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: Icellars Reserve Red 2018 -$30 winery direct (and free shipping now!)
April 2020 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: An expressive red blend from one of Ontario's premium boutique wineries, Icellars Estate Winery in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Reserve Red brings together estate grown Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec to produce a beautifully balanced, silky smooth wine that's sure to be enjoyed by all. Fragrant sweet spices, plum, dark... Continue Reading →
#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 2016 Pinot Noir, another terrific Ontario Pinot Noir.
Ottawa, ON October 2018 Matt's review: Icellars 2016 Pinot Noir, 150 cases total production from the Icel (estate) Vineyard in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. Inviting sweet spice box aromas with fresh herbs, plum, and cherry notes showing the complexity of the wine from this special vineyard that has been producing nothing short of exceptional wines with each vintage.... 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 Estate Winery Arinna (red blend) from NOTL, ON – $42
Ottawa, ON April 2018 Matt's review: Boom, this expressive red blend from Icellars Estate Winery in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, consists of 50% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, and a splash of Malbec to produce a beautiful balanced and well structured wine. Fragrant sweet spices, plum, black cherry, mocha, black tea, and pipe tobacco... 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 →
93 pts #wine review: @StratusWines 2012 Red – showcasing the power and elegance of #Niagara
Ottawa, ON June 2017 Matt's review: Stratus Red 2012 - This impressive Niagara-on-the-Lake winery consistently produces some of the finest wines available in Ontario. 2012 was the best growing season the winery had experienced which enabled the grapes to achieve their optimal ripeness thereby contributing to the big and bold style that this red... Continue Reading →
