet was after my 7am Saturday morning hockey game. I drove out to Langley pulled up to his condo and lo and behold he had everything all set up, plus a bunch of wine fermenting in carboys in his garage. Mike was making wine as a hobby, … (Click for more)

Tuscan Adventures by Leah Bickford

Tuscan Adventures By Leah Bickford I arrived safely this evening to the City of Florence (Firenze in Italia).  Highlights of my journey include: meeting Dave Grohl’s doppelganger, nearly stepping into an elevator seconds before a city-wide power outage….oh and a 5 second shuttle bus ride!  I am reminded of the Italians and their warm, but no change in organization I’m afraid. I have the pleasure of staying in Florence a couple of days before I hit the road and start tasting.   It is the capital of Tuscany, with an alleged 382,000 inhabitants! I am interested to hear how the 2015 vintage is shaping us as well as taste some of the ‘13s and ‘14s in the Tuscan region. It’s difficult … (Click for more)

Staff Picks: 2011 Dominio de Tares Baltos Tinto

100% Mencia, aged in American and French oak for 6 months; light note of anise on the nose; black cherry with raspberry on the palate.  Great served slightly chilled (20 minutes in fridge, no more) with grilled meats or vegetables. -Reviewed by Sarah Thurston, Marquis Wine Cellars Wine: Red blend Producer: Domino de Tares Vintage: 2011 Country: Spain Region: Bierzo Price: $24.00 (inc tax) Buy here!

Staff Pick: 2010/2011 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Red Wine

The 2010 Red Wine is a declassified blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, yet has 15% Merlot with a splash of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc in there as well. Intense aromas of spicey red and black fruits, toast, cedar, vanilla and hints of chocolate. The body is full with ripe tannins and long length. -Reviewed by Renny Pacheco, Marquis Wine Cellars   Wine: Red blend Producer: Quilceda Creek Vintage: 2010/2011 Country: USA Region: Washington Price: $89.90 (inc tax) Buy here!

Staff Pick: 2011 Saint Damien Gigondas

The 80% old vine Grenache shines through here with spicy splashes of high frequency red fruit and minerality, flanked by licorice, rhubarb, flowers and herbs. The blend is rounded out by the hard-working Mourvedre. Was still delicious on the second night. Screams charcuterie. -Reviewed by Christopher Cox, Marquis Wine Cellars Wine: Red blend Producer: Domaine Saint Damien Vintage: 2011 Country: France Region: Rhone Price: $36.01 (inc tax) Buy here!

Staff Pick: 2011 Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon “The Siding”

My go-to Aussie red, it has a distinctive lavender nose. Hailing from Coonawarra, it’s a little lighter than some other Cabs, with emphasis on blackcurrant fruit, and notes of dry leaves, cigar box, and dense cassis. Smooth as Billy Dee Williams, great value and one of the best sub-$30 red wines we have. -Reviewed by Marquis Wine Cellars Team   Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Producer: Wynns Vintage: 2011 Country: Australia Region: Coonawarra Price: $30.00 (inc tax) Buy here!

Staff Pick: 2006 Gerovassiliou Avaton

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!

Staff Pick: 1998 Domaine Huet Vouvray “Le Haut Lieu” Sec

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!

Staff Pick: 2012 Ventolera “Litoral” Pinot Noir

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!

Staff Pick: 2009 Domaine Huet Vouvray Petillant Cuvee Huet Brut

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!