New Arrivals
Updated August 30th, 2010
Marquis Wine Cellars is proud to offer you the most unique selection of specialty wines in the province. Through extensive research, travel, and painstaking tasting, we source most of our wines producer-direct. That means we go to the winery, taste the wines, get to know the people who behind the wine, and then and only then do we decide to offer it to our customers. We strive to make sure that we have a quality product and that you have the lowest possible price.
We have new wines arriving at the store every week. Some are new vintages of old favourites and many are newly sourced out, unique and/or up-and-coming producers. Keep checking back to see what’s arrived. If you want to stay even more up to date with wines coming into the store, sign up for our newsletter, and enjoy the rewards that only knowledge can bring.
Interested in anything you've seen? Buy online and save, just enter coupon code 'newarrival' when checking out, and save 5%. No minimum order, mixed cases more than welcome.
Domaine Guillemot-Michel, Mâcon
Located in the small village of Quintaine in a unique microclimate near the Saone river, the wines of Guillemot-Michel are produced in strict observation of biodynamic methods. Winemaker Marc Guillemot has developed several apparatuses to facilitate biodynamic practices and people around the globe have come here to learn from him and his wife Pierrette, both oenolgists from the school of Beaune and post-graduates from Montpellier. The vineyards, as well as the winery, are impeccably tended. Their wines are made from very low yield fruit, harvested late at its full ripeness. Since biodynamic methods often encourage the development of botrytis, it is not unusual to have some botrytis notes in their dry wines, an aroma and flavour that adds complexity to these mouth-filling, rich and clean whites. Marc and Pierrette don’t ever intervene with what nature provides, producing wines that always reflect the vintage and are an exact reflection of Quintaine terroir.
2008 Domaine Guillemot-Michel, Mâcon-Villages Quintaine- $32.90
"As always, the Guillemot-Michel Mâcon is an unmissable Burgundian Chardonnay that will not fail to impress. This is white burgundy for a seriously good price, and it over delivers for the price every vintage. A bright lemon-gold, with fine aromas of honey, peach and apricot. The palate is dry, yet rich, with lovely creamy texture and refreshing acidity to finish. A hugely sophisticated wine and a real treat."
- Jon Ellison, Marquis Wine Cellars
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Olivier Merlin, Mâcon
Olivier Merlin is widely regarded as being one of the very finest wine makers in the Mâconnais. He began in 1987 by renting 4.5ha. from René Gaillard, of Domaine du Vieux St Sorlin, who wished to retire. Since then he has been buying the property in stages as well as adding new vineyards such as St Véran (in 1994 & 1996). In September 1997 Olivier took out a negociants' licence in order to be able to make some Pouilly Fuissé, since land in this appellation is neither available to buy nor to rent.
He has established a reputation as one of the region’s most dynamic growers, a reference point for the Maconnais. The whites demonstrate Olivier's exceptional winemaking talents from lowly appellations, and are frequently taken for Côte d'Or wines if tasted blind.
2008 Merlin Macon "La Roche Vineuse" - $25.90
Bright, fresh and elegant with a little touch of the aromatic clone of Chardonnay.
A delicious, inexpensive Macon to drink young.
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2008 Merlin Pouilly-Fuissé "Clos des Quarts" - $49.90
With lovely fruit through the middle, a touch of oak and then a beautiful finish, this Pouilly-Fuissé is all elegance but with a real sense of sunshine.
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Bodegas Carchelo, Jumilla
Bodegas Carchelo is back! A combination of spectacular wine, beautiful packaging and outstanding value make Bodegas Carchelo a phenomenal treat. These are some of our most hotly anticipated arrivals of the year, and we are very proud to have the Canadian exclusive on this winery.
2009 Carchelo 'C' - $17.90
"The 2009 Carchelo is a blend of 50% Monastrell, 30% Tempranillo, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 3 months in new French oak. Opaque purple-colored with a nose of toasty blue fruits, on the palate it has good density, plenty of mid-palate blue and black fruit, and a fruit-filled finish. Drink this excellent value over the next 3-4 years.
88 points" - Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate # 188
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2008 Carchelo Altico 'A' Syrah - $21.90
"The 2008 Altico A is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Tempranillo aged for four months in new French oak. It delivers a nose of damp earth, pencil lead, mocha, black cherry, and blueberry leading to a structured offering with good grip and balance. This intensely flavored, chunky offering is a very good value that will provide pleasure through 2015. 89 points" - Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate # 188
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2008 Carchelo Finca Sierva - $26.90
"The 2008 Finca Sierva is a blend of Monastrell, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It proffers a brooding bouquet of Asian spices, pencil lead, underbrush, brier, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate it is structured, savory, dense, and voluminous. It will evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2020.
90 points" - Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate # 188
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Abel Mendoza, Rioja
Abel Mendoza is an exceptional boutique winery located in the town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in Rioja. The husband and wife team of Abel Mendoza Monge and his wife Maite Fernandez Mendoza have 35 small vineyard plots spread among the towns of San Vicente, Labastida and Abalos. Their vineyards are the centerpiece of their efforts and include many old vine plots, some of which are pre-phylloxera vines. Although its beginning was dedicated to the production of young red wines, some of the most exciting wines being made by Abel Mendoza are his range of white Rioja's. Both are single varietal and all aged in carefully selected French oak (Nevers and Allier) barrels. The wines are low production and high quality, and all are made following organic farming methods. The expressive and aromatic Viura which shows a touch more freshness than the floral Malvasia, but both are thoroughly delicious wines.
2009 Abel Mendoza Viura - $21.90
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2009 Abel Mendoza Malvasia - $29.90
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2006 Abel Mendoza 'Jarrarte' - $29.90
"A serious and beautifully crafted Rioja. Dark ruby with a sublime nose of black currant, kirsch, espresso and chocolate. The flavors of black currant and tobacco are followed by a smooth tannic progression into a long, lingering and fulfilling finish. Complex, satisfying, and oh so velvety, this wine is year in and year out on my perennial favourites" - Jon Ellison, Marquis Wine Cellars
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Bodegas Martinez Corta, Rioja
The Martinez Corta family, third generation wine growers, are blessed with low yielding vineyards in the premium Rioja Alta. Unusually for Rioja, the family own all the vineyards, so they can ensure their vines receive the best care. It is the family's gnarled, ancient vines (some are 100 years old) that are the key to their wine's quality - yielding such intensely coloured and deeply flavoured fruit that the family leave the vibrant flavours to speak for themselves.
2009 Cepas Viejas Rioja - $14.90
"Lovely deep ruby colour, with ripe aromas of brambleberries and pie spice. Flavours of blueberry and plum with echoes of nutmeg. 2009 was a warm and generous vintage, and the winemaker decided to not use any oak on this wine, since he felt that the purity of the fruit should be allowed to shine on its own. This is a modern style of Rioja, with lots of up-front fruit, but still retains a sense of place, this is no doubt a Tempranillo from Spain. Excellent with roast lamb and mature cheeses."
- Tasted by Andrew Melville, Marquis Wine Cellars
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2009 Cepas Viejas Blanco - $14.90
"50% Viura, 50% Malvasía, all delicious. Like their red wine, the Blanco here is a modern style Rioja, but they still have enough sense to keep a bit of tradition here. The wine is fermented in French oak, and is then aged on its lees for a couple of months. This wine has huge aromatics, and great acidity, with the time in oak rounding it out and adding an extra layer of complexity. The quality of this wine far exceeds the price."
- Tasted by Andrew Melville, Marquis Wine Cellars
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Bodegas Adriá, Bierzo
B
odegas Adriá possesses fifty acres of vines between eight and twenty years old, the majority planted to the white Godello, a noble variety that is locally scarce. Mencía grapes from old vines in the best hillside regions are also contracted, subject to rigorous selection and qualification upon arrival to the bodega. Wines are fermented with their natural yeasts under temperature control, seeking maximum fruit intensity and flavour extract.
2009 'Vega Montan' Mencia - $17.90
"Mencia, the grape of geniuses. Young and lively, like a good Mencia should be, this wine has great initial scents of boysenberry and violets. A full and fairly supple palette, this wine has lots of ripe plum and chocolate to it, and is mouth coating without any heavy tannins. This is a really smooth wine that is easy to enjoy on its own."
- Tasted by Andrew Melville, Marquis Wine Cellars
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2009 'Vega Montan' Godello - $17.90
"The Godello grape is one of the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula; it was described by travellers in the times of the Roman Empire. Saved from the phylloxera plague by being grafted onto American root stock, it is one of the D.O. Bierzo's most emblematic varieties, growing in characteristically tightly clustered small bunches. Aromas of lemon peel and melon on the nose. The palate features grapefruit and honeydew, which transition into a herbaceous mineral filled bold finish."
- Tasted by Andrew Melville, Marquis Wine Cellars
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Bodegas Viña Elena
2009 'Finca El Paso' Monastrell - $13.90
"This is another prime example of just how good Spanish wines can be at such a reasonable price. I discovered this wine earlier in the year while in Spain itself, and after one glass I was fully convinced that our store need to have this wine. Rich dried fruits on the nose lead into a firm and savoury texture, this wine is quite powerful with impressive concentration it to. A great everyday wine, this'll pair up with all sorts of food; pizza, pasta, lamb, you name it. A genuine buy by the case wine."
- John Clerides, Marquis Wine Cellars
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Bodegas Miguel Merino, Rioja Alta
Blending classic Rioja style with a modern edge, Miguel Merino offers a small, but impeccably, presented range of Tempranillo based wines marked by their deep colour, smooth tannins, spicy undertones and rich fruit aromas. While recognizably Riojan, the wines have the character and structure not often found in traditional wines. Miguel´s 11 hectares of vineyards are all located in and around beautiful Briones, and some are home to vines 75 years old or older. The entire harvest is done by hand, and every bunch of grapes is carefully hand inspected. The wines of MIguel Merino are indeed truly beautiful, and are some of the store's more highly anticipated new arrivals. When one considers the quality of the wines, and the minute quantity that they're produced in, these wines are ridiculous bargains.
Wines available from Bodegas Miguel Merino:
2008 Miguel Merino Blanco 'Fermedtado en Barrica' - $29.90
Made from very old vine Viura. Production on this wine was only 294 litres, translating into 392 bottles for the entire vintage, and we've received the lions share of them with 30 bottles. A great white Rioja like this is a wonderful and rare treat. Viura is a hugely aromatic grape variety that can create a full bodied wine that retains a lot of acidity. This wine spends four months in oak, half the wine being in an American oak barrel; and the other half in a French one. The resulting wine is an opulent pleasure; huge aromas of tropical fruit and vanilla while the palette is rich and silky with notes of pineapple, spice and vanilla. The oak and acidity here are in perfect balance, resulting in a very enjoyable wine.
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2007 Miguel Merino 'Viñas Jóvenes' - $29.90
100% Tempranillo. As Miguel says 'Old vines do not live forever. In order to have access to such special vines in the future as we do today, we needed to start working on younger vineyards as well. In 2007 we bought the vineyard of El Rincon, in the South of Briones, planted in 1998. We have also planted some new vineyards which will become part of this wine until the vines are old enough to give us grapes for our Reservas'. Miguel's 'Viñas Jóvenes' is a great intro into his wines. Spending only a year in barrel, this wine is meant to express the essence of Rioja terroir and purity of the Tempranillo grape.
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2003 Miguel Merino Reserva - $44.90
In Miguel's words 'Some warm vintages as this of 2003 can be most interesting in Rioja Alta, especially when you count on old vines, which stand higher temperatures and draught. This is one of our most intense and fruit-driven Reservas ever, with a shorter rest in oak. Only 8,012 bottles made from this year.' Even at seven years of age, this wine is retaining a bright cherry red colour. Giving off aromas of blackberry and plums coupled with hazelnuts and spices (mint, tobacco, pepper). On the palette, the fruit tones are still very fresh, but are now joined by notes of cedar that lead into a savoury finish. Elegant, balanced and long. 8012 bottles produced.
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2000 Miguel Merino Gran Reserva - $54.90
This is Miguel's flagship wine. In Miguel's words again 'Only in the great vintages do we select the best bunches from our oldest vines to make our Gran Reserva. Dark and intense red colour, aromas of apricots, plums, spices, tobacco and cacao. Made from our oldest block of Tempranillo, with 4% Graciano. All the grapes are hand-picked in small cases to let the fruit arrive at the winery in the best condition. The wine was matured for 30 months in 14 new barrels of Allier oak and 8 in American oak before final blending. Racked every six months, each barrel was topped with the same wine every two months in order to avoid oxidation. It has rested for almost 7 years in bottle before release.' Miguel's Gran Reserva is always a stunning wine that is full of life, and character. Think of this wine as a great Bordeaux, and now imagine the price of a Bordeaux of this quality that is 10 years old. Exactly. 4382 bottles produced.
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La Bête Wines, Oregon
This is our second shipment of La Bête wines, and we're quite excited to have them back. Here's the recap on how I can came across these wines : The La Bête wines had been on my radar for a couple of years now, but I had never had the chance to try them until last July when I was down in the Willamette for the International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC). From what I'd heard and read about these wines, they were tiny production, great tasting and amazing value. I finally set up an appointment to taste the wines and meet the owners, John and Kay Kusy-Eliassen. They were gracious hosts who were very excited to show me their wines and show me around their facility. The wines turned out to be as impressive as I'd heard they were, and I immediately put in my order. These are certainly well crafted wines with great depth and flavour, showcasing elegant Oregon fruit with a very Burgundian slant.
- Andrew Melville, Marquis Wine Cellars
Wines available from La Bête:
2009 La Bête 'Croft Vineyard' Pinot Gris - $24.90
"Winemaker John Eliassen has spent a lot of time in France learning and loving wine, and although his heart lies in Burgundy, he developed a real fondness for Alsatian Pinot Gris. When a small amount of Pinot Gris from the esteemed Croft Vineyard came available, he jumped at the chance to make an Alsatian styled Oregon Pinot Gris. It displays bright grapefruit and Bosc pear notes, with minerality on the mid-palate and a subtle herbal note that's typical of the variety. It's a very supple wine with a lingering spicy finish. A good alternative to those who are tired of fat Chardonnays and thin Pinot Grigios." - Andrew Melville, Marquis Wine Cellars
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2008 Momtazi Vineyard - $34.90
"Momtazi Vineyard is a fully bio-dynamic vineyard situated in the Yamhill-Carlton district of the Willamette Valley. 2008 was, for lack of a better term, a perfect vintage in Oregon. The La Bête Momtazi is dark and concentrated Pinot, with intense cherry, pomegranate and violet notes. A perfectly balanced Pinot and a fine value as well. Only 75 cases produced." - Andrew Melville, Marquis Wine Cellars
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The St. Vincent Cuvées, both 2004 and 2008 are available, both are $38.90
"For all of our St. Vincent Cuvee Pinots, we only produce one barrel (24 cases) per year. The wine is dedicated to the patron saint of French winemakers, St. Vincent, as well as a deceased beloved dog of ours named Vince. We either blend, or choose the best barrel in the cellar to produce this wine. For 2008 it is predominantly Momtazi vineyard, with a touch of Croft blended in. It received a bit more oak than our other Pinot Noirs, roughly 25%. The 2008 vintage was very successful here in Oregon, indicated by lower yields and very complex, rich and delicious wines. The 2004 St. Vincent, same story as above, yet this was a blend of a few more vineyards. Predominantly Resonance vineyard which was organic and biodynamic, with some Stoller and Momtazi and Croft blended in. The last time I tasted this wine was in January, and it was just about at it's peak for the vintage. Simply put, this wine is silky and delicious." - John Eliassen, Winemaker
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Crowley Wines, Dundee, Oregon
Tyson Crowley began working in the Oregon wine industry in 1995 and after 12 years of learning from many of Oregon's top producers, it was time to take his knowledge to task and venture out on his own. Tyson's lessons learned came from seven vintages at Erath Vineyards, ramming around on a forklift at all hours of the night and shepherding countless interns (many of whom became famous winemakers) through the gauntlet of harvest. Most recently, Tyson beat out Jackson the dog as John Paul's most loyal companion, serving as the assistant winemaker for Cameron Winery and working doggedly alongside John in the vineyard and winery for four years. Harvests spent at J.K. Carriere and Brick House also taught valuable lessons in fruit fly killing and pseudo gravity flow. After this requisite due paying, Tyson (and company i.e. family, friends and neighbors) will draw inspiration from these many lessons taught to him by his mentors, coworkers and friends.
2007 Entre Nous - $39.90
"Comprised of our favorite Pommard and Wadenswil clones, this Pinot is our flagship blend. A front palate of spice and ripe cherry evolve into a deep and rich wine that is quintessential Dundee Hills. A hint of oak blends with subtle chocolate notes that round out the purity of the fruit. Layered and balanced, the wine has extreme depth of character." - Tyson Crowley, Winemaker
Dundee Hills AVA
La Colina Vineyard (60%) and Tuckwilla Vineyard (40%)
Barrel aged for 20 months, no new oak
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2007 Gehrts Vineyard - $44.90
"Gehrts Vineyard is located in the heart of the Dundee Hills, sharing a fence line with the famous Domaine Drouhin Oregon estate. This wine shows off the terroir of this site perfectly, blending pure red and dark cherry fruit with the predominant maple and spice character that is the signature of great Dundee Hills wines. The cooler aspect of the site leads to a wine led by firm acidity and soft tannins followed by a ripe fruit core and a lingering finish." - Tyson Crowley, Winemaker
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2007 La Colina Vineyard - $54.90
"La Colina was the very first vineyard holding we acquired to start Crowley Wines back in 2005. Therefore, in addition to providing us with amazing fruit each year it’s also a sentimental favorite! An initial nose of sweet tea and anise gives way to supple raspberry and plum aromatics. Black cherry dominates the palate which shows off incredible sweetness blending with more serious dark notes. A slight dusty white pepper spice lingers in the background against the warmth and earthiness of coffee and tobacco. The finish displays the signature length and balance that makes this Wadenswil a standout wine." - Tyson Crowley, Winemaker
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Manifesto Wine Company, North Coast California
2008 North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon - $24.90
"As alluded to above, our two sites act as a kind of yen and yang to one another: abundant flavor in one and massive but defined structure in the other. In the nose, the 2008 Cabernet jumps out with bold, heady aromas of right-out-the-bramble blackberry, wild strawberry. A wild yeast fermentation keeps the aromas pretty wild themselves, and the slightest kiss of new oak (6 barrels out of 140) provides a little vanilla as well. The aromas carry over into the mouth, where they are complemented by currants, blackberry, cigar-box tobacco, and a touch of minerality we think of as 'pencil lead'. All this is framed by a structure of harmonious acid and fine, seamless-but-pronounced tannin that we are very proud of—the wine reads as something much fancier than its presentation." - Winemaker's Notes
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