Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
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.
After tasting hundreds of wines, here's my short list of most memorable wines tasted in 2023. Put these on your must-try list for 2024!
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.
Poplar Grove’s The Legacy is a highly esteemed red blend that showcases the greatness achievable in Canada’s Okanagan Valley.
A blend of 89% Merlot with 4% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc bringing additional aromatic and flavour complexity to this impressive wine. Ruby red with a garnet hue, the nose shows savoury dark fruits, plum, sweet spices, with a hint of wood smoke and familiar Okanagan Black Sage. A fantastic expression of premium Okanagan Merlot. Great intensity, exceptionally well balanced, the youthful fine grained tannins make this a great choice to enjoy with grilled steak, mushroom risotto, or firm aged cheese. Decant and enjoy over the next decade. Tasted September 2022. 93-94 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Liquidity's Pinot Gris shows great balance of fresh orchard fruit, mineral, and lees providing wonderful freshness and texture...
Ottawa, ON July 2021 Matt's review: Winemaker's Cut Fidelia blends 95% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscat Canelli from Deadman Lake Vineyard in the heart of the Okanagan, to produce an easy to love style of sparkling wine that will shine in any setting. Fidelia 2020 shows delicious orchard and tropical fruit, floral notes, and a... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 