Staff Selections

John Clerides

Hockey and wine, my two favourite things.  And when I can combine the two, even better! Juicy Rebound is of course a hockey term, but in this case it's also a great wine made by my friend Douglas Danielak.  Dan knows how to make terrific wine, and for this wine he sourced some very, very old vine Mourvedre from the legendary Evangelho Vineyard.  This vineyard was planted in 1890, and still produces gorgeous fruit.  This is a wine that is deep and dark, with chewy tannins and a long finish.  Herbs and chocolate dominate the nose, while dark fruit flavours are added on the palette.  Thick and rich, this wine can be the meal, but is fun to pair up with some with something gamey like venison or elk. 
Only 50 cases made.
Buy

Kevin Mckinnon

A blend of 42% Sauvignon Blanc, 29% Chardonnay and 29% Chenin Blanc that sees 30% new oak and the rest in second and third fill barrels. The lees are stirred twice a month for a year. Light straw in colour. On the nose there are aromas of vanilla, flint, tropical fruit and wet stones. Citrus and white flowers are also present on the palate with a good backbone of acid. Fairly round in the mouth with a medium long finish. Great value!
Buy

David Lancelot

I’m normally more of a value shopper and somewhat uncomfortable at this price range. That said, I was absolutely blown away by the levels of extraction and fruit in this relatively unknown wine (this is a tiny, handcrafted winery that was discovered by John Clerides, owner of the shoppe here). What I can happily report to you about this wine is that there is a terrific balance of fruit and oak with a deft hand managing the acidity, alcohol and tannin in this wine. With classic plum notes and a long chocolaty finish lend for a hedonistic delight. Buy lots and drink it now.
Buy

Chrystala Georgiou

This delicious blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier is a perfect all-around wine. It sees no oak, and has plenty of fruit flavours balanced out by refreshing acidity. This is the kind of wine to serve at parties; everyone will like it and it will go with a wide range of foods, and it offers great value for the price.
Buy

Andrew Melville

andrew@marquis-wines.com
2010 Bodegas Carchelo 'C' - $17.90
I bought, and drank, a bottle of this the day it came in. Each year this wine tops my list of favourite wines under $20 (and all things considered, one of my favourite wines at any price). As expected, it's big, complex and smooth with lots of dark fruit, chocolate and roasted spice notes, with just a subtle hint of anise to it. All that is framed by smooth tannins and is delivered on a palette of silky smoothness. A load of flavour here, and very easy (and fun!) to drink
Buy

Jon Ellison

jonellison@marquis-wines.com
2009 Domaine Vrignaud Chablis - $27.90
One of my favourite finds from my trip to France last year. This is classic Chablis with its rich, ripe nose of yellow stone fruits and crushed rocks. On the palate there is great mineratity with slight citrus notes. This is from the riper 2009 vintage so this wine isn’t meant for long term cellaring. Rather enjoy it in the next couple of years. I picture this wine paired with two dozen Kumomoto oysters.
Buy

Doug McClelland

Leah Bickford

This wine is the epitome of beauty. The power, elegance and complexities of this Rioja scream from the glass. It is such a perfect example of how underrated Spain and Tempranillo are. For $65.00 this wine stands up to Burgundy wines but at a better price! Depth, texture and finesse – I ran out of room writing out descriptions for the many layers of complexity.  The Reserva sees approximately 36 months in three year old American casks. But this wine has incredible balance and tannin integration. The 2000 Rioja vintage is considered an excellent one for the region. What reasons are there NOT to enjoy this beautiful wine while it lasts.
Buy

Ryan 'Hoop Dreams' Hooper

From Argentina and made from 50% Ugni Blanc and 50% Chenin Blanc, this is as fine a value as you will ever come across for a sparkling wine. A fine and powerful mousse, that gives off notes of fresh apple, yeast and hints of tropical fruit. Fine bubbles, round fruit flavours and balanced acidity make this sparkler very easy drink and enjoy. This is proof that you can (and should!) enjoy sparkling wines any time of the year, not just NYE 
Buy