How enjoyable is this wine? Wine ratings give you a fast and easy insight on what you can expect from a bottle. As the founder of Carl's Wine Club, I taste over 1000 Canadian wines per year, and rate many of them. Here's a quick guide on what each score means.

Below 88 Points: A Diplomatic Silence

Wines scoring below 88 points quietly stay off our publication radar. I respect the hard work of producers and winemakers, refraining from public critique to avoid negatively impacting those who dedicate themselves to the art of winemaking and the many challenges it comes with. Also, I recognize that many Canadian wine lovers might enjoy a wine that I rate below 88 points. 

88 Points: The Benchmark

For me, 88 points is the baseline—a wine that meets its price-point but doesn't necessarily leave a lasting impression. It's a decent experience, with an as-expected nose and palate, but lacking that special element to make it really stand out. There's nothing wrong with a wine at 88 points, and it can serve many purposes well. 

89 Points: Honesty and Intrigue

An 89-point wine captures my attention as honest and intriguing. It not only meets expectations but exceeds them slightly. With an attractive price point and the potential to evolve into something exceptional, these wines spark my curiosity.

90 Points: Surpassing Expectations

A 90-point rating signifies a wine that not only meets but surpasses expectations. It's on the cusp of becoming a rock star—a recommendation-worthy wine that you might be tempted to share on social media, or hurry and buy more of before it's sold out.

91 to 93 Points: Climbing the Superstar Ladder

Wines in the 91 to 93-point range ascend the superstar ladder. Here, one or multiple aspects of the wine stand out significantly—be it structure, texture, acidity, fruit component, length, or finish. These are wines that go above and beyond.

94 or 95 Points: The Rockstar Level

Rockstar status is reserved for wines that dazzle, occurring once a month or so in my tastings. At this level, every aspect of the wine—structure, texture, acidity, fruit component, length, and finish—surpasses expectations, making the price-point (almost) secondary.

96 to 99 Points: Approaching Perfection

Wines in the 96 to 99-point range are extremely rare, earning this distinction only a few times each year. These high scores are reserved for wines that approach perfection, showcasing a balance of texture, length, richness, and concentration—an almost-perfect symbiosis that makes you say 'wow' emphatically!

100 Points: The Pinnacle of Perfection

The elusive 100 points is reserved for the perfect wine—a rare gem that achieves unparalleled excellence in every aspect. This score is sparingly awarded, a celebration of the extraordinary and a testament to the dedication and artistry of the winemakers. In fact, I have not yet tasted a 100 point Canadian wine - as of December 21, 2023. 

Conclusion:

My rating system is a personal journey through the diverse landscape of wines, offering a roadmap to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you seek an everyday sipper or a once-in-a-lifetime experience, my goal is to help you gain valuable insights into the world of wines. Wine is both a personal and community experience. We learn more about our own preferences, as well as connect with others, through our discoveries.

Here's to the pursuit of perfection, one rating at a time. Cheers!

Carl Boucher, Founder & Chief Wine Officer, Carl's Wine Club

What happened in Niagara shocked even Burgundy veterans.

On August 23rd, 2025, something extraordinary happened at Black Bank Hill Winery in the Niagara Benchlands.

A dozen wines. Twenty-four collectors. One epic showdown between Burgundy and Canada.

The vibe? Electric. Excited whispers filled the vineyard as glasses clinked and the tasting mats with twelve carefully chosen wines were laid out before us. Legendary winemaker Thomas Bachelder leaned in, ready to share his deep knowledge of Burgundian terroir. Collectors and Canadian wine super-fans held their breath.

For the first time in our six years as a club, we pitted Canadian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay head-to-head with Burgundy—the world’s benchmark.

And the results surprised even us.

---

Why This Tasting Mattered

Burgundy is the gold standard for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Canadian wines are the upstart challenger.

Side-by-side tastings like this are rare. They cut through hype, price tags, and labels, and reveal what’s truly in the glass.

One important note: Burgundian wines generally show their best after at least 5–6 years of aging. Most of what’s available in Canada right now are younger vintages, which makes comparisons tricky. (The same can be true for Canadian wines, though with our younger regions we have far less historical data on aging potential.)

Even so, the Canadian wines more than held their ground. In several cases, they outshone their Burgundian counterparts—often at half the price.

Above: Canadian wine lovers gather before the Canada-Burgundy tasting at Black Bank Hill Winery near Beamsville, Ontario.

---

Highlights From the Showdown

Here’s what stood out, with my own tasting impressions:

2022 Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault ($130) – 92pts

vs

2023 Bachelder “Hill of Wingfield” Chardonnay – Ontario ($70) – 95pts

Thomas himself struggled to pick out his own Chardonnay in a semi-blind taste beside the Meursault. His wife Mary had to convince him that the Hill of Wingfield wasn’t the Meursault. Rich, layered, with a mineral finish that wouldn’t quit—the Canadian wine at half the price was simply on another level.

---

2023 Famille Gueguen Chablis Premier Cru “Vaucoupin” ($75) – 90pts

vs

2020 Closson Chase “Churchside Vineyard” Chardonnay – Ontario ($70) – 93pts

The Chablis brought freshness, but Closson Chase delivered more texture and depth. Ilya Senchuk of Leaning Post admitted the Canadian pairings were far closer than he expected—and this matchup proved his point.

---

2023 Capuano-Ferreri Santenay Premier Cru “La Comme” ($160) – 92pts

vs

2022 Meyer Family “Micro-Cuvée” Chardonnay – BC ($70) – 94pts

This was a collector’s “aha” moment. Meyer’s Micro-Cuvée showed stunning minerality, vibrant acidity, and finesse—at nearly $100 less than the Santenay. Member Geoff Lebano summed it up best: “As an accountant, I’d rather buy two Meyers than one Capuano-Ferreri La Comme. The value proposition isn’t even close.”

---

2019 Pascal Clement Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru “Les Valozieres” ($105) – 94pts

vs

2020 Da Silva “Legado” Pinot Noir – BC ($70) – 93pts

At six years of age, the Aloxe-Corton was in its prime. Even so, Richard Da Silva’s Legado Pinot held its own with depth and balance. Marc Nadeau, founder of L’Academie du Vin Toronto, tipped his hat to Richard for such a showing against a Burgundy in peak form.

---

2022 Maison Chanzy Mercurey Monopole “Le Bois Cassien” ($60) – 92pts

vs

2022 Lightning Rock “Canyonview Vineyard” Pinot Noir – BC ($45) – 93+pts

This was the surprise of the tasting for me. I’ve been saying for a while that Summerland is an emerging region for world-class Pinot Noir, but Lightning Rock exceeded even my expectations. A Platinum winner that made the Mercurey feel flat in comparison. Elegant, pure, and expressive—a statement wine at $45.

---

2023 Domaines de Bellene Savigny-Les-Beaune Vieilles Vignes ($55) – 93pts

vs

2022 Black Bank Hill Pinot Noir – Ontario ($45) – 92+pts

Thomas was impressed that Niagara’s young Black Bank Hill Pinot (from five-year-old vines!) stood toe-to-toe with Burgundy fruit from 75-year-old vines. Our host and co-presenter Taylor Emerson, founder of Black Bank Hill, was initially nervous to have his fifth leaf Pinot poured alongside 75 year old vines. But the results were truly a revelation for all of us, and proof that our terroir is evolving faster than anyone expected.

Above: Carl Boucher (Carl's Wine Club), Thomas Bachelder (Bachelder Niagara), Taylor Emerson (Black Bank Hill), as well as Marc Nadeau (L'Academie du Vin) and Ilya Senchuk (Leaning Post Wines) chat with wine lovers during the Canada-Burgundy tasting.

---

The Verdict

By the end of the afternoon, something had shifted.

Instead of asking if Canadian wines belong on the world stage, collectors were asking: how long before prices catch up?

Marc Nadeau openly declared the Bachelder Hill of Wingfield his wine of the night. Members buzzed about the Meyer and Lightning Rock. And Thomas himself admitted the gap is closing faster than he could have imagined.

Above: the Canada-Burgundy line up and flights.

---

What’s Next

At Carl’s Wine Club, we’ve spent six years championing Canadian wines. This tasting proved we’re not just keeping up—we’re competing at the highest level.

And now we’re taking it further:

🍷 Relive the tasting at home. We’ve partnered with a top retailer to release a limited Burgundy–Canada mixed pack so you can experience these matchups yourself. Join the waitlist here.

✈️ Come with us to Burgundy. In June 2026, we’re heading to the source. Our inaugural Burgundy trip will pour Canadian wines alongside Grand Crus, in the cellars of the Côte d’Or. Just a handful of spots remain. Find out more here.

Above: Epoisses (stinky Burgundian cheeses) served during the intermission.

---

Final Thoughts

This was one of the most exciting tastings I’ve ever hosted.

Not because Canada “beat” Burgundy—that’s not the point. But because, glass after glass, we showed that Canadian wines don’t just belong in the conversation. They’re already changing it.

And as a Canadian wine lover, you’re at the heart of this moment.

Cheers,
Carl

I’m thrilled to present my list of the top wine discoveries of 2024! I tasted over 1,350 wines from across Canada, representing regions as diverse as BC (Vancouver Island, Fraser Valley, Okanagan Valley, the Similkameen Valley, Thompson Valley) and Ontario (Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Escarpment, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Prince Edward County), Quebec, and even the beautiful Gaspereau and Annapolis Valleys of Nova Scotia.

The depth and breadth of Canadian winemaking continues to astound me, and 2024 has truly been a banner year.

 

 

Now in its fourth year, my Top Wines of the Year list has evolved in exciting ways, and I've noticed some trends that deserve a mention before diving into the wines themselves:

1. Winemakers Sharing Their Very Best
• Increasingly, winemakers and wineries are sending me their most prized creations—sometimes limited to extremely small production and unavailable elsewhere. This has made my selection process more challenging (so many great, highly rated options for a Top 10 list!) but also more rewarding.
2. A Bigger Benchmark Pool
• With more wineries submitting samples, I had a much larger benchmark to compare and evaluate around. As a result, the competition for a spot on this list was fiercer than ever.
3. Varietal Marathons
• This year, our live varietal marathons created a spotlight on Rosés, Chardonnays and Red Blends. These live events involved a total of over 267 wines tasted over a period of nearly 18 hours of live recordings. This focus slightly skews the representation on my list but ensures I identified the very best we could find in these categories. In past years, I've spotlighted other varietals during our live tasting marathons, like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Bubbles and Riesling.

My Selection Criteria

Choosing the top wines involves more than just high scores (and you can read all about my 100 point scale here). Here are the key guidelines I followed for this list:

• One Wine Per Producer
• To keep the list diverse and inclusive, I limited it to one wine per producer, even though some wineries could have easily dominated the entire top 10.
• No Back Vintages Over 5 Years
• Except for sparkling wines, I avoided back vintages older than five years. While I’ve tasted some extraordinary older vintages in 2024, I prioritized wines that are accessible and reflective of what’s currently available.
• Regional and Style Diversity
• My aim was to balance representation across regions, varietals, and styles. While it’s tempting to focus on a specific area or type of wine, I wanted this list to serve as a well-rounded guide to Canada’s top offerings in 2024.

My Top 10 Wines of 2024

Here’s the list you’ve been waiting for!

Each of these wines left me absolutely speechless in its own unique way. These wines are “blow your socks off” wines that make almost any one with any palate say “wow!”

Prices listed below are current as of January 1, 2024. They’re tax in prices which reflect the HST/GST holiday. While availability may vary, I’ve made every effort to highlight wines that you, our members, can seek out and enjoy.

1. 2020 Leaning Post “Clone 548” Chardonnay | ON, Niagara, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore | $47.20
2. 2019 Da Silva “Nobreza” Meritage | BC, VQA Okanagan Valley | $115.60
3. NV D’Angelo “Dolce Vita Rosso” Tempranillo (Fortified) | BC, Okanagan Valley, VQA Naramata Bench | $59.50
4. 2020 Ferox “Silver Lion Cuvee” Merlot | ON, Niagara, VQA Niagara Lakeshore | $57.35
5. 2020 O’Rourke “Twisted Pine” Chardonnay | BC, Okanagan Valley, VQA Lake Country | $77.10
6. 2021 Bachelder “Wismer-Parke, Wild West End” Pinot Noir | ON, Niagara, VQA Twenty Mile Bench | $66.57
7. 2019 Painted Rock “Red Icon” | BC, Okanagan Valley, VQA Skaha Bench | Not Currently Available | Exclusive Release at $115.00
8. 2019 Dobbin Chardonnay | ON, Niagara, VQA Twenty Mile Bench | $66.57
9. 2020 Southbrook “Poetica” | ON, Niagara, VQA Four Mile Creek | $62.15
10. 2020 Muscedere Syrah | ON, VQA Lake Erie North Shore | $43.50

Honorable Mentions

1. 2020 Fred Wines “Bolero Reserve” | ON, VQA Niagara Peninsula | $57.50
2. 2021 Stratus Red | ON, Niagara, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake | $48.87
3. 2021 Tantalus “Old Vines” Riesling | BC, VQA Okanagan Valley | $47.93
4. 2017 Noble Ridge “The One” Grand Reserve | BC, Okanagan Valley VQA Okanagan Falls | $55.09
5. 2023 Seven Directions “Tractor & Vines” Pinot Noir Rosé | BC, VQA Okanagan Valley | $35.30

Top Value Wines

1. 2020 Burnt Ship Bay “Reserve Red” | ON, Niagara, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake | $21.73
2. 2022 13th Street “Expression” Riesling | ON, VQA Niagara Peninsula | $18.15
3. 2022 Mayhem Cab-Merlot | BC, Okanagan Falls | $26.98

 

Looking Ahead to 2025

I hope this list serves as a guide and inspiration for your wine journey in the coming year. Canada’s winemakers are producing some of the most exciting and world-class wines in our history, and I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store.

One trend to watch for is in BC. With the vine death and crop loss of the last two vintages (as much as 80% of BC vineyards had no grapes at all in 2024) we will see BC wineries releasing wines made in BC, but with grapes or juice from Ontario, Washington State, Oregon, California and beyond. This is a huge shift. It will be very interesting to see what the creativity of our Canadian winemakers can produce.

I am also sure that there will be some fascinating stories and collaborations that emerge from these limited edition wines, and I’ll be on the front lines bringing you these stories, news and wines to taste!

In 2025 you can also expect to see us at the third edition of the Pan-Canadian Masterclass on June 21^st – an event that allows you to experience Canada’s terroir from Coast to Coast. We will be premiering our first ever TV series in Fall of 2025: Cellar Confidential, on the Telus Optik TV network. We will also celebrate our soon to be elected Member’s Choice Winery of the Year in both BC and Ontario with in person events on both sides of the country slated for Fall 2025. I can’t wait to continue to grow our community of raving fans of Canadian wine!

Please remember to share this blog post with another wine lover and invite them to join the club for free. Let’s grow the Carl’s Wine Club community in 2025 – our 5^th  anniversary year!

(Carl Boucher, Chief Wine Officer)

After tasting over 1200 Canadian wines in 2023, we're ready to reveal our most notable and exciting discoveries of the year.

This is our FOURTH edition of the Wines of the Year list of Canada's most exciting wines - more on the selection process below.

Let's start with the top value wines of 2023, followed by honourable mentions, and then - drum roll please! - the Top 10 Wines of 2023!

 

Top Value Wines of 2023

We often say it is harder to find an exceptional wine under $20 than it is to find an exceptional wine at a higher price point.

These three wines had us jumping out of our seats with joy when we discovered their price points. They each over-deliver their price tag BIG TIME. Plus, they constitute 'cellar insurance' to help you save your cellar-worthy wines from being consumed too early. Buy these ones by the case if you can!

The average bottle price for these value wines is $20 including tax per bottle and scores range from 90+ to 92 points. 

#3: 2022 Vineland Estates Cabernet Franc 

With 90+ points at only $15.95 including tax, this wine seriously overdelivers. Brimming with flavour at an unbeatable price point.

#2: 2021 Bella Terra Cabernet Merlot 

How about 92 points for just $19.95 including tax? A full bodied crowd-pleaser with enough flavour and complexity to keep you engaged.

>> See the full tasting notes and get a bottle FREE with every 11 purchased, plus Free Shipping, for a limited time here.

#1: 2020 Monte Creek Living Land Chardonnay

At only $22 plus tax, this blew our minds in a marathon tasting against $70+ Chardonnays. Incredible value find!

Honorable Mentions

Now onto the top tier discoveries!

These 5 honourable mentions scored 93-94 points and represent some of the most interesting and exciting finds of the year.

The average bottle price for these honourable mentions is $62 including tax per bottle and scores range between 93-94 points.

#5: 2018 Howling Bluff Forbidden Blanc Fortified

93pts, BC. A luscious, fortified dessert wine with intense flavour.

#4: 2022 Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Riesling

93pts, ON. A precise, complex Riesling that shows the potential of the 2022 Niagara vintage.

#3: 2022 Seven Directions Tractor & Vines Pinot Noir Rose

93pts, BC. Consistently Canada's best rose from the rose master, Daniel Bontorin. This may just be the last vintage of the Tractor & Vines vineyard roses, as the Solum Rosa Estate Vineyard is poised to produce future vintages for this rose-only brand. 

#2: 2020 Hester Creek "X" Winemaker Trilogy Red Blend

93pts, BC. An impressive Petit Verdot dominant red blend built for long term cellaring, with an equally impressive cult following right at release. Watch for the release of "Y" and "Z" in coming years. The names represent longitude, latitude and elevation, key elements in terroir.

#1: 2018 Pearl Morissette Cuvee Madeline Cabernet Franc 

94pts, ON. Rich and wildly enjoyable - one of the best Cab Francs tasted in 2023.

The Top 10 Wines of 2023

Let the countdown begin! Get ready for the WOW WOW WOW wines.

Out of over 1200 Canadian wines tasted, we tried to showcase the diversity available to Canadians with this Top 10 list.

While some of these producers could have taken up multiple spots on this list since they make more than one wine at this level, we wanted to highlight multiple producers and wines that we feel members just have to know more about.

The average bottle price for the Top 10 is $68 including tax per bottle. Keep scrolling to see detailed tasting notes for each after the list below.

#10: 2021 Maverick Cabernet-Syrah

94pts CWC, BC, $40+

#9: 2022 Bella “Ancestral Method Pommard Clone” Pinot Noir

94pts CWC, BC, $32.60+

#8: 2019 Leaning Post “Senchuck” Pinot Noir

94pts CWC, ON, $70

#7: 2021 Da Silva “Legado” Chardonnay

94+pts CWC, BC, $59.99+

#6: 2019 Stonebridge “Reserve” Cabernet Franc

94+pts CWC, ON, $65

#5: 2021 Westcott “Block 76” Chardonnay

94+pts CWC, ON, $50

#4: 2021 Painted Rock Cabernet Sauvignon

94+pts CWC, BC, $59.99+

#3: 2020 Bachelder Grimsby Hillside “Frontier” Chardonnay

95pts CWC, ON, $60

#2: 2020 Icellars “Wismer-Parke” Syrah

95+pts CWC, ON, $75

#1: 2015 River Stone “Milestone”

96pts CWC, BC, $124.99+

>> Order your Milestone while supplies last or add it on to your Mystery Pack!

 

Thank you for celebrating with us and for being a part of this amazing community of Canadian wine lovers!

>> Until January 7, you can order a Mystery Pack of Wines of the Year! Click here for details.

You can also make a special request for any of these wines by emailing us at carl@carlswineclub.com and we will be happy to see what we can source for you! 

Let us know what wines YOU enjoy the most! What was your top Canadian wine of 2023? 

Cheers,

Carl & Mira,

Founders, Carl's Wine Club

Detailed Tasting Notes

#1

2015 River Stone “Milestone” Collector’s Edition

BC VQA, Okanagan Valley
90% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot l Dry | 14.7% ABV
96pts Carl’s Wine Club

This is a magical wine, in terms of texture, length, power, finesse and complexity. This is probably one of the top 10 Canadian red wines that I have ever tasted. I mean, this is very special, a complete harmony in all aspects. The refinement and the finesse are at a World Class level with pin-point flavour definition, well defined edges and incredible softness. On the nose, aromas of cassis, black cherry and dark chocolate welcome you at first followed by forest floor, pencil shavings, cedar box and a hint of dried herbs. The palate shows a perfect seven years of evolution with sweet black fruits like blackberry, black plum and dark cherry. The mid-palate offers a stunning complexity highlighting different levels of torrefaction with expresso coffee, dark chocolate, black licorice and toasted spice well integrated with  vanilla and other oak elements. The finish is long, very long! With a reminiscence of a great right-bank Bordeaux (wink - wink Chateau Cheval Blanc 😊) where white pepper intermingles perfectly with graphite. The tannins are perfectly immersed, and the structure stands firm, all in a wonderful softness. Do not decant this wine. (CWC, Sept 22, 2023).

Food pairing: beef wellington, roasted leg of lamb
Drink now until 2027
Winery Price: $125.00+ tax & deposit

>> The Milestone is available to order here (no minimums) for a limited time!

#2

2020 Icellars “Wismer Parke Vineyard” Syrah

 

Ontario, Niagara, VQA Twenty Mile Bench
100% Syrah | Dry Wine | 14.9% ABV
95+pts Carl's Wine Club

WOW, definitely an early leading candidate for Wine of the Year and probably the best Syrah I’ve tasted from Niagara. A wine with power and finesse, incredible depth and richness, this Syrah is the perfect expression of the “Vintage of the Century”. The nose is generous with aromas of blueberry, cassis and violet, before transitioning towards cappuccino and cinnamon. On the palate, the texture is incredibly rich and perfectly lifted by a wave of freshness and acidity which gracefully balance the 14.9% alcohol. The flavours of blueberry jam, dark cherry, tiramisu, licorice and white pepper come in perfectly synchronized layers. An absolute MASTERPIECE. This will age for at least a decade without blinking. (CWC, 13/3/23). 120 cases made.

 

Food pairing: BBQ pork ribs, lamb roast
Drink now until 2032
Winery Price: $75.00 including tax & deposit

#3

2020 Bachelder “Grimsby Hillside – Frontier Block” Chardonnay

 

ON, Niagara, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore
100% Chardonnay l Dry (RS 2.0g/ltr) | 13.5% ABV
95pts Carl’s Wine Club, 97pts David Lawrason (WineAlign), 95pts Rick VanSickle

Seductive and stunningly cerebral, this wine shows some of the greatest attributes and potential of the very sought-after Grimsby Hillside Vineyard, the crown jewel of the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-appellation. The Frontier Block is one of the three parcels of the vineyard showcased by Thomas Bachelder, and probably the one showing the most finesse and complexity. On the nose, you can expect citrus like lemon zest, lemon meringue, orange blossom and a hint of floral components. The palate is soft, light on its feet and perfectly balanced with classic notes of lemon, lemon pie, apricot, yellow plum, caramel and almond cookie. For me, two things separate this wine from great to Greatness. First, the level of flinty and salty minerality is unparalleled, as is the way it’s spread across the palate. Second, the level of complexity is such that every step makes you think and reflect about the experience, making every moment absolutely unique. (CWC, Dec 1, 2023). 81 cases made.

 

Food pairing: seared scallops, steelhead trout filet
Drink now until 2032

Winery price: $60.00 plus tax/dep

 

#4

2021 Painted Rock Cabernet Sauvignon

 

BC, Okanagan Valley, VQA Skaha Bench
100% Cabernet Sauvignon | Dry Wine (RS 1.6 g/ltr) | 14.5% ABV
94+pts Carl’s Wine Club, 94pts John Schreiner

This might be my favourite bottle of our Painted Rock selection this year. A spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon from a special terroir overlooking the lake on the Skaha Bench. A very perfumed wine on the nose, with forest floor and pine needles, pencil lead, deep dark fruits like blackcurrants and blackberry, cedar and black tea. Full body, this Cabernet Sauvignon is tangy and energetic with a clear line of fresh tannins and acidity. Very attractive now in a youthful and vibrant way, but this will be SPECTACULAR in three to four years. Dark, fleshy and expansive on the palate, which offers flavours of blackberry jam, ripe raspberry, balsamic, crushed gravel, spice, new leather, licorice, mint and crème de cassis. The 2021 seems to have an extra dimension of textural intensity - it's an intensity that is hugely appealing. This is a very special wine. Another potential candidate for my Top 10 Wines of the Year. Decanting is strongly recommended! (CWC, Nov 30, 2023). 260 cases made.

 

Food pairing: beef tartar, deer tenderloin
Drink between 2024 to 2032+

Winery price: $59.99 plus tax/dep

 

#5

2021 Westcott “Block 76” Chardonnay

 

Ontario, Niagara, VQA Vinemount Ridge
100% Chardonnay | Dry Wine (RS 3.0 g/ltr) |13% ABV
94+pts Carl’s Wine Club, 95pts Rick VanSickle

Wow, this wine is absolutely fantastic, a stunning showing of finesse and elegance! Hand-picked from a one-acre block on the Home Farm Vineyard, this Chard was fermented in neutral oak barrels and aged for 16 months. The nose is expressive, jumping out of my glass with notes of Meyer lemon, yellow apple, jasmine and butterscotch while the palate is incredibly soft, complex and balanced. On the front-palate, flavours of zesty lemon, candied apple and a hint of pear, while the mid palate is the star of the show with richness, lip smacking acidity, and a World Class level of minerality on full display. The finish delivers subtle toasty oak notes and light spices, citrus peel, while a burst of saltiness boomerangs back when you think that it’s all over. ABSOLUTELY spectacular! One of my top Chardonnays tasted this year, no question about that. (CWC, 10/23/2023). 200 cases made.

 

Food pairing: poached halibut, blanquette de veau
Drink now until 2031

Winery price: $50.00 including Tax & Deposit

 

#6

2019 Stonebridge “Reserve” Cabernet Franc

Ontario, Niagara, VQA Twenty Mile Bench
100% Cab Franc | Dry (RS 3.0 g/ltr) |13% ABV
94+pts Carl’s Wine Club

This wine was the top wine of our Cabernet Franc marathon this year out of over 50 Cab Francs from all over the country. An absolute stunner! I knew that Stonebridge produces fantastic premium wines, but this single vineyard wine, wild fermented and aged for 19 months in French oak (30% new), was a revelation. The structure of this wine is astonishing: a fantastic blend of solid acidity and sweet ripe fruits, with brilliant concentration and terrific length. On the nose, the aromas are expressive with a great mix of dark fruits, blue fruits, tobacco and floral notes. The palate is rich and distinctive, with flavours of rich blackberry and blue plum, lots of tobacco, red pepper jelly, dark cherry gracefully polished dusty tannins. This is a seamless wine, and everything is nicely in balance. the finish is extremely long with black cracked pepper, oak spices and lingering minerality. This is built for decades of cellaring. (CWC, 09/21/2023). 415 cases made.

Food pairing: lamb kabob, NY strip loin with peppercorn sauce
Drink now until 2031

Winery price: $65.00 including tax & deposit

 

#7

2021 Da Silva “Legado” Chardonnay

 

BC, VQA Okanagan Valley
100% Chardonnay | Dry | 13.0% ABV
94+pts Carl’s Wine Club

This Chardonnay is stunningly complex and tenacious showing a great mix between fresh citrus fruits and roundness of the tropical edges, and a layer of stoney minerality. On the nose, the aromas of lemon meringue pie come up first, quickly followed by a burst of tropical fruits, chamomile tea and ginger. The palate is very well layered and tremendously complex offering yellow baked apple and Meyer lemon on the front palate before hitting some tropical notes with grilled pineapple and mango, before developing distinctive toasty and oak spices like cardamom and clove, white pepper, pie crust and caramel. The length of this wine is absolutely spectacular. One of the best BC Chardonnays, without a doubt! It is showing beautifully just a month after bottling, but I expect that this wine could score 96 points with just a few more years of bottle aging. (CWC, 08/04/23). 100 cases made.

 

Pairings: grilled halibut, paella
Drink between 2024 and 2030

Winery Price: $59.99 plus tax/dep

 

#8

2019 Leaning Post “Senchuck” Pinot Noir                                    

 

Ontario, Niagara, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore
100% Pinot Noir | Dry (RS 3.0 g/ltr) |12.5% ABV
94pts Carl’s Wine Club

This is where power meets elegance. Where refinement meets concentration, where flavour definition meets length and complexity. I mean, this wine has everything to compete on the World stage with any Pinot Noir from anywhere. This is a Niagara Superstar. On the nose, aromas of cherry, raspberry, fresh violets, rose water and forest floor. The palate is soft and suave delivering defined flavours of red cherry, cranberry, earthiness, and a long, long, LONG and complex finish. The tannins are gentle, precise and gracious, the oak profile expends the texture appropriately and the acidity lifts the whole body of work.  This might just be the best Pinot Noir from the Senchuk vineyard to date and will age gracefully for at least a decade. (CWC, 08/17/23). 150 cases made

 

Pairings: crab stuffed Portobello mushroom, roasted quail
Drink now until 2031

Winery Price: $70 including tax & deposit

 

#9

2022 Bella “Black Pine Vineyards” Ancestral Sparkling Pinot Noir Pommard Clone

 

BC, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
100% Pinot Noir| Dry | 10.1% ABV
94pts Carl’s Wine Club

This is one of my most surprising wines tasted since the beginning of my Canadian wine journey. 100% Pommard clone Pinot Noir from the Naramata Bench. This ancestral traditional method bubbly delivers incredible softness on the palate with a creamy and unctuous mousse, bright acidity and stunning vibrancy. Flavours of dark cherry, raspberry, cranberry and a hint of floral notes enhanced a long-lasting sensory experience. Fresh and immensely delicious, I just hope to get my hands on a couple more bottles, so I can introduce this world class small producer to other Canadian wine lovers. WELL DONE. (CWC, Sept 15, 2023). 50 cases made.

 

Food pairing: crab cakes, smoked salmon and cream cheese
Drink now until 2027

Winery price: $32.60 plus tax & deposit

 

#10

2021 Maverick Cabernet-Syrah

BC, VQA Okanagan Valley
60% Cab Franc, 34% Syrah, 6% Cab Sauv | Dry | 14.0% ABV
94pts Carl’s Wine Club

This is a gorgeous wine, a wine of class and distinction, with superb flavour definition! Co-fermented Cab Franc and Syrah, aged for 18months in French and Hungarian oak. The addition of a splash of Cab Sauv brings structure, depth and intensity. It’s complex and cerebral, but also juicy and so well balanced. On the nose you’ll find very expressive aromas of dark cherry, cherry wood, cassis, blueberry, vanilla, sandalwood, pencil shavings and a hint of violet. The palate is soft and generous, approachable and well defined. At first, black cherry and blackberry are coming at you with discretion followed by cassis and a swirl of black forest cake. The mid palate is filled with black currants, smoked meat, leather, a hint of fresh herbs and dark licorice. The finish is soo long with cedar box and tobacco leaves, also including a nice sequence of spices such as black cracked pepper followed by Turkish delight. This wine has the material and everything that I’m looking for to be included in my Top 10 Wines of the Year. An absolute GEM and very well priced. I sure hope to see this wine coming back in the future, as this was the first of its kind made at Maverick Estate. (CWC, Dec 28, 2023) 95 cases made. 

Food pairing: BBQ smoked ribs, beef tartare
Drink now until 2030

Winery price: $40.00 plus tax & deposit

 

>> Until January 7, you can order a Mystery Pack of Wines of the Year! Click here for details.

What happens when you open nearly 60 Canadian red blends all at once?

On December 28, 2024, we embarked on an epic 5.5-hour live tasting journey to find out!

These wines ranged from $14.94 to $265, showcasing the diversity, style, and exceptional potential of Canadian terroir. We then re-tasted our top 15 wines on the following day (also live!), and finalized the scores.

 

 

Regional Representation and Value Highlights

Our tasting lineup featured:

• 28 wines from British Columbia: Representing regions such as Oliver-Osoyoos, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls, Skaha Bench, the Similkameen Valley, and even the Lillooet region in the Thompson Valley.
• 30 wines from Ontario: Including entries from Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Niagara Escarpment, and one standout from the Lake Erie North Shore.

In total, we evaluated 58 wines, collectively valued at $3,684.60, with an average bottle price of $64.64 and an impressive average score of 92 points. I used my usual 100 point rating scale (find out more about how I score here).

Unfortunately, more than 15 samples didn’t make it in time due to the Canada Post strike and an overwhelmed transportation system during the holiday season.

Meritage Blends and Syrah Standouts

Classic Meritage blends—requiring a minimum of three Bordeaux varietals (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot)—dominated the lineup, earning many of the highest scores. However, innovative blends like Fred Wines’ Bolero Reserve and Tightrope’s Equipoise, which incorporated generous portions of Syrah, stood out for their distinctive character.

The Blind Tasting Experiment

Inspired by John Schreiner’s perfect 100-point rating of Mission Hill’s Oculus earlier this year, we included this $265 (tax in) wine in a blind tasting lineup with other iconic Canadian blends. The goal? To see how it measured up against its peers. Here are the wines we blind-tasted alongside the 2020 Oculus (94 points, Carl’s Wine Club):

• 2020 Fred Wines Bolero Reserve (94 points)
• 2020 Clos du Soleil Signature (92+ points)
• 2019 Black Hills Nota Bene (90 points - we may have had an off bottle)
• 2020 Hidden Bench La Brunante (93+ points)
• 2019 Painted Rock Red Icon (94+ points)
• 2019 Da Silva Nobreza (95 points)
• 2020 Icellars Wiyana Wanda (93 points)
• 2020 Ferox Black Lion Cuvee (94+ points)
• A tank sample of 2023 Bottega Wine Studio Cabernet Franc (93+ points)

Ageability of Canadian Reds

Thanks to a donation from Tightrope founder and winemaker Graham O’Rourke (also former viticulturist at Mission Hills), we had the opportunity to taste the 2009 Oculus (92+ points) alongside the 2020 Oculus. The 2009 version, still fully in its prime, had clearly benefited from age and showed much more life to come.

Similarly, we tasted the 2010 Palatine Hills “Neufeld Vineyard” Meritage (92 points), graciously provided by Vadim Chelekov, winemaker at Palatine Hills. Both wines demonstrated the excellent aging potential of Canadian red blends, reinforcing their ability to evolve and develop over time.

 

 

Insights into the Canadian Wine Industry

One key takeaway from the tasting was the noticeable price difference between wines from Ontario and British Columbia. Ontario producers can offer more value-driven wines (under $30) due to larger farm sizes, greater potential for machine harvesting, and significantly lower vineyard land costs compared to British Columbia. This economic advantage allows Niagara producers to maintain competitive price points without sacrificing quality.

Notable Discoveries

I was quite surprised and impressed by the following wines, which were completely new to me. These three wines were a wonderful discovery and are all priced under $40 as of December 28, 2024:

• 2018 Terralux Meritage (92 points)
• 2021 Muscedere Meritage (92 points)
• 2021 Southbrook “Whimsy” Field Blend (93+ points)

Top-Scoring Wines (93+ Points)

95 Points

• 2019 Da Silva Nobreza

94+ Points

• 2020 Ferox Black Lion Cuvée
• 2019 Painted Rock Red Icon

94 Points

• 2020 Fred Wines Bolero Reserve
• 2019 Black Market The Syndicate
• 2015 Tawse Meritage
• 2022 Tightrope Equipoise
• 2020 Icellars Arinna
• 2020 Mission Hill Oculus
• 2020 One-Eighty Meritage

93+ Points

• 2020 Dobbin Estate Cabernet Blend
• 2020 Upper Bench Altitude
• 2020 Hidden Bench La Brunante
• 2020 Icellars Wiyana Wanda
• 2021 Southbrook Whimsy Field Blend

Top Value Picks (Under $30)

Special shoutout to Burnt Ship Bay with their 2020 Reserve Red (92 points, Carl’s Wine Club) and 2022 Mayhem Cab-Merlot (91+ points, Carl’s Wine Club). These wines showcased the greatest value of the entire tasting, delivering exceptional quality at a price point under $30 including tax. Finding such red blends has become increasingly rare, making these stand out as true gems.

So…can we really ripen reds in Canada?

Are Canadian reds really cellar worthy?

Can you really find a bold red from Canada?

While I know that I’m probably preaching to the choir here, the answer continues to be a resounding YES! YES! And YES!

Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a classic Meritage or the bold innovation of Syrah-enhanced blends, there’s a Canadian red blend waiting to delight your palate.

Know a wine lover that might enjoy this post? Please share and ask them to join Carl’s Wine Club for free to discover World Class Canadian wine together!

Cheers,

 

Carl Boucher

Chief Wine Officer, Carl's Wine Club

 

Do you love Chardonnay? Well we sure do. And we think Chardonnay is perhaps the wine that Canada does the best from Coast to Coast.

For our fourth annual Chardonnay varietal marathon, we went live for over six and a half hours. During the live show, Carl tasted and reviewed 112 Canadian Chardonnays.

No that's not a typo.

112 Chardonnays tasted live.

A record-breaker for Carl's Wine Club (and maybe the world?).

The total value of the wines open was $4,733.02, for an average of $42.26 per bottle. So we could better compare 'apples to apples' we used the prices including tax throughout this post. You can see a full list of the wines and scores here. A huge thank you to each of the wineries who participated by sending a bottle of their Chardonnay!

Here's a re-cap of the epic Chardo tasting:

 

Keep scrolling below for Carl's Top 15 of the night, plus Top 10 Value Chardonnays.

Cheers to your Chard discoveries!

Carl's Top 15 Chardonnays

1. 2020 Leaning Post “Clone 548” – VQA Lincoln Lakeshore ON, 96+pts, $52.00 >> See the full tasting notes here.
2. 2020 O’Rourke Family “Twisted Pine” – VQA Okanagan Valley, 95pts, $80.50
3. 2021 Bachelder “Grimsby Hillside” Frontier Block -VQA Lincoln Lakeshore ON, 94+pts, $60.00
4. 2021 Domaine Queylus “La Grande Reserve” Cuvee Champlain – VQA Niagara Peninsula 94+pts, $60.50
5. 2020 O’Rourke Family “Estate” – VQA Okanagan Valley BC, 94+pts, $75.90
6. 2019 Dobbin Estate – VQA Twenty Mile Bench ON, 94pts, $75.00
7. 2019 Stonebridge “Reserve East” – VQA Four Mile Creek ON, 94pts, $78.00
8. 2020 Closson Chase “Churchside” – VQA Prince Edward County ON, 94pts, $55.00
9. 2022 Meyer “Micro Cuvee” Steven – VQA Okanagan Valley BC, 93+pts, $70.12
10. 2021 Trail “Chardonnay du Sud” – VQA Prince Edward County. 93pts, $65.00
11. 2020 Tawse “Quarry Road” – VQA Vinemount Ridge”, 93pts, $36.95
12. 2020 O’Rourke Family Clone 96 – VQA Okanagan Valle BC, 93pts, $92.00
13. 2021 Bachelder “Wismer Foxcroft” – VQA Twenty Mile Bench, 93pts, $60.00
14. 2019 Stonebridge “Reserve” – VQA Four Mile Creek, 93pts, $50.00
15. 2020 Blue Mountain “Estate” – VQA Okanagan Valley BC, 92+pts, $46.00

👉 Click here to get the limited edition Premiere Chardonnay Mystery Pack!

Carl's Top 10 Value Chardonnays 

1. 2020 Monte Creek “Living Land” – VQA Thompson Valley BC, 92pts, $25.24
2. 2019 Southbrook “Triomphe” – VQA Niagara Peninsula ON, 92pts, $26.75
3. 2021 Solvero – VQA Okanagan Valley BC, 92pts, $34.50
4. 2019 Bella Terra – VQA Four Mile Creek, 92pts, $34.95
5. 2022 Mt. Boucherie “Reserve” – VQA British Columbia BC, 92pts, $34.49
6. 2021 80x “Dam” Wilms Vineyard – VQA Four Mile Creek ON, 92pts, $30.00
7. 2021 Vineland Chardonnay Musque – VQA Niagara Escarpment ON, 90pts, $19.95
8. 2022 Meyer Family OK Valley – VQA Okanagan Valley, 90pts, $25.10
9. 2022 Hester Creek - VQA Golden Mile Bench BC, 90+pts, $28.74
10. 2022 Noble Ridge “Stony Knoll” Unoaked – VQA Okanagan Falls BC, 90pts, $29.89

👉 Click here to get the limited edition Top Value Chardonnay Mystery Pack!

The full recording:

It's full on SUMMER weather so we broke out the rose.

But in true Carl's Wine Club style, we did it LIVE and tasted 92 roses plus a couple of unlisted tank samples, for over five hours on Saturday July 6, 2024.

The total value of the roses open was $2,617.36 including tax, for an average of $28.45 per bottle. So we could better compare 'apples to apples' we used the winery-direct prices including tax throughout this post.

You can see a full list of the wines and scores here.

A huge thank you to each of the wineries who participated by sending a bottle of their Rose!

Keep scrolling below for Carl's Top 15 Roses, plus Top 5 Rose Sparklings.

Rose all day!!!

Carl's Top 15 Rosés 2024

1. 2023 Seven Directions Tractor and Vines Pinot Noir Rosé | 93 points | VQA Okanagan Valley | 13.00% ABV | $32.00 before tax | $36.80 including tax | 100% Pinot Noir 

   👉 Order yours here until July 21!

2. 2022 Da Silva Cor de Rosa | 92 points | VQA Okanagan Valley | 12.70% ABV | $27.99 before tax | $32.19 including tax
3. 2023 Hester Creek Rosé Noir | 92 points | VQA Okanagan Valley | 11.70% ABV | $27.99 before tax | $32.19 including tax
4. 2023 Peak Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé | 92 points | VQA Lake Country | 13.10% ABV | $28.99 before tax | $33.34 including tax | 100% Pinot Noir
5. 2023 Peak Cellars Pink Granite Rosé | 92 points | VQA Lake Country | 13.50% ABV | $36.99 before tax | $42.54 including tax | 100% Pinot Noir
6. 2023 Tantalus Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé | 92 points | VQA East Kelowna Slopes | 12.60% ABV | $23.48 before tax | $27.00 including tax | 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier
7. 2023 Tawse Winery Quarry Road Rosé | 92 points | VQA Niagara Peninsula | 12.00% ABV | $24.73 before tax | $27.95 including tax | 100% Pinot Noir
8. 2023 Mayhem Wines Rosé | 91+ points | VQA Okanagan Valley | 13.10% ABV | $21.83 before tax | $25.10 including tax
9. 2023 13th Street Winery Vin Gris | 91+ points | VQA Niagara Peninsula | $22.08 before tax | $24.95 including tax
10. 2023 Domaine Queylus Rosé | 91+ points | VQA Niagara Peninsula | 12.5% ABV | $21.90 before tax | $24.75 including tax | Cab Franc
11. 2023 Evolve Rosé | 91+ points | VQA Okanagan Valley | 12.50% ABV | $29.99 before tax | $34.49 including tax | 100% Syrah
12. 2023 Black Market Omerta | 91 points | VQA Okanagan Valley | 12.80% ABV | $28.00 before tax | $32.20 including tax | 100% Pinot Gris
13. 2023 Culmina Family Estate Winery Saigneé | 91 points | VQA Golden Mile | 14.00% ABV | $26.00 before tax | $29.90 including tax | Merlot (47%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Petit Verdot (18%) and Cabernet Franc (15%)
14. 2023 Solvero Rosé | 91 points | VQA Okanagan Valley | 12.80% ABV | $25.00 before tax | $28.75 including tax
15. 2023 80X When Pigs Fly Pinot Noir Rosé | 91 points | VQA Niagara Peninsula | 12.50% ABV | $17.70 before tax | $20.00 including tax | Pinot Noir

 

👉 Click here to get the limited edition 6 Bottle Rose Mystery Pack!

Carl's Top 5 Rosé Sparkling 2024 

1. 2021 Divergence Rosé Brut | 92 points | VQA Lincoln Lakeshore | 11.60% ABV | $35.40 before tax | $40.00 including tax | 100% Pinot Noir 👉 Order yours here until July 21!
2. NV Bella Terra Sparkling Rosé | 91+ points | VQA Ontario | 12.00% ABV | $22.08 before tax | $24.95 including tax | 95% Vidal Blanc, 5% Malbec
3. 2023 Black Market Nothing To Declare | 91+ points | VQA Okanagan Valley | 12.90% ABV | $35.00 before tax | $40.25 including tax | Bacchus and Merlot
4. 2019 Blue Mountain Winery Brut Rosé | 91+ points | VQA Okanagan Valley | 12.00% ABV | $39.90 before tax | $45.89 including tax | 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
5. 2018 Evolve Brut Rosé | 91+ points | VQA Okanagan Valley | 12.50% ABV | $49.99 before tax | $57.49 including tax

The full recording:

For decades now, Canadian wine producers have gathered in Shanghai, London, New York...and tasted Canadian wines from Coast to Coast with wine buyers and connoisseurs.

And yet, right here at home, it's almost impossible to find a wine tasting where you can explore all the diverse wine regions our country has to offer.

We set out to change this with the first-ever Pan-Canadian Masterclass, held on August 18, 2023, at Bella Terra Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Attended by sixty guests, and with over 700 wine glasses in use, the incredible diversity of Canada's wine potential was on full display. 

But this was far more than a wine tasting. Where the magic really happened was in the connection and camaraderie between the winemakers and winery owners that joined us as part of the speaking panel, which included (from left to right below):

Rob Hammersley (Black Market Wine Co, Kaleden, BC), Brian Schmidt (Vineland Estates, Jordan, ON), Ilya Senchuk (Leaning Post, Lincoln, ON), Lou Puglisi (Bella Terra Vineyards, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON), Keith Tyers (Closson Chase Vineyards, ON), Richard Da Silva (Da Silva Vineyards, Penticton, BC). 

As one guest put it, "My favourite parts of the event were hearing Richard Da Silva from the Naramata Bench praise the red wines of Niagara, and overall being able to taste BC, ON, and NS wines side-by-side. I would definitely love to see more events like this, especially if accessing wines from other parts of the country becomes simpler.”

Keep reading to find out the amazing wine journey we took that evening through eleven carefully curated world class wines...and a very limited time opportunity to order these wines and try for yourself!

Stop # 1: The Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

I chose to feature Domaine de Grand Pré, from the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, for our first wine of the night at the Pan-Canadian Masterclass.

Why?

Because this winery was instrumental to creating the 'appellation wine' of Nova Scotia. Tidal Bay is a first-of-it's-kind initiative in North America. It's perfectly suited to the ocean-side terroir, home to the world's biggest tidal changes, and pairings like fresh shucked oysters.

If you wanted to drive from Domaine de Grand Pre to our next winery, it's a 6023 km drive...highlighting just how vast this winemaking country of Canada is!

2022 Domaine de Grand Pré “Tidal Bay”

90+pts Carl’s Wine Club: Orchard fruits meet oceanic minerality. Poached apple and peach mingle with seaside essence. Apple, pear flavours, a hint of salt, and lemon-ginger tea. A fantastic wine! (07/23/23).

Winery Price: $24.25 including tax/dep

Stop # 2: The Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC

Next we head to Vancouver Island to taste a Ramato Style Pinot Gris from Alderlea Vineyard.

Alderlea Vineyard is one of the most sought-after pieces of vineyard land in the Cowichan Valley. Zac Brown and Julie Powell purchased the property in 2016 and they continue to create unique, high-quality wines that epitomize the character and beauty of the Cowichan Valley. They're also the only ones to grow Merlot on Vancouver Island and I am pretty impressed with their results.

2022 “Ramato Style” Pinot Gris 🔥 Pre-Release!

91pts Carl's Wine Club: This Pinot Gris is made in the “Ramato” Style, an incredibly unique, old northern Italian winemaking technique. This is of the most popular wines on Vancouver Island, and sells out quickly every year. (tasted 08/18/23).
Winery Price: $25.50 including tax & deposit

Stop # 3: The Naramata Bench, Penticton, BC

Now, join me on the Naramata Bench, near Penticton, BC. The Da Silva family has been farming the Okanagan since the 1950's, and each wine is a tribute to the family farming legacy.

Richard Da Silva truly embodies the 'vigneron' - someone who grows wine in the vineyard by carefully tending to each vine and translating the terroir-specific essence to the glass. He's one of the only winemakers in the Okanagan to geo-tag his bottles with the vineyard(s) the grapes come from, and give credit to each grower.

2022 Da Silva “Hidden Hollow Vineyard” Chenin Blanc

93pts Carl’s Wine Club: This might be THE wine of the summer…A bone dry, highly energetic unoaked white wine with tremendous zippiness and lipsmaking acidity. Arguably the best Chenin Blanc in the country. (tasted 07/22/23).
Winery Price: $41.39 including tax/dep

Stop # 4: Prince Edward County, Ontario

We then head to Prince Edward County, known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as their terroir is similar to Burgundy. Here, growing conditions are challenging (they bury their vines during winter to protect from the cold) - but very much worth it!

Winemaker Keith Tyers is one of the most accomplished and knowledgeable winemakers in Ontario and we were thrilled to have him join us at the Masterclass.

2020 Closson Chase “Churchside Vineyard” Chardonnay

94pts Carl's Wine Club: Incredible complexity in this bright, fleshy Chardonnay! Lemon zest, yellow apple, peach, ginger, bright acid and complex minerality. The outstanding 2020 vintage shines in this World Class Chardonnay from Prince Edward County with great body and finesse. (tasted 08/18/23).
Winery Price: $52 including tax & deposit 

Stop # 5: The Niagara Escarpment, Ontario

Now let's visit Niagara! Canada's largest vinicultural region.

And what better place to start at than Vineland Estates, an early pioneer in the region which now boasts Riesling as one of the main grapes produced.

When the Schmidt family moved from the Okanagan to Niagara, no one thought that Niagara could or should grow Riesling grapes. Their connection with the Weiss Family, owners of St Urban Hof (in Germany) and founders of Vineland Estates, changed the course of Ontario wine history. They helped proliferate the Weiss Clone of Riesling throughout Niagara.

Now, winemaker Brian Schmidt is known for his excellent Riesling wines, and even more so, he is known for his absolutely world class Cab Franc. That though, is a whole 'nother story, for a whole other day! Go ahead and order some Vineland Riesling, and Cab Franc, to taste or yourself.

2022 Vineland “Elevation” St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 🔥 Pre-Release!

93pts Carl's Wine Club: A classic Niagara Riesling where sweetness meets acidity in perfect balance. Textural, sublime, round and soft, this Riesling is honeysuckle and orange blossoms wrapped in lemon...followed by a long, flinty finish. And an excellent price point. A real winner! (tasted 18/08/23).
Winery Price: $22.95 including tax & deposit

Stop # 6: Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario

At the Masterclass, there was quite a bit of talk about appellations. Maybe, we went a little overboard on this one. Nonetheless, let's take a quick look at the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-appellation, within the Niagara Escarpment appellation.

Leaning Post Winemaker Ilya Senchuk is at the forefront of the single vineyard, sub-appellation designation movement. With the likes of Thomas Bachelder, Kelly Mason, and Kevin Panagapka, Ilya is mapping Niagara, one vineyard at a time.

There are few winemaking couples as passionate as Ilya and Nadia Senchuk, and I love this quote from them about the winery's namesake: “A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid.”

2019 Leaning Post "Senchuk Vineyard" Pinot Noir

94pts Carl's Wine Club: Power meets elegance. Defined flavours of red cherry, cranberry, earthiness, and a long, long, LONG and complex finish. This might just be the best Pinot Noir from the Senchuk vineyard to date, and the previous ones were already world class. (tasted 08/17/23).
Winery Price: $70 including tax & deposit 

Stop # 7: Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Let's now zoom over to Niagara-on-the-Lake, in the Four Mile Creek sub-appellation. Here, a young Lou Puglisi spent some time in the late 1970's pining for a new sports car.

Lucky for us, his parents convinced him to invest his money into a neighbouring piece of farmland instead...and he's been growing grapes there ever since. Today, his winery is known as Bella Terra Vineyards, growing in Niagara since 1974.

While Lou never did end up buying the sports car, he's earned the coveted Grape King title for his outstanding viticulture. With acclaimed winemaker Fred DiProfio and Lou at the helm, Bella Terra makes some of the best wines Niagara has to offer.

2020 Bella Terra Cabernet Franc

94+pts Carl's Wine Club & #5 Wine of the Year: Wow!!! The texture of this wine is absolutely incredible: soft, smooth, creamy, and feels like satin in my mouth. Very unique and special, just like the 2020 vintage conditions. Displays some of the very best attributes of the Cab Franc grape varietal: dark cherry, blackberry, red plum, black forest cake and chili pepper. The tannins are luxurious and velvety at the highest level, leading to a never-ending finish. (tasted 09/10/2022).
Winery Price: $44.95 including tax & deposit 

Stop # 8: The Similkameen Valley, BC

Next, head over to the west, to BC. Just like winemaker Jeff Hundertmark did.

Jeff is a well known winemaker in Niagara who made the transition to British Columbia 5 years ago in order to pursue his dream of making bigger and bolder red wines.

At Mt. Boucherie, Jeff oversees a portfolio of 30 different wines and he has taken the winery to new heights. The Cab Sauv I chose for the Masterclass showcases the potential of the Similkameen Valley, an up-and-coming wine region with rugged terroir and desert like weather.

2019 Mt. Boucherie “Original Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon

94+pts Carl's Wine Club & #4 Wine of the Year: You can add this Cabernet Sauvignon to the long list of exceptional reds made from BC’s 2019 vintage. The length and complexity is extremely impressive. Focused and Old World, with flavours of cassis, blackberry, espresso coffee, dark raspberry, dry herbs, and tobacco leaves. This is a quintessential BC Cabernet Sauvignon and patience in cellaring will be rewarded big time. (tasted 08/06/22 and again 08/18/23).
Winery Price: $57.59 including tax & deposit

Stop # 9: The Okanagan Valley, Kaleden, BC

Next we reach the little known, up-and-coming Kaleden region, just outside Penticton, BC.

The story of Black Market Wine Co. is a story of the passionate, family run winery. Rob Hammersley and Michelle Shewchuk moved their three kids from Calgary to the Okanagan in 2018, after spending years making wine 'virtually' with the help of a consultant winemaker in the Okanagan.

Since turning his attention to making wine full time, winemaker Rob Hammersley's wines have accumulated a cult following. Those who know, know.

This is one of those wineries to watch, and get your hands on the very limited releases early before they sell out each year. In fact, they just release three new wines, available to us this week, in addition to this exclusive release tasted at the Masterclass.

2019 Black Market “Unsanctioned Series” Merlot

🔥 Exclusive Release. Only 6 bottles remain!
93pts Carl's Wine Club: A spectacular red, bold wine from the 2019 vintage which has everything it takes to blow your socks off. Depth, concentration, length, and complexity can all be checked off the list. The front palate is filled with cassis, plum, blackberry and black cherry while the mid-palate offers mocha, cedar, and a hint of vanilla. The lengthy back palate offers subtle notes of cinnamon, cloves and also finishes with cracked black pepper. A wine with a long cellaring potential at an outstanding price point! (tasted 04/11/22).
Winery Price: $51.79 including tax & deposit

Stop # 10: The Okanagan Valley, Skaha Bench, BC

Our next and final wine region to explore today is the Skaha Bench.

It's in this exact region that visionary John Skinner arrived after spending four years searching for the best vineyard site for his winery, Painted Rock.

Working with Alain Sutre, one of the top French winemaker-consultants (of Chateau Petrus fame), Painted Rock has rocked the boat internationally with exceptional and multi-award winning wines from their first vintage in 2007.

The Red Icon is one of the most iconic wines in Canada and has helped set a new bar in terms of quality and international accolades.

2019 Painted Rock Red Icon

🔥 Exclusive Library Release!
94pts Carl's Wine Club: A perfect representation of the 2019 vintage, which produced some of the best reds in recent years. Blackberry, black currant, ripe cherry, graphite, tobacco. An absolutely world class complexity hallmarks this wine, and a terrific future awaits for those patient enough to cellar it. (tasted 08/18/2023).
Winery Price: $92.09 including tax & deposit

Bonus Stop! Back to the Naramata Bench, BC

Just weeks before the Pan-Canadian Wine Masterclass, we discovered that D'Angelo Winery was just about to release their FIRST EVER Montepulciano Rose.

This is the first Montepulciano wine ever to be made in Canada commercially, to my knowledge. Winemaker Sal D'Angelo has the first Montepulciano Merlot blend in barrel, likely to be released in the Fall of 2023.

Naturally, we just had to get our hands on some for the Masterclass, and D'Angelo obliged, providing us with the opening wine upon arrival. 

2022 D'Angelo Montepulciano Rose

91pts Carl's Wine Club: The aromas of this wine are seductive and sublime! Soft and round, with a tightly knit mid-palate, this wine offers flavours of red cherry, peach, and a hint of fresh herbs. A long finish with lemon-peel tartness. (tasted 06/23/2023).
Winery Price: n/a - sold out

This rose was a real hit! And by the time of the Masterclass it was completely sold out at the winery. Less than 70 cases were made. However, D'Angelo makes several other rare and excellent wines, available for a short time here.

Thank you for joining me as we explored these regions and wines, from Coast to Coast. We have everything right here: for the novice, for the expert, for the red wine lover, for the white wine lover...it's all here in the world's most diverse wine terroir.

It's my mission to challenge every Canadian wine lover to discover more Canadian wines...they're just too world class to pass up.

Don't forget to order your wines asap if you'd like to taste some of these gems for yourself!

A BIG Thank You is in Order...

 

Bella Terra Vineyards, Co-Hosts and Venue Sponsor

Thank you to our co-hosts and venue sponsor, Bella Terra Vineyards, and especially to Marcel Morgenstern and his team, without whom this event would have not taken place. 

I would also like to thank each of the wineries who contributed by participating in this event with their wines and for allowing us to share their stories:

Leaning Post Wines (Ontario; Niagara)

Vineland Estates Winery (Ontario; Niagara)

Closson Chase Vineyards (Ontario; Prince Edward County)

Black Market Wine Company (BC; Kaleden)

Da Silva Vineyards & Winery (BC; Naramata)

Painted Rock Estate Winery (BC; Skaha Bench)

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery (BC; West Kelowna)

Domaine Grand Pré (Nova Scotia)

Alderlea Vineyard (BC; Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island)

D'Angelo Winery (BC; Naramata Bench)

 

Lakeview Vineyard Equipment, Supporting Sponsor

ASL Print FX, Supporting Sponsor

About Carl's Wine Club

Founded on Canada Day in 2020, Carl’s Wine Club is free to join and features a different Canadian winery each week via social media and e-mail. Members can learn more about each winery and have the option to purchase a tasting pack from that winery. Carl Boucher, along with his wife and business partner Mira Boucher, taste over 1,000 Canadian wines per year to bring you the most interesting and diverse and delicious wines. With over 10,000 members across Canada, Carl’s Wine Club is dedicated to helping wine enthusiasts discover – and fall in love with – Canada’s wines.

On November 4, 2023, Carl's Wine Club embarked on a unique and exhilarating adventure—tasting 54 Canadian Cabernet Francs in a single session!

The entire experience was live-streamed, offering viewers an unprecedented peek into the intricate world of these exceptional wines and the world of wine scoring and reviewing. The tasting, lasting an impressive four hours and 37 minutes, was a testament to the dedication and passion for Canadian Cab Francs both amongst our members who tuned in, and amongst the many wineries featured.

Average Cab Franc Bottle Price: $42.67 including tax.

The combined value of the 54 bottles reached an impressive $2304.39, with an average cost of $42.67 per bottle, including tax. This collection showcased the richness and diversity of Canadian Cab Francs, highlighting the craftsmanship and terroir that contribute to each bottle's unique character.

Opening 54 bottles of Cab Franc, many sealed with traditional corks, was no small feat in itself! The bottles were tasted in order of price point, with the least expensive going first, and the highest price points tasted at the end, having had a chance to breathe for several hours.

A special thank you to the following winemakers who joined us live:

Mark Simpson | Mythology Vineyard, Osoyoos, BC

Mitch McCurdy | Marynissen Estates Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Ryan DeWitt | RUST Wine Co, Oliver, BC

One of the highlights was tasting the 214 and 327 Clones for Cab Franc from the Vineland Bo Teek Vineyard, sent by Mr. Cab Franc himself, winemaker Brian Schmidt. We were able to taste both of these clones in their latest releases, side by side barrel samples of the upcoming release. 

We can conclude that Cab Franc is indeed a signature grape varietal that both BC and Ontario can produce at a world class level, at price points ranging from $15.95-$80 including tax per bottle, with a great diversity of styles and flavour profiles.

There's absolutely a Canadian Cab Franc for everyone.

For those who missed the live-streamed tasting, the full event is available for viewing on Carl's Cellar's YouTube channel here. Witness the enthusiasm, insightful commentary, and the joy of discovering new favorites with Carl.

Among the extensive lineup, Carl discovered and curated a list of his Top 10 Canadian Cab Francs right now. These exceptional wines stood out for their quality, complexity, and overall sensory experience:

Carl's Top 10 Cab Francs

>>> A limited-time offer for Cab Franc enthusiasts!

Mythology Vineyard is providing access to a rare vertical of Cab Franc. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to delve into the nuanced evolution of this exceptional wine. Supplies are limited, so secure yours now! Click here to see the vertical and order yours.

Following the live-streamed tasting event, members local to the Okanagan (and those travelling in the area) gathered again on November 5 for an in-person tasting of these 54 wines. What a way to discover the world of Canadian Cabernet Francs!

Cheers to exploration, discovery, and the joy of sharing exceptional wines with fellow enthusiasts, including Sam Hauck, the Wine Teacher, who graciously shares his experience on the MyVanCity blog here.

And a great big THANK YOU to all the wineries who provided samples for this EPIC Cab Franc tasting marathon!

Here's the full list of what we tasted, in order of price-point: 

On September 30, 2023, during a 5-hour live-streamed tasting marathon, we embarked on a Pinot Noir journey that took us from the vineyards of Ontario to the stunning landscapes of British Columbia. All in the name of learning about and discovering the best examples of this beloved grape!

Our tasting marathon featured an impressive lineup of 43 Canadian Pinot Noirs, with a total known retail value of $1,783. With an average price of $43.50 per bottle including tax, we sampled an array of wines that showcased the craftsmanship and diversity of Pinot Noir in Canada.

This thrilling social media live show was broadcast simultaneously on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and it garnered a total viewership of around 2,000 views over the following two weeks.

If you're a wine lover, you know that the world of Pinot Noir is as diverse as it is enchanting. Pinot Noir grapes have the remarkable ability to capture the essence of their terroir, resulting in a spectrum of flavours and aromas that can transport your senses to the very place where these grapes are grown.

Ontario's Pinot Noir Excellence

Of the 43 Pinot Noirs in our lineup, 12 hailed from Ontario, with four of them originating from the picturesque Prince Edward County.

Additionally, we had a delightful representation from the Lake Erie Northshore and seven exquisite Pinots from the renowned Niagara region, including one from Niagara-on-the-Lake.

100% of the Ontario Pinot Noirs were certified VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance). What's even more impressive is that 100% of the VQA wines were tied to a sub-appellation - showing the dedication to showcasing specific terroir, and a true testament to the quality and authenticity of these wines.

British Columbia's Pinot Noir Diversity

In the world of Canadian Pinot Noir, British Columbia is making a name for itself, with 31 wines in our tasting lineup.

The Naramata Bench was the most represented sub-GI, featuring seven exceptional wines, closely followed by Okanagan Falls with five standout selections. 13 wines were from the VQA Okanagan Valley regional appellation.

We also explored wines from the Similkameen and Lillooet, highlighting the diverse range of terroirs in BC.

However, it's worth noting that four of the 31 BC Pinot Noirs were not VQA (13%), a fact that can be attributed to either the smaller size of the producers or their desire to shine a spotlight on a particular region. For instance, the hamlet of Kaleden, BC is emerging as a stand out terroir for Pinot Noir, and two of the producers chose to highlight this origin specifically instead of the more generic "VQA Okanagan Valley."

A Glimpse of What Else We Learned...

One of the main goals of our Pinot Noir marathon was to find out who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Canada's top Pinot Noir producers, including Thomas Bachelder, Leaning Post, and Closson Chase. The results were both surprising and impressive.

In our top 10 Pinot Noirs, we found that three of the highest-rated wines were from Ontario. In fact four of the top five Pinot Noirs are Ontario wines. The 2020 Closson Chase "Closson Chase Vineyard" (94pts), 2019 Leaning Post "Senchuk Vineyard" (94pts), and 2019 Bachelder "Warren Saunders 100" (92+pts), delivered remarkable performances as anticipated. The only BC Pinot Noir to break into the top 5 was the 2021 Tightrope "Fleet Road" with an impressive 92pts, showcasing the growing quality of BC Pinots.

Out of the top 10, the average price per bottle sits at $49.10, with the six Ontario Pinot Noirs averaging $45.70, and the four BC Pinots averaging $54.25 per bottle.

These results not only demonstrate the exceptional quality of Canadian Pinot Noir but also offer a range of options for wine enthusiasts with varying budgets.

Upon tasting these wines over the five hour live marathon, we sealed them overnight and tasted them again with members on October 1, 2023. The initial scores from our live marathon shifted slightly based on our Day 2 findings, with some wines gaining a half point or point in score, while some wines declined slightly. There are also a few wines we tasted that we will look forward to tasting again as they have a lot of potential - and it is possible that they were too close after bottling to evaluate fully right now.

In this moment in time, here are our top ten picks from the live tasting marathon...a glimpse into the world of Canadian Pinot Noir!

Discover Our Top 10 Pinot Noir Picks

1. 2020 Closson Chase "Closson Chase Vineyard" Pinot Noir

   • Origin: ON, VQA Prince Edward County
   • Rating: 94pts by Carl's Wine Club
   • Price: $36

2. 2019 Leaning Post "Senchuck Vineyard" Pinot Noir

   • Origin: ON, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore
   • Rating: 94pts by Carl's Wine Club
   • Price: $65

3. 2019 Bachelder "Warren Saunders 100" Pinot Noir

   • Origin: ON, VQA Beamsville Bench
   • Rating: 92+pts by Carl's Wine Club
   • Price: $48

4. 2021 Tightrope "Fleet Road" Pinot Noir

   • Origin: BC, VQA Naramata Bench
   • Rating: 92pts by Carl's Wine Club
   • Price: $44

5. 2019 Henry of Pelham "Speck Family Reserve" Pinot Noir

   • Origin: ON, VQA Short Hills Bench
   • Rating: 92pts by Carl's Wine Club
   • Price: $35

6. 2017 Mission Hill "Prospectus" Pinot Noir

   • Origin: BC, VQA Okanagan Valley
   • Rating: 93pts by Carl's Wine Club
   • Price: $98

7. 2020 Westcott 'Reserve" Pinot Noir

   • Origin: ON, VQA Vinemount Ridge
   • Rating: 92+pts by Carl's Wine Club
   • Price: $50

8. 2021 13th Street "Reserve" Pinot Noir

   • Origin: ON, VQA Creek Shores
   • Rating: 91+pts by Carl's Wine Club
   • Price: $40

9. 2019 Solvero Pinot Noir

   • Origin: BC, VQA Okanagan Valley
   • Rating: 91+pts by Carl's Wine Club
   • Price: $40

10. 2021 Upper Bench Pinot Noir

    • Origin: BC, Okanagan Valley
    • Rating: 91pts by Carl's Wine Club
    • Price: $35

Time for Your Own Adventure! Try the Pinot Noir Mystery Pack

If you're eager to explore the enchanting world of Canadian Pinot Noir and discover some of the top-rated gems from our marathon, we have a special offering for you.

Our Pinot Noir Mystery Pack includes a curated selection of six different Pinot Noirs rated 91 points or higher, allowing you to taste and experience the diversity and excellence of Canadian Pinot Noirs.

Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a journey of flavours, aromas, and terroirs, and discover your newest favourite Pinot Noir! 

To see details and purchase your Pinot Noir Mystery Pack, visit this page.

At the time of publishing, only four mystery packs remain!

A big THANK YOU to all of the excellent producers that participated in our 2023 Pinot Noir Marathon by providing samples!

And a huge thank you to you, the wine lover, for making this all possible.

Cheers to the delightful moments each bottle brings to your glass!

You could feel it in the air—before a single glass was poured.
Before the first bubbly hit the glass.
Before the first winemaker took the mic.

This wasn’t just another wine tasting.
It was a movement.

One that started three years ago with a wild idea—sparked by a conversation between Marcel Morgenstern and myself, Carl Boucher.

And this June, in our third edition, that idea didn’t just come to life.
It evolved.
It deepened.
It roared to life in a way that reminded us exactly why we started this in the first place.

From coast to coast, Canada’s top winemakers showed up.

Not just with their bottles—but with their stories, their passion, and their belief that Canadian wine deserves to be experienced, side by side, as one.

Together with Marcel as my co-emcee, and with my wife and business partner Mira working tirelessly behind the scenes, we welcomed over 100 guests to what turned out to be the most unforgettable edition of the Pan-Canadian Masterclass yet.

And what followed… was pure magic.

These were more than just wines—they were statements. Each one told a story of place, people, and passion… and together, they formed a coast-to-coast showcase of Canadian excellence.

Photo Credit: photography by Karen Black.

Did you know you can get your own Pan-Canadian Six Bottle Collector Pack to taste at home? Complete with an exclusive video and bonus gifts from the wineries. Click here for details and to order. 

Journey Across Canada: 15 Wines That Shaped the Masterclass

Each wine was handpicked to represent the terroir, talent, and uniqueness of its region. Here’s the full lineup from the June 21, 2025 Masterclass tasting, complete with photos, winemakers, and winery links.

Above from left to right: Dean Stoyka (Stratus), Brian Schmidt (Vineland), Melissa Muscedere (Muscedere Vineyards), John-Daniel Steele (Garnet Valley Ranch and Okanagan Crush Pad), Richard Da Silva (Da Silva Vineyards), Ilya Senchuk (Leaning Post), Marcel Morgenstern (Bella Terra), Fabian Reis (Ferox), Ann Sperling (Dobbin Estate), Rob Hammersley (Black Market Wine Co), Sue-Ann Staff (Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery), Carl & Mira Boucher (Carl's Wine Club), Keith Tyers (Closson Chase), MacKenzie Brisbois (Trail Estate). Photo Credit: photography by Karen Black.

 

🌟 1st Stop: The Bubble - Nova Scotia!

NV "Élevage" Brut – Benjamin Bridge | 94pts
Nova Scotia – Gaspereau Valley
Winemaker: Jean-Benoit Deslauriers
Fresh, textured, and terroir-driven. This méthode traditionnelle bubbly opens the palate with finesse, texture, layers and complexity. A brilliant welcome from one of the East Coast's most iconic producers. Arguably the most spectacular wine of the entire line-up.

Exclusively available in the six bottle Collector Pack here. 

Learn more about Benjamin Bridge on their website here.

🌟 2nd Stop: The Chardonnays

2022 Chardonnay – Trail Estate | 92+pts
Prince Edward County, ON
Winemaker: Mackenzie Brisbois
Zippy acidity meets a mineral backbone. A precise expression of County Chardonnay from one of the region's most respected voices.

Buy it on the Trail Estate website here.

2021 "Senchuk Vineyard" Chardonnay – Leaning Post | 94+pts
Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON
Winemaker: Ilya Senchuk
Broad and textural with great tension and citrus energy. Ilya's signature precision shines through. This was my highest rated wine of the lineup at 94+ points. 

Get it in the six bottle Collector Pack here. 

Buy it from Leaning Post here.

2022 Chardonnay – Garnet Valley Ranch | 92pts
Garnet Valley, Summerland, Okanagan Valley, BC
Winemaker: Matt Dumayne (represented by John-Daniel Steele at the Masterclass)
Organic, mountain-grown, and laser-focused. A BC Chardonnay with altitude, attitude, elegance and precision.

Buy it from Garnet Valley Ranch / Okanagan Crush Pad here.

🌟 3rd Stop: The Riesling

2020 "White Cap" Riesling – Dobbin Estate | 94pts
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, ON
Winemaker: Peter Gamble
Complex, lifted, and beautifully balanced. acidity and sweetness meet at the perfect point. A masterclass in Riesling from a vineyard with big ambitions and serious pedigree.

Buy it from Dobbin Estate here.

🌟 4th Stop: The Pinot Noirs

2022 "South Clos" Pinot Noir – Closson Chase | 92pts
Prince Edward County, ON
Winemaker: Keith Tyers
Earth, red cherry, silky texture, tremendous length.  this is the quintessential definition of elegance: The County in a glass from a master of Burgundian varietals. Burgundy reference: Think Cote de Beaune here.

Learn more about Closson Chase here. 

2022 Pinot Noir – Da Silva Vineyards & Winery | 93pts
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
Winemaker: Richard Da Silva
Vibrant fruit meets Okanagan spice. A standout expression from a family deeply rooted in BC winegrowing. Burgundy reference: Think Nuits-Saint-Georges here.

Get it in the six bottle Collector Pack here. 

Buy it from Da Silva Vineyards here.

🌟 5th Stop: The Cabernet Francs

2021 Cabernet Franc – Painted Rock Estate Winery | 92+pts
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
Winemaker: Gabriel Reis
Polished, age-worthy, and structured. A wine that commands attention on any list.

Buy it from Painted Rock here. 

NV "Legacy" Cabernet Franc Infinity Vintage – Vineland Estates Winery | 93pts
Niagara Escarpment, ON
Winemaker: Brian Schmidt
Solera-style magic: layers of vintages meld into a seamless and soulful red. Just like the story behind it, his wine is very special.

Buy it from Vineland Estates in Magnum format here.

2018 "Chestnut Tree" Cabernet Franc – Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery | 92+pts
Vinemount Ridge & Twenty Mile Bench, ON
Winemaker: Sue-Ann Staff
Legendary wine. Legendary tree. A Niagara classic with elegance, power, aging potential and wonderful energy.

Get it in the six bottle Collector Pack here. 

Buy it from Sue-Ann Staff here.

🌟 6th Stop: The Merlots

2020 Merlot – Ferox by Fabian Reis | 94pts
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Winemaker: Fabian Reis
Velvety and structured. A modern classic from one of Ontario's brightest young stars. Merlot could become Niagara-on-the-Lake superstar varietal, and this is a prime example.

This wine is now Sold Out. Learn more about Ferox here.

2020 Estate Merlot – Black Market Wine Co. | 92+pts
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, BC
Winemaker: Rob Hammersley
Plush and dark-fruited with a spicy edge. A BC Merlot that over-delivers in every way. The structure of this Merlot will keep that vintage upright for another decade +. 

Get it in the six bottle Collector Pack here. 

Learn more about Black Market Wine Co. here.

🌟 Final Flight: The Syrahs

2020 Syrah – Muscedere Vineyards | 94pts
Lake Erie North Shore, ON
Winemaker: Melissa Muscedere
Meaty, smoky, and unmistakably cool-climate. A rare Syrah from a rising region. This is a  wine with tremendous personality!

Buy it from Muscedere Vineyards here. 

2020 Syrah – Stratus Vineyards | 93pts
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Winemaker: Dean Stoyka
Concentrated, structured, and seamlessly balanced. Stratus continues to raise the bar.

Buy it from Stratus here.

2022 "Expression" Syrah – Clos du Soleil | 93+pts
Similkameen Valley, BC
Winemaker: Michael Clark
Floral, spicy, mineral-rich. A refined Syrah that captures the essence of this wild valley.

Buy it from Clos du Soleil here. 

Four More Events That Brought the Community Together

While the Saturday Masterclass was the main event, the full Pan-Canadian experience unfolded over four incredible days filled with connection, wine discovery, and celebration.

🍷 Thursday, June 19 – Welcome Reception at Bella Terra Vineyards
Over 80 guests joined us at Bella Terra Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake to kick things off. Sixteen wineries poured a total of 25 wines from across Canada. It was like a coast-to-coast tasting garden party.

🚌 Friday, June 20 – Vineyard Tailgate, Tastings & Winery Visits
We loaded up the bus for a day of behind-the-scenes experiences with 35 members and winemakers. We started in the vineyard at Vineland Estates with Brian Schmidt, tasting Cabernet Franc 327 and 214 clones (and Carl's Wine Club's Celebration Red!). Lunch at Good Earth followed, featuring off-menu gems poured by Ilya Senchuk. Then it was on to Leaning Post, where Ilya and Nadia led an unforgettable private tasting of more than a dozen wines. We wrapped the day with a sunset dinner at The Shore overlooking Lake Ontario.

🥂 Saturday, June 21 – The Masterclass Official After Party Dinner
After the Masterclass tasting, guests reconvened at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery for a celebratory steak dinner catered by Vintages Group. We revisited the wines from earlier in the day—plus a few special bottles brought by the winemakers themselves.

🚗 Sunday, June 22 – Behind the Scenes Winery Visits
The weekend closed with a tour of three of Ontario’s most exciting wineries. We began with a private tasting in the Tower at Dobbin Estate as well as a deep dive into Pinot Noir clones with Peter Gamble and Ann Sperling. At Tawse, we cooled off in the barrel room with rare samples and current releases. And finally, at Malivoire, guests were greeted by legendary Shiraz Mottiar and winemaker Elisa Mazzi for an intimate tasting of club-only and top-tier Gamay and Pinot.

🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsors

Events like this are only possible with the support of partners who believe in the future of Canadian wine. We’re incredibly grateful to all wineries involved and to our 2025 sponsors:

ASL Print FX, an AWT Company – Canada's leading wine label printing company, and long-time supporter of Canadian wine branding.

Enovino Wine Aerators – the smart, elegant way to aerate any bottle, used by pouring staff and guests throughout the events.

St. David's Chocolate Co – crafting small-batch, wine-pairing chocolate from Niagara.

Remix Responsible Snacks – delicious, nutritious, and Canadian-made snacks.

Coventry Transportation – thank you for getting our guests and winemakers to each destination with style and ease.

🛒 Grab your Pan-Canadian Six Bottle Collector Pack and enjoy exclusive wines from this year’s Masterclass, plus video insights from the winemakers and surprise gifts from the wineries.

Cheers,
Carl

Photo Credit: photography by Karen Black.