Ottawa, ON August 2019 Matt's review: 13th Street Winery Cuvée Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, with a hint of Gamay Noir. Produced in the same labour intensive manner as Champagne, this traditional method sparkling wine offers great value and is a go-to for many when looking for a fine bubbly. Dry with... Continue Reading →
wine review: Featherstone 2018 Phoenix
Ottawa, ON August 2019 Matt's review: This limited production (171 cases) Gewurztraminer from the Glen Elgin Vineyard (Niagara Peninsula VQA), shows rich and delicious pear, apple, honey, herbs, and subtle lychee notes. The palate showcases creamy and refreshing orchard fruit with delicious wild flower honey persisting on the finish. A wine all will love as... Continue Reading →
wine review: SIMI Sonoma County Dry Rosé – available via LCBO July 20
Ottawa, ON July 2019 Matt's review: New to the LCBO and arriving in perfect time to enjoy on those warm summer days and evenings. Simi Sonoma Country Dry Rosé, is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Tepranillo, and Graciano, from vineyards throughout Sonoma County, that captures and showcases the full range of... Continue Reading →
wine review: Winemaker’s Cut Rosé 2018
July 2019 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: This small production (220 cases) single vineyard Rosé from Winemaker's Cut estate vineyard in Oliver, BC, has the most elegant colour that sparkles intensely in the sun like a fancy pink diamond. A blend of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Syrah, from the highest elevation parcels of the... Continue Reading →
Wine appreciation (aka how to get your spouse to love wine) as seen on CTV Morning Live
Ottawa, ON May 31, 2019 Theme: Wine Appreciation – How to fall in love with the wonderful world of wine… Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Annette Goerner, Trish Ownes and Sommelier Matt Steeves presented some practical tips on wine appreciation for those looking for some tips on how to navigate and appreciate the seemingly... Continue Reading →
#wine review: 2017 Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc from Monterey County and Napa Valley
Ottawa, ON May 2019 Matt's review: This impressive Sauvignon is sourced from two storied California wine regions with 58% coming from Monterey County and 42% from Napa Valley (Oakville and Stags Leap District AVAs...two of my favourites!). The Sauvignon Blanc (89% of the final blend) is supported with 9% Malvasia Bianca, 1% Chardonnay, and 1%... Continue Reading →
#wine review: 13th Street Winery Burger Blend (Red) 2017
Ottawa, ON May 2019 Matt's review: This Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir (Burger!) blend from the Niagara Peninsula, is becoming renowned for its food friendly and refreshing style that makes it ideally suited for enjoying with your favourite grilled grub. Inviting aromas and flavours of dark cherry, plum, raspberry, cedar, herbs, and spice make this... Continue Reading →
#wine review:Tender Hope Syrah 2016 from Walla Walla Valley, Washington, USA
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: Boom! This deeply coloured, rich and expressive Syrah from Walla Walla Valley in Washington State is a fantastic example of the bold and luscious red wines they're producing in this increasingly popular wine region. The nose shows an expressive bouquet of blackberry, plum, blueberry compote, mocha, sandalwood, fresh... Continue Reading →
#wine review: Tender Hope Roussanne 2017 from Columbia Valley, Washington, USA
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: From Washington's Columbia Valley, the 2017 Tender Hope Roussanne has an expressive bouquet with honeydew melon, pear, white tea, lanolin, crisp linen, and minerality on the nose. Medium-full bodied, with great acidity, the palate shows crisp Meyer lemon, green apple, and a hint of wildflower honey. Crisp and... Continue Reading →
#wine review: 2016 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon – coming to LCBO June 8
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: A tasty Cabernet from the very impressive and often under-valued, Washington State, where Chateau Smith (of Charles Smith Wines) produces their delicious wines. The nose is full of dark cherry, black currant, chocolate, fresh herbs, and graphite. Full bodied with dusty tannins on the finish, this velvety smooth... Continue Reading →
