For those who seek a value-priced Sauvignon Blanc that strays from the often typical herbaceous profile, Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc is a must try. Light to medium body, the palate is greeted with a delightful medley of exotic fruits, complemented by a hint of lemongrass and a crisp citrus edge. The subtle salinity adds an intriguing layer, persisting through the clean and refreshing finish. This Sauvignon Blanc is versatile and food-friendly, making it an ideal companion for various occasions. Whether you're lounging poolside on a warm summer day, enjoying light seafood dishes, or savoring mildly spicy takeout, this wine enhances the experience with its appealing and accessible style. Even those who typically shy away from Sauvignon Blanc may find themselves charmed by its refreshing and well-rounded nature, with its subtle herbaceous notes providing just enough aromatic and flavour complexity to keep things interesting. Tasted August 2024. 88 points - Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Wine Review: Bodega Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Corte Friulano 2022
Ottawa, ON August 2024 Matt’s review: In the ever-evolving world of wine, it’s a rare pleasure to uncover a gem that not only captures the essence of its origins but also offers a fresh perspective on familiar varietals. Bodega Piedra Negra's Gran Lurton Corte Friulano 2022 is precisely such a treasure, presenting the best expression... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Hester Creek GSM 2022, Okanagan Valley, BC
Ottawa, ON August 2024 Matt’s review: Hester Creek’s inaugural GSM (45% Grenache, 38% Syrah (includes 2% co-fermented Viognier), and 17% Mourvèdre) from one of the hottest vineyard sites in Canada, in the far south of the Okanagan Valley. “Vineyard Eleven” is located on the east side of Osoyoos Lake, practically a stones throw to the US... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Poplar Grove Pinot Noir 2022
Ottawa, ON July 2024 Matt’s review: Pinot Noir from the Okanagan Valley’s Naramata Bench can be absolutely incredible as they have great terroir for producing expressive terroir-driven wines thanks to the mineral rich soils, varying elevations and west facing aspects, northen latitude with long days, significant diurnal temperature differences, and of course the moderating effects... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Dr.L. Riesling 2022
Ottawa, ON August 2024 Matt’s review: From the northerly Mosel wine region, where some of the world’s finest Riesling are produced, Loosen Bros’ 2022 Dr. L. Riesling is an expressive, elegant, and beautifully balanced off-dry Riesling that over delivers on value. The nose shows fragrant floral blossoms, jasmine and honeysuckle, with orchard fruit, wildflower honey,... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Hester Creek “The Judge” 2021, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
The Judge 2021 is a deep ruby colour with slight garnet hue, the nose shows dark plum, black berries, dark cherry, savoury desert herbs, cedar, earth, and graphite. The palate shows great intensity of flavour with refreshing plum, fine integrated dusty tannins, with savoury dark fruit, spice, and pepper persisting on the long textured finish. A serious wine that beautifully showcases the unique vintage characteristics from this esteemed Golden Mile Bench estate. Enjoy over the next decade with rosemary and garlic grilled lamb chops or Parmesan crusted steak skewers. Tasted July 2024 and July 2025. 94 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Wine review: Hester Creek Pinot Bianco 2023, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley.
Ottawa, ON July 2024 Matt’s review: From the warm 2023 vintage which saw the highest growing degree days on record from April to August, Hester Creek’s Pinot Bianco was sourced from their beautiful mountain-side estate vineyards along the Golden Mile Bench. The nose is clean with vibrant stone fruit, pear, exotic fruits and a hint... Continue Reading →
World-Class Canadian Wines for Canada Day as seen on CTV Morning Live
Today on CTV Morning Live (and later on CFRA News Talk 580), Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased an impressive line-up of world-class wines from all across Canada that highlight how vibrant the Canadian wine scene has become.
wine review: Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir 2020
One of the best offerings I've tasted from PEC over the past two decades and a fantastic example of the high quality wines being produced in PEC. If you enjoy premium Burgundy, you'll want to keep your eyes on this up and coming region and the expressive limestone influenced cool-climate wines they're producing.
wine review: 1 Mill Road Home Block Pinot Noir 2022, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
Beautifully integrated fine grained tannins highlight both the vineyard characteristics but also the winemakers touch in capturing the best expression of this Pinot through mindful winemaking practices including delicate pressing and use of large oak vessels (2100 L Foudres) to appropriately frame without masking the wine.
