Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON May 2019 Matt's review: This aromatic and textured Chardonnay shows an expressive bouquet of baked apple, Asian pear, floral blossoms, limestone, and hints of sweet perfume on the nose. The palate offers refreshing orchard fruit with a remarkable mineral-driven texture and finish. A very impressive cool-climate (Niagara) Chardonnay with Chablis traits that... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2019 Matt's review: This Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir (Burger!) blend from the Niagara Peninsula, is becoming renowned for its food friendly and refreshing style that makes it ideally suited for enjoying with your favourite grilled grub. Inviting aromas and flavours of dark cherry, plum, raspberry, cedar, herbs, and spice make this... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: Boom! This deeply coloured, rich and expressive Syrah from Walla Walla Valley in Washington State is a fantastic example of the bold and luscious red wines they're producing in this increasingly popular wine region. The nose shows an expressive bouquet of blackberry, plum, blueberry compote, mocha, sandalwood, fresh... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: From Washington's Columbia Valley, the 2017 Tender Hope Roussanne has an expressive bouquet with honeydew melon, pear, white tea, lanolin, crisp linen, and minerality on the nose. Medium-full bodied, with great acidity, the palate shows crisp Meyer lemon, green apple, and a hint of wildflower honey. Crisp and... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: A tasty Cabernet from the very impressive and often under-valued, Washington State, where Chateau Smith (of Charles Smith Wines) produces their delicious wines. The nose is full of dark cherry, black currant, chocolate, fresh herbs, and graphite. Full bodied with dusty tannins on the finish, this velvety smooth... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON December 2018 Matt's review: This complex value-priced Chianti is bursting with dark cherry, dried fig, clove, fine leather, and graphite. The palate is smooth, layered, and refreshing making it ideally suited with rich braised dishes, grilled rib steak, or aged cheddar. Enjoy 2018-2024. Tasted November 2018. 90 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca... 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 October 2018 Matt's review: Icellars 2016 Pinot Noir, 150 cases total production from the Icel (estate) Vineyard in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. Inviting sweet spice box aromas with fresh herbs, plum, and cherry notes showing the complexity of the wine from this special vineyard that has been producing nothing short of exceptional wines with each vintage.... 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 →
Ottawa, ON October 2018 Matt's review: Icellars Wiyana Wanda is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, all from their Icel estate vineyards in Niagara on the Lake. Deeply coloured, the nose shows rich dark fruit, dark plum, cassis, black cherry, sweet spices, cedar, and graphite. The palate offers fleshy ripe... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 