Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON April 2020 Matt's review: Tender Hope Winery produces a very limited quantity of Pinot Noir (50 cases) sourced from the Thacker Drive Vineyard in West Kelowna. Mature vines rooted in volanic soils contribute to the wine's elegant profile, while its incredibly light colour (one could easily mistake it for a Saignée method Rosé),... 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 April 2020 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge has been making a real fizz in the sparkling wine scene over the past two decades. This Nova Scotia (Canada) based winery is producing sparkling wines that rival those from Champagne and other storied wine regions around the world. A combination of ideal terroir for producing... Continue Reading →
April 2020 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: An expressive red blend from one of Ontario's premium boutique wineries, Icellars Estate Winery in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Reserve Red brings together estate grown Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec to produce a beautifully balanced, silky smooth wine that's sure to be enjoyed by all. Fragrant sweet spices, plum, dark... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2019 Matt's review: A beautiful traditional method sparking wine produced in a zero dosage style, making it extra crisp and refreshing - exactly what I and so many love in premium traditional method sparking wines. Benefitting from 48 months lees aging, with no oak influence, thereby preserving the natural fruit characteristics,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2019 Matt's review: This value-priced Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County, California, is chalked full of tropical and exotic fruits with a refreshing hint of herbal notes, making it a true crowd pleaser and a great wine to pair with a wide range of dishes from fish tacos, salads, seafood pasta, or... Continue Reading →
November 2019 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: This new value-priced Niagara Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend spent part of it's barrel aging in Whisky barrels which enhances its flavour, texture, and crowd pleasing appeal. Look for rich dark fruit, black cherry, clove, chocolate and sweet vanilla on the finish. Enjoy with BBQ fare, spare ribs, chili, and spicy... Continue Reading →
Robert Mondavi Reserve To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley, California.
Ottawa, ON September 2019 Matt's review: When a single varietal wine exhibits such great flavour, structure, and complexity, it's great to let it shine all on its own. This is exactly what Painted Rock has accompmlished with their stellar 2016 Cabernet Franc, which is one of, if not the, finest I recall tasting in... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2019 Matt's review: Canadian sparkling wine icon, Benjamin Bridge, continues to capture the attention and admiration of wine aficionados, Sommeliers, and fine dining establishments around the world with their world-class premium sparkling wines. The 2014 Brut is a blanc de blancs, 100% Chardonnay, that showcases exactly why Benjamin Bridge has become... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 