When it comes to premium Pinot and Chardonnay in the Okanagan, I've always found the vineyards in the centre of the Okanagan, along the Naramata Bench and in Okanagan Falls, consistently produce the finest expressions. One of those top producers in Okanagan Falls is Meyer Family Vineyards. Last fall I had the pleasure of visiting JAK Meyer and the team at Meyer Family Vineyards in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, Canada. It had been ~5 years since I last visited so it was a real treat to be back in Okanagan Falls sampling JAKs wines from their OK Falls and Naramata Bench vineyards.
wine review: Rosehall Run Righteous Dude Riesling 2022, Nedelko Vineyard, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario
Rosehall Run's single vineyard 'Righteous Dude' Riesling hails from the Nedelko Vineyard on the Twenty Mile Bench of the Niagara Peninsula. A cold winter saw a reduction of crops in 2022, but those low yields brought great concentration, structure, and balance to the 2022 vintage. Fresh and expressive, this Riesling shows fragrant stone fruit, pear, lychee, and honey on the nose. Repeat on the crisp and off-dry palate with honey, pear, and refreshing minerality persisting. A terrific single vineyard Riesling which will complement a wide range of dishes, especially spicy fare, hors d'oeuvres, Autumn fare, and artisanal cheese boards. Enjoy now and over the next five years. Tasted August 2023. 91 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: Hidden Bench
First impressions of this single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from @hiddenbench … wow! Béton (as in concrete vessel fermented and aged) and sourced from the Rosomel Vineyard on Ontario’s Beamsville Bench. Expressive, lovely lemon grass, pear, lemon meringue, floral, flinty minerality, and superbly balanced. Certified organic, and absolutely delicious! Bravo @hiddenbench ! Tasted August 2023. 93 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: Rosehall Run St. Cindy 2020 Unfiltered Pinot Noir
Ottawa, ON August 2023 Matt's review: Rosehall Run’s top tier Pinot Noir, St. Cindy, makes it's debut for the incredible 2020 vintage. Remarkably fresh, complex, and elegant, the nose shows raspaberry, cherry, herbs, wet stone minerality, some tobacco and rose petals. Superbly balanced with fine silky tannins and refreshing acidity, with field berries, spice, and... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2019
Ottawa, ON August 2023 Matt's review: Achaval Ferrer’s Quimera 2019 is a fresh and elegant blend of low yield vineyards from some of the finest high altitude vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina, at the foot of the magestic Andes. A blend of 59% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot,... Continue Reading →
wine review: Cloudsley Cellars Twenty Mile Bench Pinot Noir 2018
Cloudsley Cellars has crafted a wonderful Pinot Noir that showcases the best of the region's terroir and winemaking expertise.
Tequila review: Tromba Cedano Reposado Tequila 50th
Ottawa, ON July 2023 Matt’s review: Tromba Cedano Reposado Tequila commemorates the passion and expertise of Marco Cedano, who has dedicated 50 years to perfecting his craft and honoring the agave and the land it comes from. The result is a Reposado Tequila that stands out with its unparalleled flavor, complexity, and balance. The innovative... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Stratus White 2021
Stratus White 2021 combines elegance and intensity in every sip. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a delectable culinary creation, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression, exactly why I recommend buying by the case. Although it’s showing beautifully now, expect further evolution and complexity gains over the next decade. Tasted July 2023, 94+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
World-Class Canadian Wines to Celebrate Canada Day
CTV Ottawa Morning Live June 29th, 2023 Theme: World-Class Canadian Wines to Celebrate Canada Day Overview: Today on CTV Morning Live, Sommelier Matt Steeves is showing a line-up of his top rated wines from across Canada. The selection of high-quality Canadian wines represents the pinnacle of premium wine production in Canada and exemplifies the remarkable... Continue Reading →
wine review: Poplar Grove The Legacy 2018, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
Poplar Grove’s The Legacy is a highly esteemed red blend that showcases the greatness achievable in Canada’s Okanagan Valley.
