Fairview Cellars 2006 Merlot - 90+pts

Fairview Cellars 2006 Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Private wine stores. The winery is sold-out.

Cost: $25-$30

Alcohol: 14.8%

Date Tasted: September 6th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Another excellent red from Oliver, BC producer Fairview Cellars. Winemaker Bill Eggert has developed a name for his impressive Meritage blend "The Bear" but his single varietals deserve more attention and this Merlot is no exception.

This is an elegant and supremely smooth wine that offers youthful aromas of leather, pencil shavings and cassis on the nose. On the palate this medium-bodied wine offers flavours of dark fruit, peppercorns with notes of candied cherries. A very well-balanced Merlot with a long, long finish that is just becoming approachable now but is still tasting young and would benefit from another year or two of aging. With such well-structured tannins and balanced acid this wine should age well for another 4-5 years. - LC

Paso Creek Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel - 83pts

Paso Creek Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel (Paso Robles) California - USA

Availability: BC liquor stores

Cost: $17.99

Alcohol: 15%

Date Tasted: September 29th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A deep ruby, inky colour, this full-bodied Zin plays a medley of lovely fruity notes, but the song becomes a little repetitive. Youthful aromas of blueberry jam, pepper and cherries on the nose followed by flavours of vanilla, raisins and more pepper and blueberry jam on the palate. There's a whole lot of jam going on here, however, I would still call this wine well-balanced as the sticky fruit characters balance the very high alcohol. Medium acidity and tannins round out the long..., you guessed it, jammy finish.

This wine will need an accompaniment of cheesy, tomato-sauce lasagna to successfully carry a tune. Drink now. - LC

Tinhorn Creek 2007 Cabernet Franc - 86pts

Tinhorn Creek 2007 Cabernet Franc (Southern Okanagan) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: VQA stores and BC liquor stores

Cost: $15.99 (VQA stores) $17.99 (BC liquor stores)

Alcohol: 14.3%

Date Tasted: September 12th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Intense developing aromas of cassis, pungent cheese, plums, caramilk and cigar box notes on the nose. On the palate this deep garnet coloured wine offers flavours of cherries, nutmeg, pepper and cloves. A full-bodied wine with medium acid and tannins and a well-balanced long finish.

I enjoyed this wine with friends at a late summer BBQ; the perfect setting. However, due to the profile of warm flavours, I would bet that this wine will also make a tasty mid-winter treat. - LC

Duck Pond Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Duck Pond Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) Oregon - USA

Availability: BC Liquor Stores

Cost: $29.99

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: September 14th, 2009

Tasting Notes: 90% estate-grown Pinot Noir grapes were used to make this wine, a classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Developing aromas of coffee grounds, sweet tea and barnyard notes on the nose with flavours of bitter chocolate, cedar bark, spicy herbs and pepper on the palate. A very good quality mannered garnet coloured wine with medium acidity and smooth tannins. A well-balanced and satisfying medium-bodied wine with a long finish. Drink now and over the next 4-5 years. - LC

Cedar Creek 2006 Estate Select Pinot Noir - 88pts

Cedar Creek Estate Winery 2006 Estate Select Pinot Noir (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: BC liquor stores and VQA stores

Cost: $26.90 (BC liquor stores)

Date Tasted: September 26th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Cedar Creek are in the process of streamlining their brands and will be removing the middle-tier Estate Select wines. This has lead to a substantial price reduction on the Estate Select Merlot, Meritage, Syrah and Pinot Noir while supplies last.

The Pinot Noir is a solid sipper that can be enjoyed on its own or with the usual Pinot Noir pairings of light game and BC salmon. Or you can pair it, as I did, with disc one of the seventh season of "24". A fine, if not unusual pairing.

On the nose this dark garnet wine offers developing aromas of leather, mint and pencil shavings. On the palate you will get flavours of cassis, toasty oak and cardamon notes finishing with well constructed tannins and good acidity. A lovely and pleasing long finish. A good value at $27. - LC

La Frenz Winery 2006 Reserve - 93pts

La Frenz Winery 2006 Reserve (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: September 1st, 2009. Direct from winery.

Cost: $40.00

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: Powerhouse Bordeaux-style red blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc from popular boutique winery La Frenz which is located on the Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley of BC. The Reserve is a dark, inky ruby colour and is aged in 100% French oak for 22 months which develops fine, silky smooth tannins and loads of character.

On the nose you get layers of floral perfume, vegetable notes and oak spices. On the palate you will get chocolate, leather, earth notes, vanilla and dark berry flavours. For the complexity and character you get from this wine, the $40 price is a relative bargain. Drink now or add a few to your cellar for special ocasions. This wine will develop further in the bottle over the next 3-4 years and can be enjoyed over the next 10 years. - LC

La Frenz Winery 2007 Merlot - 90pts

La Frenz Winery 2007 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Now. Direct from winery.

Cost: $25 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: A beautiful Merlot from La Frenz Winery who rarely disappoint. Once again they have under-priced and over-delivered with this fantastic Merlot that offers aromas of dark fruits and chocolate on the nose and flavours of cassis, oak, leather and coffee on the palate. A very balanced wine with well-structured tannins and a nice long, satisfying finish.

I would love to see what they could do with a single-vineyard Reserve Merlot but this would likely be restricted to a small-lot series release of which the winery already has many. Which leads me to my one and only criticism of this amazing winery; their production is so low and diverse that they may never reach their rightful place among Canada's elite wineries and enjoy the level of notoriety the likes of Black Hills Estate Winery. If their quantity could inch closer to their level of quality (perhaps by shrinking their wine list) then I feel La Frenz would ascend to the level of Canadian winery royalty to which they so richly deserve. - LC

Van Westen 2006 Voluptuous - 87+pts

Van Westen Vineyards 2006 Voluptuous (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Now. Released September 1st, 2009. Direct from winery and select private stores.

Cost: $29.90 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: Meant in the most positive of ways, this wine was easily the most unique offering tasted at the Naramata Bench Wineries Association's "Simply Red" event. Winemaker Robert Van Westen has crafted an intriguing wine made of 67% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Franc with massive tannins on the palate. Although the tannins do overpower the finish at present, they do not smother the complex flavours of cassis, coffee, chocolate, plums and dark cherries. With a few years of aging this wine will could very well evolve from intriguing to sensational. - LC

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2007 Portfolio - 91pts

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2007 Portfolio (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: October 15th, 2009. Direct from winery and select private stores.

Cost: $39.90 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: Tasted at the Naramata Bench Wineries Association's "Simply Red" event in September, the soon to be released red blend is Laughing Stock Vineyard's signature wine. Presented along with the 2005 and 2006 vintages, the 2007 shows an evolution of craftsmanship by winemaker David Enns. While the 2005 offers bold tannins and the 2006 displays a more fruit-forward approach, the 2007 seems to bring it all together and may be their best vintage yet.

This dark ruby wine offers youthful aromas of cassis, toasty oak and earthy notes on the nose with flavours of dark berries, chocolate, leather, oak spice, tobacco and traces of mint on the palate. Good tannin and acidity structure will keep this wine improving in the bottle for 3-4 years and be drinkable for 8-9 years.

In January 2010, look for Laughing Stock to offer Futures for their 2008 vintage which was a strong growing season but has yet to be barrel tasted "en premieur". - LC

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2007 Blind Trust Red - 88+pts

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2007 Blind Trust Red (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Released July, 2009. Direct from winery and select private stores.

Cost: $29.00 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009
Tasting Notes: Each year's blend is a bit different depending on the quality and characteristics of the grapes available to the firm each year and the consumer must "trust" winemaker David Enns to construct the best wine possible. We're in good hands and the result is an excellent wine to be enjoyed with food or as a solid sipper by itself.

This year's blend of 50% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Cabernet Franc creates a fruit-forward and approachable wine with notes of plums, cherries and cassis. The palate offers more dark berries with chocolate and baking spices. A full-bodied wine with solid tannin and acidity structure make it a good candidate to mellow and improve with a another year or two in the bottle. - LC

Poplar Grove Winery 2005 The Legacy - 92pts

Poplar Grove Winery 2005 The Legacy (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Now. Direct from winery and VQA stores.

Cost: $49.90 (VQA stores)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: The Legacy is Naramata Bench producer Poplar Grove's signature wine and it is a stunner. A meritage blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, and Malbec. This dark garnet wine offers delicate aromas of fresh floral and blackberry with flavours of floral and licorice on the palate. Smooth, well-structured tannins complement strong but tamed acidity which will make this wine the perfect cellar keeper for special occasions.

Writing that a $50 bottle of BC wine offers good value may be a difficult thing to read but this wine does deliver the goods and does represent good value for the complexity of taste on offer. Truly an Icon Wine of BC and one of our favourites.
 - Liam Carrier and Hugh Carter

Poplar Grove Winery 2006 Cabernet Franc - 91+pts

Poplar Grove Winery 2006 Cabernet Franc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery and VQA stores.

Cost: $39.90 (Direct from winery)
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: At $40 a bottle the Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc may be overpriced and out-of-reach for many consumers. However, fans of BC Cabernet Franc, of whose ranks grow daily, will likely pay the premium for this quality juice that exemplifies the aromatic and concentrated flavours of this varietal when grown in the cool, dry climate of the Southern Okanagan.

The nose is subtle and elegant with notes of plums, milk chocolate, pungent cheese and cigar box. The palate offers flavours of finely-ground pepper, chocolate covered cherries and Christmas spice. This medium-plus bodied wine has good acidity with strong but well-structured tannins and a long finish. Approachable now, but will improve with 1-2 years of aging.
 - Liam Carrier

Poplar Grove Winery 2006 Merlot - 90pts

Poplar Grove Winery 2006 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Now. Direct from winery or VQA stores.

Cost: $29.90 (Direct from winery)
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: If you ever visit the Naramata Bench appellation in the Okanagan Valley make sure you visit the Poplar Grove estate as the property has one of the most amazing views on the bench. Driving up the lane towards the tasting room, you will pass the estate's Merlot block on the left, home to this wine's grapes.

The Poplar Grove Merlot shows a beautifully complex nose of dusty chocolate and cherry. There are chalky flavours of spice and plum on the palate with a very long finish. This is a wonderfully structured wine with well rounded tannins and acid. This will do well down the road.
 - Liam Carrier and Hugh Carter

Poplar Grove Winery 2005 Syrah - 85pts

Poplar Grove 2005 Syrah (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Now.

Cost: $39.90 (Direct from winery)
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: Medium intensity garnett colour, this 2005 Syrah shows strawberry and candied coffee beans on the nose. At $40 it's a pricey Syrah that has already had 4 years of aging, but it does deliver with a continuation of strawberry and mellowed tannins but overall was a bit of a let down on the palate.With no 2006 vintage, this is the only Syrah that Poplar Grove is offering until the 2007 vintage is ready.
 - Liam Carrier and Hugh Carter

Howling Bluff 2007 Sin Cera - 87pts

Howling Bluff 2007 Sin Cera (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC Wine

Availability: October 2nd, 2009 (Available for online orders now)

Cost: $33.40 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: A meritage blend of 72% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 13% Malbec that shows black cherry and earthy notes on the nose. On the palate there was cassis, plum, and vanilla. Well balanced acids and tannins make for a smooth, long finish. At $33, this is blend offers decent value and should age well. A nice representation of an Okanagan meritage blend. - IW

Howling Bluff 2007 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Howling Bluff 2007 Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: October 2nd, 2009 (Available for online orders now)

Cost: $29.90 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: On the heels of the Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence winning 2006 vintage comes this lovely Pinot Noir from Naramata producer Howling Bluff. Youthful aromas of coffee, chocolate and orange peel with flavours of cherries and berries on the palate. Smooth tannins pair well with subtle yet present acidity to form a very well balanced wine.

As an aside, the new labeling is a major step forward in elegance for this wine. It doesn't affect the taste, obviously, but it does influence the overall presentation of this fine Pinot Noir, especially for collectors. - LC

Chakana Wiphala 2008 Malbec/Syrah - 86pts

Chakana Whiphala 2008 Malbec/Syrah (Mendoza) Argentina

Decanted: Vinturi

Cost: $15.99 (BC Liquor Store)

Date Tasted: September 2, 2009

Tasting Notes: The appearance was concentrated purple. The nose had hints of caramel, minerality, and smoke, The palate had very slight sweetness, chalk, vanilla, and plum with a good dose of tannins. The finish was warm and long.

Overall this wine had a distinct nose, was thick and fairly well balanced with good complexity. A very nice wine for a good price. A great recommendation and would do well with any BBQ. HC

La Frenz 2008 Viognier - 85 pts

La Frenz 2008 Viognier (Naramata Bench) British Columbia

Decanted: 0 hrs

Cost: $20.00 (direct from the winery)

Date Tasted: August 29, 2009

Tasting Notes: La Frenz is one of the finest wineries in the BC. Their Chardonnay is exquisite and their Montage is amazing. The price of these wines compared to the quality puts these amongst the best value wines I have come across.

The Viognier had a very subtle nose with light floral. The palate showed pear notes with good acidity and medium body and the finish was in the medium plus range. Overall this wine is not tremendously complex but the palate was big. Excellent value. HC

Pirramimma 2005 Petit Verdot - 91 pts

Pirramimma 2005 Petit Verdot (McClaren Vale) Australia.

Decanted: 1 hr

Cost: $29.99

Date Tasted: August 206, 2009

Tasting Notes: This is a beautiful Australian wine. It is opaque and concentrated. The nose is cedar and deep blackberries that continue onto the palate with a full-bodied mouth-feel. The finish had hints of spice and lasted forever.

I highly recommend this wine. An interesting note was when Icon Wines did a tasting with John Glaetzer at a local wine retailer he mentioned that Pirramimma makes a good petit verdot. He wasn't kidding. This is a powerhouse. At that price folks should be stockpiling!! HC

2006 Chateau Rieussec - 92.33pts

2006 Chateau Rieussec (Sauternes) Bordeaux - France

Decanted: 2hrs

Cost: $59.00-$79.90 - 375ml

Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Excellent example of the complexity of flavours that can be hidden within a full-bodied sweet wine. Light gold in colour with a whole slew of fruit flavours on the nose and palate: apricot, candied-apple, peach, honeyed lemon. Add a touch of rosted-almonds and mineral notes and you have a very complex and satisfying 1er Cru Classé wine. Should develop nicely over the next decade.

Scores: 91 ST, 93 WS, 93 IW, Average = 92.33

2006 Chateau Coutet - 91.75pts

2006 Chateau Coutet (Barsac) Bordeaux - France

Decanted: 2hrs

Cost: $48.90 - 370ml, $95.90 - 750ml

Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A light gold colour, the core to rim differential shows little development thus far. Candied fruit and pralines on the nose with delicate fruit flavours drenched in full-bodied sweetness. Shows promise but needs further development to build more complexity on the palate.

Scores: 92 WA, 91 ST, 94 WS, 90+ IW, Average: 91.75

2006 Chateau Pape Clement - 93.25pts

2006 Chateau Pape Clement (Pessac) Bordeaux - France

Decanted: 2hrs

Cost: $229.00-$269.90

Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot

Tasting Notes: One of the standouts from the tasting. A deep and opaque core of ruby. The nose showed tremendous complexity with licorice, coffee, and floral notes. The complexity continued on the pallate with high tannins and coffee. The finish was beautifully long. Overall this was a gorgeous wine that should for age for decades.

Scores: 95 WA, 93 ST, 91 WS, 94 IW, Average: 93.25

2006 Chateau Montrose - 92pts

2006 Chateau Montrose (St. Estephe) Bordeaux - France

Decanted: 2hrs

Cost: $139.00-$179.90

Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Blend: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot

Tasting Notes: A very concentrated ruby core. A complex nose with notes of licorice. The palate exhibited high acid and tannins with notes of leather and pepper with a long finish. There was good balance and complexity overall however the expectations were higher than the delivery. Flavours are very subtle. This one will most definitely benefit from age.

Scores: 94+ WA, 89+ ST, 93 WS, 92 IW, Average: 92

2006 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron - 92.5pts

2006 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron (Pauillac) Bordeaux - France

Decanted: 2hrs

Cost: $159.00-$189.00

Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes: Concentrated ruby core. Beautiful impression on the nose with complex floral notes. Dusty and smooth with high tannins on palate. Complex, balanced, and extremely well structured. A beautiful wine that will age like a star.

Scores: 92 WA, 92+ ST, 92 WS, 93 IW, Average: 92.25

2006 Chateau Clerc Milon - 90.25pts

2006 Chateau Clerc Milon (Pauillac) Bordeaux - France

Decanted: 2hrs

Cost: $75.00-$89.90

Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes: Lighter ruby core. Moderate intensity on the nose with light licorice and cherry. Good acid and tannins and chocolate on the palate, medium bodied. Decent complexity and balance that will definitely improve with age. Subdued.

Scores: 91+ WA, 90 ST, 91 WS, 89 IW, Average: 90.25

2006 Chateau Lascombes - 90pts

2006 Chateau Lascombes (Margaux) Bordeaux - France

Decanted: 2hrs

Cost: $115.00 (BC Liquor Stores - Oct 3rd, 2009)

Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Blend: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot

Tasting Notes: Dark garnet colour with good concentration. Intense nose with hints of chocolate, coffee and leather notes. The palate was medium bodied with flavours of pepper, cherry, and leather with a decent finish. Subdued and nice.

Scores: 90 WA, 90 ST, 91 WS, 89 IW Average: 90

2006 Chateau Clinet - 90.5pts

2006 Chateau Clinet (Pomerol) Bordeaux - France

Decanted: 2hrs

Cost: $153.90 (Private Wine Stores)

Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Blend: 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes: Dark core, concentrated garnet colour. Impressive and complex. The small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon comes through with cassis and light floral. Strong tannins and medium bodied with hints of chocolate, spice, and pepper. Long finish. Well structured. This one will age well.

Scores: 90+ WA, 90 ST, 90 WS, 92 IW, Average: 90.5

2006 Clos du Marquis - 90.75pts

2006 Clos du Marquis (St. Julien) Bordeaux - France


Decanted: 2hrs


Cost: $75.00-$89.90


Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Blend: 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

Tasting Notes: A thick and concentrated purple core with ruby rim. A complex nose with aromas of berry, chocolate, and slight orange. Good acid and tannins, medium bodied with a shorter finish. Very nice balance and good complexity.

Scores: 90 WA, 90 ST, 92 WS, 91 IW, Average: 90.75

2006 Clos de l'Oratoire - 91pts

2006 Clos de l'Oratoire (St. Emilion) Bordeaux - France


Decanted: 2hrs


Cost: $59.00-$74.90


Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes: This wine had a concetrated core with a garnet rim. The complex nose had hints of vanilla, plum and blackberries. Beautiful impressions on the palate with high tannins. The finish was spicey was nice but seemed to cut short. This was a complex and well balanced with with great aging potential. One worth trying especially at this price.



Scores: 91 WA, 91 ST, 91 WS, 91 IW, Average: 91

2006 Chateau Cantemerle - 88.5pts

2006 Chateau Cantemerle (Haut-Medoc) Bordeaux - France


Decanted: 2hrs


Cost: $49.00-$69.90


Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Blend: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes: Good concentrated, dark garnet colour. The nose had nice intensity with hints of leather, tobacco, and deep berries. The palate had good acid and nice tannins with a velvety finish. This was a nice young wine that requires 5-6 years of further development.

Scores: 90 WA, 89 ST, 88 WS, 87+IW, Average: 88.5

2006 Chateau La Tour Carnet - 90pts

2006 Chateau La Tour Carnet (Haut-Medoc) Bordeaux - France

Decanted: 2hrs

Cost: $59.90

Date Tasted: September 13th, 2009

Blend: 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon , 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

Tasting Notes: Appearence was moving to garnet with decent concentration. Nose was subtle and notes were difficult to pick up but cherries were evident. The palate was chalky and dry with spice. Fairly straightforward with good acid and tannins.

Scores: 91+ WA, 90 ST, 91 WS, 88 IW Average: 90

Palo Alto 2008 Reserva - 88pts

Palo Alto 2008 Reserva (Maule Valley) - Chile

Decanted: 2hrs

Cost: $14.99 (BC Liquor Stores)

Date Tasted: September 8th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Carmenere and 15% Syrah, this is a quality wine by winemaker Héctor Urzúa for Chilean producer Palo Alto. Named for the thorny flowering trees that are dotted all over the hillsides of the Maule Valley, this is a complex wine at a bargain price. A nose of cassis, leather and notes of tobacco. The palate shows dark fruits with firm yet balanced acidity and medium tannins.

This is a classic grilled meats wine that enjoys a long finish waiting for that next bite of smoky chicken or flank steak. It also pairs surprisingly well with season six of "24" on DVD which I am trying to catch-up on. Therefore, pair with BBQ or Jack Bauer. - LC

Tawse 2008 Chardonnay Musque - 87pts

Tawse 2008 Chardonnay Musque (Twenty Mile Bench) Ontario.

Decanted: 0 hrs

Cost: $22.00 (Direct from winery)

Tasting Notes: I beleive this vinatge may be sold out as I wasn't able to find it on the Tawse website. This was a lovely unoaked Chardonnay from an area of Canada that is built to grow the grape. The Nose had hints of green apple and grapefruit. the palate was citrus and honey with some minerality that continued into the finish. This Chard was crisp clean and fresh.

This went down very nice while reading Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers on the beach after shopping in Huntsville and a canoe ride around the lake. How much more Ontario can you get!! HC

Thirty Bench 2007 Red - 88pts

Thirty Bench 2007 Red (Beamsville Bench) Ontario

Decanted: 1/2 hr (plus Vinturi)

Cost: $24.00 (Direct from winery)

Tasting Notes: Thirty Bench has become one of my favourite wineries from the Niagara Peninsula. The winery was rated 3rd overall in the 2008 Canadian Wine Awards based on the wineries that submitted wines and it does not disappoint. Their Reislings are something to behold.

The Red is a blend with tremendous value. The wine is concentrated and opaque with notes of raspberry, pencil shavings, and leather on the nose (I could smell this forever). The palate is dry with tight tannins with the persistence of raspberry through the medium length finish. This wine could age to mellow out the tannins. Overall the Red is great value for a premium Ontario blend. HC

Hidden Bench 2008 Gewurztraminer - 86 pts

Hidden Bench 2008 Felseck Gewurztraminer (Beamsville Bench) Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery

Cost: $35.00

Tasting Notes: Hidden Bench is a winery to watch. All wines are from small lots including the Gewurz. The nose was lychee and honey, which continued onto the palate with thick concentration. The finish was sustained. At $35 this wine is a little on the pricey side, however the price is in the reasonable considering the production costs. This wine paired excellently with peacan butter tarts.

Hidden Bench concentrates on ultra-premium wines with a sustainable and terrior driven approach to winemaking. Some of their red blends were exceptional. I had the pleasure of trying the latest vintage (yet unreleased) of La Brunante and it was a jaw dropper. Meg at the winery was extremely knowledgable and very informative. I will most definfitely buy more of Hidden Bench's wines and look forward to the release of La Brunante. I would expect that these wines could be a hot commodity in the vinatges to come. HC

Godfrey Brownell Vineyards 2004 William Maltman - 88pts

Godfrey Brownell Vineyards 2004 William Maltman's Double Red (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Decanted: 4hrs

Cost: $22 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This is the most popular wine that Cowichan Valley producer Godfrey-Brownell makes and its most distinctive. A blend of Marechal Foch and Gamay Noir, this wine has a dark garnet colour and dark fruit nose with roasted marshmallow notes. A full-bodied wine with medium tannins that will make an interesting change to the more familiar Meritage blends widely available and should pair nicely with full-flavour dishes like steak.

Named for the proprietor's uncle, this is an interesting blend well worth the drive to visit the winery. - LC

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Cowichan Black - 86pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Cowichan Black (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Cost: $18 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Made from 100% Vancouver Island grown blackberries this semi-sweet desert wine has a slight acidic finish that lingers. Intense nose of sweet berries and very smooth on the palate. Serve this full-bodied, 16% alcohol charmer over vanilla ice cream or sip it chilled on its own. - LC

SKU: 436600

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Somenos Rose - 87pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Somenos Rose (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Cost: $17 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This is a blend of Marechal Foch, Pinot Noir and Merlot grapes. This wine has a wonderful balance of acidity to fruit flavours (appearance of sweatness) that make this wine a perfect patio sipper. A strawberry-apple nose and bright pink in colour. I wish I had discovered this wine, another winner from Averill Creek Vineyard, earlier in the year. Keep this Rose in mind for any remaining sunny summer days or save in the cellar for first sign of sun next year. - LC

SKU: 110148

Averill Creek Vineyard 2007 Prevost - 85pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2007 Prevost (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. VQA stores

Cost: $22

Date Tasted: September 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Named for the mountain on whose lower slopes the winery rests, this is a sly take on a Bordeaux-style blend. Made of 85% Marechal Foch, 10% Merlot and 5% Marechal-Cabernet Sauvignon hybrid, this wine shows many characteristics of a Meritage blend: dark-ruby colour, berry, licorise and tobacco flavours. This is full-bodied wine with soft tannins and acidity that would pair well with steak and other full-flavour dishes. - LC

SKU: 581140

Averill Creek Vineyard 2007 Pinot Noir - 87pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2007 Pinot Noir (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Decanted: 4hrs

Cost: $28 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This is a Pinot Noir that shows a lot of promise. Ready to drink now but would benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar to develop further. Dark ruby in colour with black cherry, dark fruit and smoky flavours. This oak-aged wine (mixture of new and one to four year old French oak) offers layers of fruit and leather on the palate. A long finish with fairly tidy tannins make it a joy to drink alone but would truly come alive paired with duck or light game in fruit or tea-based sauces.

I look forward to tasting future vintages of this wine as Averill Creek is headed in the right direction with this hardest-to-grow of grapes . - LC

SKU: 174763

Averill Creek Vineyard 2007 Pinot Gris - 90pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2007 Pinot Gris (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Cost: $23 (Direct from winery)
Date Tasted: September 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This is the barrel-fermented cousin to Averill Creek's Pinot Grigio. The 2006 vintage won Gold at the All-Canadian Wine Championships and if the 2007 doesn't enjoy similar success I will be very surprised. The nose offers melon and peach aromas. The palate is full of butter, creamy-fruit and mineral notes and despite going through a complete maloactic fermentation there is enough residual acid to cut the full oak flavours. This is a superbly balanced wine. A real winner that will pair nicely with seafood or light pastas or can be enjoyed on its own.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2009 IconWines.ca

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Pinot Grigio - 89pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Pinot Grigio (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Cost: $18 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Fermented in stainless steel this wine, along with its Pinot Gris cousin, show the skills that the Averill Creek team have in the handling of white varieties. This is a gold medal winner at the All Canadian Wine Championships which showcases all the fruit and mineral flavours that an expertly made Pinot Gris can offer in the cool-climate appellation of Cowichan Valley.

The Averill Creek Vineyards offer a terroir of sometimes steep, south facing slopes at the base of Prevost Mountain in Canada's only Maritime Mediterranean climatic zone. The appellation has the warmest mean year-round temperature anywhere in Canada. All of the grapes are estate grown and managed. This is a winery to watch.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2009 IconWines.ca

Lake Breeze Vineyards 2008 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Lake Breeze Vineyards 2008 Pinot Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Cost: $17 (Direct from winery) $21 (Private wine stores)

Date Tasted: September 4th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Another winner from Naramata Bench producer Lake Breeze Vineyards. Light intensity yet intriguing on the nose; notes of grapefruit, pears and butter. The soft nose lures you into taking a sip where your palate explodes with intense flavours and you fall victim to the likes of fresh peaches, canned-pears and citrus fruits. This is a well balanced wine with medium acidity and a very long finish that leaves your mouth happy and refreshed.

Sadly, the winery is now sold out of their 2000 cases of this wine. However, I have seen it at BC VQA stores recently, sold in the fantastic half-bottle size (375ml). I wish more wineries would produce the half-bottle size (appropriately priced). - LC

CSPC 500322

Lake Breeze Vineyards 2008 Gewurztraminer - 91pts

Lake Breeze Vineyards 2008 Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. VQA Stores

Cost: $18 (Direct from winery) $22 (Private wine stores)

Date Tasted: September 2nd, 2009

Tasted Notes: A nicely balanced Gerwurztraminer from Naramata Bench producer Lake Breeze Vineyards with a very long finish. Perfect acidity compliments the sweetness of the citrus fruit aromas and flavours despite the lack of any residual sugar.

I enjoyed this Gerwurz at lunch at the winery's wonderful patio restaurant. It was the white wine suggestion for my menu selection, "chicken sandwich with chipotle aioli, Mediterranean salsa, feta cheese & fresh mint", and it paired very nicely. If you are planning a wine tasting trip to the Naramata Bench and haven't had lunch at the Lake Breeze patio make sure you schedule a visit. You won't be disappointed.
- Liam Carrier

CSPC 500348

Kettle Valley Winery 2006 Merlot - 91+pts

Kettle Valley Winery 2006 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Decanted: 1hr

Cost: $13 - 375ml (Direct from winery)

Date: September 2nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: Kettle Valley Winery opened in 1996 selling wine out of their garage. 13 years and countless awards later nothing has changed and that's just how the owners (the Watts and Ferguson families) like it. No pretension at this winery's tasting room where the wines on offer change depending on what they feel like pouring at any given time.

One of their standout wines currently available is the 2006 Merlot. This is a well structured and balanced wine with the acidity and tannins to age nicely over the next 5-7 years. However, it is very approachable now so if you can't wait to age it open a bottle when serving a medium-weight dish or enjoy it alone or for desert with dark chocolate.

On the nose this wine has classic cassis, black cherry notes with hints of licorice and white pepper. On the palate this wine shows layers and layers of dark fruits, leather, subtle spice and chocolate flavours. This is a very smooth wine that you will want to savour and keep in your mouth as long as you can. - LC