Wine review: Reif Estate Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2023, Niagara River VQA

October 2025

Matt’s review: Reif Reserve Chardonnay 2023, sourced from the Niagara River Sub-appellation, is a benchmark example of how elegance and expressiveness can coexist beautifully with the richness of new French oak. Sourced from Reif’s oldest four-acre Chardonnay block planted in 1981, this wine carries a sense of heritage and terroir depth that defines the Niagara River sub-appellation.

On the nose, it opens with lifted aromas of ripe orchard fruit — golden apple, pear, and subtle peach — interwoven with hazelnut, vanilla, and a touch of warm spice. The oak influence, entirely new French (which is a welcome departure from previous vintages using more in-your-face American oak), is perfectly integrated — not dominant, but supportive — enhancing the aromatic complexity and imparting a fine, creamy texture. The palate is supple and layered, revealing orchard fruit, lemon curd, and hints of toasted brioche. There’s a wonderful tension between richness and freshness, with the wine’s natural acidity keeping the mid-palate vibrant and the finish long, polished, and slightly nutty.

Enjoy with salmon beurre blanc, buttery lobster, or try it alongside pork roast with apple compote. Enjoy now or cellar 3–5 years. Tasted October 2025. 92 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Available at LCBO or winery-direct $24.95