92 point wine review: Hester Creek Cabernet Franc Rosé, Okanagan Valley, BC

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

wine review: Les Jamelles Rouge Osé 2024 now at LCBO

Some red wines truly shine when served chilled, and Rouge Osé 2024 from Les Jamelles is the perfect introduction to that refreshing style. Just as a crisp rosé finds its stride on a hot summer’s day, this lively, light-bodied red shows how wonderfully vibrant and quaffable chilled reds can be. In the glass, Rouge Osé shimmers a bright ruby red. Aromas of cran-cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry leap out, joined by perfumed floral notes, a touch of spice, and a hint of cool menthol. The palate is crisp, crunchy, and bursting with red fruit, delivering both freshness and lift. Low tannins and a silky texture make it irresistibly drinkable, especially when slightly chilled in the summer sun. Food pairings? Think light and easy: charcuterie boards, grilled fish, fresh tartare, white meats, or simply pizza with friends. But make no mistake—this wine is equally enjoyable all on its own, served chilled on a warm afternoon. At $17.95 (LCBO), it’s a great deal. Les Jamelles Rouge Osé is fun, refreshing, and a must-try for anyone curious about chilled reds. Highly recommend checking it out this summer and discovering for yourself just how great a light-bodied red can be when served cold. Tasted August 2025. 89 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

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