Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON October 2017 Matt's review: Kismet Estate Winery's 2014 Riesling Icewine from Oliver (in the heart of the Okanagan Valley), BC - Canada's Wine Capital. This wine won top honours, the coveted Platinum Award, at the 2015 British Columbia Wine Awards , recognizing it as a top 1% of British Columbia wines. The... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2017 Matt's review: Death's Door Gin. This Wisconsin-based craft distillery is producing some of the finest Gin available. They've achieved Certified Organic status from growing their hard Red Winter Wheat on Washington Island, which is also where they grow the super aromatic Juniper that is the hallmark of this premium craft... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October, 2017 Matt's review: Jackson-Triggs' inaugural vintage (2016) of their Grand Reserve Pinot Grigio shows that they've got a great thing going with this premium Ontario white wine. An intriguing colour of faint copper with a pink hue immediately catches the eye, followed by a gorgeous and very fragrant bouquet of sweet... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2017 Matt's review: Cais da Ribeira Reserva 2014. Portuguese wines offer terrific value and this red blend is a great example of how food friendly Portuguese wines can be, without the steep price tag. Deep ruby red, the nose offers black fruit, dark plum, sous bois, and graphite. The palate... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2017 Matt's review: This limited release Private Selection label Cabernet Sauvignon (2016 vintage) from iconic Californian winery, Robert Mondavi, is one you don't want to miss, especially if you're a big fan of California Cab and Kentucky Bourbon! Robert Mondavi winery crafted this 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes grown in Southern... Continue Reading →
Last February I had the pleasure of attending a full day symposium at the Vancouver International Wine Festival that focused on what it takes to enable the development of a prosperous and healthy wine culture here in Canada. The premise is that despite world class winemaking expertise, ideal terroir, and an increasingly knowledgeable and growing... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2017 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge has captured the attention and admiration of wine aficionados and top restaurants around the world with their premium sparkling wines that rival some of the finest. Needless to say, this Gaspreau Valley (Nova Scotia, Canada) sparkling wine house continues to make a real fizz with their premium... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2017 Matt's review of the 2016 vintage: Robert Mondavi's Private Selection Bourbon barrel-aged Chardonnay is one you don't want to miss when it hits the shelves in November at LCBO. If you like California Chardonnay and Kentucky Bourbon (separately of course), then I'd highly recommend picking up some of this creamy and... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October, 2017 Matt's review: This single vineyard expression of Mendoza Malbec showcases how well structured, complex, and flavorful premium Malbec can be. For under $30, the 2013 SonVida Malbec is an outstanding wine that I'd recommend buying by the case(s). Deep ruby red with an opaque core, the nose is bursting with sweet... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2017 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, To Kalon Vineyards, Oakville, Napa Valley. Matt's review: To Kalon Vineyard, one of Napa Valley's finest and most respected first growth vineyards, is where this 50th Anniversary Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was born. The 2013 vintage, one of the finest in recent times, pays tribute to the legendary... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 