wine review: Benjamin Bridge Nova Zero, the no-alcohol version of Nova 7 that you have to try!

Discover the magic of Benjamin Bridge Nova Zero – the delightful twist on Canada’s beloved Nova 7, now with 0% ABV! This non-alcoholic gem captures the essence of Nova Scotia’s East Coast, delivering fragrant floral notes, marigold, citrus and exotic fruit, and a refreshing sea breeze. Perfect for brunch, cocktail parties, or a cozy picnic, it’s the ultimate versatile zero ABV wine for any occasion. Tasted September 2024. 92 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca

September 10, 2024 0

Wine review: Hester Creek “The Judge” 2021, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada

The Judge 2021 is a deep ruby colour with slight garnet hue, the nose shows dark plum, black berries, dark cherry, savoury desert herbs, cedar, earth, and graphite. The palate shows great intensity of flavour with refreshing plum, fine integrated dusty tannins, with savoury dark fruit, spice, and pepper persisting on the long textured finish. A serious wine that beautifully showcases the unique vintage characteristics from this esteemed Golden Mile Bench estate. Enjoy over the next decade with rosemary and garlic grilled lamb chops or Parmesan crusted steak skewers. Tasted July 2024 and July 2025. 94 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca

July 30, 2024 0

wine review: Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir 2020

One of the best offerings I've tasted from PEC over the past two decades and a fantastic example of the high quality wines being produced in PEC. If you enjoy premium Burgundy, you'll want to keep your eyes on this up and coming region and the expressive limestone influenced cool-climate wines they're producing.

June 27, 2024 0

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.

June 22, 2024 0

wine review: 1 Mill Road Rosé 2023, East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada

May 2024 Matt's review: 1 Mill Road's second vintage of their single vineyard 100% Pinot Noir Rosé from the recently minted East Kelowna Slopes Sub-GI. This impressive Rosé boasts an elegant copper color, exuding sophistication even before you take your first sip. The nose reveals delightful notes of tiny wild field strawberries, cherry, Black Sage... Continue Reading →

May 26, 2024 0

Wine review: Laurent Miquel Solas Reserve Pinot Noir 2021

May 2024 Ottawa, ON Matt’s review: Finding value-priced Pinot Noir these days is a reason to celebrate in itself! Pinot Noir can be some of the most expensive wines in the world, especially those from Cru vineyards throughout Burgundy, France, so it's particularly nice to discover a quality Pinot at a bargain price and that's... Continue Reading →

May 15, 2024 0

Sommelier recommendations for Mother’s Day as with Patricia Boal on CFRA News Talk Radio

Today on CFRA News Talk Radio, CFRA Patricia Boal and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some great wines and spirits for gifting this season as well as enjoying with family and friends over the holidays. These options will suit every palate and budget, including white, red, and sparkling wines too.

May 10, 2024 0

wine review: Ilatium Morini Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG “Campo Leon” 2019 (pre-release review)

Ilatium Morini's 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG "Campo Leon" pre-release sample tasted during Anteprima Amarone in Verona. The wine is anticipated to be released in January 2025 when the winemaker deems it ready for commercial release. Ruby red colour, the nose shows dried dark fruit, plum, fig, tobacco, and incense. Super refreshing, with cherry, tart dark fruits, black tea, salted dark chocolate, and youthful fine grained tannins persisting on the long textured finish. A complex and well structured Amarone which will pair beautifully with braised dishes, creamy risotto, and aged cheese. Enjoy 2026-2036+. Tasted February 2024. 94+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca

April 17, 2024 0

wine review: Torre di Terzolan Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 (preview sample)

Torre di Terzolan's Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 caught my attention at Anteprima Amarone this year. In a flight of 72 Amarones from 2019, Torre di Terzolan's was a star. While the 2019 vintage is anticipated to be released to market only in 2026, it was showing beautifully already and merits top accolades. This is a wine you should seek out and stock up on.

April 13, 2024 0

Wine review: Staete Landt State of Grace Pinot 2019, Marlborough, NZ

Coming to LCBO on April 13th, Staete Landt State of Grace Pinot Noir from the Rapaura & Brancott sub appellations of Marlborough, NZ. Light ruby, the nose shows cherry, plum, herbs, rose petals, earthy notes, and minerality. The palate reveals the refreshing tart fruit, fine grained tannins, and harmonious balance. A serious Pinot with its impressive structure and complexity, a fantastic expression of this top of the line State of Grace label Pinot. Enjoy over the next five years with grilled lamb or pork tenderloin. Tasted April 2024. 93 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

April 3, 2024 0