Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
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 September, 2018 Matt's review: Icellars is excelling in the production of high quality red wines, which is earning them a reputation as one of the top fine wine producing wineries in Ontario. Their low production Syrah (145 cases) has a deceiving light ruby red appearance which bursts with expressive strawberry, smoky plum, black... 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 →
Ottawa, ON September 2018 Matt's review: Ruffino's Riserva Ducale Oro is produced only in the best vintages, a tradition started in 1947 to showcase the finest fruit from Ruffino's acclaimed vineyards. The 2014 sourced fruit from Ruffino's Gretole, Santedame, and Casavecchia di Cagnano estates in the renowned Castellina subregion of Chianti Classico. Savoury, structured, and delicious,... 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 →
Saskatchewan, Canada August 2018 Matt's review: Featherstone's Cuvée Joy Rosé is a fine example of the mineral-driven premium traditional method sparkling wines that Featherstone Winery is producing on the Twenty Mile Bench. Delicate strawberry, cherry, and rhubarb notes are supported by refreshing red fruit acidity and limestone minerality on the finish. Paired beautifully with watermelon, feta,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON August 2018 Matt's review: 2015 Rutherford Ranch Reserve Chardonnay from Carneros Napa Valley - Deep golden colour with baked apple, poached pear, vanilla pod and subtle caramel on the nose. Full bodied and buttery, the creamy mouthfeel showcases layers of grilled pineapple, baked apple pastries, and lees. Napa Chardonnay is typically a hit with any crowd... 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 luscious. The nose shows spicy raspberry, plum, currant, black cherry, hickory smoke and cedar. The... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON July 2018 Matt's review: Ruby red with a garnet hue, Lundy Manor Proprietor's Blend shows an inviting bouquet of spiced plum, cherry, mocha, cedar, and sweet pipe tobacco notes. Medium bodied and very well balanced, this Niagara red blend shows layers of dried fruit and herbs, with delicate tannins persisting on the finish.... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 