Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON June 2020 Matt's review: Jackson-Triggs' 2016 Entourage Grand Reserve Brut - A very impressive high quality sparking wine from this well known Niagara-on-the-Lake winery. At $29.95, Jackson-Triggs' Entourage Grand Reserve Brut has become a Sommelier favourite with each vintage given its consistent quality yet at a fraction of the price sparkling wines of... Continue Reading →
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 →
An outstanding 96 point Chardonnay that showcases how incredible CheckMate's Golden Mile Bench focused winemaking program is!
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 →
Quercus Vino 