Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON June 2018 Matt's review: I must say between the look of the Port shaped bottle and the 16.8% ABV, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this 100% Lodi Zinfandel, but wow, what a treat! Coming from Rutherford Ranch Winery I should have know it would be a hit (especially for those that... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2018 Buying something for someone that has it all can be challenging and even a bit stressful. Fortunately gifting a special bottle of wine or Whisky never disappoints so it's often my go-to recommendation. This Father's Day I'm recommending a premium limited edition Scotch for that special dad in your life that... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2018 Matt's review: Kim Crawford wines are loved around the world for their approachable, refreshing, and delicious style. Their Small Parcels offerings, such as their micro-cuvée "Fizz", showcase the finest grapes from specific vineyards and these wines represent some of the best in New Zealand. Fizz 2012 is a blend of... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2018 Matt's review: May 26, 2018, via Vintages throughout Ontario, Glenmorangie released their first single malt Whisky that was fully matured in American ex-Rye Whiskey casks. Labelled "Spios", which is Gaelic for 'spice', and pronounced 'spee-oss', it's the ninth release in their Private Edition Series which over the years have become collectors... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2018 Matt's review: Icellars Estate Winery's Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from the Twenty Mile Bench Wismer Homestead Vineyard, further demonstrates just how exceptional the wines from this boutique winery can be. In its inaugural vintage, this small production (120 cases) wine is beautifully structured with crisp acidity, great exotic and tropical fruit characteristics,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 10, 2018 Today on CTV Morning Live, in preparation for Mother's Day, Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some terrific wine and spirits that are guaranteed to be loved by Mom and certain to help put a smile on her face! Check out the CTV Morning Live video here. In addition to making mama... Continue Reading →
April 2018 Ottawa, ON 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. The 2013 End Game Merlot is an outstanding expression of ultra premium Okanagan Merlot. Sourced from the Osoyoos East Bench and Black Sage Bench, End Game displays a... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 17, 2018 By Matt Steeves Malbec World Day is celebrated to pay homage to the influence of the late president, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1811-1888), who made it his mission to transform Argentina’s wine industry. On this day in 1853, he proposed diversifying and expanding the country’s wine industry, including a school of agriculture,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2018 Matt's review: 2016 was the warmest vintage ever recorded in Niagara, which resulted in the grapes at Icellars' Icel Vineyard being able to hang on the vines until November 17 and be picked at 26.2 brix with full phenolic and flavour ripeness and great acidic structure. Icellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2018 Matt's review: Boom, this expressive red blend from Icellars Estate Winery in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, consists of 50% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, and a splash of Malbec to produce a beautiful balanced and well structured wine. Fragrant sweet spices, plum, black cherry, mocha, black tea, and pipe tobacco... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 