Cais da Ribeira Reserva 2015. This dry Portuguese red blend incorporates some of Portugual's most popular varietals including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Touriga Barroca, and Tinta Roriz from the Douro region - the world's first demarcated and regulated wine region (1756), which is renowned for their Port production and becoming increasingly recognized for their dry red wines that offer great value as this one does! Deeply coloured, it shows black fruit, dark plum, spice, leather, mushroom, and sous bois. Dry with dusty tannins and mouthwatering acidity that makes this well suited for enjoying with rich dishes such as Portuguese braised steak & onions, or stew with Javali (wild boar) and root vegetables. Tasted March 2018. 89 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
#wine review: Franciscan Estate Napa Chardonnay 2015 – @LCBO March 17 2018
Ottawa, ON March 2018 Matt's review: Rich golden colour as one can expect for an oaked Napa Chardonnay, but it's the balance and freshness on the finish that makes the Franciscan Napa Chard a (value-priced) wine to get excited about. The nose displays a fragrant bouquet of sweet yellow apple, pear, and baked vanilla-almond french toast.... Continue Reading →
92 pts Port review: Maynard’s 2013 Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Porto
Ottawa, ON February 2018 Matt's review: Maynard's 2013 Late Bottled Vintage Porto offers terrific quality at a remarkable price. A blend of five organically grown grapes (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão) from throughout the Duoro region of Portugal, which were aged in barrel for over four years before bottling. Maynard's 2013... Continue Reading →
#wine review: @Konzelmann Cabernet Sauvignon $14.95
Ottawa, ON February 2018 Matt's review: An impressive crowd pleasing Ontario Cabernet! The Konzelmann Estate Lakefront Series 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon shows layers of black fruit, dried cherry, vanilla, clove, perfume, and dried herbs. Super pleasant on the nose and palate, it's soft and refreshing with impressive body making it a wine that can stand-up to... Continue Reading →
#wine review: Julián Chivite @GranFeudo Reserva 2011 @LCBO
Ottawa, ON February 2018 Matt's review: The Gran Feudo Reserva is a delicious blend of 65% Tempranillo, 20% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from the unsung hero Spanish wine region of Navarra which shares a border with France. Spanish wines are renowned for delivering great value and the Navarra-based Gran Feudo is an exceptional example... Continue Reading →
wine review: 2016 Inniskillin Discovery Series Baco Noir – $19.95
Ottawa, ON January 2018 Matt's review: The 2016 Inniskillin Discovery Series Baco Noir is a very impressive expression of Ontario Baco! Niagara is renowned for producing the finest Baco and this value-priced offering from Inniskillin is a real gem. Blackberry, vanilla bean, pomegranate, boysenberry, leather, and cedar on the nose. Dry, inky, and superbly balanced, the... Continue Reading →
#wine review: @HillsideWines Muscat Ottonel 2016 – summer in a glass!
Ottawa, ON January 2018 It's -25C today in Ottawa so naturally I started day dreaming about +30C weather in the sunny Okanagan Valley, Canada's very own pocket desert, where they produce world-class white and red wines. Then the thought came to me...it's time to try that bottle of Hillside Winery's Muscat Ottonel that I had... Continue Reading →
Top Wine & Spirits for Gifting and Entertaining this Holiday Season as seen on @CTVOTTMORNLIVE
November 29, 2017 – Ottawa, ON Today on CTV Morning Live, Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased his top wine & spirits picks for entertaining and gifting this holiday season. Check out the CTV video here! Having a tough time finding a gift for someone that has it all? Not to worry, we've got the ideal gifts... Continue Reading →
Great gifting Barolo for the holidays – @Fontanafredda_ Barolo @LCBO
Ottawa, ON November 2017 Matt's review: Fontanafredda's 2013 Barolo is one of the best super value Barolo's available at the LCBO. At $29.90 it offers exceptional value and don't let the discount price point steer you away as this Barolo is delicious! Primed and ready for immediate enjoyment, it's very well structured with fine integrated... Continue Reading →
The perfect #holiday #gift for the #wine lover in your life… a liquid Port Encyclopedia avail @LCBO
Ottawa, ON November 2017 Matt's review: Port, the storied fortified wine from Portugal, is loved by many around the world for its rich and refreshing characteristics that are simply perfect when enjoyed after a fine meal in the company of great friends. Like wine, Port comes in many different styles, each with unique characteristics that... Continue Reading →
