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: 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.
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
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.
wine review: Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2021
2021 Black Sheep Riesling shows crisp yellow apple, pear, wildflower honey, and impressive minerality with subtle petrol notes on the nose. Medium bodied, the palate is creamy with lively acidity, a faint hint of sweetness on the mid palate (a key element of Black Sheep's food pairing magic) disappears as the refreshing and textured orchard fruit and mineral finish persists. This versatile wine makes pairing spicy or tangy foods a breeze whether its BBQ ribs, wings, Pad Thai, or Sweet Chili Heat Doritos - this Black Sheep is a spicy food pairing super star. Enjoy over the next couple years. Tasted June 2023. 90 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2019 and Reserve Meritage 2020, Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, Canada
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery made their debut in 2003, initially producing a modest 40 cases of Pinot Noir and 500 cases of Meritage. Now, after two decades of unwavering dedication, Leslie & Jim D'Andrea, the proprietors, continue to thrive and earn numerous accolades. This year marks their 20th anniversary of crafting premium wines at their enchanting winery in Okanagan Falls.
wine review: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay 2021
As soon as you pour a glass and take a sip you'll understand why this has been the number one selling Chardonnay in America for 30+ years. Golden yellow, this barrel-fermented Chardonnay shows all the ripe orchard fruit, tropical fruit and sweet spice characteristics you would expect in a rich, refreshing, full-bodied California Chardonnay. The... Continue Reading →
wine review: Leaning Post Senchuk Vineyard Chardonnay 2020, Lincoln Lakeshore, Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada
Leaning Post's 2020 Chardonnay from their Senchuk Vineyard is an expressive wine with great intensity, body, and texture.
