Italy's Collio DOC is renowned for producing many of the finest white wines in Italy. Nestled in the north east of Italy, along the Slovenian border, near the base of the Julian Alps and the shores of the Adriatic Sea, it's here where the unique Ponca soils that are found in the region's hilly vineyards create the ideal terroir for crafting expressive wines with outstanding structure, aromatic and flavour complexity, pronounced minerality, and ageability characteristics.
wine review: Les Jamelles Chardonnay 2022 Pays d’Oc France now available at LCBO
From the sun-drenched Pays d'Oc region, the Les Jamelles Chardonnay 2022 impresses with its inviting aromas of tropical, orchard, and stone fruits, accented by delicate floral notes. On the palate, it reveals a creamy texture that echoes the expressive bouquet, culminating in a finish that lingers with the same vibrant fruitiness. This Chardonnay is a great value, offering a versatile style that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, from corn on the cob to charcuterie to roasted poultry and hearty autumn fare. Enjoyable now through 2026. Tasted August 2026. 89 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Pays d’Oc, France
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: Foreign Affair Winery Sussreserve Riesling 2023
This Sussreserve Riesling makes for a perfect pairing with spicy cuisine with its off-dry yet super refreshing style. Enjoy over the next few years served chilled with your favourite take-out dishes or enjoy this autumn with a butternut squash and brie soup with crispy pancetta. Tasted August 2024. 90 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
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 →
