Hillside Estate Winery 2007 Merlot - 86pts

Hillside Estate Winery 2007 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 2000 cases
Date Tasted: July 20th, 2010

Tasting Notes: The 2007 Merlot from Hillside Estate Winery is ready to drink now but we recommend decanting for two to three hours before serving. This will allow the nose to open up with aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, vanilla and mildly toasted oak. This will also serve to help deal with the large amount of sediment in this non-filtered wine.

The dry palate, with moderate tannins and acidity, offers flavours of dark fruit, dark chocolate and prominent earthy notes. This is a wine best enjoyed with food like grilled meats. Drink now through 2013.
 - Liam Carrier

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Honest John's White - 88pts

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Honest John's White (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Widely. Direct from winery. BCLDB stores. VQA stores
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 3767 cases
Date Tasted: July 25th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Year-in, year-out the full line-up of Road 13's entry wines called Honest John's shows well. This year the stand-out of the bunch is the HJ White, a tasty blend of mostly Riesling (67% - some botrytis affected) with Kerner (14%), Gewurztraminer (12%), Schonenberger (3%), Muller Thurgau (2%) and Pinot Gris (2%). Compared to the 2008, which was Sauvignon Blanc heavy (51%), the new vintage is lighter in body and posses a different flavour profile but continues the trend of well-balanced, refreshing white wines. Kind-of like taking a different, yet equally effective route home from work.

Medium-plus intense aromas of tropical fruits, honey nectar, slate and ripe apples with fragrant, floral notes on the nose. The dry palate has just a touch of residual sugar which contrasts nicely with the high acidity making this an excellent wine to refresh you (and your guests) on a hot summer day. Flavours of citrus fruits, ripe pears and tropical fruits dominate. A moderate, balanced finish completes the experience. Lovely. Drink now through 2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Brian Carter Cellars 2005 L'Etalon - 91-92pts

Brian Carter Cellars 2005 L'Etalon (Columbia Valley) Washington State - USA

Availability: USA only. Direct from winery. Washinton State Costcos
Cost: $20-25 USD
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 900 cases
Date Tasted: June 20th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Winemaker Brian Carter is a master blender and the portfolio of wines at his Brian Carter Cellars winery showcases this skill front and center. For marketing purposes the blends are referred to by the famous regions from which they draw their inspiration, (a "white Bordeaux", a "Super Tuscan") but really, they are simply recipes that work and the resulting wines are pure Washington State constructed by a winemaker who clearly knows the terroir where the grapes are grown.

This "red Bordeaux" is a blend of 55% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 7% Malbec all sourced from Columbia Valley vineyards in Yakima Valley and on Wahluke Slope. Carter hasn't simply followed a recipe for a Right-Bank Bordeaux, he's pieced together a fantastic blend that balances the characteristics from each fruit.

Intense caramel, vanilla, oak spice, cassis and pencil shaving aromas on the nose are followed by big, concentrated flavours of dark fruit and minerals on the dry palate. The wine has aged beautifully with great tannin structure and shows signs that further aging will benefit the wine further. It is both vibrant and silky smooth. A balanced finish persists with a touch of oak spice. Devine. Drink now through 2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

JL Giguiere 2006 Matchbook Syrah - 88pts

JL Giguiere 2006 Matchbook Syrah (Dunnigan Hills) California - USA

Availability: Widely available.
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 14.3%
Date Tasted: June 20th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A blend of 90% Syrah, 6% Cabernet, and 4% Petite Syrah which produces medium-plus intense aromas of red berries, leather, plum, white pepper, vanilla and smoky cedar on the nose.

The dry palate offers high acid, medium-plus tannins and flavours of raspberry, spice, tobacco, cassis and a touch of vanilla all. Easy-drinking with a super smooth mouth feel: if the texture were sheets, we'd be discussing 600 thread count.

This wine offers excellent value and would make a great anyday pairing with BBQ meats or good company. Drink now through 2011.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Syrah Rosé - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Syrah Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. VQA stores.
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: July 16th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Rosé is the perfect wine for summer. It pairs well with many foods (salads, burgers, BBQ meats - all summer fare) and settings (picnics, decks, BBQs - all summer activities). Unfortunately, it gets a bad rap as an uncomplicated, sweet, girlie drink. The Stag's Hollow Rosé is anything but. A blend of 90% Syrah, 9% Viognier and 1% Muscat (for the aromatics), each component adds to the overall appeal of the nose and palate.

Dry, with just the right amount of residual sugar (4.2g/l) that balances beautifully with the cran-strawberry and sour-cherry flavours. This is a great food wine with crisp acidity to keep your palate refreshed.

Only 250 cases were produced of this lovely Rosé with maraschino cherry, strawberry shortcake and mineral aromas. If you're looking for a new refreshing wine to add to your summer rotation you'll need to act fast. Check your local VQA store or order direct from the winery's website. Best when enjoyed young. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier

Winner of the "Best Rose´" award at the 2010 Spring Okanagan Wine Festival.

LaStella Winery 2009 Vivace Pinot Grigio - 88pts

LaStella Winery 2009 Vivace Pinot Grigio (Osoyoos Lake) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery and select VQA shops.
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 590 cases
Date Tasted: July 13th, 2010

Tasting Notes: If you're looking for a tasty, well-made, slightly exotic and refreshing Summer-sipper, than this is the wine for you. Lastella has created a wonderfully refreshing Pinot Grigio full of bright orchard and tropical fruits on the nose and palate. Stainless steel fermentation and a very low-yielding, gravely Westbank vineyard combine to concentrate flavours and let the fruit sing. Some residual sugar (7g/l) balances beautifully with the citrus acidity and minerality. Pairs with a sun-drenched deck and good company. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier

LaStella Winery 2007 Allegretto Merlot - 89pts

LaStella Winery 2006 Allegretto Merlot (Osoyoos Lake Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Direct from winery. Select VQA stores.
Cost: $38-45
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 357 cases
Date Tasted: July 13th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Quality Merlot from Black Sage Bench winery Lastella who source great fruit from all over the Okanagan Valley. The fruit for this Merlot comes from a sandy vineyard in south Osoyoos: one of the hottest and driest spots in the Province. The resulting wine has good, ripe tannins and offers a lovely expression of dark berry fruits on the nose and palate. 18 months in French oak imparts vanilla and toasted oak to the flavour profile.

Winemaker Daniel Bontorin has delivered a quality and tasty Merlot with nice weight and texture on the palate and a balanced, moderate-plus finish. Pair with roasted, red meats. Drink now through 2014.
 - Liam Carrier

Aces Okanagan Estate Winery 2008 Seven Deuce - 87pts

Aces Okanagan Estate Winery 2008 Seven Deuce (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery (web) and VQA stores
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.7%
Productin: 1000 cases
Date Tasted: July 14th, 2010

Tasting Notes: The Seven Deuce is the entry level red from one of the Okanagan's newest wineries: Aces Okanagan Estate Winery. A blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon this easy-drinking wine opens with dark cherry, blueberry and vanilla aromas. A juicy and tannic palate follows with flavours of dark berries, oak, coffee grounds and vanilla.

The marketing, full of poker images and even a large quote on the front label, may be over-extracted, but happily, the juice is not. This is a quality, food-friendly, middle-of-the-week pleaser. Pair with braised ribs or standard BBQ fare. Drink now through 2014.
 - Liam Carrier

Catena 2007 Malbec - 89pts

Catena 2007 Malbec (Mendoza) - Argentina

Availability: Private and BCLDB stores
Cost: $22.99

Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 2010

Tasting Notes: If Montes is the wine family of Chile, Catena is the family of Argentina.  Their Malbecs are world renowned and they offer consistency year after year.  This Malbec is one of the entry level wines in their flight and accessible at $23.

Ideal for that summer BBQ with ribs.  It is concentrated ruby in appearance and opaque.  The nose offers perfumed blackberry and floral notes with light smoke and coffee.  The oak is evident on the palate with vanilla that compliments the blackberry.  The finish is long and smooth completing a beautiful and complex wine.  This wine is best enjoyed with food and would likely drink well through to 2015.

 - Hugh Carter   

Rollingdale Winery 2008 Organic Merlot - 88pts

Rollingdale Winery 2008 Organic Merlot (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $28.90
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 213 cases
Date Tasted: July 9th, 2010

Tasting Notes: This certified organic offering from Rollingdale is in a bit of an awkward phase at this time creating a split personality. The nose is amazing. Inviting, bright, ripe cherry fruit dominates with vanilla and oak aromas supporting. The palate seems to come from another wine. A chalky texture with muted red fruit flavours, good but little continuity from the nose.

With several hours of decanting the tightness on the palate softens and reveals more of the warm fruit still shining on the nose. Another year of development in the bottle should allow the wine to merge the two personalities into one, creating a lovely, quality Merlot. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 (with Hugh Carter)

Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery 2009 Bacchus - 85pts

Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery 2009 Bacchus (Langley) Fraser Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
Cost: $14
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: July 6th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A cross of Riesling-Silvaner and Muller-Thurgau, Bacchus is an aromatic grape that, in the hands of Domaine de Chaberton, offers aromas of grapefruit, lemon, peach and touch of clove with some floral notes. Grown in their Langley estate vineyard, this creamy-textured wine with flavours of stone-fruit and grapefruit, qualifies as part of a 100-mile diet for Lower Mainland residents. At fully off-dry, the balance is a bit off with the sweetness overshadowing the fruit and mineral notes. Drink young. 2010-2011.
 - Liam Carrier

Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinot Blanc - 88pts

Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinot Blanc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 294 cases
Date Tasted: June 26th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Produced from 27 year old vines, the Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Blanc ranks amoung the best in the Province. The residual sugar and concentrated fruit flavours on the palate balance superbly with the natural acidity from the hot 2009 growing season. Aromas of honey, orchard fruit and aromatic flowers on the nose which carry through as intense flavours on the rich palate with added ripe apples and a touch of stonefruit. Lovely! Drink now through 2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Chorus - 89pts

Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Chorus (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 598 cases
Date Tasted: June 26th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A refreshing white blend of Pinot Gris (22%), Pinot Blanc (25%), Viognier (12%), Müller Thurgau (9%), Kerner (16%) and Schönburger (16%), all stainless-steel fermented to near dryness leaving a touch of residual sugar. The sugar and concentrated flavours of tropical fruit, melons, and peaches is nicely balanced by the natural acidity and presence of good mineral notes.

This is an excellent, aromatic and juicy summer sipper. This wine is a must for your next sunny patio-party. Pairs beautifully with salad (perhaps a Fennel slaw with grilled prawns and mangoes). Drink young, 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Black Hills Estate Winery 2008 Nota Bene - 91pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2008 Nota Bene (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Select private wine shops and VQA stores.
Cost: $54-60 prices vary
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 4350 cases
Date Tasted: July 3rd, 2010. Re-tasted September 23rd, 2010

Tasting Notes: The production of this fan-favourite wine has been capped at 4000-ish cases (depending on the yield of the vintage) in an act of self-control by the estate which adds to its cult-like status and collectability. The winery could so easily purchase more grapes and bloat the production, capitalizing on its fame. We applaud them for not giving in to the temptation and keeping the wonderfully named "Note Bene" a brand the BC wine industry can be proud of. However, the winery's practice to advertise the wine as "sold-out" is ever-so-slightly miss-leading. It's not actually that hard to get your hands on a bottle, especially this year, as many VQA and private stores have it in stock. They may not have walk-up sales for this wine at the cellar door, but look around and you'll find it.

This wine may be based on a classic Bordeaux-style blend but it reminded us more of a quality Super-Tuscan with great vegetal notes on the nose and earthiness on the palate. The Note Bene is a blend of  Cabernet Sauvignon (48%), Merlot (41%) and Cabernet Franc (11%) which produce intense aromas of cassis, dark fruit, licorice, oak spice, French vanilla, forest floor and cigar box. Equally big flavours of cherry cola, blackberry liqueur, blueberries, espresso beans, wet cigar and toasted oak follow suit on the richly-textured and full-bodied palate. Good length and balance to the finish.

The 2008 vintage tasted a bit tight and could use a little more time to develop. But don't wait too long as this vintage has less of the ripe tannins needed for really long cellaring. Drink 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 (with Hugh Carter)

Rollingdale Winery 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir - 90pts

Rollingdale Winery 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 1010 cases
Date Tasted: July 3rd, 2010

Tasting Notes: With their 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir, boutique (and mostly Organic) Kelowna winery Rollingdale, have delivered an exciting and unique wine that leans Old World terroir-driven rather than New World fruit-forward. The subtle nose evolved in the glass offering aromas of pine, forest floor, violets, plum and raspberry. The aromas continue through to the bone-dry, medium-bodied palate where earthiness and sour cherry flavours are prominent. A long, balanced finish lingers with a hint of spice.

The tannins and acidity are strong and suggest good aging potential but never over-power the flavours on the palate. Very well-balanced - an excellent effort that will develop further in the bottle over the next 2 years and should enjoy a long life.

If you're a Pinot Noir fanatic who finds too-many New World attempts far too fruity then you'll love this Reserve Pinot from Rollingdale. It's a steal at $20! Drink now through 2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 (with Hugh Carter)

Re-tasted November 2011: Score reduced (was 91-92pts). Wine still holding beautifully and offers amazing value at the new lower price of only $20 (was $25) but hasn't blossomed quite as well as we'd predicted with another 1+ years in the bottle.

Black Hills Estate Winery 2008 Carmenere - 89-90pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2008 Carmenere (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Sold out at winery.
Cost: $50-55
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 150 cases
Date Tasted: July 2nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: The only one of its kind, this estate grown BC Carmenere is a head turner - or better, a nose turner. The bouquet reminds one of a savoury and earthy fine Italian wine, rather than a spicy Chilean Carmenere. Aromas of coffee grounds, stewed tomato, tar and raspberry with prominent vegetal notes. Truly unique in BC and very intriguing.

On the palate is where the classic spicy Carmenere characteristics announcement themselves with a roar. Excellent concentration of white pepper, plum and coffee ground flavours with medium tannin and acidity. A lovely, long and balanced finish with lingering spice completes the experience - a truly unique experience. Drinking well now, but could do with another year of aging for further development. 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 (with Hugh Carter)

BTW - Fans of this wine can rejoice. The winery's production of their estate grown Carmenere should take a sizeable jump up in years to come after a successful grafting program (some Chardonnay vines got the chop).

Black Hills Estate Winery 2009 Alibi - 89pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2009 Alibi (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Select VQA and private stores.
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: July 3rd, 2010

Tasting Notes: A classic white Bordeaux-style blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon that offers good complexity and concentration of flavours.

The nose displays youthful fruity aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, pineapple, grass and lemon with strong mineral notes of slate and flint. The palate offers refreshing, citrus acidity and the flavours of grapefruit and stonefruit. There is a pleasant, cool, steeliness to the wine that makes it an excellent summer sipper. The finish is very balanced and lingers for 20 seconds+. Drink now through 2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 (with Hugh Carter)

Montes Alpha 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - 90+pts

Montes Alpha 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley) Chile

Availability:  BCLDB 
Cost:  $26.90
Alcohol:  14.0% 
Date Tasted:  June,  2010

Tasting Notes:  The Montes name is the Chilean standard in wine these days.  They present classic labels and their flight top to bottom is hard to beat anywhere in the world.  The prices Canadians pay make them accessible and wines of tremendous value.

A gorgeous Cabernet.  The appearance was dark ruby and almost opaque. A massive nose with aromas of mocha, cassis, and violets.  The taste is dry with high tannins and very concentrated.  Mocha and expresso come through as well as typical cassis.  Full bodied and smooth as silk.  This is wine is drinking young but drinking well.  Some juicy meats or sausages will cut through the tannins if you can't wait for the development this wine is sure to enjoy.  Drink through 2020.
- Hugh Carter

Majella Wines 2008 The Musician Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz - 88pts

Majella Wines 2008 The Musician Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz (Coonawarra) South Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores

Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January, 2010

Tasting Notes:  A concentrated ruby core with a raspberry rim.  The nose expresses a steeliness with deep blackberry, white pepper, and obvious oak.  The oak is sustained on the palate with blackberry and green pepper.  The shiraz comes through with some spiciness and there are hints of green pepper.  The finish is long and spicy.  The Musician is straightforward and full bodied with excellent fruit concentration.  A solid sipper on its own, or good with a hearty BBQ.

Majella is a top producer of Cabernet in South Australia and this is a nice offering for everyday drinking.  No worries about putting this one down and waiting for development, the Musician is playing its tune right now. Drink 2010-2013.
- Hugh Carter ©copyright 2010 IconWines.ca