Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON September 2019 Matt's review: When a single varietal wine exhibits such great flavour, structure, and complexity, it's great to let it shine all on its own. This is exactly what Painted Rock has accompmlished with their stellar 2016 Cabernet Franc, which is one of, if not the, finest I recall tasting in... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: A blend of 81% Cabernet, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec from Napa Valley's renowned Oakville, Rutherford, and Oak Knoll District regions. A textbook Napa Cab nose, with dark plum, black currant, graphite, cedar hedge, sous-bois, and pepper showing the complexity and elegance of this big wine.... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: 2017 Arterra Pinot Noir benefits from a touch of appassimento winemaking where a portion of the grapes were carefully set aside and left to dry for a period of time after harvesting, similar to what they do in Valpolicella (Italy) with the iconic Amarone wines, before the partially dehydrated... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 