Dream incorporates some appassimento grapes in an expressive and textured Bordeaux blend that's sure to please. 52% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small portion left to wither and concentrate the flavours, the result it a deeply coloured wine with aromas of bramble berry pie, Saskatoon berry crumble, anise, dark plum, chocolate orange, and herbs. The palate highlights the fleshy dark fruit, more plum, and dark chocolate with fine tannins leading to a refreshing and finely textured finish. A great wine to enjoy with bold BBQ, Mexican chicken mole, or wood fired pizza. Tasted October 2024. 91 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Top Rated 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Wines
Must try 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella wines! Full details at http://www.quercusvino.ca #Amarone #Anteprima #Valpolicella #Italy #Sommelier #Wine #TopRated #MustTry #WineAficionado #Verona #AmaronePreview #Cellarworthy #Backupthetruck #Winetime #2019Amarone
wine review: Foreign Affair Winery – The Conspiracy 2020
2020 was a great vintage in Niagara and this wine highlights that with delicious fruit and structure. Conspiracy is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot, and 7% Cabernet Franc where the base wine is re-passed over their appassimento Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes after they're pressed. This ultimately boosts the wine's body, flavours, and textures, producing a wine with impressive complexity for the price. Look for rich dark fruits, dark cherry, raspberry tarts, herbs, and graphite minerality. Medium-full bodied with a creamy texture, this wine over-delivers on price and quality. Enjoy with BBQ fare, beef tacos, pizza, and hearty stewed dishes too. Tasted September 2024. 90+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Top Rated Orange Wines to try this Autumn
Today on CTV Morning Live and CFRA News Talk 580, Sommelier Matt Steeves was introducing us to the latest trend in the premium wine scene … Orange wine!
wine review: Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2022: A Winemaker’s Rebellion with a Touch of Class
Black Sheep Riesling—a wine that’s as delightfully rebellious as it is refined. Featherstone has once again proven that breaking from the herd can lead to extraordinary results. This vintage continues the label’s tradition of delivering a high-scoring, value-priced Riesling that’s nothing short of spectacular.
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: Featherstone Rosé 2023 available at LCBO Sept 21
Featherstone Rosé 2023 from Niagara, Ontario, continues to impress as a fan favorite, offering exceptional value at $16.95. This vintage expertly blends 41% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot, and 28% Gewurztraminer, showcasing the diverse bounty of Niagara’s vineyards. The nose is a fragrant bouquet of cherry, herbs, red apple, and strawberry-rhubarb pie, complemented by floral blossoms and juicy Jolly Rancher bonbons. On the palate, it’s beautifully balanced with a hint of sweetness, delivering layers of ripe cherry and fresh strawberries, while strawberry preserve lingers on a long, creamy finish. This rosé is perfect for pairing with Thanksgiving meals or your favorite spicy dishes, and should be served chilled. Tasted September 2024. 90 points - Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca Available at LCBO - $16.95 September 21, 2024
wine review: Cloudsley Cellars 2020 Foxcroft Vineyard Chardonnay, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada
Each year Cloudsley Cellars are producing some of the best expressions of Canadian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their winery situated along the Twenty Mile Bench of the Niagara Peninsula. Their 2020 Foxcroft Vineyard Chardonnay is no exception. Proprietor Adam Lowy and winemaker Matt Smith source the grapes for this wine from a select parcel of the highly acclaimed Wismer Foxcroft Vineyard along the Twenty Mile Bench. Foxcroft Vineyard was planted in 1996 with Dijon Clone 96, and for the past two decades Foxcroft Vineyard has been renowned for producing many of the region's best wines, earing it a Cru-quality reputation, arguably one of the best single vineyards in the region, if not the best.
wine review: Les Jamelles Chardonnay 2022 Pays d’Oc France now available at LCBO
From the sun-drenched Pays d'Oc region, the Les Jamelles Chardonnay 2022 impresses with its inviting aromas of tropical, orchard, and stone fruits, accented by delicate floral notes. On the palate, it reveals a creamy texture that echoes the expressive bouquet, culminating in a finish that lingers with the same vibrant fruitiness. This Chardonnay is a great value, offering a versatile style that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, from corn on the cob to charcuterie to roasted poultry and hearty autumn fare. Enjoyable now through 2026. Tasted August 2026. 89 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Pays d’Oc, France
For those who seek a value-priced Sauvignon Blanc that strays from the often typical herbaceous profile, Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc is a must try. Light to medium body, the palate is greeted with a delightful medley of exotic fruits, complemented by a hint of lemongrass and a crisp citrus edge. The subtle salinity adds an intriguing layer, persisting through the clean and refreshing finish. This Sauvignon Blanc is versatile and food-friendly, making it an ideal companion for various occasions. Whether you're lounging poolside on a warm summer day, enjoying light seafood dishes, or savoring mildly spicy takeout, this wine enhances the experience with its appealing and accessible style. Even those who typically shy away from Sauvignon Blanc may find themselves charmed by its refreshing and well-rounded nature, with its subtle herbaceous notes providing just enough aromatic and flavour complexity to keep things interesting. Tasted August 2024. 88 points - Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
