The 2025 Rosé, made from 100% Cabernet Franc, is beautifully expressive, bursting from the glass with ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and fresh rhubarb, alongside an especially enticing raspberry-scone character and hints of strawberry-rhubarb pie. There is lovely purity and generosity to the fruit on the nose. The palate is creamy with more body and texture than many Provençal-inspired rosés, yet it remains wonderfully refreshing. Raspberry and strawberry carry through alongside tart rhubarb, pomegranate and a subtle hint of spice. The wine has a lovely sense of roundness and generosity through the mid-palate, balanced by enough freshness to keep everything lively and composed. That extra dimension of body makes this an exceptionally versatile rosé at the table. Try it with wood-fired pizza, grilled pork with cherry compote, an artisanal charcuterie platter with fruit preserves, or fennel salami and creamy blue cheese. A fantastic option to enjoy alongside Thanksgiving dinners, where its combination of red fruit, freshness and texture will play beautifully with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. A polished, expressive and highly versatile rosé from an estate that continues to offer not only excellent wines, but one of the Okanagan Valley’s most complete wine-country experiences. Look for it at LCBO in September or winery-direct throughout the year. Tasted September 2026. 92 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Hester Creek Character Red 2023, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada – available at LCBO in August!
In an era where value matters more than ever, discovering a wine that over-delivers is a gift to the table, and Character Red 2023 is exactly that. This thoughtfully assembled blend of Petit Verdot, Malbec, Syrah, and Italian-clone Merlot captures the warmth and energy of the 2023 vintage, one of the most sun-drenched in Okanagan history, with poise and purpose. Deep ruby in the glass, it opens with an evocative bouquet of dark plum, blackberry compote, desert sage, and a graphite minerality that echoes the stony soils of the Golden Mile Bench. On the palate, it punches well above its weight—bold yet balanced, with ripe fruit, gentle spice, and fine tannins carrying the flavour through to a clean, satisfying finish. Versatile, food-friendly, and full of heart, this gem is both an introduction to the serious potential of this sub-region and a reminder that great wine doesn’t always need to come at great cost. Whether poured beside a sizzling summer BBQ, a cozy winter stew, or a rustic spread of charcuterie, Character Red more than lives up to its name. One of the finest value reds on offer from the Golden Mile Bench. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Tasted July 2025. 90+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
96 point wine review: Hester Creek Garland 2022, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
The 2022 vintage—one of the finest on record in the Okanagan—has yielded what may be Hester Creek’s most complete and compelling Garland to date. This meticulously crafted blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec showcases the richness and refinement achievable on the sun-drenched slopes of the Golden Mile Bench. Picked between October 12 and November 9, the fruit from this stellar vintage is deeply expressive. The nose is inviting, layered, and refined, with dark fruit, black currant, tobacco leaf, graphite, and the signature Black Sagebrush and desert herbals that define southern Okanagan terroir. The palate is equally captivating—luscious and vibrant, with velvety tannins and a refreshingly polished mouthfeel that brings to mind the finesse of Bolgheri, the structure of Pomerol, and the power of Oakville. Yet for all those parallels, Garland 2022 is distinctly South Okanagan. Harmonious, concentrated, and beautifully framed, it’s a masterclass in balance and a showcase of the region’s potential. A brilliant wine from winemaker Mark Hopley and his team—elegant now and destined to evolve gracefully over the next 10+ years. Tasted July 2025. 96 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca Look for it at Hester Creek, Bench Club, and throughout BC where fine wines are sold - $65+
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.
wine review: Tom Gore Farmer’s Blend (red) – this might become your go-to wine for under $20
A wine I suspect many will love given it's profile and price. Highly recommend checking out this new release from Tom Gore Vineyards and see for yourself. $19.95 at LCBO.
#wine review: Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 – Napa Valley
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: A blend of 81% Cabernet, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec from Napa Valley's renowned Oakville, Rutherford, and Oak Knoll District regions. A textbook Napa Cab nose, with dark plum, black currant, graphite, cedar hedge, sous-bois, and pepper showing the complexity and elegance of this big wine.... Continue Reading →
wine review: Tom Gore Field Blend- Sonoma County, California – $29.95 at LCBO
Ottawa, ON February 2019 Matt's review: Attention Petit Verdot lovers...here's one you don't want to miss! Rich and succulent, this Sonoma County blend of 52% Petit Verdot, 28% Malbec, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Tempranillo, and 3% Carignane, is bursting with brambleberry, cherry pie, clove, sweet tobacco, and graphite. Fresh and lively, it's elegant with a... Continue Reading →
Malbec World Day – what Malbec will you be celebrating with today?
Ottawa, ON April 17, 2018 By Matt Steeves Malbec World Day is celebrated to pay homage to the influence of the late president, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1811-1888), who made it his mission to transform Argentina’s wine industry. On this day in 1853, he proposed diversifying and expanding the country’s wine industry, including a school of agriculture,... Continue Reading →
93 pts #wine review – SonVida Special Reserve Malbec – Paraje Altamira GI, Argentina
Ottawa, ON December 2017 Matt's review: This single vineyard expression of Mendoza Malbec showcases exactly how well structured, complex, and delicious premium Malbec can be, especially those from the high altitude (+1km a.s.l.) Paraje Altamira GI, a region renowned for producing the finest Argentinian Malbec. Deep ruby red with an opaque core, the nose shows sweet... Continue Reading →
93+ points #wine review: 2013 SonVida Malbec – an oustanding wine esp for $29.95 @LCBO
Ottawa, ON October, 2017 Matt's review: This single vineyard expression of Mendoza Malbec showcases how well structured, complex, and flavorful premium Malbec can be. For under $30, the 2013 SonVida Malbec is an outstanding wine that I'd recommend buying by the case(s). Deep ruby red with an opaque core, the nose is bursting with sweet... Continue Reading →
