Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON May 2022 Waterdog Portugal is much more than a wine with a great label at a bargain price. This red blend combines two popular Portugese varietals (Castelao and Touriga Nacional) in a very tasty, sessionable, and crowd-pleasing style.Look for dark cherry, stewed fruit, and sweet spices on the nose and palate. Medium bodied... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2022 Matt's review: Burrowing Owl's 2019 Merlot is packed with fresh blueberry, blackberry, black currant, cherry, plum, spice cupboard, and a hint of graphite and sous bois. Expressive and beautifully balanced, this full-bodied wine showcases great elegance too, making it a wonderful wine to enjoy with a wide range of dishes from... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2022 Matt's review: Ruffino's Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione is produced only in the best vintages, a tradition started in 1947 to showcase the finest fruit from Ruffino’s acclaimed vineyards. The 2017 vintage has fruit from Ruffino’s Gretole and Santedame estates in the renowned Castellina subregion of Chianti Classico. First impression shows... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2022 Matt's review: An outstanding Viognier by Liquidity Wines. 100% estate grown, using Clone 642, it's fragrant, textured, and beautifully balanced. Look for sweet stone fruit and exotic fruits, floral blossoms, honey, ginger, and baked apple on the nose and palate. Creamy and refreshing, this is a very impressive Viognier to enjoy... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON February 2022 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge's 2017 Brut Rosé is an elegant traditional method sparkling wine that showcases the incredible freshness and complexity of flavours winemaker J-B Deslauriers delivers from their coastal-influenced vineyards along Canada's east coast. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, and 40% Chardonnay, it presents with a faint copper colour,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON January 2022 Matt's review: From one of the smallest countries in Europe comes this impressive traditional method sparkling wine by Bernard-Massard. Cuvée de l'Écusson Brut has been the winery's flagship wine since 1971, produced from their vineyards in Luxembourgh, nestled between France and Germany. The nose and palate show refreshing orchard fruit, apple... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON January 2022 Matt's review: Top-notch Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that delivers pure varietal characteristics with zesty exotic fruit and refreshing minerality. Enjoy with rich and creamy dishes, spicy Asian cuisine, tomato salad with pickled walnuts and blue cheese. Tasted January 2022. 91+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca Available at LCBO - $28.95
Ottawa, ON January 2022 Matt's review: Niro di Citra's Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is 100% Montepulciano (Italy's second most planted red varietal, after Sangiovese), and showcases those easy-going and great pairing characteristics that makes this super value-priced wine a fantastic choice for serving year round. Spicy dark fruits, black pepper, dried fruit, coffee, and smoky notes on... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON January 2022 Matt's review: 13th Street Winery's June's Vineyard Riesling, made from Alsatian old Clone 49 Riesling, shows a delicate yet complex bouquet of sweet orchard fruit, floral blossom, wild flower honey, petrol, and limestone minerality. The palate is crisp and linear with a slight sweetness on the mid palate. The finish showcases... Continue Reading →
Unshackled Red Blend 2019 is an outstanding example of a premium wine at a great price! Bold and beautiful, Unshackled Red Blend incorporates Zinfandel, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Tannat, and Tempranillo, to produce a very complex and attractive wine.
Quercus Vino 