November 2019 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: This new value-priced Niagara Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend spent part of it's barrel aging in Whisky barrels which enhances its flavour, texture, and crowd pleasing appeal. Look for rich dark fruit, black cherry, clove, chocolate and sweet vanilla on the finish. Enjoy with BBQ fare, spare ribs, chili, and spicy... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Jackson-Triggs 2016 Bourbon Barrel Aged Merlot – $59.95
Ottawa, ON October 2019 Matt's review: Another unique small production hand crafted wine from the talented Niagara-based winemaker, Marco Piccoli, of Jackson-Triggs. Winemakers have many tools to help them produce expressive and different styles of wines each year. Ideally the winemaker is handed perfect grapes with great structure, ripeness, and varietal characteristics to transform into... Continue Reading →
wine review: Mount Veeder 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon now at LCBO
Ottawa, ON September 2019: Matt's review: A fantastic expression of Napa fruit, from Mount Veeder Winery, situated in the Mayacamas mountain range in the heart of the finest winemaking regions in California, smack dab between Sonoma and Napa. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec, it's both powerful... Continue Reading →
94 point #wine review: Painted Rock 2016 Cabernet Franc
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 →
Wine Review: @13thStreetWines Cuvée Rosé Brut – #PatioPerfect #AutumnPerfect #wine available @LCBO
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: Benjamin Bridge 2014 Brut
Ottawa, ON August 2019 Matt's review: Canadian sparkling wine icon, Benjamin Bridge, continues to capture the attention and admiration of wine aficionados, Sommeliers, and fine dining establishments around the world with their world-class premium sparkling wines. The 2014 Brut is a blanc de blancs, 100% Chardonnay, that showcases exactly why Benjamin Bridge has become... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Featherstone Four Feathers 2018 – available at LCBO August 31
August 2019 Matt's review: Featherstone's Four Feathers blends four cool climate white grapes: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, and a splash of Chardonnay, in one fragrant, creamy, and refreshing wine that's versatile, crowd pleasing, and very value priced. Pale straw in colour, it's loaded with fresh and sweet orchard & tropical fruits, fragrant floral blossom, and... 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 →
