Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON February 2024 Matt’s review: Situated in breathtaking Okanagan Falls, Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery offers unparalleled views of the iconic McIntyre Bluff, which define the southern edge of the Okanagan Valley Sub-GI. The terroir of this region is truly exceptional, shaped by the remnants of the glacial era and dotted with pristine vineyards... Continue Reading →
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!
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
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.
Ottawa, ON Matt's review: Light gold colour, the nose is clean and fresh with orchard fruit, nectarine, lemon meringue, a touch of pineapple, floral, and wet stone. Medium body, the palate is very fresh and elegant. Orchard fruit, lees, subtle nuttiness, and minerality on the finish. Impressive expression of Four Mile Creek Chardonnay from this... Continue Reading →
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 →
Leaning Post's 2020 Chardonnay from their Senchuk Vineyard is an expressive wine with great intensity, body, and texture.
Ottawa, ON September 2022 Matt's review: This premium Napa Chardonnay is sourced from the Ahmann and Huichica Vineyards in Carneros, the Keyes Vineyard in Howell Mountain, and the Rancho Sarco Vineyard on the north east edge of Napa. The nose shows tropical fruits, russet apple, caramel, delicate sweet spices and wet stone. Medium-full bodied with... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON July 2022 Matt's review: Inniskillin's Montague Vineyard Chardonnay showcases the best from their finest single vineyard site in the Four Mile Creek sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. Golden yellow, this expressive Chardonnay shows ripe orchard fruit, melon, toast and lanolin on the nose. Full bodied and very creamy, look for baked apple and... Continue Reading →
Sommelier selected wine and spirits for Father's Day!
Quercus Vino 