Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: This impressive Okanagan blend showcases how rich and robust Sunrock Vineyards' Red Meritage is. Bramble, currant, cherry, raspberry pie, Black Sage, sweet spices, and cedar on the nose. Full bodied, velvety smooth, with a refreshing spicy finish, this is an impressive wine to enjoy right away, and will reward... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: 13th Street Winery's Grande Cuvée 2013 is their ultra premium limited release Blanc de Noir (100% Pinot Noir) which is only produced in the finest vintages. Produced in a zero dosage style, making it extra crisp and refreshing, and benefitting from 60+ months lees aging, with no oak influence,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: Frank Hellwig, an Australian winemaker, with nearly a decade of winemaking experience in Canada, has crafted a delicious red blend (80% Shiraz & 20% Grenache) that's guranteed to resonate with Canadian wine enthusiasts looking for a full-flavoured sub $20 bottle of wine, making it ideally suited for enjoying any... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: rom the Arise Bench vineyard on the Okanagan's Golden Mile Bench, Culmina's Malbec shows an intense deep colour, with aromas that complement - rich Damson plum, blackberry, charcoal, graphite, and leather. On the palate look for layers of dark and savoury fruits with chewy tannins on the long textured... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: From the Okanagan's Golden Mile Bench, Culmina's Cabernet Sauvignon shows fleshy black fruits, blackcurrant, black cherry, plum, fig, and Black Sage. Full bodied and richly textured, the layers of dark fruits, brandied cherries, and sweet spices persist on the long finish. Enjoy 2020-2026. Tasted August 2020. 92 points. Matt... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: A blend of 37% Sangiovese, 32% Merlot, and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon from Ruffino's Poggio Casciano Estate, near the renowned Tuscan city of Florence. 2017 Modus shows juicy layers of dark fruits, plum, blackcurrant, mocha, sweet spices, cigar box, and leather. Inky with fine tannins, this bold and balanced Tuscan... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Now in its second vintage since its return to the market last year, Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2018, a Canadian Grand Cru-quality wine from renowned international winemaker Thomas Bachelder, demonstrates the greatness achievable in Niagara's cool-climate region when coupled with optimal terroir and world-class winemaking expertise. The 2018... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: Romitorio di Santedame is Ruffino's new high-end single vineyard Gran Selezione from the Santedame Estate in Castellina Chianti. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino, from the heart of Chianti Classico, between the region's twin capitals of Florence and Siena, this Gran Selezione was accorded the quality distinction... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2020 Matt's review: The provenance of Robert Mondavi's Fumé Blanc Reserve is some of the finest Grand Cru quality vineyards in North America - the world-renowned To Kalon Vineyard in Napa Valley's Oakville AVA. To Kalon barrel-aged Sauvignon Blanc is a style unlike no other and a style that's loved by many.... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 