Ottawa, ON July 2018 Matt's review: Niagara's ultra premium boutique winery, Icellars Estate Winery, produced a stunning Riesling Icewine that highlights the strength of the exceptional 2016 vintage. Picked on December 24th, and bottled in spring 2017, this decadent and refreshing wine showcases beautifully the strengths of Niagara Riesling in a style that Canada does better... Continue Reading →
wine review: Benjamin Bridge Brut 2012
Ottawa, ON July 2018 Matt's review: A Canadian winemaking icon, Benjamin Bridge, continues to capture the attention and admiration of wine aficionados and fine dining establishments around the world with their world-class premium sparkling wines that are regarded as some of the best available, anywhere! The 2012 Brut is a blend of 63% Chardonnay,... Continue Reading →
wine review: Benjamin Bridge NV Rosé
Ottawa, ON July 2018 Matt's review: Canada's iconic sparkling wine house, Benjamin Bridge, has released its first non-vintage (NV) Rosé which builds off of the success of their NV Brut, along with their fantastic vintage sparkling wines. A beautiful copper/rose gold colour, the nose shows field strawberries, fresh baked strawberry scones, sweet red apple, and that... Continue Reading →
wine review: Jackson-Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Ottawa, ON July 2018 Matt's review: Combing two of my favourite wine styles, sparkling and Sauvignon Blanc, this is quickly becoming one of my top recommended sparkling wine styles for those looking for a delicious sparkling wine to enjoy in the summer. Jackson-Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve sparkling Sauvignon Blanc (2015 vintage) showcases the fresh and fruity... Continue Reading →
Four Virtues Zinfandel – Available @LCBO online – $28.40
Ottawa, ON June 2018 Matt's review: I must say between the look of the Port shaped bottle and the 16.8% ABV, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this 100% Lodi Zinfandel, but wow, what a treat! Coming from Rutherford Ranch Winery I should have know it would be a hit (especially for those that... Continue Reading →
#Scotch review: @TheGlenmorangie #Spios Private Edition No. 9 – available @LCBO
Ottawa, ON May 2018 Matt's review: May 26, 2018, via Vintages throughout Ontario, Glenmorangie released their first single malt Whisky that was fully matured in American ex-Rye Whiskey casks. Labelled "Spios", which is Gaelic for 'spice', and pronounced 'spee-oss', it's the ninth release in their Private Edition Series which over the years have become collectors... Continue Reading →
#wine review: Icellars Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Ottawa, ON May 2018 Matt's review: Icellars Estate Winery's Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from the Twenty Mile Bench Wismer Homestead Vineyard, further demonstrates just how exceptional the wines from this boutique winery can be. In its inaugural vintage, this small production (120 cases) wine is beautifully structured with crisp acidity, great exotic and tropical fruit characteristics,... Continue Reading →
Wine and Spirits for that special mom this Mother’s Day…
Ottawa, ON May 10, 2018 Today on CTV Morning Live, in preparation for Mother's Day, Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some terrific wine and spirits that are guaranteed to be loved by Mom and certain to help put a smile on her face! Check out the CTV Morning Live video here. In addition to making mama... Continue Reading →
94 point #wine review: @Checkmatewinery 2013 End Game #Merlot
April 2018 Ottawa, ON 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. The 2013 End Game Merlot is an outstanding expression of ultra premium Okanagan Merlot. Sourced from the Osoyoos East Bench and Black Sage Bench, End Game displays a... Continue Reading →
93 pts #wine review: Icellars 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from NOTL, ON – $60 winery direct
Ottawa, ON April 2018 Matt's review: 2016 was the warmest vintage ever recorded in Niagara, which resulted in the grapes at Icellars' Icel Vineyard being able to hang on the vines until November 17 and be picked at 26.2 brix with full phenolic and flavour ripeness and great acidic structure. Icellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a... Continue Reading →
