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
World-Class Canadian Wines for Canada Day – As aired on CTV – June 30, 2025
Today on CTV Morning Live (and later on CFRA News Talk 580), Sommelier Matt Steeves was presenting some of his top-rated Canadian wines from all across Canada. These are wines which sommeliers across Canada and around the world are raving about the high quality and world-class nature that these wines have, similar to some of the finest wines from more storied wine regions in the world. But nowadays you don’t need to look far in Canada to find exceptional quality wines that are both locally produced and absolutely delicious! As we prepare to celebrate Canada Day this is one of the best times to explore and enjoy Canadian wine as we’ve come a long way over the past half century and we’ve firmly secured our spot as a great wine-making nation!
wine review: Cloudsley Wingfield Vineyard Chardonnay 2023, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
June 2025 Matt's review: From one of Niagara’s most compelling single vineyards, Cloudsley's 2023 Wingfield Vineyard Chardonnay delivers a stunning expression of cool-climate winemaking and site-specific nuance. The Wingfield Vineyard, planted in 1993 with Clone 76 Chardonnay, lies just uphill from the celebrated Foxcroft Vineyard on the Twenty Mile Bench, yet it carves its own... Continue Reading →
wine review: Poplar Grove The Legacy 2019, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
Poplar Grove’s The Legacy 2019 is a tour de force of power, depth, precision and poise, an exceptional Bordeaux-style blend from the sun-drenched southern Okanagan Valley. A blend of 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec, this deeply coloured, opaque red is as commanding in the glass as it is on the palate.
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: Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Okanagan Valley, BC
Burrowing Owl’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful example of the beautifully textured Cabernet Sauvignon the Okanagan Valley is capable of producing.
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.
wine review: Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2022 – Black Sage Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
Elegant, vibrant, and beautifully layered—this vintage captures the freshness of a cool start and the richness of a warm finish. 🍋🍐🍏 Pale gold with citrus, pear, yellow apple, lemon tart, and hints of jasmine tea on the nose. Full-bodied with a creamy texture, bright acidity, and finesse. The oak? Subtle and perfectly balanced. The most elegant Chardonnay yet from @burrowingowlwine. Enjoy now or cellar for 5+ years. 🥂 Perfect with grilled seafood, roast poultry, or autumn squash bisque. 📍 Oliver, BC | 🍇 Estate-grown | 🍷 Tasted May 2025 #BurrowingOwl #Chardonnay #OkanaganWine #BCWine #CanadianWine #WineLovers #WineTasting #ChardonnayLovers #SonoraRoom #WineCountry #CoolClimateWine
Domaine Queylus ‘Réserve du Domaine’ Chardonnay 2022 – Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Crafted from carefully selected parcels on the Niagara Peninsula, this wine is powerful yet refined. Aged in high-quality oak barrels, it’s a Chardonnay that delivers depth and elegance in equal measure. Orchard fruit, crème brûlée, spice, and toasty oak form a complex profile. 🍏 A full-bodied, textured Chardonnay with fine balance and long finish. Perfect for lobster, creamy risotto, or roast pork. $48.50 (winery-direct)
Rosehall Run JCR Chardonnay 2022 – Prince Edward County, Ontario
From the limestone-laden soils of Prince Edward County, this small-batch Chardonnay is precision-crafted and mineral-focused. The JCR (Janine, Curtis, and Rod) cuvée is a barrel-fermented Chardonnay with classic Burgundian influences. Fermented and aged in French oak, it balances vibrant citrus with subtle toasty notes.
