Ottawa, ON May 2021 Matt's review: This limited production (169 cases) Gewurztraminer from the Glen Elgin Vineyard (Niagara Peninsula VQA), shows fragrant spring blossoms, ripe stone fruit, and sweet lychee notes on the nose. Luscious and refreshing, its creamy texture... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2021 Matt's review: Vale D. Maria Rufo 2018 is great value-priced red from one of the Douro's premier producers. A blend of Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, it shows rich and savoury dark fruits and earthy graphite... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2021 Matt's review: Quinta Vale D. Maria 2017 is a wonderful expression of premium Douro wine that showcases the greatness achievable from their unique single vineyard field blend of 41 (mainly indigenous) varietals. That's right, a blend... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2021 Matt's review: Burrowing Owl's 2018 Syrah was sourced from their estate Black Sage Bench estate vineyard in Oliver, and their Eva vineyard in Osoyoos. A blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, the grapes were hand... Continue Reading →
Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Annette Goerner and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased their top local wine picks for enjoying this Spring. Wines that pair perfectly with BBQ and patio season! Red, White, and Rosé! These Sommelier selected wines represent... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2021 Matt's review: Burrowing Owl's 2019 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from their Keremeos vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. A blend of 91% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Semillon, where a third was barrel fermented to provide additional weight... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2021 Matt's review: A fantastic 10 year aged Tawny Port! Full bodied, creamy smooth, with loads of dried fruits, Medjool dates, sweet spices, and all wonderfully balanced with a fresh and creamy finish that persists for minutes.... Continue Reading →
Double Diamond 2017 now available at LCBO March 11, 2021
Ottawa, ON
October 2020
Matt’s reviews of Double Diamond 2017 and 2018.
Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted by the talented Napa winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, who’s renowned for his role producing numerous 100 point wines with iconic Napa producer, Schrader Cellars.
Double Diamond 2017: Thomas Rivers Brown sources the fruit for Double Diamond from the finest Oakville sites, including iconic To Kalon vineyards, where many of Napa’s finest wines are born. Double Diamond 2017 shows the best of Napa in a modestly priced offering, it’s simply outstanding! This Napa red shows sweet currant, baking spices, fragrant clove, tobacco, and herbs. The palate is rich with great freshness and a harmonious texture, hallmarks of fine To Kalon fruit and indicative of the decades of aging potential Double Diamond has, but why wait when it’s showing so perfect now! Enjoy over the next couple decades with braised dishes. Tasted October 2020…
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Ottawa, ON March 2021 Matt's review: An impressive value-priced Sauvignon Blanc from Chile's Casablanca Valley. Expressive exotic and tropical fruits, lime zest, and lemongrass on the nose and palate. A wonderful wine for enjoying with creamy cheeses, tangy salads, fish... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON February 2021 Matt's review: Robert Mondavi's Napa Valley Cabernet is a great expression of premium Napa Cabernet with each and every vintage. The 2018 shows expressive dark fruits, black plum, vanilla, menthol, and scorched earth. The palate highlights... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON February 12, 2021 Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Annette Goerner and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased their top wine picks for enjoying this weekend, whether you're hosting a virtual Palentine's or Galentine's celebration, or creating a romantic date-night... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON
April 2017
Matt’s review: Corte Sant’Alda’s Valmezzane Amarone (2011) is an absolutely stunning wine from this proudly biodynamic winery located high in the hills east of Verona, Italy. At ~16% it’s remarkably elegant and fresh, indicative of the delicate approach the winemaking team takes in every aspect of their operation. Superbly balanced with lifted notes of sweet spices, cherry, dried fruit and cacao. Full bodied with an intriguing freshness, this exceptional Amarone will reward those that enjoy it now or cellar over the next two decades. Tasted September 2016 at the winery. 93-95 pts. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
I had the pleasure of tasting the impressive Valmezzane Amarone at the winery along with a delicious charcuterie platter. As you can imagine, the two paired beautifully, and despite the 35C weather, this Amarone was incredibly refreshing.
Looking out over the Corte Sant’Alda vineyards perched high up in the hills of…
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Ottawa, ON January 2021 Matt's review: Jackson-Triggs' 2016 Entourage Grand Reserve 'Finished with Icewine" Sparkling Wine - combines premium Canadian sparkling wine with a sweet dose of luscious Icewine to produce an incredibly fresh and succulent sparkling wine that's guaranteed... Continue Reading →
Burrowing Owl's 2016 Merlot shows the richness and balance of the 2016 vintage. Loads of rich blackberry, black currant, cherry, plum, smoky bacon, dried fruits and chocolate on the nose and palate. Super expressive, this beautifully balanced and very full-bodied wine shows great elegance too with it's fine integrated tannins and soft mouthfeel making it a wonderful wine to enjoy with a wide range of dishes from wood-fired pizza, to roasts, to BBQ burgers and ribs. Try with spicy pork tenderloin with cherry-thyme pan sauce - a perfect pairing all year round! Tasted June 2020. 92 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
As we plan to ring-in the much anticipated new year (and leave 2020 in the past), I wanted to share some of the most memorable Canadian sparking wines I tasted this past year should you be looking to toast with a special bottle of fine Canadian wine this New Year's Eve. Because a celebration isn't complete without some fine sparkling wine, here's a few I highly recommend enjoying this New Year's Eve and throughout 2021.
Ring in the New Year with this incredible sparkling Icewine. A textural experience like no other. 96 points.
