Ottawa, ON July 2018 Matt's review: A Canadian winemaking icon, Benjamin Bridge, continues to capture the attention and admiration of wine aficionados and fine dining establishments around the world with their world-class premium sparkling wines that are regarded as some of the best available, anywhere! The 2012 Brut is a blend of 63% Chardonnay,... Continue Reading →
wine review: Benjamin Bridge NV Rosé
Ottawa, ON July 2018 Matt's review: Canada's iconic sparkling wine house, Benjamin Bridge, has released its first non-vintage (NV) Rosé which builds off of the success of their NV Brut, along with their fantastic vintage sparkling wines. A beautiful copper/rose gold colour, the nose shows field strawberries, fresh baked strawberry scones, sweet red apple, and that... Continue Reading →
wine review: Jackson-Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Ottawa, ON July 2018 Matt's review: Combing two of my favourite wine styles, sparkling and Sauvignon Blanc, this is quickly becoming one of my top recommended sparkling wine styles for those looking for a delicious sparkling wine to enjoy in the summer. Jackson-Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve sparkling Sauvignon Blanc (2015 vintage) showcases the fresh and fruity... Continue Reading →
wine review: Winemaker’s Cut Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Ottawa, ON June 2018 Matt's review: Winemaker's Cut Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Deadman Lake Vineyard located between Canada's wine capital, Oliver, BC, and Osoyoos, BC, at the southern end of Canada's pocket desert, the Okanagan Valley. The south of the Okanagan Valley is renowned for producing big, ripe, and beautifully balanced reds, and where big... Continue Reading →
#wine review: Icellars Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Ottawa, ON May 2018 Matt's review: Icellars Estate Winery's Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from the Twenty Mile Bench Wismer Homestead Vineyard, further demonstrates just how exceptional the wines from this boutique winery can be. In its inaugural vintage, this small production (120 cases) wine is beautifully structured with crisp acidity, great exotic and tropical fruit characteristics,... Continue Reading →
94 point #wine review: @Checkmatewinery 2013 End Game #Merlot
April 2018 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: Checkmate Artisanal Winery produces world-class Chardonnay and Merlot from their Golden Mile Bench winery situated in Canada’s wine capital, Oliver, BC. The 2013 End Game Merlot is an outstanding expression of ultra premium Okanagan Merlot. Sourced from the Osoyoos East Bench and Black Sage Bench, End Game displays a... Continue Reading →
93 pts #wine review: Icellars 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from NOTL, ON – $60 winery direct
Ottawa, ON April 2018 Matt's review: 2016 was the warmest vintage ever recorded in Niagara, which resulted in the grapes at Icellars' Icel Vineyard being able to hang on the vines until November 17 and be picked at 26.2 brix with full phenolic and flavour ripeness and great acidic structure. Icellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a... Continue Reading →
92 pts wine review: Icellars Estate Winery Arinna (red blend) from NOTL, ON – $42
Ottawa, ON April 2018 Matt's review: Boom, this expressive red blend from Icellars Estate Winery in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, consists of 50% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, and a splash of Malbec to produce a beautiful balanced and well structured wine. Fragrant sweet spices, plum, black cherry, mocha, black tea, and pipe tobacco... Continue Reading →
92+ pts #wine review: #Icellars 2016 Chardonnay
Ottawa, ON April 2018 Matt's review: Icellars are producing some of Canada's finest wines, from their boutique Niagara-On-The-Lake winery. Their 2016 Chardonnay (130 cases produced), from their Icel (estate) Vineyard, displays a light gold colour, revealing baked apple, tart pineapple, melon, croissant, white floral aromas, and minerality on the nose. Medium bodied and remarkably fresh, this... Continue Reading →
Sexy Valentine’s Date Night Wines
February, 2018 Ottawa, ON Today on CTV Morning Live, CTV’s Henry Burris and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some sexy wine picks that are perfectly suited for a romantic Valentine’s date night. Check out the full CTV video here. When planning a special Valentine's date night, there are so many terrific wine styles from all over... Continue Reading →
