Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON April 2020 Matt's review: CheckMate Artisanal Winery produces world-class Chardonnay and Merlot from their Golden Mile Bench winery situated in Canada’s wine capital, Oliver, BC. 2014 End Game is a rich and concentrated expression of ultra premium Okanagan Merlot. Sourced from the Osoyoos East Bench and Black Sage Bench in the heart of... Continue Reading →
CTV Ottawa Morning Live April 13, 2020 Today on CTV Morning Live, we showcased some wonderful wines to enjoy this Spring, including convenient and efficient ways for buying delicious wines from the comfort of your own home. While you're self-isolating, don't let your wine inventory run low...take advantage of winery-direct (and often... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2020 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge has been making a real fizz in the sparkling wine scene over the past two decades. This Nova Scotia (Canada) based winery is producing sparkling wines that rival those from Champagne and other storied wine regions around the world. A combination of ideal terroir for producing... Continue Reading →
April 2020 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: An expressive red blend from one of Ontario's premium boutique wineries, Icellars Estate Winery in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Reserve Red brings together estate grown Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec to produce a beautifully balanced, silky smooth wine that's sure to be enjoyed by all. Fragrant sweet spices, plum, dark... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2020 Matt's review: Carmenere, Chile's signature varietal, as they produce some of the world's finest Carmenere, and this super value-priced ($17 at LCBO!) 100% Carmenere from Baron Philippe de Rothschild is a terrific example of exactly that. Smoky dark fruit, black currant, sauteed peppers, and spice. Super approachable, beautifully balanced, this ultra-smooth... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2020 Matt's review: Baron Philippe de Rothschild's Escudo Rojo Reserva is an impressive value-priced Cabernet Sauvignon from the outstanding 2018 Chilean vintage. Ripe plum, dark berries, vanilla bean, and herbs on the nose and palate. This medium-full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe, smooth, and ready to enjoy now with braised dishes, BBQ... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2020 Matt's review: Simi sources their Chardonnay from vineyards throughout Sonoma County (Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley, Russian River,Valley, Dry Creek, and Sonoma Coast), which results in a beautiful textbook California Chardonnay at a great price! Ripe and juicy, creamy and full bodied, the aromas and flavours showcase the warm California sun, with... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2020 Matt's review: Sourced from the Southern Okanagan Valley, where expressive Shiraz flourishes in the hot Okanagan sun, Black Sage Vineyard Shiraz is a great example of a big and bold Okanagan red. The aromas showcase its namesake, with loads of fresh Black Sage, Damson plum, blackberry, currant, charcoal and sous... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON February 2020 Matt's review: A ripe and delicious expression of a big juicy Okanagan red. Major's Block is a robust and spicy blend of Shiraz and Merlot with a splash of Petit Verdot and Zinfandel adding further depth and texture to this crowd pleaser. Sourced from the south of the Okanagan Valley,... Continue Reading →
Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Trisha Owens and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some sexy wine picks that are perfectly suited for a romantic Valentine’s date night. When planning a special Valentine's date night, there are so many wine styles from all over the world to complement and enhance your night. From starting the evening... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 