January 2024
As we welcome the arrival of 2024, I was reflecting on the many memorable wines I tasted in 2023, and dreaming of what memorable wines this year may bring.
In 2023 I had the pleasure of tasting hundreds of wines while travelling throughout various wine regions in Italy (Collio, Trento, Bolzano, Valpolicella), across Canada, California, and while tasting wines from many of the world’s storied wine regions, both historic and emerging, all providing a great opportunity to identify wines that stood out as world-class, representing their regions and showing the greatness achievable in their unique terroirs.
The list of wines below are very memorable for me. It’s incredible how our memory can store such vivid memories of those wines, the settings we were on when we enjoyed them, etc., so it’s especially funny to contrast that with others things, like how if my life depended on it I couldn’t tell you where I left something important in my house…!?
Our sense of smell has the strongest link to memory and emotion than any of the other senses. A study by the Rockefeller University in New York City found that we remember 35% of what we smell, 5% of what we see, and 2% of what we hear. This helps explain the powerful connection with memorable wine and food experiences. This is precisely why an exceptional wine tasting experience can create a memory so rich in detail and positive sentiment you may never forget it no matter how many years pass. This is the basis for my list of most memorable wines I tasted last year. Out of hundreds of different wines tasted, these are the wines I recall making a mark on me so I’m delighted to share this impressive list with you.
Starting with one of my favourite wine regions, Valpolicella, situated around the city of Verona, between Milan and Venice in northern Italy. It’s here in this calcareous amphitheater renowned for its valleys with many cellars where the appassimento winemaking technique yields some of the finest wines in the world. Naturally I’m referring to Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG wines. Here are a few of the top rated Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG wines I tasted in 2023:
2018 Secondo Marco (barrel sample) – Expressive, crisp, clean, and elegant, showing a complex bouquet of herbs, menthol, plum, prunes, and tobacco. The plate is smooth and refreshing with delicious red fruit, spice, and beautifully integrated tannins. Their vineyards, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico area, benefit from warm breezes from Lake Garda in the morning and cool mountain air in the late afternoon to create the perfect conditions for ripening whilst preserving freshness. Winemaker Marco Speri vinifies and ages each of the varietals in his blends separately, then carefully assembles them when ready to produce the expressive and well structured wines Secondo Marco has become renowned for over the past decade. 2018, although a youthful preview, is another outstanding expression of premium Amarone from Secondo Marco. You’ll have to wait a few extra years to pick up your own case as it’s still got a few years to go before release. Enjoy 2028-2048+ 95-96+ points.
2018 Zymé Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico (barrel sample)– Big and bold, deeply coloured, the nose shows rich dried red and dark fruits, with fragrant balsamic and tobacco notes. Fresh with great intensity of flavours, the palate is loaded with delicious dried fruit, raspberry, Fragrant nose showing dark fruits, roasted beets, sweet spices, herbs. Full bodied, with lively youthful tannis, there’s a remarkable freshness with dried dark fruits and raspberry notes persisting. An great wine from an iconic producer, and a wine you’ll want to enjoy over the next few decades. Drink 2028-2048+. 94-95+ points.
2018 Ca’ La Bionda Classico Ravazzol – Very fresh and expressive, the style winemaker Alessandro Castellani delivers with his terroir-focused wines, reminiscent of the terroir-focus of other world renowned wine regions, such as Burgundy. After spending some time in their vineyards and tasting a representative sample of vintages from the past two decades, I’m impressed with what I’m seeing in their vineyards and wines and the over arching focus on quality and elegance.
Ca’ La Bionda’s organic terraced vineyards are situated in the Marano Valley of the Classico region of Valpolicella, and since 2015 they’ve been picking a couple weeks earlier than most (as early as mid-August) to ensure the retention of that bright acidity in their wines, which is critical in support of their winemaking vision of producing terroir-focused wines with great freshness, complexity, and drinkability. 2018 Ravazzol shows delicious dried fruit, fig, cherry, spice, and tobacco on the nose. The palate is equally layered and complex, with great structure, freshness, and elegance. A premium Amarone to make room for in your cellar, every vintage. Enjoy now and over the next two plus decades. 94+ points.
2018 Le Guaite di Neomi (barrel sample) – Deep colour, concentrated, super expressive. Loaded with dried dark fruits, dark chocolate, sweet baking spices, menthol/balsamic notes. This preview shows a very youthful and well structured wine that will be outstanding in the coming years when winemaker Neomi Pizzighella deems it ready (generally ~8-10 years following harvest, expect this one to be available for sale in 2028 only… note the 2012 vintage is what’s currently available). Enjoy 2028-2040+. 94-95+ points.
2018 Clementi Classico (barrel sample) – Deeply coloured, opaque core, nose shows impressive freshness alongside the rich dried dark fruit and cacao notes. Great concentration and purity of the fruit with well integrated tannins, great structure, this early preview is impressive with great potential for when it’s released in the coming years. Enjoy 2028-2048+. 94-95 points.
Villa San Carlo Riserva Amarone della Valpolicella 2016 – Ruby red with a garnet hue, very expressive with some evolution on the nose. Dark fruits, dark chocolate, a hint of soy and balsamic showing in the bouquet. The palate is beautifully balanced, softly textured, with great complexity of flavours, some evolution presenting with hints of rustic elements but with exceptional freshness. An absolutely gorgeous expression of premium Amarone that’s showing wonderfully now and will over the next two+ decades. 95 points.
A couple hour drive east from Verona, Italy…
Collio DOC is a relatively small yet geographically diverse region, with the majestic Julian Alps (and Austria) to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south. Driving around you’ll find yourself crisscrossing the region’s shared border with Slovenia, adding an intriguing cross-cultural element which is evident when visiting and speaking with different generations as they share their tales from the region’s complex 20th century history. If you’re not familiar with this region, take note as they produce some of the most complex and sought after white wines in Italy making them difficult to source given the high demand and relatively low production. Their red wines, although even more limited in quantity and availability, are so refreshing and delicious too. For these reasons this is why Collio DOC might be the best wine region you’ve yet to discover. Also a fantastic choice when selecting a wine for that special holiday meal (if you’re lucky enough to find one in your local wine boutique).
Renato Keber is a renowned winery located in northeastern Italy’s Collio DOC wine region along the Slovenian border. If you’re not familiar with this region or producer, take note as they produce some of the most complex and sought after white wines in Italy making them difficult to source given the high demand and relatively low production. This is precisely why Collio DOC might be the best wine region you’ve yet to discover.
Zegla Friulano is made from the Friulano grape variety, which is native to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. This white wine is known for its characteristically aromatic and fruity profile but it’s the wines outstanding structure, texture, and ageability that make it such an interesting wine to experience. Sourced from the Cru vineyard, Zegla, with its marl and sandstone “Ponca” soils which are renowned for imparting distinct minerality and salinity along with exceptional structure and complexity in the wines. These characteristics are quite typical throughout Collio and certainly exemplified in this Cru vineyard site.
The 2015 vintage of Zegla Friulano was released after six years in the cellar. Although I’m sure it still would have been wonderful with half that time, it’s indicative of the impressive quality that allows this wine to easily age for a decade, perhaps two+, revealing its power, elegance, and proud Collio provenance which is arguably unparalleled.
When tasted in May 2023, Zegla Friulano Riserva 2015 showed complex aromas of apricot and orchard fruits, honey, almond, and balsamic notes. The palate was medium plus bodied with more honey and nutty flavours and impressive minerality persisting on the finish. This is a serious wine representative of many of the other high quality wines the region is renowned for. Although not broadly known outside of Italy and neighbouring European countries, unlike the storied regions of Tuscany or Piedmont, but that is certain to change as more international wine enthusiasts experience what those in the know have been appreciating for decades. This is a wine I’d recommend enjoying over the next decade and following its evolution which is sure to impress. Tasted May 2023. 94-96 points. Matt Steeves – www.quercusvino.ca
The 2021 vintage of Bracco 1881 La Mont Brach Friulano Collio DOC showcases the beauty of the Friulano grape grown in Italy’s esteemed Collio DOC region.
The wine’s aromatic profile is fresh and lively, characterized by enticing scents of green apple, white peach, and apricot. A subtle mineral undertone adds complexity and depth to the nose.
On the palate, this Friulano is dry, crisp, and displays a linear structure. The fruit flavors are well-balanced by refreshing acidity, while a delicate almond note adds further dimension to the overall taste. The finish is long, leaving behind a vibrant combination of crisp fruit and a touch of salinity.
The Bracco 1881 La Mont Brach Friulano Collio DOC 2021 exemplifies the quality and character found in wines from the Collio DOC region. It is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a range of dishes, including seafood, poultry, and creamy pasta creations. If you appreciate premium Italian white wines or seek to explore new and exciting flavors, I highly recommend giving this wine a try. Enjoy 2023 to 2033+. Tasted May 2023, 93 points. Matt Steeves www.quercusvino.ca.
The most memorable Orange Wine (extended skin contact white wine) I tasted in 2023 was from an Italian producer located in the storied Collio DOC region, and more precisely in Oslavia on the eastern border of Italy and Slovenia where they’re renowned for their long history with producing exceptionally well structured Orange Wines.
An important part of the Collio terroir is the Ponca soil, a mixture of marine sedimentary soils consisting of alternating layers of chalky-clay and sandstone. It’s these soils that are responsible for producing some of the finest white wines in Italy, rivalling ultra premium wines produced in Burgundy and Bordeaux too.
The wine is Primosic’s Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019. A beautiful amber colour, thanks to four weeks of maceration extracting all that colour (flavour, texture, and structure too) from the grape skins and seeds. The nose is super expressive with a delicious aromatic profile showing apricot, candied mandarin, tomato leaf, and balsamic/resin notes. Medium+ body, this super textured wine has beautiful refreshing mineral and orchard fruit finish. Primosic’s Ribolla Gialla Riserva is super versatile making a great pairing choice with Asian cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, or traditional holiday roasts. Enjoy around cellar temperature and drink over the next decade. Tasted May 2023. 94 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
Now west of Verona, Italy, driving up through the mountains towards Austria…
Vallarom’s 2020 Syrah, from northern Italy is another impressive wine I recommend seeking out. La Cantina Vallarom is located north west of Verona, as you drive up the valley towards Trento and Bolzano, parallel to Lake Garda, in the region of Trentino Alto Adige. It’s here where the majestic Dolomite mountains, part of the Alps, occupy the skyline while picturesque vineyards dot the steep slopes throughout the valley. The beauty of northern Italy’s mountain vineyards is they produce such refreshing and expressive wine. Freshness, elegance, and purity describe the wines from these high elevation mountain vineyards. Vallarom’s 2020 Syrah at 13% abv, shows great elegance with floral notes, a medley of red and dark field berries, inviting spices, a hint of leather with fresh pepper on the finish. Fresh and lively, this vibrant wine highlights the region’s mountain vineyard terroir so purely. Enjoy over the next 10+ years with charcuterie, game, and roasts. This eco friendly winery is a must visit when driving north of Lake Garda. Check out their luxurious rooms in their winery that overlook the vineyards and mountains along the valley. Highly recommended. Tasted May 2023. 93 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
Further up north, in the town of Bolzano, Italy…
Rottensteiner Sauvignon Blanc 2022 from Bolzano, Italy. An outstanding expression of mountain influence Sauvignon Blanc from the Alto Adige DOC in northern Italy. It’s the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from the renowned Bolzano-based family winery, Rottensteiner, who’s family name translates to ‘Red Rock’, just like the Bozen quartz porphyry red mountains throughout Alto Adige/South Tyrol. Grapes are sourced from two high altitude vineyards, one at 450m elevation which has predominant calcareous soils and one at 650m with red granitic (porphyry) soils, ultimately contributing great fruit and mineral characteristics in the wine. Rottensteiner Sauvignon Blanc is a light gold colour with a subtle green hue, the nose shows citrus, lemongrass, candied lemon peel, and a hint of exotic spice. Flavours repeat on the palate with great intensity and length. Exceptional Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy 2023-2025 with spicy fare, grilled fish/chicken, and creamy cheese. Tasted May 2023. 93 points. Highly recommended! http://www.quercusvino.ca
Back in Canada, on the West Coast of Canada…
Martin’s Lane Winery, located in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada. Martin’s Lane is regarded as one of the most exciting cool-climate Pinot Noir projects in the world. This winery has gained significant attention and acclaim for its relentless pursuit of crafting exceptional, terroir-driven Pinot Noir wines from their high latitude and altitude vineyards around the 49th parallel.
The combination of their exceptional vineyard sites, meticulous viticultural practices, and the expertise of their winemaking team has resulted in wines that consistently receive critical acclaim and impress wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Martin’s Lane Winery’s dedication to Pinot Noir, their pursuit of excellence, and their ability to capture the essence of their unique vineyard sites have firmly established them as a leading force in the world of Pinot Noir. Their wines have garnered international recognition, placing the winery on the global stage and making it an exciting and highly regarded project for lovers of this noble grape variety.
2020 Naramata Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir: Textbook expression of premium Naramata Bench Pinot from two vineyard parcels planted with Pommard, 943, 828, & 667. Deep colour, distinctive Naramata character with unique bramble, blueberry, sage, and cherry notes. 65% whole bunch fermentation in concrete, aged for 17 months in a mix of Austrian and French oak, extra tight grain. Nose shows a beautiful perfumed bouquet with expressive cherry and herbs. Fine integrated tannins are supple, showing great structure, this wine is ready to enjoy now and will develop beautifully over the next 10-15 years. Tasted December 2023. 94+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
2020 Fritzi’s Vineyard Pinot Noir: A small West Kelowna parcel planted in 1997 with Clone 115 producing super perfumed and harmonious Pinot. Fermented in concrete, 70% whole bunch, and aged for 17 months in extra tight grain Austrian oak. Impressive bouquet of fruit along with earthy notes too. This is the finest Pinot I’ve tasted from West Kelowna in the past decade+. A Grand Cru in the making. Tasted December 2023. 96 points. Matt Steeves – www.quercusvino.ca
2020 Naramata Ranch Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir: From the most isolated and high elevation parcel of the picturesque Naramata Ranch Vineyard, this small parcel has some of the warmest and coolest growing conditions with its south aspect facing Penticton and overlooking Lake Okanagan. The result is expressive, high intensity Pinot with unparalleled elegance and structure. This is the finest Pinot Noir I’ve tasted in the Okanagan Valley and a great testament to the world-class capability of this vineyard and winery. Planted exclusively with Clone 667, with 50% whole bunch fermentation in concrete, aged for 17 months in a mix of Austrian and French oak, extra tight grain. Super perfumed with outstanding complexity. Nose shows a beautiful perfumed bouquet with a medley of red and dark fruits with expressive sage brush notes. Fine perfectly integrated tannins, making this primed to enjoy now and over the next 10-15 years. Tasted December 2023. 96+ points. Matt Steeves – www.quercusvino.ca
Nestled in one of the most picturesque settings you’ll discover along the Naramata Bench in the heart of the Okanagan Valley you’ll find 1 Mill Road’s ‘Home Block’ vineyard where they produce their impressive Home Block Pinot Noir. This small vineyard is perched on a cliff above the shores of Lake Okanagan with its sun-drenched southwest aspect that encourages great fruit ripening, but it’s the sage-lined amphitheater that sets it apart and plays a major role contributing to the unique terroir of this Okanagan Cru vineyard in-the-making. Home Block is planted exclusively with Dijon Clone 115 producing compact clusters that provide impressive aromatic complexity, finesse, structure, and overall balance in the finished wines. 2020 Home Block shows cherry, savoury dark fruits, herbs, dusty rose petals and earthy notes on the nose. A deeply coloured Pinot, with great aromatic intensity and overall structure, it’s medium+ bodied with supple tannins – characteristics from both the Dijon 115 clone and the enhanced fruit-ripening features of the Home Block vineyard which protects from early spring frost and ensures full ripening even in the cooler vintages like 2019. The palate shows spicy and savoury fruit with fine grained tannins persisting on the finish. A Pinot Noir to keep your eyes on and one to look for early to ensure you get access to its very small production. Tasted September 2022 and June 2023, 93+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
Look for the next release of Home Block Pinot Noir at 1MillRoad.ca
Poplar Grove’s The Legacy is a highly esteemed red blend that showcases the greatness achievable in Canada’s Okanagan Valley. A flagship for Poplar Grove and an icon in the Canadian wine scene, renowned as one of the best ‘big reds’ or Bordeaux blends available. A testament to the wineries focus on producing the highest quality grapes and their winemaking team’s expertise to produce top tier wines.
The Legacy 2018 is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot, representing the best assemblage for the vintage.
This wine is known for its elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness. It exhibits rich flavors, deep concentration, and a harmonious integration of fruit, tannins, and oak. With careful attention to detail throughout the winemaking process, Poplar Grove creates a wine that showcases the exceptional quality of the grapes and the terroir from their meticulously managed vineyards.
2018 vintage exhibits a captivating combination of elegance and refinement, skillfully balancing strength and finesse while showcasing remarkable density and grip. Drawing inspiration from the Grand Crus of Bordeaux and Napa Valley’s ultra premium wines, it maintains a distinctive suppleness and refreshing character that reflects the unique and undeniable terroir of the southern Okanagan Valley. Each component varietal was meticulously cultivated and hand-picked, selected for their individual qualities and subjected to thorough sorting prior to fermentation and extended maceration. Following this rigorous process, the lots were aged exclusively in French oak barriques for 21 months, culminating in the assembly of the final blend, which further matured in-bottle for two years before being released. Always vinified completely dry, with <1g/L RS, this is an absolutely delicious, beautifully crafted premium wine that’s showing wonderfully now and will only gain additional complexity over the next two decades. Enjoy 2024-2038. Tasted June 2023. 94+ points. Matt Steeves – www.quercusvino.ca
Available winery-direct in Canada
Back to Ontario where I live and where some of the finest cool-climate wines are produced, as I tasted during the International Cool Climate Conference (i4C23) in Niagara last July.
Starting out in Ontario’s Prince Edward County, referred to as Ontario’s little Burgundy by some…
Rosehall Run’s top tier Pinot Noir, St. Cindy, makes it’s debut for the incredible 2020 vintage that blessed Prince Edward County where this gem is sourced. Remarkably fresh, complex, and elegant, the nose shows raspberry, cherry, herbs, wet stone minerality, some tobacco and rose petals. Superbly balanced with fine silky tannins and refreshing acidity, with field berries, spice, and earthy notes persisting on the long finish. This premium cool-climate Pinot has another decade ahead of it, but no need to wait, it’s showing beautifully now. Tasted August 2023. 93+ points. Matt Steeves – www.quercusvino.ca
From Price Edward County we’re now headed to Niagara…
Stratus White 2021 is a captivating wine that delights the senses from the first pour. The nose is very fresh, greeting you with an enticing bouquet of apple, pear, and pineapple. As you delve deeper, notes of buttery croissant and mineral nuances emerge, adding layers of complexity to the aromatic profile. A subtle hint of floral blossoms dances in the background, enhancing the wine’s charm.
On the palate it reveals its true character. Great structure with a medium-full bodied presence that commands attention. The wine’s creamy and viscous texture envelops your taste buds, creating a refreshing and luxurious mouthfeel that is truly indulgent. Each sip unravels a tapestry of flavors, with the spicy fruit persistence leading the way. The interplay of spice and fruit adds depth and intrigue to the wine, making each sip a captivating experience.
Winemakers J-L Groux & Dean Stoyka have assembled an impressive blend (48% Chardonnay, 44% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Sémillon) that highlights the potential of the 2021 vintage. The precision of this assemblage, and its journey from vineyard to bottle, including 271 days in oak, is a testament to the skill and talent behind every bottle from Stratus and their Canadian winemaking legend J-L Groux.
Stratus White 2021 combines elegance and intensity in every sip. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a delectable culinary creation, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression, exactly why I recommend buying by the case. Although it’s showing beautifully now, expect further evolution and complexity gains over the next decade. Tasted July 2023, 94+ points. Matt Steeves – www.quercusvino.ca
First impressions of this single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Hidden Bench were “wow”! Béton (as in concrete vessel fermented and aged) and sourced from the Rosomel Vineyard on Ontario’s Beamsville Bench. Expressive, lovely lemon grass, pear, lemon meringue, floral, flinty minerality, and superbly balanced. Certified organic, and absolutely delicious! Bravo Hidden Bench! Tasted August 2023. 93 points. Matt Steeves – www.quercusvino.ca
Now down to Australia…
St. Hugo has been crafting fine wines since their first vintage in 1980. While Australia’s Barossa Valley is renowned for Shiraz, Grenache has gained great attention and become a favourite varietal star as of late, contributing both floral and spicy characteristics in the wines. St. Hugo’s GSM, is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro, which brings the best of the Barossa Valley in one elegant and inviting blend. The nose shows delicious dark plum, crushed raspberry, cherry, mocha, floral and graphite minerality notes. The palate highlights its elegant style, this GSM is yummy and light on its feet, showing great elegance and concentration, structure and impeccable balance. 2021 vintage was an exceptional vintage, arguably the best in 20 years, and St. Hugo GSM is a great representation of this fine vintage and one that is showing beautifully now and will shine bright the next 10+ years. Tasted November 2023. 93 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
Over to Argentina…
Achaval Ferrer’s Quimera 2019 is a fresh and elegant blend of low yield vineyards from some of the finest high altitude vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina, at the foot of the magestic Andes. A blend of 59% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, which produces a very complex wine with great elegance, finesses, and structure. The nose shows fresh black fruit, plum, blueberry, graphite, sage, and earthiness. The palate highlights the beautiful texture on this finely crafted wine. The term “Quimera” has multiple meanings depending on the context, and in the case of this premium wine, it’s used to describe something that is illusory, fanciful, or unattainable, such as the quest the Achaval Ferrer embarks on each vintage for this remarkable wine of outstanding quality. Enjoy 2023-2035. Tasted August 2023, 94+ points. Matt Steeves – www.quercusvino.ca
And Sicily, Italy…
Donnafugata Ben Ryé 2021
Ben Ryé is a Passito di Pantelleria wine, a storied style of sweet white dessert wine produced on the small volcanic Italian island of Pantelleria which lies in the Strait of Sicily between the coasts of Sicily and Tubisia. Ben Ryé is made from the Muscat of Alexandria grape, locally referred to as Zibibbo which is derived from ‘zabīb’ in Arabic which means dry grapes or raisins. It’s here where the small vines with the volcanic soils and sea influence produce such aromatic and concentrated grapes that are further intensified thanks to the drying process in the hot Mediterranean sun before the raisinated grapes are pressed and fermented into this luscious and refreshing dessert wine that is in a league of its own. For those that haven’t tried it yet expect a style of dessert wine like France’s Sauternes or Canada’s Icewine with well over 100g/L of residual sugar, and with a totally unique Mediterranean dried fruit character. As you may expect, the unique terroir and production techniques of this Passito di Pantelleria wine yields one of the most delicious, complex, and refreshing dessert wines you can imagine.
Ben Ryé 2021 is showing beautifully now and will for decades to come. Enjoy with rich desserts and salty Mediterranean dishes alike. Tasted December 2023. 95+ points. Matt Steeves
And back to North America where I’m finishing my top rated wines with these two gems from sunny California…
2015 Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet “Elysian” shows a beautiful bouquet of dark fruits, fig, plum, sweet baking spices, pipe tobacco, sage, and graphite minerality. The palate repeats with great intensity, all wrapped in softly textured tannins with beautiful harmony. Great freshness and elegance in this outstanding premium Napa Cab. Decades of life left and showing wonderfully now. Tasted December 2023. 96 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
And finishing my top rated wines with my highest scoring wine of the year… from TOR and the iconic To Kalon Vineyards in Napa’s Oakville AVA:
TOR 2014 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – Absolutely incredible! As close to a wine utopia as you could imagine with its complexity, intensity, harmonious structure/texture and never ending length. If you’re not familiar with TOR or To Kalon Vineyards in Napa’s Oakville AVA, put this winery on your must try list as a great benchmark for consistent top rated (including regular 100 point) scoring wines.
The 2014 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet was limited to 8 barrels (200 cases) from a great vintage that showcases the magic of To Kalon Vineyards fruit with unparalleled complexity, structure, and overall harmony. Regarded as one of Napa’s First Growth vineyards, To Kalon Vineyards wines consistently show impeccably balanced wines that can age decades whilst retaining their great structure and elegance. With several years of age, the 2014 is in a great place now and will shine bright for decades to come. Tasted December 2023. 99 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
Just as you’ve had some memorable wine and food experiences this past year, and I trust you’ll have plenty more in 2024, thank you for checking out a sample of some of my most memorable wines from 2023. Keep your eyes peeled for more fantastic wines (and spirits) in the coming days and weeks as I share the wines I’m trying each day/week and stand-out expressions I taste while travelling. Up next, Anteprima Amarone (where we’ll taste the 2019 vintage of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG), followed by some touring throughout Valpolicella, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Italy. Can’t wait!
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 filled with lots of great times/memories, health, prosperity, and terrific wines!
Cheers,
Matt
Quercus Vino 
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