Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON December 2017 Matt's review: This single vineyard expression of Mendoza Malbec showcases exactly how well structured, complex, and delicious premium Malbec can be, especially those from the high altitude (+1km a.s.l.) Paraje Altamira GI, a region renowned for producing the finest Argentinian Malbec. Deep ruby red with an opaque core, the nose shows sweet... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON December 2017 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge is increasingly becoming a top recommendation for Canadian Sommeliers when customers are looking to enjoy a premium sparkling wine with a delicious meal. Produced essentially the same way as Champagne, with all the labour intensive rituals, craftsmanship, and care, it's no wonder why wine lovers around the world... Continue Reading →
Woot woot! This fantastic Brandy has been released today, December 9th, just in time for holiday entertaining, gifting, and for enjoying after those delicious meals. Terrific with holiday fruitcake and perfect with a fine cigar. Enjoy!
Burrowing Owl releases their 2014 Meritage at LCBO in time for holiday gifting and entertaining!
Ottawa, ON
June 2017
Matt’s review: For over 20 years Burrowing Owl has been producing some of Canada’s finest wines, from the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver, BC. Their 2013 Meritage (Bordeaux blend) is a blend of 39% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec that were each hand picked and sorted, then vinified and barrel aged separately for 18 months in a blend of French, Hungarian, American, and Russian oak. By vinifying and barrel aging each variety separately they were able to showcase the full expression of the terroir and achieve the perfect integration of fruit, acid, tannin, and texture in each finished wine thereby contributing additional complexity to the final blend. International wine consultant Alain Sutre, who’s played key roles in producing other ultra premium Canadian wines, guided the development and final assemblage of this Meritage and it’s nothing short of stunning!…
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Tragically Hip wines released today (December 9th) at LCBO! Terrific stocking stuffers for any HIP fans!
The Fully Completely Grand Reserve Red was originally created to commemorate the Hips announcement of the re-release of their legendary album Fully Completely and 2015 North American Tour. The wine was co-created by band members Gord Downie, Paul Langlois, Rob Baker, Gord Sinclair, and Johnny Fay in conjunction with Stoney Ridge Head Winemaker Jeff Hundertmark. The wine is an ultra-premium blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the acclaimed 2015 vintage. The bottle features an exact replication of the original artwork that first appeared on the Fully Completely album cover.
Matt’s review: The iconic Canadian band, The Tragically Hip, teamed up with Stoney Ridge head winemaker Jeff Hundertmark to produce a premium Ontario (Bordeaux-style) red blend worthy of carrying the bands name and legendary album artwork and title that millions of Canadians fell in love with back in the…
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Ottawa, ON December 2017 LCBO released the Ca'del Bosco Cuvée Prestige Brut Franciacorta today in time for holiday entertaining and gifting. With its distinct packaging and delicious contents it's a great sparking wine to enjoy this holiday season. Ca' del Bosco Cuvée Prestige Brut Franciacorta available @LCBO - $41.95 Franciacorta sparkling wine, purely Italian, pure... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON December 2017 Matt's review: Meiomi's Chardonnay has become an international hit given its delicious flavour profile and creamy texture that showcases some of the best characteristics of Coastal California Chardonnay. The nose shows spicy baked apple, pineapple, ginger, and vanilla bean biscotti. The textured palate is both creamy and refreshing with poached... Continue Reading →
November 29, 2017 – Ottawa, ON Today on CTV Morning Live, Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased his top wine & spirits picks for entertaining and gifting this holiday season. Check out the CTV video here! Having a tough time finding a gift for someone that has it all? Not to worry, we've got the ideal gifts... Continue Reading →
When you haven't changed a recipe in over a hundred years any change must be for a pretty darn good reason! So when Jack Daniel's announced the release of their new Jack Daniel's Rye Whiskey, made with 70% Rye grain, essentially reversing the old recipe that consisted of 80% corn, it got a lot of Whiskey enthusiasts very interested in giving it a shot, or two. Upon my first sip I appreciated their decision to up the Rye content, thereby moving away from a sweeter style corn based Whiskey and into a style of Rye Whiskey that would be great when served with premium cocktails and also a decent choice to enjoy neat, especially for those that like the pure expression of a mildly spicy Rye. I found it to be a terrific Rye for mixing in cocktails. Whether it be a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Whiskey Sour, this Rye takes those cocktails to the next level, beautifully! At 45% abv , its powerful but in a distinguished way making it ideal in those timeless cocktails. Tasted November 2017. Highly recommended for premium cocktails. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Ottawa, ON November 2017 Matt's review: Maynard's 100 Years of Port is perhaps the ultimate gift for any wine lover this holiday season. Beyond the attractive and functional packaging, that houses four 200ml glass bottles with resealable cork stoppers, the real excitement comes with the tasting of 100 years worth of Tawny. Starting with... Continue Reading →
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