Matt scored this wine: 93/100

95 % Sangiovese and 5 % Merlot from Tenuta Perano’s high altitude vineyards shaped like a natural amphitheater in the heart of Chianti Classico. The nose shows plum, black cherry, chocolate, graphite, sandalwood, Olive, black tea, and leather. Medium-full bodied, refreshing, with savoury dark fruit, earthy character and dusty fine tannins on the long finish. Enjoy with mushroom risotto or Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Tasted October 2024. 93 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Matt scored this wine: 90/100

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - each vintage this label produces a consistently high quality, super approachable and food friendly wine that impresses with its refreshing exotic and citrus fruit and mineral characteristics. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere Valleys bringing out the best of each with classic Awatere aromas like lemongrass, jalapeño peppers, and fresh herbs, while Wairau Valley contributes ripe citrus and tropical fruit notes. This Sauvignon Blanc’s vibrant fruit, freshness and its racy, steely minerality make it an exceptional pairing with spicy Asian fare—a personal favorite of mine. The harmonious interplay of acidity and spice elevates the dining experience, making Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2023 a fantastic value-priced wine to enjoy with your favourite spicy dishes year-round. Tasted October 2024. 90 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Matt scored this wine: 88/100

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 - www.quercusvino.ca

Matt scored this wine: 91/100

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, and wet stone minerality. The aromas repeat on the palate with impressive structure and texture in this sub $20 wine. Medium bodied with a creamy and yet mouthwatering texture, this Riesling is off-dry but the great acidity balances it beautifully resulting in a very elegant, clean, and refreshing expression of Mosel Riesling. Enjoy over the next few years served chilled alongside Szechwan chicken or your favourite spicy Asian fusion cuisine. Tasted August 2024. 91 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Matt scored this wine: 95/100

St. Hugo from Australia's Barossa Valley teamed up with F1 legend Daniel Ricciardo to produce this unique release of premium Cabernet Sauvignon showcasing the strength and elegance St. Hugo is renowned for. 2021 represents the third vintage for "DR3" and what an outstanding expression it is. Deeply coloured with an opaque core, the nose has a full bouquet of dark fruit, black berry, black plum, bramble, chocolate, eucalyptus, and a gravelly minerality. The palate confirms the provenance and premium nature of the fruit. The most finely textured tannins I've tasted in recent years from Barossa, working in absolute harmony with the refreshing dark fruit to create a texture that showcases the elegance while the rich fruit highlights the intensity of the wine. St. Hugo excels in producing deeply flavoured yet exceptionally elegant and fresh reds that are redefining what Australian wines can be. Highly recommended. Enjoy 2025 - 2036+. Tasted bottle number: 6889 July 2024. 95 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca