Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON January 2024 Matt’s review: Situated high up on Golden Mile Bench in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Hester Creek’s vineyards, including 50+ year old vines, produce expressive wines showcasing the greatness achievable in the Okanagan. Garland 2020 is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec, hand harvested... Continue Reading →
Matt's review: Rottensteiner Sauvignon Blanc 2022 from Bolzano, Italy. An outstanding expression of mountain influence Sauvignon Blanc from the Alto Adige DOC in northern Italy. It's the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from the renowned Bolzano-based family winery, Rottensteiner, who's family name translates to 'Red Rock', just like the Bozen quartz porphyry red mountains throughout Alto Adige/South Tyrol. Grapes are... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON December 2023 Matt’s review: Ben Ryé is a Passito di Pantelleria wine, a storied style of sweet white dessert wine produced on the small volcanic Italian island of Pantelleria which lies in the Strait of Sicily between the coasts of Sicily and Tubisia. Ben Ryé is made from the Muscat of Alexandria grape,... Continue Reading →
Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Melissa Lamb and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some great wines and spirits for ringing in the New Year.
Ottawa, ON December 2023 TOR 2014 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - Absolutely incredible! As close to a wine utopia as you could imagine with its complexity, intensity, harmonious structure/texture and never ending length. If you’re not familiar with TOR or To Kalon Vineyards in Napa’s Oakville AVA, put this winery on your must... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON December 2023 What an impressive wine from Myriad Cellars. Their 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Beckstoffer’s Dr. Crane Vineyard, planted with Clone 337. This is one of the most prestigious Napa Valley vineyards (next to To Kalon) producing some of the highest rated wines each vintage. 2015 Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet “Elysian” shows... Continue Reading →
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.
December 2023 Excellent getting a sneak peek of the 2020 vintage release of one of the most exciting Pinot Noir producers in North America - Martin’s Lane from the Okanagan Valley, BC 🇨🇦🍷👌🏻 2020 vintage was as close to a perfect vintage for a Pinot producer as one could imagine, and given the high degree... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON December 2023 Matt’s review: Vallarom's 2020 Syrah, from northern Italy is another impressive wine I recommend seeking out. La Cantina Vallarom is located north west of Verona, as you drive up the valley towards Trento and Bolzano, parallel to Lake Garda, in the region of Trentino. It's here where the majestic Dolomite mountains,... Continue Reading →
The most memorable Orange Wine I tasted in 2023 was from an impressive Italian producer located in the renowned Collio DOC - Primosic's Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019. This Orange Wine (long skin contact white wine) is a beautiful amber colour, thanks to four weeks of maceration extracting all that colour and flavour from the grape skins and seeds. This long skin contact also is responsible for much of the impressive texture complexity in this impressive wine. Super expressive aromatic profile with apricot, candied mandarin, tomato leaf, and balsamic/resin notes. Medium+ body, this super textured wine has beautiful refreshing mineral and stone fruit driven finish that highlights the rich Collio terroir that produces some of Italy's finest wines. This reserve-tier Orange Wine is super versatile making great pairings with Asian cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, or traditional holiday roasts. Enjoy around cellar temperature and drink over the next decade. Tasted May 2023. 94 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Quercus Vino 