CheckMate's talented winemaker, Phil McGahan, continues to deliver outstanding world-class wines each and every vintage, and 2016 is another star!
CheckMate continues to showcase Canada's ability to produce world-class wines worthy of great acclaim, wines that shine alongside peers from Napa, Tuscany, and Bordeaux.
Burrowing Owl's 2016 Merlot shows the richness and balance of the 2016 vintage. Loads of rich blackberry, black currant, cherry, plum, smoky bacon, dried fruits and chocolate on the nose and palate. Super expressive, this beautifully balanced and very full-bodied wine shows great elegance too with it's fine integrated tannins and soft mouthfeel making it a wonderful wine to enjoy with a wide range of dishes from wood-fired pizza, to roasts, to BBQ burgers and ribs. Try with spicy pork tenderloin with cherry-thyme pan sauce - a perfect pairing all year round! Tasted June 2020. 92 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: Culmina's Merlot showcases just how complex and interesting the Okanagan's signature varietal can be, especially those sourced from the prestigious Golden Mile Bench. Rich and intense black fruit, black plum, Okanagan Black Sage, dried... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2020 Matt's review: Meritage 2017, Burrowing Owl's flagship wine, is a blend of (59%) Cabernet Sauvignon, (20%) Merlot, (18%) Cabernet Franc, and (3%) Petit Verdot, all estate grown from their Oliver-based winery in the heart of the... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2020 Matt's review: CheckMate Artisanal Winery produces world-class Chardonnay and Merlot from their Golden Mile Bench winery situated in Canada’s wine capital, Oliver, BC. 2014 End Game is a rich and concentrated expression of ultra premium Okanagan... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: A blend of 81% Cabernet, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec from Napa Valley's renowned Oakville, Rutherford, and Oak Knoll District regions. A textbook Napa Cab nose, with dark plum, black currant,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON September 2018 Matt's review: Black Sage Vineyard 2015 Merlot: Deep ruby red, the nose shows dark plum, stewed cherries, mocha, smoky notes, and its namesake in spades, Black Sage - a hallmark of fine Okanagan Merlot. Silky smooth... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2018 Matt's review: Thorn Merlot sources their grapes from acclaimed vineyards throughout the world famous Napa Valley. A blend of 77% Merlot with Malbec and Syrah providing additional structure and complexity, this wine is big, juicy, and incredibly... Continue Reading →
April 2018 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: Checkmate Artisanal Winery produces world-class Chardonnay and Merlot from their Golden Mile Bench winery situated in Canada’s wine capital, Oliver, BC. The 2013 End Game Merlot is an outstanding expression of ultra premium Okanagan... Continue Reading →
Wondering which wine to serve with your Turkey dinner this Thanksgiving long weekend? Today on CTV, CTVs Lianne Laing and Sommelier Matt Steeves offered up some tasty options that are sure to complement your special Thanksgiving dinner!
Ottawa, ON January 2017 Matt's review: Esteemed Napa producer, Rutherford Ranch, has launched a new label that's attracting a lot of attention for the quality and complexity it brings at such remarkable value. Rutherford Ranch’s latest offering, in its debut vintage... Continue Reading →
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