This impressive Blanc de Blancs from Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Valley captures the essence of cool-climate Chardonnay with both precision and charm. Inspired by grower Champagne, the 2019 Brut was crafted with care and intention—aged in 600L French demi-muids and allowed to undergo full malolactic fermentation, enhancing its texture and layered complexity. The nose is vibrant and expressive, offering an elegant medley of honeyed stone fruit, orchard pear, chamomile tea, and freshly baked brioche. On the palate, it’s electric—brisk acidity is balanced by a creamy, persistent mousse that amplifies the wine's core of juicy stone fruit and mineral depth. The four years of lees aging lend a refined autolytic character, with subtle pastry and citrus oil tones that echo long after each sip. An impressive sparkling wine that holds its own among top-tier Blanc de Blancs, this bottle is a testament to the world-class potential of Nova Scotia terroir for crafting fine traditional method sparkling wines. Drink now or cellar over the next 5+ years for added nuance. Tasted July 2025. 93 points - Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Celebrate International Chardonnay Day with Stunning Canadian Wines from Coast to Coast – As aired on CFRA News Talk Radio – May 22, 2025
On this special edition of Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal on CFRA News Talk Radio, I had the pleasure of chatting with Patricia about why Chardonnay is the #1 planted white grape globally, why it’s a favourite for both winemakers and wine drinkers, and why Canada’s cool-climate Chardonnay deserves your full attention.
World-Class Canadian Wines for Canada Day as seen on CTV Morning Live
Today on CTV Morning Live (and later on CFRA News Talk 580), Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased an impressive line-up of world-class wines from all across Canada that highlight how vibrant the Canadian wine scene has become.
95 points wine review: Blomidon Estate Winery NV Brut Réserve from Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, Canada
In the realm of traditional method sparkling wines, few bottles can evoke a sense of place as vividly as Blomidon Estate Winery's NV Brut Réserve. Crafted amidst the dramatic landscape of Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, where the world's highest tides and oceanic breezes shape the vineyards, this sparkling wine showcases distinct maritime terroir at its finest.
Wine review: 2023 Nova 7 by Benjamin Bridge
The 2023 vintage of Nova 7 shows great finesse, harmony, and balance. Another impressive vintage! The most elegant vintage I recall.
Last minute wine gifts as seen on CTV Morning Live
Today on CTV Morning Live, Sommelier Matt Steeves showed some of his Sommelier-recommended wine picks that make excellent last minute gifts this holiday season.
wine review: Benjamin Bridge Brut Rosé 2017
Ottawa, ON February 2022 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge's 2017 Brut Rosé is an elegant traditional method sparkling wine that showcases the incredible freshness and complexity of flavours winemaker J-B Deslauriers delivers from their coastal-influenced vineyards along Canada's east coast. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, and 40% Chardonnay, it presents with a faint copper colour,... Continue Reading →
Sommelier Recommendations for this Holiday Season as seen on CTV Morning Live Halifax
Today on CTV Morning Live Halifax, CTVs Ana Almeida, Amanda Debison, and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some great wines and spirits which are sure to impress this holiday season. From fine Canadian sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Vodka, to international wines from Portugal and Italy, these Sommelier-selected wines are sure to please!
98 point wine review: 2019 Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 – the finest vintage ever!
Ottawa, ON April 2020 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge has been making a real fizz in the sparkling wine scene over the past two decades. This Nova Scotia (Canada) based winery is producing sparkling wines that rival those from Champagne and other storied wine regions around the world. A combination of ideal terroir for producing... Continue Reading →
wine review: Benjamin Bridge 2014 Brut
Ottawa, ON August 2019 Matt's review: Canadian sparkling wine icon, Benjamin Bridge, continues to capture the attention and admiration of wine aficionados, Sommeliers, and fine dining establishments around the world with their world-class premium sparkling wines. The 2014 Brut is a blanc de blancs, 100% Chardonnay, that showcases exactly why Benjamin Bridge has become... Continue Reading →
