Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
June 2017 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: For over 20 years Burrowing Owl has been producing some of Canada's finest wines, from the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver, BC. Their 2014 Syrah was sourced from their Black Sage vineyard in Oliver, and their Lake Eva's vineyard in Osoyoos. The grapes were hand picked and sorted, vinified... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2017 Matt's review: For over 20 years Burrowing Owl has been producing some of Canada's finest wines, from the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver, BC. Their 2013 Meritage (Bordeaux blend) is a blend of 39% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec that were each... Continue Reading →
June 2017 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: Chateau des Charmes Equuleus is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Merlot from the St. David's Bench sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. This flagship red wine is a deep ruby colour with an opaque core, the 2012 vintage was one of Niagara's best and... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2017 Matt's review: Stratus White represents the finest white wine that this acclaimed Niagara-on-the-Lake winery produces. Winemaker J-L Groux selects the very best grapes from a handful of varieties to incorporate into this premium white wine, and after countless blends, the best representation of the vintage is showcased in the final... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2017 Matt's review: Thomas Bachelder, the legendary Canadian flying winemaker, has crafted one of the finest Pinot Noirs that Canada has to offer in the Queylus Reserve du Domaine 2012. Medium ruby with an emerging garnet hue, the nose offers a beautiful bouquet of dark cherries, herbs, fine leather, spice box, Christmas-inspired pot... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2017 Matt's review: Since it's inception in the iconic 2000 vintage, Essence de Dourthe has been produced only in the most exceptional years, taking the best grapes from the best vineyards in the best appellations throughout Bordeaux. Their motto to produce Essence is using the best of the best of the best at... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2017 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge has been making a real fizz in the sparkling wine scene over the past decade. This Nova Scotia (Canada) based winery is producing sparkling wines that rival those from Champagne and other storied wine regions around the world. A combination of ideal terroir for producing crisp &... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2017 Matt's review (2002 vintage): Aged 13 years, 10 years in Bourbon Casks in Jamaica (tropical aging), 3 years in France at Chateau de Bonbonnet in 350L Pierre Ferrand casks (continental aging), which produces such unique and inviting aromas, flavour, and texture. Nutty with yellow raisins, resin, banana chips, vanilla, and... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2017 Matt's review: This young Brunello is on its journey of evolution, with the colour becoming increasingly garnet indicating its gaining further complexity with every year of age. The nose confirms the visuals, it's rustic and initially slightly closed, opening after 20 minutes to reveal its full bouquet. Smoky bacon, plum,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2017 Matt's review: As a cool climate wine region, the Niagara Peninsula, in Ontario, Canada, excels in producing crisp and refreshing white wines. Featherstone's Four Feathers is a blend of four varietals that showcase some of Niagara's most popular white wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc. Pale straw in colour, with... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 