I spent several days suffering from severe leg pain before going to a local walk-in clinic (actually a hobble-in clinic). I thought it might be sciatica and followed Dr. Google’s instructions but to no avail. The doctor diagnosed it as a pinched nerve and prescribed an anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxant. But not to be taken with alcohol. So no wine! Luckily, I had already tasted the Marynissen wines.
Monday, January 20th: I opened this bottle, which had been given to me by Bruce Nicholson some time ago.
NCT Winery (Niagara College Teaching Winery) Barrel Aged Meritage 2002
Deep purple-ruby in colour; cedar, blackcurrant and plum nose with savoury, leathery notes; medium-bodied, lively on the palate, tasting like a mature petit chateau from St. Emilion. Still very much alive! Well-structured and finishing firmly with ripe tannins. (Who said Niagara reds can’t age!)
Tuesday, January 21st:
Marynissen Platinum Series Chardonnay 2021 (Niagara Peninsula)
Bright straw in colour; toasty, apple and Macadamia nut bouquet; medium to full-bodied, richly extracted flavour of yellow apple and butterscotch flavours with a floral note; well-balanced, well-integrated oak; long finish; great mouth feel. Drink now but will cellar well for 3–4 years. (91)
Marynissen Heritage Viognier Stouck Vineyard 2023 (Lincoln Lakeshore)
Bright, pale lemon in colour; honeysuckle and peach nose with a thread of minerality; full-bodied, peach, lemon and lychee flavours; well-balanced, good varietal character with a lively spine of acidity; good length. Drink now and through 2026. (90)
Marynissen Heritage Pinot Noir 2021 (Four Mile Creek)
Ruby colour; earthy, raspberry nose with a hint of vanilla oak spice; medium-bodied, dry, lean and sinewy, sour cherry and tealeaf flavours carried on lively acidity; finishes firmly on ripe tannins. Can be enjoyed now but will develop with 1–2 years in bottle. (89)
Marynissen Cabernet Franc 2022 (Niagara Peninsula)
Purple-ruby colour; cedary, plum and black cherry on the nose, with oak spice; medium-bodied, dry, plum and cherry flavours with a saline note on the finish; nicely balanced and firmly structured. Lively on the palate with good length. A little shy of fruit in mid-palate but enjoyable nonetheless. Hold 1–2 years. (89)
Marynissen Platinum Merlot 2020 (Niagara Peninsula)
Deep ruby in colour; spicy, cedary, plum bouquet; full-bodied, dry, richly extracted, firmly structured, red plum and cranberry flavours carried on lively acidity. Promient tannins on the finish, Needs 1–2 years in the bottle. (89–91)
Marynissen Nanny’s Blend 2021 (Niagara Peninsula)
59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. Deep ruby in colour; toasty, spicy, minty, black fruit bouquet; medium to full-bodied, dry, savoury black plum and blackcurrant flavours; well-balanced, firmly structured, ripe plum and black fruit flavours. Good length. Tasteful use of oak, lively acidity. Can be opened now but will reward cellaring for a couple of years. (90–92)