Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON November 2016 Earthquake Zinfandel 2013 Earthquake comes in what feels like an earthquake resistant bottle (holy its heavy!), and inside you'll find a rich and bold wine showing ripe crushed raspberries, freshly baked raspberry pie, a medley of dark berries, baking spice, tar and cedar. A very fresh, fruity, and well textured Zinfandel... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2016 Matt's review: Via Nova's Godello grapes benefit from the warm continental climate in the Spanish DO of Valdeorras, which is great for ripening the fruit, coupled with an Atlantic maritime influence that ensures Godello grapes retain their crisp mouthwatering acidity. Although Godello may not be as popular as Sauvignon Blanc or... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2016 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon. Matt's review: This limited release Private Selection label Cabernet Sauvignon 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 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2016 Son Vida Malbec 2012 Matt's review: Wow, what a delicious, robust and elegant single vineyard expression of Mendoza Malbec. The grapes were hand harvested from their Paraje Altamira vineyard at an elevation of over 1km. Rich dark berries, plum, pepper, cacao, underbrush, leather, and cedar on the nose and finish. This wine... Continue Reading →
November, 2016 Ottawa, ON Terra Terrae Organic Cava - $15.95 Matt's review: Cava continues to be a favourite sparking wine for its great value, consumer and food friendliness, and quality. Produced using the same methods as Champange, Cava differs slightly in that it's always been produced with the these three grapes: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. What... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2016 Elderton Ode To Lorraine 2013 Matt's review: A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Shirza, 4% Merlot, all from the Barossa Valley. Gorgeous warm baking spices, black fruit, plum, cherry and pepper on the nose. Full bodied, with a velvety smooth texture, it's dry with black berry, plum, and spice on the... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2016 Barón de Ley Reserva 2010 Matt's review: What an incredible wine for the price! The colour is a deep ruby red with a hint of garnet, the nose shows ripe dark fruit, black cherry, plum, fig, baking spices, mocha, bacon, and cedar - needless to say this is an incredibly complex... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2016 Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage Matt's review: The 2012 is an assemblage of 46% Merlot with 25% Cab Franc, 16% Cab Sauv and 13% Malbec each vinified separately then aged for 21 months in French oak. Deep ruby red, with a rich and inivitng nose of ripe dark berries, plum, and... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2016 Quintorelli Primofiore 2012 Matt's review: Medium ruby with a garnet hue, Quintarelli's Primofiore 2012 shows rustic balsamic notes, stewed and dried fruit, plum, and spice. Soft and inviting this is a very interesting and delicious wine from the land of Romeo and Juliet. Highly recommended and what a great Christmas... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2016 Barone Ricasoli Torre della Trappola Brunello di Montalcino 2010 Matt's review: Ruby red with a garnet hue, it's packed with smoky dark fruit! This bold wine has great structure with high acid and big tannins making it ideally suited for cellaring and enjoying with rich Italian cuisine. Decant prior to service... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 