Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Tenuta delle Ripalte is a stunning Mediterranean resort and winery located on Elba Island, off the coast of Tuscany, north of Rome and south of Florence. Nestled within the rugged landscapes of the island’s southeastern coast, the estate is part of a sprawling 450-hectare private nature reserve, offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and their 16 hectares of rolling vineyards.
Ottawa, ON January 2025 Matt’s review: Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore Collio Bianco Col Disôre 2017 - A Gem from Collio DOC Nestled in the picturesque hills of Collio DOC in Italy, Russiz Superiore Collio Bianco Col Disôre by renowned producer Marco Felluga is a stunning representation of the region’s rich viticultural heritage. Drawing its name... Continue Reading →
The 2022 vintage presented challenges, yet it resulted in fruit of exceptional quality. Hester Creek's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the remarkable potential of this variety in the southern Okanagan. Despite a cooler-than-usual spring, the extended growing season allowed the fruit to fully ripen, with some even slightly withering on the vine. This extended maturation resulted in a beautifully balanced and harmonious Cabernet with impressive aromatic and flavor complexity. The wine reveals a deep ruby color, with a nose offering fragrant dark fruits, sweet spices, dried fruits, cassis, forest floor, and a hint of graphite. On the palate, dark fruits, spices, and herbal notes persist, leading to a long, lingering finish. The tannins are exceptionally soft and well-integrated, a true testament to both the terroir and winemaking expertise. Tasted over two days, the wine showed even greater harmony and enjoyment on day two. Best enjoyed between 2025 and 2035, with decanting recommended before serving. Tasted January 2025. 93+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Ottawa, ON December 2024 Matt’s review: Checkmate 2021 Little Pawn Chardonnay With each vintage CheckMate further demonstrates their exceptional winemaking artistry highlighting the great potential of the impressive vineyards they work with to craft their world-class wines. While 2021 brought unprecedented challenges during the growing season, the team at CheckMate delivered the consistent high-quality standard... Continue Reading →
Today on CFRA News Talk Radio with Patricia Boal, and later on CTV Morning Live, Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased a few of his top rated drinks for the occasion including how to jazz up some delicious sparkling wines by making ‘Champagne Cocktails’ to enjoy this New Year’s Eve.
Kirby Estate 2023 Pinot Blanc is a striking single-vineyard expression of this unique varietal, whose lineage traces back to Pinot Noir and is most commonly associated with Germany and northern Italy. Here, in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Kirby Estate’s 17.5-acre property, with 11 acres of vines rooted along the Four Mile Creek, provides the setting for this beautifully crafted wine. Guided by viticulturist Craig Wismer and winemaker Matt Smith (along with advisors Adam Lowy and Peter Gamble), the Kirby team continues to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to premium, artisanal winemaking. The nose is delicate yet layered, offering orchard fruit, ripe peach and pear, interwoven with floral notes, almond, and a subtle honeyed richness. On the palate, this Pinot Blanc reveals exceptional finesse: soft and creamy in texture, yet lifted by a refreshing vibrancy. Minerality and crisp acidity provide balance to the stone fruit core, while a whisper of spice carries through the long, elegant finish. This versatile wine is an ideal match for soft cheeses, salads with creamy dressings, or flaky white fish paired with a fruit compote. Tasted December 2024 and July 2025. 93+ points. Without question, this is the finest Pinot Blanc I’ve tasted from Canada, and among the best internationally. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Single vineyard cool-climate Chardonnay like this from Stonebridge is showing the world how great Niagara's terroir and winemaking talent are!
Today on CFRA News Talk Radio, CFRAs Patricia Boal and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some of their top recommended wines for entertaining and gifting this holiday season.
Hester Creek’s 2022 Syrah is a wine that demands a place in your collection. South Okanagan terroir in a glass... such a great wine at a very attractive price!
St. Hugo Chardonnay stands as a great example of Eden Valley’s cool-climate elegance. From the first encounter, the nose is alive with zesty citrus, delicate stone fruit, and a blend of fresh herbs, melon, and a whisper of pineapple. These aromas are beautifully restrained, leaning towards crisp citrus rather than the heavy tropical fruit notes found in warmer climates. An exceptional expression of Eden Valley, this wine is already impressive, yet it holds the potential to age gracefully over the next decade.
Quercus Vino 