Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON August 2021 Matt's review: Featherstone's Red Tail Merlot pays homage to the winery's use of eco-friendly falconry to protect their (sweet and delicious) crop from swarms of vineyard devouring birds. As a key feature of their sustainable practices, Featherstone Estate Winery happens to be the only Ontario winery to embrace this natural crop... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2021 Fontanafredda’s 2016 Barolo is one of the best super value-priced Barolo’s available across Canada. 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 tannins that are supported by the fresh acidity and delicious... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2021 Matt’s review: Classic style of Amarone della Valpolicella, Tommasi’s 2015 shows a complex aromatic profile of dried fruit, plum, sweet spice, balsamic (resin), leather, and graphite. Savoury, with great acidity, and very well balanced, the dried fruit, plum, and balsamic notes persist on the long refreshing finish. Enjoy with braised dishes,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON July 2021 Matt's review: Winemaker's Cut Fidelia blends 95% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscat Canelli from Deadman Lake Vineyard in the heart of the Okanagan, to produce an easy to love style of sparkling wine that will shine in any setting. Fidelia 2020 shows delicious orchard and tropical fruit, floral notes, and a... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON July 2021 Matt's review: Following the successful return of Le Grand Clos three years ago, wine lovers will be happy to hear of the introduction of Le Clos Jordanne's value-priced Jordan Village Pinot Noir in summer 2021. A blend of select parcels from Le Clos Estate, Claystone Estate, and Talon Ridge Estate vineyards,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON July 2021 Matt's review: After the return of Le Grand Clos a few years back, it's great to see Le Clos Jordanne introducing their value-priced Jordan Village Chardonnay starting with the outstanding 2019 vintage. A blend of select parcels from Le Clos Estate, Claystone Estate, and Talon Ridge Estate vineyards, the result is... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON July 2021 Matt's review: Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde 2019 is a blend of Loureiro & Alvarinho produced in a crisp and dry style that showcases the great tropical and citrus fruits, floral notes, and zippy acidity Vinho Verde wines are loved for. If you like Sauvignon Blanc, without the grassy notes, give... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON July 2021 Matt's review: Rich and expressive with that hallmark Marlborough freshness, Oyster Bay's Pinot shows dark cherries, plums, raspberry, sweet spices, dark chocolate, herbs, and a hint of earthiness on the nose. Dry, medium bodied, this Pinot is remarkably smooth with refreshing dark cherries and sweet spices persisting on the finish. A... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON July 2021 Matt's review: Winemaker's Cut Syrah is sourced from Deadman Lake Vineyard in the heart of Canada's wine capital, Oliver, BC. Savoury over sweet, stainless steel and neutral oak preserves the pure expression of the vineyard's terroir. The nose shows spicy dark fruits, black pepper, hint of dried flowers, cacao, and subtle... Continue Reading →
CheckMate continues to showcase Canada's ability to produce world-class wines worthy of great acclaim, wines that shine alongside peers from Napa, Tuscany, and Bordeaux.
Quercus Vino 