Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Quercus Vino 