Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON August 2024 Matt’s review: From the northerly Mosel wine region, where some of the world’s finest Riesling are produced, Loosen Bros’ 2022 Dr. L. Riesling is an expressive, elegant, and beautifully balanced off-dry Riesling that over delivers on value. The nose shows fragrant floral blossoms, jasmine and honeysuckle, with orchard fruit, wildflower honey,... Continue Reading →
The Judge 2021 is a deep ruby colour with slight garnet hue, the nose shows dark plum, black berries, dark cherry, savoury desert herbs, cedar, earth, and graphite. The palate shows great intensity of flavour with refreshing plum, fine integrated dusty tannins, with savoury dark fruit, spice, and pepper persisting on the long textured finish. A serious wine that beautifully showcases the unique vintage characteristics from this esteemed Golden Mile Bench estate. Enjoy over the next decade with rosemary and garlic grilled lamb chops or Parmesan crusted steak skewers. Tasted July 2024 and July 2025. 94 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Ottawa, ON July 2024 Matt’s review: From the warm 2023 vintage which saw the highest growing degree days on record from April to August, Hester Creek’s Pinot Bianco was sourced from their beautiful mountain-side estate vineyards along the Golden Mile Bench. The nose is clean with vibrant stone fruit, pear, exotic fruits and a hint... Continue Reading →
Today on CTV Morning Live (and later on CFRA News Talk 580), Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased an impressive line-up of world-class wines from all across Canada that highlight how vibrant the Canadian wine scene has become.
One of the best offerings I've tasted from PEC over the past two decades and a fantastic example of the high quality wines being produced in PEC. If you enjoy premium Burgundy, you'll want to keep your eyes on this up and coming region and the expressive limestone influenced cool-climate wines they're producing.
Beautifully integrated fine grained tannins highlight both the vineyard characteristics but also the winemakers touch in capturing the best expression of this Pinot through mindful winemaking practices including delicate pressing and use of large oak vessels (2100 L Foudres) to appropriately frame without masking the wine.
Ceremony 2019 showcases the elegance and finesse that Prince Edward County wines are renowned for thanks to the region’s cool-climate and limestone-rich soils. It offers a harmonious blend of delicate flavors, vibrant acidity and texture. The nose reveals aromas of orchard and stone fruit, along with subtle floral and ginger notes. On the palate, the wine reveals a creamy mousse, crisp acidity, and a fine mineral backbone. With nearly four years of aging on the lees (45 months to be exact), Ceremony 2019 shows exceptional balance with great complexity making it a perfect wine to enjoy now and equally over the next 5-10 years.
Today on CFRA News Talk Radio, CFRA Patricia Boal and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some great wines and spirits for gifting this season as well as enjoying with family and friends over the holidays. These options will suit every palate and budget, including white, red, and sparkling wines too.
May 2024 Matt's review: M de Minuty Rosé, from the picturesque Cotes de Provence in the south of France, beside the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, is a delightful ode to the region's sun-drenched terroir and centuries-old winemaking heritage. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 10% Syrah, M de Minuty Rosé embodies the epitome of... Continue Reading →
Matt’s review: Stratus White Label Cabernet Franc “Amphora” 2020 is the latest release from this renowned Niagara-on-the-Lake winery. Harnessing ancient winemaking traditions with a modern twist, Stratus has produced an exceptional terroir-focused wine that beautifully showcases the greatness achievable in Niagara Cabernet Franc. 2020 was a 5 star vintage in Ontario, culminating with ideal conditions... Continue Reading →
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