Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON Matt's review: Altivo Dão DOC white 2017: This fresh, fruity, and fragrant wine from one of the most storied wine regions in Portugal, the Dão DOC, is reminiscent of a tropical summer breeze. Very expressive with perfumed floral blossoms, sweet orchard fruit, and citrus notes, with a creamy texture that's kept lively by its... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON Matt's review: Wow! What an impressive and super value-priced wine ($17.95)! Did they get the price wrong? Seriously, I think they did! This big blend of Barbera and Nebbiolo from Italy's Langhe DOC region is chalked full rich dark fruit, currant, prune, chocolate, anise, graphite, and black tea. Fine tannins add further textural complexity... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2018 Matt's review: I love the experience and ritual of opening a bottle of wine to begin a meal and being reminded of how much I enjoy the wines from specific wine regions. In this case it's California wines. Each time I open a Ravenswood wine that sentiment comes to mind... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2018 Matt's review: An impressive and super value-priced red blend of Touriga Nacional, Jaen, and Trincadeira from one of the oldest and most storied wine regions in Portugal, the Dão. Rich and fragrant with an inviting bouquet of plum, dark fruit, currant, clove, pepper, smoky bacon, graphite, and a hint of... Continue Reading →
Cais da Ribeira Reserva 2015. This dry Portuguese red blend incorporates some of Portugual's most popular varietals including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Touriga Barroca, and Tinta Roriz from the Douro region - the world's first demarcated and regulated wine region (1756), which is renowned for their Port production and becoming increasingly recognized for their dry red wines that offer great value as this one does! Deeply coloured, it shows black fruit, dark plum, spice, leather, mushroom, and sous bois. Dry with dusty tannins and mouthwatering acidity that makes this well suited for enjoying with rich dishes such as Portuguese braised steak & onions, or stew with Javali (wild boar) and root vegetables. Tasted March 2018. 89 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Ottawa, ON March 2018 Matt's review: Rich golden colour as one can expect for an oaked Napa Chardonnay, but it's the balance and freshness on the finish that makes the Franciscan Napa Chard a (value-priced) wine to get excited about. The nose displays a fragrant bouquet of sweet yellow apple, pear, and baked vanilla-almond french toast.... Continue Reading →
March 2018 By Matt Steeves I attended the Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) from February 28 to March 3 and like all media and patrons that attended I was treated to a wide array of tasty Spanish and Portuguese wines, in all styles, from dry whites and reds, sparkling, sweet fortified reds (Porto, Sherry), to... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2018 Matt's review: Wow, such a well balanced and surprisingly soft and integrated Single Malt Irish Whiskey esp at 46%... Amber with a redish hue, with notes of Oloroso Sherry, Manhattan cocktail with fresh orange peel, and spicy plum. The subtle smoky single malt characteristics show up on the finish which contributes handsomely... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2018 Matt's review: Gorgeous! A blend of 90% Zinfandel and 10% Charbono, Mourvèdre, and Carignane sourced from the Brandlin Vineyard perched up high on Mount Veeder in Napa Valley. With layers of raspberry, blueberry pie, clove, and cedar, this premium Zin is perfumed and simply sensational! Showing a great harmony of... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON February 2018 Matt's reivew: The provenance of Robert Mondavi's Fumé Blanc Reserve is some of the finest Grand Cru quality vineyards in North America, being the world-renowned To Kalon Vineyard in Napa Valley's Oakville AVA. A blend of 98% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Semillon sourced entirely from To Kalon Vineyard, where some... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 