Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Only one barrel was produced from the three blocks of Chardonnay they have planted on their property in the Creek Shores VQA sub appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. This is a winery to keep on your radar as they're delivering high quality wines that deliver exceptional value. Highly recommended.
OK Falls produces some of the best Chardonnay and Pinot in the Okanagan so naturally their traditional method sparkling wines are impressive and The One Grand Reserve 2017 is a fantastic effort from the team at Noble Ridge. Enjoy over the next 5+ years. Tasted June 2024. 94 points.
Mission Hill's Quatrain brings together four popular varietals from the south of the Okanagan in Osoyoos and along the Black Sage Bench to produce an Okanagan version of a Bordeaux blend but with Syrah playing the lead role.
Ottawa, ON June 2024 Matt's review: Fontanafredda has been instrumental with the growth and international recognition of Barolo since 1858, but its their value-priced Gavi del Comune di Gavi which you'll want to stock up on and enjoy this summer as the temperatures soar and refreshing white wines take center stage. Produced in the south... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2024 Matt's review: Terrific value-priced white wine to enjoy year round from the south of France. 100% Albarino, the nose shows expressive apple, pear, peach, honeysuckle and floral blossoms. Medium bodied and dry, the palate shows pithy citrus, stone fruit, and great salinity on the finish. Light tannins add to the textural... Continue Reading →
June 2024 Matt's review: Back up the truck and stock up on this bargain-priced red blend from Portugal - perhaps one of the best values you'll discover this summer. Aveleda's Lisboa Red is a blend of three delicious varietals (Touriga Nacional, Syrah, and Alicante Bouschet) producing a rich and juicy red wine that pairs beautifully... Continue Reading →
Torre di Terzolan's Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 caught my attention at Anteprima Amarone this year. In a flight of 72 Amarones from 2019, Torre di Terzolan's was a star. While the 2019 vintage is anticipated to be released to market only in 2026, it was showing beautifully already and merits top accolades. This is a wine you should seek out and stock up on.
The 2023 vintage of Nova 7 shows great finesse, harmony, and balance. Another impressive vintage! The most elegant vintage I recall.
Coming to LCBO on April 13th, Staete Landt State of Grace Pinot Noir from the Rapaura & Brancott sub appellations of Marlborough, NZ. Light ruby, the nose shows cherry, plum, herbs, rose petals, earthy notes, and minerality. The palate reveals the refreshing tart fruit, fine grained tannins, and harmonious balance. A serious Pinot with its impressive structure and complexity, a fantastic expression of this top of the line State of Grace label Pinot. Enjoy over the next five years with grilled lamb or pork tenderloin. Tasted April 2024. 93 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca
March 2024 Matt's review: Craggy Range Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Single Vineyard Proprietary Red 2021 from Hawke's Bay, New Zealand - A blend of 49% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot. This deep ruby coloured wine shows tart dark fruits, plum, pepper, graphite, and earthy notes on the... Continue Reading →
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