wine review: Stonebridge Reserve Cabernet Franc 2019, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara, Canada

Stonebridge 2019 Reserve Cabernet Franc comes from a single vineyard along the Twenty Mile Bench which is renowned for producing world-class cool climate wines. This reserve tier Cabernet Franc is exceptionally elegant and refreshing with delicious dark fruit, cherry, chocolate covered cherries, counterbalanced with expressive graphite, tobacco, and earthy notes. The palate is exceptionally fresh and vibrant with more cherry, plum, and dusty fine tannins, beautifully integrated, leading to a long refreshing finish. Enjoy over the next decade with game dishes, braised lamb, or wood-fired pizza. Tasted October 2024. 93 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca

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

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

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.

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