Ottawa, ON

June 2024

Matt’s review: In the realm of traditional method sparkling wines, few bottles can evoke a sense of place as vividly as Blomidon Estate Winery’s NV Brut Réserve. Crafted amidst the dramatic landscape of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, where the world’s highest tides and oceanic breezes shape the vineyards, this sparkling wine showcases distinct maritime terroir at its finest.

From the first glance, it’s clear this wine embodies its coastal origins. A pale straw hue shimmers in the glass, reminiscent of sunlight dancing on the Atlantic’s surface. The nose captures your attention: crisp orchard fruits mingle with a distinct sea breeze salinity, harmonizing with nuanced nutty tones that speak of its 4.5 years aging on lees. It’s an olfactory journey that transports you to the edge of the continent, where land meets sea in perfect harmony.

On the palate, Blomidon NV Brut Réserve continues to impress with its richness and crispness held in elegant balance. Citrus fruits burst forth, accompanied by delicate floral notes, lime cordial, and salinity that underscore its Nova Scotian pedigree. There’s a toasty hint of brioche that adds depth and sophistication, a hallmark of wines aged with meticulous care.

A cool-climate wine blended from the warm vintages of 2016, 2017, and 2018, this cuvée showcases 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir sourced exclusively from the estate’s finest parcels. The meticulous winemaking process, including gentle whole-cluster pressing and extended aging on lees, has resulted in a sparkling wine of exceptional character and finesse.

This is more than just a sparkling wine; it’s a declaration of the heights that Atlantic Canada’s winemaking can achieve. It stands proudly among the world’s best, a true rival to renowned sparkling wines from a certain French region. For those seeking a glimpse into the greatness achievable in maritime sparkling wines, look no further than Blomidon Estate Winery’s NB Brut Réserve — a wine that embodies the essence of its origins, a pure reflection of the maritime terroir enhanced by the craftmanship of its makers, and one that continues to secure Blomidon’s reputation as a world-class sparkling wine producer. Put this on your radar when its released this year, date TBD, likely late summer. And in the meantime checkout their 2016 Brut Réserve ($45 winery-direct), another top notch traditional method sparkling wine you’ll enjoy!

Tasted the Brut Réserve NV in June 2024. 95 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca