Ottawa, ON July 2020   Matt's review: With each and every vintage CheckMate Artisanal Winery is solidifying their reputation as one of Canada's leading wineries, producing world-class Chardonnay and Merlot from the south of the Okanagan Valley, in Canada's wine capital, Oliver, BC. CheckMate's 2015 Capture Chardonnay is sourced from the most southerly vineyards in... Continue Reading →

Ottawa, On July 2020 Ruffino’s Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione is produced only in the best vintages, a tradition started in 1947 to showcase the finest fruit from Ruffino’s acclaimed vineyards. The 2015 sourced fruit from Ruffino’s Gretole, and #Santedame estates in the renowned Castellina subregion of Chianti Classico. First impression shows that classic rustic... Continue Reading →

Ottawa, ON June 2020 Matt's review: Burrowing Owl's 2016 Merlot shows the richness and balance of the southern Okanagan's 2016 vintage. Loads of rich blackberry, black currant, cherry, plum, smoky bacon, dried fruits and chocolate on the nose and palate. Super expressive, this beautifully balanced and very full-bodied wine shows great elegance too with it's... Continue Reading →

Ottawa, ON June 2020 Matt's review: A fresh and expressive Okanagan blend showcasing the strength, elegance, and harmony of Burrowing Owl's premium wines. A blend of 57% Syrah and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from Burrowing Owl's estate vineyards on the Black Sage Bench, it's deep and concentrated with layers of rich dark fruits, sweet spices,... Continue Reading →

Ottawa, ON June 2020 Matt's review: Burrowing Owl's 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the expressive and beautifully balanced fruit they're producing from their Black Sage Bench and Osoyoos vineyards in the south of the Okanagan. Savoury and mineral-driven, with refreshing dark fruits, fresh herbs, and subtle rustic notes, Burrowing Owl's 2017 Cabernet is a beautiful expression... Continue Reading →

Ottawa, ON June 2020 Matt's review: Culmina Winery, Saignée 2019, Okanagan, BC, Canada. This impressive Rosé from Culmina's Golden Mile Bench vineyards is produced using the Saignée method where free run juice is bled-off the freshly pressed grapes after a short maceration to incorporate limited colour and capture maximum sweet and refreshing berry and herbal... Continue Reading →

Ottawa, ON June 2020 Matt's review: Sourced from the Lawrence Vineyard in the Frenchman Hills of Columbia Valley, WA, Tender Hope Winery's Midnight Black Syrah shows savoury dark fruit, black cherry, prunes, menthol, and an earthiness on the nose. Great depth and struture, with dark fruit, blueberry, pepper and anise notes persisting on the finish.... Continue Reading →