From the sun-drenched Pays d'Oc region, the Les Jamelles Chardonnay 2022 impresses with its inviting aromas of tropical, orchard, and stone fruits, accented by delicate floral notes. On the palate, it reveals a creamy texture that echoes the expressive bouquet, culminating in a finish that lingers with the same vibrant fruitiness. This Chardonnay is a great value, offering a versatile style that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, from corn on the cob to charcuterie to roasted poultry and hearty autumn fare. Enjoyable now through 2026. Tasted August 2026. 89 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Pays d’Oc, France
For those who seek a value-priced Sauvignon Blanc that strays from the often typical herbaceous profile, Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc is a must try. Light to medium body, the palate is greeted with a delightful medley of exotic fruits, complemented by a hint of lemongrass and a crisp citrus edge. The subtle salinity adds an intriguing layer, persisting through the clean and refreshing finish. This Sauvignon Blanc is versatile and food-friendly, making it an ideal companion for various occasions. Whether you're lounging poolside on a warm summer day, enjoying light seafood dishes, or savoring mildly spicy takeout, this wine enhances the experience with its appealing and accessible style. Even those who typically shy away from Sauvignon Blanc may find themselves charmed by its refreshing and well-rounded nature, with its subtle herbaceous notes providing just enough aromatic and flavour complexity to keep things interesting. Tasted August 2024. 88 points - Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Wine review: Poplar Grove Pinot Noir 2022
Ottawa, ON July 2024 Matt’s review: Pinot Noir from the Okanagan Valley’s Naramata Bench can be absolutely incredible as they have great terroir for producing expressive terroir-driven wines thanks to the mineral rich soils, varying elevations and west facing aspects, northen latitude with long days, significant diurnal temperature differences, and of course the moderating effects... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Dr.L. Riesling 2022
Ottawa, ON August 2024 Matt’s review: From the northerly Mosel wine region, where some of the world’s finest Riesling are produced, Loosen Bros’ 2022 Dr. L. Riesling is an expressive, elegant, and beautifully balanced off-dry Riesling that over delivers on value. The nose shows fragrant floral blossoms, jasmine and honeysuckle, with orchard fruit, wildflower honey,... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Hester Creek “The Judge” 2021, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
The Judge 2021 is a deep ruby colour with slight garnet hue, the nose shows dark plum, black berries, dark cherry, savoury desert herbs, cedar, earth, and graphite. The palate shows great intensity of flavour with refreshing plum, fine integrated dusty tannins, with savoury dark fruit, spice, and pepper persisting on the long textured finish. A serious wine that beautifully showcases the unique vintage characteristics from this esteemed Golden Mile Bench estate. Enjoy over the next decade with rosemary and garlic grilled lamb chops or Parmesan crusted steak skewers. Tasted July 2024 and July 2025. 94 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Wine review: Hester Creek Pinot Bianco 2023, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley.
Ottawa, ON July 2024 Matt’s review: From the warm 2023 vintage which saw the highest growing degree days on record from April to August, Hester Creek’s Pinot Bianco was sourced from their beautiful mountain-side estate vineyards along the Golden Mile Bench. The nose is clean with vibrant stone fruit, pear, exotic fruits and a hint... Continue Reading →
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.
wine review: Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir 2020
One of the best offerings I've tasted from PEC over the past two decades and a fantastic example of the high quality wines being produced in PEC. If you enjoy premium Burgundy, you'll want to keep your eyes on this up and coming region and the expressive limestone influenced cool-climate wines they're producing.
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: Fontanafredda Gavi del Comune di Gavi (100% Cortese) now at LCBO – $22.95
Ottawa, ON June 2024 Matt's review: Fontanafredda has been instrumental with the growth and international recognition of Barolo since 1858, but its their value-priced Gavi del Comune di Gavi which you'll want to stock up on and enjoy this summer as the temperatures soar and refreshing white wines take center stage. Produced in the south... Continue Reading →
