This is a compelling sensory example demonstrating that underwater cellaring is not merely theatrical but, when executed with precision, can serve as a legitimate élevage method, influencing structural tension, mousse density, aromatic restraint, and preservation of freshness. Excellent now, but also a prime candidate for medium-term evolution under cork. Enjoy 2025-2035. Tasted November 2025. 94+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: 2023 Sempre Mio “Primo Mio” Chardonnay, Lincoln Lakeshore VQA, Ontario 13.8% ABV
From the first vintage of Corey Mio’s Chardonnay project, “Primo Mio” is a single-barrel expression from the estate’s Mio Vineyard, a cuvée so distinct and expressive that it earned its own label and name. The nose is beautifully complex, opening with ripe orchard fruit, pear, and a touch of pineapple, framed by delicate spice and subtle oak integration. On the palate, it’s creamy yet refined, with vibrant white orchard fruit and spice carrying through to a long, refreshing finish. A delicate seashell minerality emerges late, adding a sense of place and salinity that speaks to the cool-climate terroir of Lincoln Lakeshore. An exceptional debut Chardonnay, polished, textural, and full of promise. A shining example of why Niagara’s single-vineyard Chardonnays continue to impress on the world stage. Tasted November 2025. 94+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Wine review: Reif Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020, Niagara River VQA
The 2020 vintage continues to demonstrate why Niagara’s warmest sub-appellation, the Niagara River VQA in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is so well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose opens with savoury dark fruit, plum, Italian herbs, black pepper, and graphite - a beautifully layered and terroir-driven expression. On the palate, the dark fruit core repeats alongside youthful tannins that soften beautifully with time. After a two-hour decant, the wine truly begins to sing - refined, balanced, and serious in every respect. The finish lingers with graphite mineral tones and savoury fruit that persist gracefully. Decant before serving and enjoy this elegant, structured Cabernet over the next decade as it evolves in complexity and depth. Tasted November 2025. 93 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca Coming to LCBO November 22, 2025
Wine review: Reif Estate Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2023, Niagara River VQA
October 2025 Matt’s review: Reif Reserve Chardonnay 2023, sourced from the Niagara River Sub-appellation, is a benchmark example of how elegance and expressiveness can coexist beautifully with the richness of new French oak. Sourced from Reif’s oldest four-acre Chardonnay block planted in 1981, this wine carries a sense of heritage and terroir depth that defines... Continue Reading →
wine review: Poplar Grove The Legacy 2019, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
Poplar Grove’s The Legacy 2019 is a tour de force of power, depth, precision and poise, an exceptional Bordeaux-style blend from the sun-drenched southern Okanagan Valley. A blend of 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec, this deeply coloured, opaque red is as commanding in the glass as it is on the palate.
wine review: Lailey Off-Dry Riesling 2022
Ottawa, ON February 2025 Matt's review: From Lailey's vineyards along the picturesque Niagara River Parkway, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, their off-dry Riesling is an elegant expression of premium Niagara Riesling. The nose shows a fragrant bouquet of orchard and stone fruit, apple, pear, with wildflower honey and floral blossoms and impressive steely minerality. The palate repeats,... Continue Reading →
95 points wine review: Blomidon Estate Winery NV Brut Réserve from Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, Canada
In the realm of traditional method sparkling wines, few bottles can evoke a sense of place as vividly as Blomidon Estate Winery's NV Brut Réserve. Crafted amidst the dramatic landscape of Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, where the world's highest tides and oceanic breezes shape the vineyards, this sparkling wine showcases distinct maritime terroir at its finest.
wine review: 1 Mill Road Chardonnay East Kelowna Slopes 2022
1 Mill Road's newest offering in their small portfolio of premium wines is their 2022 Chardonnay from the East Kelowna Slopes sub-GI (Okanagan's newest sub-GI which became official in 2022). Clean, crisp, and elegant, the nose revels citrus, delicate pear, wet stone, subtle spice, and a hint of melon. The palate is bright and lively with an elegant creamy texture. Exceptionally well balanced, the finish is long and bright with delicate orchard fruit and minerality persisting. Enjoy with pan seared halibut with a lemon butter sauce. Tasted October 2023 92 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Top Sommelier Recommended Wines for Thanksgiving
Today on CFRA News Talk Radio, CFRAs Patricia Boal and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some of their top recommended wines to enjoy this Thanksgiving and throughout Autumn. From Spanish Cava to Canadian Chardonnay, Riesling, or elegant Ontario Pinot Noir, refreshing Valpolicella Superiore, big and juicy California red blends, Matt’s Autumn-inspired wine recommendations include something for everyone, for every palate, every preference.
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 →
