Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
From the limestone-laden soils of Prince Edward County, this small-batch Chardonnay is precision-crafted and mineral-focused. The JCR (Janine, Curtis, and Rod) cuvée is a barrel-fermented Chardonnay with classic Burgundian influences. Fermented and aged in French oak, it balances vibrant citrus with subtle toasty notes.
Hailing from one of Niagara’s premier sub-appellations, this extended barrel-aged Chardonnay is opulent, silky, and impeccably crafted. The Beamsville Bench’s unique terroir—characterized by clay-rich soils and limestone bedrock—shines through in the wine’s complexity.
Straw-gold colour, the nose offers ripe stone fruit, orchard fruits, spring blossoms, and a hint of wildflower honey, accompanied by a subtle mineral note. On the palate, it's generous, with vibrant flavors of stone fruit, pear, and a touch of citrus zest that lingers on the finish. A delightful wine to enjoy this spring and summer. Tasted May 2025. 90 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.QuercusVino.ca
April 2025 Black Bank Hill 2022 Chardonnay Winemaker Jonathan McLean, with a decade of experience creating exceptional wines in the Okanagan Valley, joined Black Bank Hill in 2021. His expertise and stylistic influence is evident in this estate-grown Chardonnay from their Lincoln Lakeshore VQA vineyard in Beamsville, crafted from clones 95 and 548. The wine... Continue Reading →
Today on CTV, CTVs Stefan Keys, Melissa Lamb, and Sommelier Matt Steeves were tasting an all-Ontario line-up of local wines and spirits which are delicious, crafted right here in Ontario, and are easily accessible winery-direct or at LCBO. With everything going on these days, having some delicious local Canadian wines and spirits is the perfect way to show your national pride and stay refreshed this spring.
Today on CFRA, CFRAs Patricia Boal and Sommelier Matt Steeves were tasting an all-Ontario line-up of local wines and spirits which are delicious, crafted right here in Ontario, and are easily accessible winery-direct or at LCBO. With everything going on these days, having some delicious local Canadian wines and spirits is the perfect way to show your national pride and stay refreshed this spring.
Light gold colour, the nose is inviting with rich orchard fruit, baked apple, pineapple, melon, and a hint of hazelnut. Full-bodied and creamy, offering an array of luscious orchard and tropical fruit flavors. The winemaker's careful attention in crafting this fine wine included fermenting in stainless steel followed by aging in French oak, and a small amount of Hungarian and Bulgarian oak. The result is a great expression of high quality and great value Niagara Chardonnay. Rich, ripe, and creamy, it’s a wine that showcases both the depth and power of the 2018 vintage. A testament to the skill of winemaker Sue-Ann Staff and the high quality fruit she's working with to offer such impressive wines at great prices. Enjoy over the next five years. Tasted March 2025. 90 points. Matt Steeves
While its bold character makes it a fantastic pairing with hearty BBQ fare, particularly grilled meats and vegetables on a smoker, its spicy character and rich dark fruit makes it a perfect option for enjoying with braised dishes throughout the year. Tasted in March 2025. 92 points - Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
the earthy sweetness of roasted beets. These aromas combine to create a nuanced and multi-layered bouquet that invites deep exploration. On the palate, elegant and beautifully composed. Medium to full-bodied, it reveals a repeating pattern of dusty plum, raspberry, black tea, and graphite, which carry through from the nose with great persistence. The balance between fruit, structure, and acidity is impressive. Proprietor/vintner Taylor Emmerson and winemaker Jonathan McLean have beautifully crafted a wine that is sophisticated, complex, yet so approachable. Fine, ripe tannins frame the wine’s complexity, offering a smooth yet substantial mouthfeel. The acidity adds freshness, while the wine’s rich fruit and savory depth linger on a long, pleasant finish. For those seeking a nuanced, terroir-driven wine, Black Bank Hill Cabernet Franc 2022 offers an exciting opportunity to experience the potential of this region and how big reds can shine in Niagara. Its deep, complex flavors and structured elegance make it a perfect candidate for medium-term cellaring, though its current expression is perfectly primed for enjoyment as soon as it's released in late March/early spring 2025. Black Bank Hill Cabernet Franc 2022 is a stellar example of Niagara Cabernet Franc, offering a complex mix of fruit, savory notes, and minerality. At $40 a bottle, this wine delivers great value for collectors and enthusiasts alike, offering both immediate enjoyment and medium-term aging potential.
Ottawa, ON December 2024 Matt’s review: Checkmate 2021 Little Pawn Chardonnay With each vintage CheckMate further demonstrates their exceptional winemaking artistry highlighting the great potential of the impressive vineyards they work with to craft their world-class wines. While 2021 brought unprecedented challenges during the growing season, the team at CheckMate delivered the consistent high-quality standard... Continue Reading →
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