Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Black Sheep Riesling—a wine that’s as delightfully rebellious as it is refined. Featherstone has once again proven that breaking from the herd can lead to extraordinary results. This vintage continues the label’s tradition of delivering a high-scoring, value-priced Riesling that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Featherstone Rosé 2023 from Niagara, Ontario, continues to impress as a fan favorite, offering exceptional value at $16.95. This vintage expertly blends 41% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot, and 28% Gewurztraminer, showcasing the diverse bounty of Niagara’s vineyards. The nose is a fragrant bouquet of cherry, herbs, red apple, and strawberry-rhubarb pie, complemented by floral blossoms and juicy Jolly Rancher bonbons. On the palate, it’s beautifully balanced with a hint of sweetness, delivering layers of ripe cherry and fresh strawberries, while strawberry preserve lingers on a long, creamy finish. This rosé is perfect for pairing with Thanksgiving meals or your favorite spicy dishes, and should be served chilled. Tasted September 2024. 90 points - Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca Available at LCBO - $16.95 September 21, 2024
CTV Ottawa Morning Live June 29th, 2023 Theme: World-Class Canadian Wines to Celebrate Canada Day Overview: Today on CTV Morning Live, Sommelier Matt Steeves is showing a line-up of his top rated wines from across Canada. The selection of high-quality Canadian wines represents the pinnacle of premium wine production in Canada and exemplifies the remarkable... Continue Reading →
Featherstone's Red Tail Merlot pays homage to the winery's use of eco-friendly falconry to protect their (sweet and delicious) crop from swarms of vineyard devouring birds. As a key feature of their sustainable practices, Featherstone Estate Winery happens to be the only Ontario winery to embrace this natural crop management technique as part of their overall vineyard management.
Ottawa, ON May 2022 Matt's review: A wonderful Twenty Mile Bench Riesling with each and every vintage. 2020 shows crisp apple, wildflower honey, and great minerality. Lots of texture in this super refreshing and flavorful wine. Enjoy with BBQ'd sausages, roasted pork and apple compote, and your favourite spicy fare. Tasted May 2022. 91 points.... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2021 Matt's review: This limited production (169 cases) Gewurztraminer from the Glen Elgin Vineyard (Niagara Peninsula VQA), shows fragrant spring blossoms, ripe stone fruit, and sweet lychee notes on the nose. Luscious and refreshing, its creamy texture and subtle spicy and fruity finish makes it a wonderful pairing with spicy Asian cuisine,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2020 Matt's review: Featherstone's Rosé is loved by many each year given its expressive and refreshing style at a terrific price. The 2019 vintage blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Gamay Noir, and Merlot, sourced from Niagara Peninsula, highlighting the fragrant sweet and refreshing berry fruit that makes this such a quenchable wine... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON December 31, 2019 Today on CTV Morning Live, in preparation for New Year's Eve festivities, CTVs Trisha Owens, Leslie Roberts, and Sommelier Matt Steeves showed some NYE perfect sparkling wines, how to open those bottles without incident (and with confidence!), and some ways to jazz them up by making ‘Champagne Cocktails’. There’s no... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2019 Matt's review: This limited production (171 cases) Gewurztraminer from the Glen Elgin Vineyard (Niagara Peninsula VQA), shows rich and delicious pear, apple, honey, herbs, and subtle lychee notes. The palate showcases creamy and refreshing orchard fruit with delicious wild flower honey persisting on the finish. A wine all will love as... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2018 Matt's review: Featherstone's Four Feathers blends four cool climate white grapes: Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and a splash of Gewürztraminer, in one fragrant, creamy, and refreshing wine that's both super versatile and super value priced. Pale straw in colour, it's loaded with sweet orchard and tropical fruits, fragrant floral blossom, and... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 