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Matt Steeves

Matt Steeves Certified Sommelier

29 days ago

Matt scored this wine: 97/100

Renowned Valpolicella producer, Tommasi, launched an ultra-premium label after two decades in the making. It's called De Buris (shown as DE BVRIS on the label), and they produce one single vineyard riserva Amarone from the La Groletta vineyard in Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella. This small 1.9 hectare cru-quality vineyard is on the most western limit of Valpolicella, situated at 250 meters above sea level with a south-west aspect overlooking Lake Garda. If you've visited Tedeschi's La Fabriseria vineyard at 500m and driven by the Pieve di San Giorgio, if you stop at the Piazza della Pieve to look westwards towards Lake Garda that's where La Groletta is, just below on that west-facing slope. The first vintage of De Buris Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG was 2008, now they're on the fourth vintage (2011), which is in market following more than a decade in the cellar. 2011 is considered among the best vintages for finesse and balance in Valpolicella. Tommasi's Oenologist, Giancarlo Tommasi, blended 65% Corvina, 24% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, and 6% Oseleta creating what I would describe as a benchmark for elegance, harmony, and structure in Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG. The nose reveals a beautiful complex aromatic profile showing dried cherry, plum, sweet tobacco, dark chocolate, and spice. The palate repeats with a seductive harmonious texture and long finish. This is a masterpiece. 8,400 bottles and 107 magnums produced. De Buris Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva offers a unique tasting experience characterized by elegance, harmony, and longevity. Enjoy 2024 - 2050+ Tasted February 2024. 97 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato

Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato 2017

Verona, Veneto, Italy
30 days ago

Matt scored this wine: 95/100

Incredible concentration, intensity, with bold and expressive dried fruit, cassis, spice, and balsamic evergreen notes. A blend of 85% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, and 5% Oseleta + Croatina, harvested a bit later than most appassimento-destined grapes, these were picked in late September and early October thus providing extra phenolic ripeness, body, and texture in the finished wine. A great vintage which is evident in the glass given the refreshing characteristic and overall harmony in this Riserva Amarone. The finish is long and textured showing decades of cellaring potential ahead. Enjoy 2024 - 2045+. Tasted February 2024. 95 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Jack London Vineyard

Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, United States
53 days ago

Matt scored this wine: 94/100

Kenwood's Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a symphony of elegance and depth, a vinous delight sourced from the historic Jack London 'Beauty Ranch.' This single vineyard gem, composed of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and a dash of (3%) Syrah, showcases the artistry of assemblage/ winemaking at its finest. With a lineage tracing back to the legendary Jack London (1876-1916), this vineyard has been exclusively sourced to Kenwood Vineyards since 1976, offering five decades of in-depth appreciation for the unique terroirs throughout this single vineyard. The volcanic soils and varied terrain across 23 distinct blocks contribute to the wine's complexity, allowing the fruit to be picked with precision when perfection is achieved. The 2019 Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The nose is a captivating blend of plum, blackberry, cassis, and blueberry pastries, accompanied by intriguing notes of roasted beets, savory herbs, and a distinctive graphite minerality. The palate mirrors this aromatic symphony, delivering a remarkably fresh and harmonious texture. What sets this wine apart is its fine integration of tannins, showcasing a level of balance that is nothing short of impressive. The 2019 Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastic expression of elegance, concentration, and overall harmony. For collectors, this wine is not just a momentary pleasure; it's an investment in the future. The 2019 vintage exhibits great cellaring potential, making it an ideal addition to any collection. A stellar choice to savor now and appreciate over the next decade and beyond. Tasted January 2024. 94 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca Available at LCBO - February 3, 2024 - $59.95

Featherstone Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
63 days ago

Matt scored this wine: 91/100

Inviting nose of fragrant summer blossoms, ripe orchard fruit, lemongrass, mandarin orange, lime zest, and a hint of kiwi fruit. The palate shows great varietal characteristics with impressive freshness, body, and length on the crisp citrus and herbaceous finish. Terrific food pairing wine, enjoy with a wide range of spicy fare, creamy casseroles, grilled lemon chicken or salads with soft cheese. Tasted January 2024. 91 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria

Donnafugata Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria 2021

Sicily D.O.C., Italy
80 days ago

Matt scored this wine: 95/100

Ben Ryé is a Passito di Pantelleria wine, a storied style of sweet white dessert wine produced on the small volcanic Italian island of Pantelleria which lies in the Strait of Sicily between the coasts of Sicily and Tunisia. Ben Ryé is made from the Muscat of Alexandria grape, locally referred to as Zibibbo which is derived from ‘zabib’ in Arabic which means dry grapes or raisins. It’s here where the small vines with the volcanic soils and sea influence produce such aromatic and concentrated grapes that are further intensified thanks to the drying process in the hot Mediterranean sun before the raisinated grapes are pressed and fermented into this luscious and refreshing dessert wine that is in a league of its own. For those that haven’t tried it yet expect a style of dessert wine like France’s Sauternes or Canada’s Icewine with well over 100g/L of residual sugar, and with a totally unique Mediterranean dried fruit character. As you may expect, the unique terroir and production techniques of this Passito di Pantelleria wine yields one of the most delicious, complex, and refreshing dessert wines you can imagine. Ben Ryé 2021 is showing beautifully now and will for decades to come. Enjoy with rich desserts and salty Mediterranean dishes alike. Tasted December 2023. 95+ points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Matt Steeves

Wine BloggerVisit Matt's Website

Memorable Wine

1996 Chateau d'Yquem - a gift from my bro

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First Wine

Probably a German Riesling or a Cali white blend, in a box, in the late 80s.

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Unusual Wine Experience

Chardonnay in the park. There's a great story to go along with that.

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Current Fav Wine

Really digging sparkling wines now as they're so dynamic and super versatile for food pairing.

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Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
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Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award