wine review: York Vineyards 2018 Brut, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

York Vineyards, Canada’s first dedicated sparkling wine house, delivers an exceptional traditional method cuvée with their 2018 Brut — a masterclass in precision, patience, and expressive winemaking. Crafted entirely from 100% Pinot Gris, it was aged an impressive 60 months on the lees, with one-third raised in 500L amphora and the remaining two-thirds in French oak, offering a layered and complex aromatic and flavour profile. This is a serious and thrilling Canadian sparkling wine, crafted with uncompromising attention to detail. A standout bottle that confirms York Vineyards’ bold vision for Canadian sparkling wine at the highest level. Tasted June 2025. 94 points. Matt Steeves

#wine review: Arterra Chardonnay 2017

Ottawa, ON May 2019   Matt's review: This aromatic and textured Chardonnay shows an expressive bouquet of baked apple, Asian pear, floral blossoms, limestone, and hints of sweet perfume on the nose. The palate offers refreshing orchard fruit with a remarkable mineral-driven texture and finish.  A very impressive cool-climate (Niagara) Chardonnay with Chablis traits that... Continue Reading →

wine review: Icellars Syrah 2016

Ottawa, ON September, 2018 Matt's review: Icellars is excelling in the production of high quality red wines, which is earning them a reputation as one of the top fine wine producing wineries in Ontario. Their low production Syrah (145 cases) has a deceiving light ruby red appearance which bursts with expressive strawberry, smoky plum, black... Continue Reading →

92+ pts #wine review: #Icellars 2016 Chardonnay

Ottawa, ON April 2018 Matt's review: Icellars are producing some of Canada's finest wines, from their boutique Niagara-On-The-Lake winery. Their 2016 Chardonnay (130 cases produced), from their Icel (estate) Vineyard, displays a light gold colour, revealing baked apple, tart pineapple, melon, croissant, white floral aromas, and minerality on the nose. Medium bodied and remarkably fresh, this... Continue Reading →

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