Coffin Ridge has a new winemaker, and according to manger Mike Todd, a new lease on life. Steve Byfield (of Nyarai Cellars fame) has taken over the reigns and brings a new vision to this Grey County winery. For those who don't know, Marquette is a hybrid grape developed at the University of Minnesota by crossing MN1064 with the French hybrid Ravat 262, and is said to have great potential in the outlying areas, especially because it is resistant up to minus-36C. As for the wine itself, there's lots of fruit in the glass: cherry and raspberry, while tobacco and smoke notes add some complexity - there's even a hint of red currant on the palate that helps keep this wine together. In the end, it's the acidity and spice on the finish that carries it through. Outskirts-Ontario may have found themselves a new quality hybrid to play with. Price: $25.50 - Rating: ****+