Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Mission Hill's Quatrain brings together four popular varietals from the south of the Okanagan in Osoyoos and along the Black Sage Bench to produce an Okanagan version of a Bordeaux blend but with Syrah playing the lead role.
In the realm of traditional method sparkling wines, few bottles can evoke a sense of place as vividly as Blomidon Estate Winery's NV Brut Réserve. Crafted amidst the dramatic landscape of Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, where the world's highest tides and oceanic breezes shape the vineyards, this sparkling wine showcases distinct maritime terroir at its finest.
Ottawa, ON June 2024 Matt's review: Fontanafredda has been instrumental with the growth and international recognition of Barolo since 1858, but its their value-priced Gavi del Comune di Gavi which you'll want to stock up on and enjoy this summer as the temperatures soar and refreshing white wines take center stage. Produced in the south... Continue Reading →
This is one of the most exciting wine projects to emerge in the premium wine scene in Ontario. Dobbin Estates is located along the renowned Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation of Ontario's Niagara Peninsula.
Ottawa, ON June 2024 Matt's review: Terrific value-priced white wine to enjoy year round from the south of France. 100% Albarino, the nose shows expressive apple, pear, peach, honeysuckle and floral blossoms. Medium bodied and dry, the palate shows pithy citrus, stone fruit, and great salinity on the finish. Light tannins add to the textural... Continue Reading →
June 2024 Matt's review: Back up the truck and stock up on this bargain-priced red blend from Portugal - perhaps one of the best values you'll discover this summer. Aveleda's Lisboa Red is a blend of three delicious varietals (Touriga Nacional, Syrah, and Alicante Bouschet) producing a rich and juicy red wine that pairs beautifully... Continue Reading →
Beautifully integrated fine grained tannins highlight both the vineyard characteristics but also the winemakers touch in capturing the best expression of this Pinot through mindful winemaking practices including delicate pressing and use of large oak vessels (2100 L Foudres) to appropriately frame without masking the wine.
May 2024 Matt's review: 1 Mill Road's second vintage of their single vineyard 100% Pinot Noir Rosé from the recently minted East Kelowna Slopes Sub-GI. This impressive Rosé boasts an elegant copper color, exuding sophistication even before you take your first sip. The nose reveals delightful notes of tiny wild field strawberries, cherry, Black Sage... Continue Reading →
Ceremony 2019 showcases the elegance and finesse that Prince Edward County wines are renowned for thanks to the region’s cool-climate and limestone-rich soils. It offers a harmonious blend of delicate flavors, vibrant acidity and texture. The nose reveals aromas of orchard and stone fruit, along with subtle floral and ginger notes. On the palate, the wine reveals a creamy mousse, crisp acidity, and a fine mineral backbone. With nearly four years of aging on the lees (45 months to be exact), Ceremony 2019 shows exceptional balance with great complexity making it a perfect wine to enjoy now and equally over the next 5-10 years.
May 2024 Ottawa, ON Matt’s review: Finding value-priced Pinot Noir these days is a reason to celebrate in itself! Pinot Noir can be some of the most expensive wines in the world, especially those from Cru vineyards throughout Burgundy, France, so it's particularly nice to discover a quality Pinot at a bargain price and that's... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 