Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
November 2019 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: This new value-priced Niagara Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend spent part of it's barrel aging in Whisky barrels which enhances its flavour, texture, and crowd pleasing appeal. Look for rich dark fruit, black cherry, clove, chocolate and sweet vanilla on the finish. Enjoy with BBQ fare, spare ribs, chili, and spicy... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2019 Matt's review: Another unique small production hand crafted wine from the talented Niagara-based winemaker, Marco Piccoli, of Jackson-Triggs. Winemakers have many tools to help them produce expressive and different styles of wines each year. Ideally the winemaker is handed perfect grapes with great structure, ripeness, and varietal characteristics to transform into... Continue Reading →
Robert Mondavi Reserve To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley, California.
Ottawa, ON September 2019: Matt's review: A fantastic expression of Napa fruit, from Mount Veeder Winery, situated in the Mayacamas mountain range in the heart of the finest winemaking regions in California, smack dab between Sonoma and Napa. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec, it's both powerful... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON September 2019 Matt's review: When a single varietal wine exhibits such great flavour, structure, and complexity, it's great to let it shine all on its own. This is exactly what Painted Rock has accompmlished with their stellar 2016 Cabernet Franc, which is one of, if not the, finest I recall tasting in... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2019 Matt's review: 13th Street Winery Cuvée Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, with a hint of Gamay Noir. Produced in the same labour intensive manner as Champagne, this traditional method sparkling wine offers great value and is a go-to for many when looking for a fine bubbly. Dry with... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2019 Matt's review: Canadian sparkling wine icon, Benjamin Bridge, continues to capture the attention and admiration of wine aficionados, Sommeliers, and fine dining establishments around the world with their world-class premium sparkling wines. The 2014 Brut is a blanc de blancs, 100% Chardonnay, that showcases exactly why Benjamin Bridge has become... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2019 Matt's review: This limited production (171 cases) Gewurztraminer from the Glen Elgin Vineyard (Niagara Peninsula VQA), shows rich and delicious pear, apple, honey, herbs, and subtle lychee notes. The palate showcases creamy and refreshing orchard fruit with delicious wild flower honey persisting on the finish. A wine all will love as... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2019 Matt's review: 13th Street Winery's June's Vineyard Riesling, made from Alsatian old Clone 49 Riesling, shows a delicate yet complex bouquet of fresh stone fruit, floral blossom, wild flower honey, petrol, and steely limestone minerality. The palate is crisp and linear with a slight sweetness showing up on the mid palate.... Continue Reading →
August 2019 Matt's review: Featherstone's Four Feathers blends four cool climate white grapes: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, and a splash of Chardonnay, in one fragrant, creamy, and refreshing wine that's versatile, crowd pleasing, and very value priced. Pale straw in colour, it's loaded with fresh and sweet orchard & tropical fruits, fragrant floral blossom, and... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 