Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON June 2020 Matt's review: With each and every vintage CheckMate Artisanal Winery is solidifying their reputation as one of Canada's leading wineries, producing world-class Chardonnay and Merlot from the south of the Okanagan Valley, in Canada's wine capital, Oliver, BC. CheckMate's 2015 Knight's Challenge (100% Chardonnay from the Sunset Vineyard along the Black... 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 Merlot. Sourced from the Osoyoos East Bench and Black Sage Bench in the heart of... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON February 2020 Matt's review: A ripe and delicious expression of a big juicy Okanagan red. Major's Block is a robust and spicy blend of Shiraz and Merlot with a splash of Petit Verdot and Zinfandel adding further depth and texture to this crowd pleaser. Sourced from the south of the Okanagan Valley,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2019 Matt's review: Painted Rock Estate Winery's flagship wine, Red Icon, showcases the high quality wines that proprietor, John Skinner, and consulting winemaker, Alain Sutre, are focused on crafting from this picturesque Penticton - Skaha Lake, Okanagan Valley winery. With an objective of crafting world-class ultra premium wines that showcase the... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2018 Matt's review: This beautiful Okanagan blend showcases the strength, elegance, and harmony of Burrowing Owl's premium wines. A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Syrah, from Burrowing Owl's estate vineyards on the Black Sage Bench, it's deep and concentrated with layers of dark fruits, sweet spices, and an elegant yet... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON September 29, 2018 Matt's review: Burrowing Owl's 2015 Cabernet Franc, from the southern part of British Columbia's pocket desert, the Okanagan Valley, is a deep ruby colour showing rich and concentrated dark plum, black cherry, blueberry pie, grilled peppers, cedar, scorched earth and black sage. Full bodied with great structure, the rich dark fruits,... 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 and very inviting with layers of dark chocolate, plum, and black cherry persisting on the... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON February 2018 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 2014 Meritage is a blend of (31%) Merlot, (21.4%) Cabernet Franc, (21.4%) Cabernet Sauvignon, (10.7%) Malbec, and (10%) Petit Verdot that were hand picked and sorted,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2017 Matt's review: CheckMate Artisanal Winery is quickly becoming recognized as one of Canada's leading wineries, producing world-class Chardonnay and Merlot from their Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC winery. 2014 Fool's Mate Chardonnay is a gorgeous expression of Okanagan Chardonnay from five of their estate vineyards between Black Sage Bench, Golden... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2017 Matt's review: Painted Rock Estate Winery's flagship wine, Red Icon, showcases the high quality wines that proprietor, John Skinner, and consulting winemaker, Alain Sutre, are focused on crafting from this picturesque Penticton - Skaha Lake, Okanagan Valley winery. With an objective of crafting world-class ultra premium wines that showcase the... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 