Viñas Centenarias 2006 Sabor Real Tempranillo - 89pts

Viñas Centenarias 2006 Sabor Real Tempranillo (Toro) Spain

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB and LCBO stores
Cost: $14-16
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: September 25th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A raw, unfiltered, unbridled and meaty wine from the Toro DO region of Spain. This 100% Tempranillo wine may turn out to be the best valued bargain of the year with a rustic bouquet of dark cherry, minerality, dried fruits and loads of toasted oak and earthy notes.

The dry palate has intense red fruit and hearty oak flavours with good acidity and medium tannins. The texture is thick and substantial, but not overly weighted. A long, balanced finish with lingering oak spice completes the experience. As this wine is already 4 years old, it has some lovely, developed characters already and is ready to enjoy now. Drink 2010-2011.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Stone Paddock 2008 Chardonnay - 87pts

Stone Paddock 2008 Chardonnay (Hawkes Bay) New Zealand

Availability: Limited. Spec order in BC and Ont
Cost: $13-17
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 949 cases
Date Tasted: August 26th, 2010

Tasting Notes: "Hey, how about a Chardonnay tonight?" "Sounds good. From where?" "New Zealand." (a long pause with empty sounds of crickets and a faint cough) "New Zealand makes Chardonnay?"

Yes they do, and it can very good! The points for this wine won't turn heads, but the value should. Plus, Chardonnay lovers will enjoy discovering a new and unique region producing world class Chardonnay. The Stone Paddock offering is an entry-level wine for sure but does give a hint of greater things to come. Key points to this wine are the prominent stone fruit and mineral characters with orchard fruits, MLF notes and a very restraint, but apparent, use of oak. A touch of residual sugar on the juicy-textured palate. A lovely Chard for mid-week sipping. Drink 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Winegrowers of Ara 2008 Pathway Pinot Noir - 88pts

Winegrowers of Ara 2008 Pathway Pinot Noir (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Limited. Spec order in BC
Cost: $17-25
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: August 25th, 2010

Tasting Notes: This dark ruby-garnet coloured wine is quintessential Marlborough Pinot Noir. Halfway between the earthy Burgundy and fruity Californian wines we're more familiar with. The oak treatment presents itself on the nose and palate but never dominates the red fruit, mineral and forest floor characters. A smoky texture leads to a moderate finish with medium body, tannins and acid. Very nice, but hard to find. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Monthly Picks: November 2010

Generation Seven Wines 2009 White (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Ontario - $14
A bit off-dry to balance the acidity, this blend of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer offers fantastic value for money with a lively palate displaying elements of each of the three varietals.
Icon Score

Heartland Wines 2008 Shiraz (South Australia) Australia - $23
Concentrated eucalyptus, mint, hot rocks, licorice and dark cherry aromas on the nose are followed by dark berry, cherry and pepper-spice flavours on the tart, dry palate. Thick, inky ruby in colour with a moderate, balanced finish.
Icon Score

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 SHV Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - $25
It balances classic Pinot Noir earth and mushroom notes with easy-drinking fruit characters nicely. A very food-friendly wine with tart acidity and medium tannins.
Icon Score

Fairview Cellars 2008 Madcap Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - $27
The 2008 yields a cooler, more masculine character of dark berries and fruits with earthy minerals notes and savory flavours. Compared to the 2007, which was warmer and more feminine, the 2008 Madcap, a Merlot-heavy blend, is more serious and conservative.
Icon Score

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Jackpot Riesling (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - $30
This bone-dry Riesling with strong, citrus acidity, never feels harsh on the palate due to the presence of lush tropical fruit flavours complimenting the stone fruit character.
Icon Score

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Syrah (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - $30
Dark cherry is prominent on the nose and dry palate. Pepper spice is present but plays a supporting role in this Syrah, mostly showing in the long and balanced finish. Round tannins add structure with good natural acidity which will keep the wine fresh and evolving for some time.
Icon Score




Special Event: American Thanksgiving

Tawse Winery 2008 Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Lincoln Lakeshore) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario - $30
Balanced and complex with a long finish, this dark ruby coloured wine is drinking beautifully now and has the potential for further development in the bottle. A fine pairing for grilled and roasted meats.
Icon Score

Château des Charmes 2008 Gamay Droit (Niagara-on-the-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario - $17
Bright cherry and spicy pepper aromas will remind you of youthful Beaujolais wines. The dry, medium-bodied palate follows with good continuity of flavours with added mineral and earthy notes. This is a quality, easy-drinking wine that will be a great match for roasted turkey dinners.
Icon Score

- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Fairview Cellars 2008 Fairview Gold - 87-89pts

Fairview Cellars 2008 Fairview Gold (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC


Availability: Limited. Winery direct only
Cost: $29.90 - 375ml
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: October 25th, 2010


Tasting Notes: The 2008 Fairview Gold is a one-off release from Bill Eggert's Fairview Cellars. When offered a lot of Riesling that had substantial botrytis "Nobel rot", Bill jumped at the chance to try his hand at a dessert wine and the apply named Fairview Gold is the result. The wine has nearly the concentration of Icewine, but a character all its own. Think German Auslese meets Bordeaux Sauternes meets Okanagan Late Harvest Riesling.


Aromatic aromas of orange blossoms, perfume, flint and lemon sorbet with pronounced petrol notes. The sweet palate in intensely flavourful with apricots, lemon drops and tart acidity. For such a concentrated wine the finish is a bit short. When matched with Bill's suggested food pairing, brie, this goes unnoticed - a very nice pairing indeed. I'd like to try this wine again in 3-4 years to see how it fairs with some cellar time as it has the sweetness and acidity to last a long time. Might have to change the name to "Fairview Amber" at that time, however. Drink 2010-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010


See also:
Fairview Cellars 2008 The Bear
Fairview Cellars 2008 Madcap Red

Château des Charmes 2007 Equuleus - 90+pts

Château des Charmes 2007 Equuleus (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario


Availability: Direct from winery here. LCBO Vintages
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 1019 cases
Date Tasted: October , 2010


Tasting Notes: Tasting this wine blind you might write in your conclusion that it was a quality Super-Tuscan with high acid, tomato stalk characters and aromatic notes from a presumed Sangiovese-Cabernet Franc blend. Of course, you'd be wrong, as I was. It's a Meritage blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot, all grown on the winery's Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard in St. David's Bench. My embarrassment aside, this is not your typical New World, big and bold Meritage blend with massive tannins and fruit aromas and flavours spilling out of the glass. Fans of those wines would be better served elsewhere. This is a quirky and unique wine that is terroir-driven and subtly nuanced.


With 12 months in French barriques, the Equuleus is full of grainy oak aromas and flavours. The medium-intense nose does offer some nice dark berry notes, but they are mixed in with the savoury and aromatic characters of flowers, green coffee beans, vanilla, smoke and leather. The dry palate is easily characterized as "Old World" with earthy flavours, tomato stalk, bell pepper, dark berry and good minerality.


The Equuleus is only produced in vintages determined to be exceptional - the 2007 Niagara vintage is certainly that. The next Equuleus is reported to be from the 2010 vintage. The 2007 has the acids and tannins to hold-up against extended cellaring but is ready to enjoy now. Drink 2010-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010


See also:
Château des Charmes 2008 Chardonnay Musqué

Jackson-Triggs Vintners 2006 Proprietors' Grand Reserve Cab-Shiraz - 85pts

Jackson-Triggs Vintners 2006 Proprietors' Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: VQA stores. BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 1300 cases
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Recently price adjusted to $19.99 from $27.99 (and appropriately so) this inky-ruby coloured wine is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Shiraz. Aged in 50% French and 50% American oak barrels for 12 months, it offers medium intense aromas of cassis, dark cherry, spice box, dates, cedar, toasted oak and mineral notes on the nose.


The dry palate is unbalanced with tart acidity and too much heat. Overall, this is a decent wine with some nice spiciness and concentrated dark berry flavours which pair perfectly with braised ribs, but can't stand-up on its own. Drink 2010-2011.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 Simply Noir - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 Simply Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC


Availability: Direct from winery here. Select VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 800 cases
Date Tasted: October, 2010


Tasting Notes: Red wine blends with Pinot Noir as a main component have a tendency to be easily maligned as serious Pinot people will stay away quipping about "terroir" and the general public tends to lean towards the familar Cab-Merlot style for comfort. However, over the past few years many beautiful and very tasty examples have been made in BC: Blackwood Lane's Vicuna Roja, Road 13's Honest John's Red and the recent Nichol Vineyard 9 Mile come to mind. Pinot Noir blends tend to be less powerful and more nuanced than Cab-Merlot blends. And although they may not have always been in the winemaker's plans at the start of harvest, they deserve respect when the finished product is as tasty as this one.


The Stag's Hollow offering is a blend of 39% Pinot Noir, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 5% Gamay Noir. It's ever-so-slightly sweet with a touch (2.5 g/l) of residual sugar but has the acid to balance. Medium-to-low tannins lead your senses to focus on the medley of dark fruits on the nose and palate. The oak treatment is more noticeable on the palate and adds texture. An excellent food wine that would pair nicely with tomato-based pasta sauces or stews. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2010-2011.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010


See also:
Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 SHV Pinot Noir
Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 Syrah

Fairview Cellars 2008 The Bear - 91-93pts

Fairview Cellars 2008 The Bear (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC


Availability: Direct from winery and select VQA stores
Cost: $34.99
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 320 cases
Date Tasted: October 23rd, 2010


Tasting Notes: Appreciating the nose of this powerful wine takes time. Layers of fruit and savoury notes peel away with each sniff to reveal another layer. A Russian doll for the nose. Rich aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice, toasted oak, nutmeg and sun-drenched rocks.


The palate is tight at the moment and the wine is not yet ready to drink. 6 hours of decanting revealed a glimpse at its illustrious future. The richness from the nose is carried through to the dry palate where the concentration of the dark fruit flavours hits you with the perception of sweetness. The fruit is followed by savoury toasted oak and mineral flavours with fine, integrated tannins. There is just a hint of bell pepper "greenness" in the tannins from the slightly cooler 2008 vintage, but just a hint - not enough to affect the score or the wine's longevity. Light spice box notes linger on the long, balanced finish. Drink 2012-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2010

Also see:
Fairview Cellars 2008 Madcap Red

Château des Charmes 2008 Chardonnay Musqué - 87pts

Château des Charmes 2008 Chardonnay Musqué (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario


Availability: Direct from winery here. LCBO Vintages
Cost: $16.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 575 cases
Date Tasted: October , 2010


Tasting Notes: Château des Charmes may have the best line-up of value wines in Niagara. By that I don't mean "budget wines" but rather wines at excellent prices that over-deliver. Their Chardonnay Musqué just such a wine; at $16.95 it's a steal. Yes, it lacks the complexity of Niagara's top cuvée Chardonnay's, but what it does offer is well worth the price.


This off-dry charmer is chalk-full of melon and honey aromas and flavours with good crab-apple tartness on the palate to balance the sweetness. This is an un-oaked Chardonnay with the aromatic qualities of a fine Gewurztraminer and a back-bone of cool-climate minerality. Good match for spiced-up oily fish like Halibut. Drink 2010-2011.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010


Also see:
Château des Charmes 2008 Gamay Droit
Château des Charmes 2008 Aligoté

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2008 Meritage - 87pts

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2008 Meritage (Keremeos) Similkameen Valley - BC


Availability: Direct from winery here. Select VQA stores
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 770 cases
Date Tasted: October 14th, 2010


Tasting Notes: Although the blend is reminiscent of Right-Bank Bordeaux (70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot), the style is pure Okanagan. A nice combination of savory, earthy and fruity characters that avoids over-extracted tannins and concentration - an honest wine.


Aged in French and American oak for 16 months this is a great wine for those looking for a food-matching, BC Meritage around the $20 mark - one of the best at this price range. The wine opens with strong oak and savoury notes which are followed (and balanced) by bright, blackberry and cassis aromas. The dry palate offers good continuity from the nose with earthy flavours, medium tannins and food-friendly acidity. The overall balance is a touch tart and a touch hot which contributes to a greater perception of fullness in the mouth. That said, I must stress that for a "second" label (the winery also produces a top-end Meritage blend called Josephine) this is a quality wine at a good price. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010


Also see:
Herder Winery and Vineyards 2007 Twin Benches Chardonnay

Heartland Wines 2008 Shiraz - 89pts

Heartland Wines 2008 Shiraz (South Australia) Autralia


Availability: Widely available in BC and Ontario
Cost: $20-23
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: October 14th, 2010


Tasting Notes: This 100% Shiraz from Ben Glaetzer's Heartland Wines brand is a blend of fruit from two coastal South Australia regions: Langhorne Creek (64%) and Limestone Coast (36%). The Heartland label offers excellent value for well-made and classic Australian wines. The style relies on extraction but the result is never jammy or cooked. This Shiraz is sure to please most folks who enjoy big reds with both juicy and polished characters.


Concentrated eucalyptus, mint, hot rocks, licorice and dark cherry aromas on the nose are followed by dark berry, cherry and pepper-spice flavours on the tart, dry palate. Thick, inky ruby in colour with a moderate, balanced finish. Bold (and very pleasing) in character but lacks the refinement to be truly memorable. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2008 Chardonnay - 88pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2008 Chardonnay (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private wine shops
Cost: $25 (direct)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 4973 cases
Date Tasted: October 15th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Buttery caramel popcorn, sweet melon and light spice aromas greet you on the warm and inviting nose of this quality Chardonnay from Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. The dry palate follows with a spark of energy by way of tart green apple balanced with ripe orchard fruits, minerality and just a touch of tannin from the whole-cluster press and voluptuous oak treatment. The finish is moderate, but balanced and satisfying with some lingering oak spice.


Would make a nice pairing for mushroom risotto. Enjoy now or rest in your cellar for another 2-3 years of development. Drink 2010-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Hidden Bench Estate Winery 2008 Estate Chardonnay - 92-93pts

Hidden Bench Estate Winery 2008 Estate Chardonnay (Beamsville Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery
Cost: $32
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: August 6th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Brilliant in every way. Concentration, crispness and character. A simply divine Chardonnay from Beamsville Bench producer Hidden Bench Estate Winery. Caramel, butter, oak, melon and mineral aromas on the intense nose with similar flavours on the dry, creamy textured palate. Lots of oak notes throughout but it never feels burdened due to the excellent balance. Slight bit of spice lingers on the long finish.

This is an excellent, high quality Chardonnay made from fruit blended from three of the winery's Beamsville vineyards. Enjoy now or hold for further development. Drink 2010-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Château des Charmes 2006 Paul Bosc Vineyard Chardonnay - 88pts

Château des Charmes 2006 Paul Bosc Vineyard Chardonnay (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21.95
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 495 cases
Date Tasted: August 6th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Château des Charmes produces two single-vineyard Chardonnays. The Paul Bosc Vineyard Chardonnay, from a site across the road from the home vineyard (and closer to the lake), is the cooler, more masculine of the two.

Barrel fermented, the wine spends one year in French Oak "sur lie" and as a result has some of the leesy and autolytic notes one would expect. However, it is the stonefruit and mineral qualities that characterize this wine. Concentrated grapefruit and green apple notes are also present with crisp acidity.

When served with lobster risotto, this wine brought the mineral flavours of the lobster to the forefront. Drink 2010-2012.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Château des Charmes 2008 Gamay Droit - 87pts

Château des Charmes 2008 Gamay Droit (Niagara-on-the-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 2584 cases
Date Tasted: July 31st, 2010

Tasting Notes: The story behind this "Gamay Droit" is one of persistence and patience. In short, Chateau des Charmes founder has long been experimenting with varietal clones, crosses and hybrids in his Niagara-on-the-Lake winery. In 1982 he discovered a particularly successful, and upright ("droit"), Gamay Noir plant in his St. David's bench vineyard. The plant was propagated and an entire block of vines thrive today having been born from this one mutated plant all those years ago. The unique, and patented, vine produces an equally unique wine. A spicy-Gamay-meets-mineral-Pinot Noir sort of combo.

Bright cherry and spicy pepper aromas will remind you of youthful Beaujolais wines. The dry, medium-bodied palate follows with good continuity of flavours with added mineral and earthy notes. This is a quality, easy-drinking wine that will be a great match for roasted turkey dinners. Drink 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Château des Charmes 2008 Aligoté - 86pts

Château des Charmes 2008 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $13.95
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 2000 cases
Date Tasted: July 31st, 2010

Tasting Notes: A straightforward and refreshing white wine made from the "other" white Burgundy grape, Aligoté. Aromatic notes of flowery perfume are supported by strong mineral and stonefruit aromas on the nose. Crisp, tart lemon zest and grapefruit flavours on the dry palate. A touch of spice lingers on the moderate finish.

The perfect wine to expand your palate with while not breaking the bank. Enjoy with a hot, sunny deck or when you want to be reminded of a hot, sunny deck. Drink 2010-2011.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Wildass Wines 2006 White - 88pts

Wildass Wines 2006 White (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here (Stratus). LCBO Vintages
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: August 7th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Wildass is the second label produced by (and at) Stratus Vineyards in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Four wines are produced, a Riesling, a red blend, a rosé and this white blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling.

Smooth and silky, a slightly oily texture in the mouth with complex aromas and flavours of orchard fruits, ginger, nectarine, caramel creams and baked apples. The main character of the wine is derived from the oak-aged Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with the other varieties adding extra notes of tropical and citrus fruits. Excellent value for the level of complexity on offer. Drink 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Fairview Cellars 2008 Madcap Red - 88pts

Fairview Cellars 2008 Madcap Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery, select VQA and private stores.
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 400 cases
Date Tasted: October 10th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Fairview Cellars' winemaker and proprietor, Bill Eggert, constructs his wines with longevity in mind. He even adds a "best after" date to the back to give guidance to the consumer as to when the wine should be opened (of course, it's just a guide). For fans of the winery, the release of the latest Madcap Red is always something to look forward to as it is the one red wine Bill makes that has been built to be drunk early, in its youth. It's the first indication as to what Bill's terroir, a 6 acre sight on the Golden Mile Bench, has produced in any given vintage. A litmus test for Fairview fanatics, if you will.

The 2008 yields a cooler, more masculine character of dark berries and fruits with earthy minerals notes and savory flavours. Compared to the 2007, which was warmer and more feminine, the 2008 Madcap, a Merlot-heavy blend, is more serious and conservative. Add creative and mysterious and you have the Don Draper of red blends (the 2007 would be the Peggy Olson - more earnest). Flogging the analogy to death, the 2009 (still in barrel and to be released in Fall 2011) shows the character of Roger Sterling - boisterous and charming. Ok, enough Mad Men references for one review.

Enjoy now on its own or pair with a nice plate of extra-dark chocolate for desert. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 SHV Pinot Noir - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 SHV Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here. VQA stores
Cost: $25.00
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 175 cases
Date Tasted: October 5th, 2010

Tasting Notes: For lovers of single vineyard Pinot Noir and the unique expression of terroir it can impart, you'll not find better value elsewhere. At $25 this wine should be very appealing to restaurants. It balances classic Pinot Noir earth and mushroom notes with easy-drinking fruit characters nicely. A very food-friendly wine with tart acidity and medium tannins.

The Stag's Hollow home vineyard is planted with just two clones of Pinot Noir (667 and 115) which helps focus the flavour profile. The oak program uses 1st and 2nd fill French oak during elevage both prior to and after blending. Oak flavours and aromas are prominent, but never over-power. This is a well-made, New World, cool climate Pinot Noir that is well worth exploring. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Jackpot Riesling - 91pts

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Jackpot Riesling (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. VQA and private wine shops
Cost: $29.99 (Direct)
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 362 half-cases (6X750ml)
Date Tasted: October , 2010

Tasting Notes: Bottled in an Alsatian flute, suggestive of its style, this new Riesling from Road 13 is an outstanding wine with a lovely, aromatic nose of orange blossoms, pralines, river rocks, lime rind, peach skins and stone fruit. This bone-dry Riesling with strong, citrus acidity, never feels harsh on the palate due to the presence of lush tropical fruit flavours complimenting the stone fruit character. Supremely well balanced, with a moderate-plus, tart finish. Pair with pan-seared scallops or enjoy on its own. Drink now or cellar for further development. Drink 2010-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2008 Blind Trust Red - 89pts

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2008 Blind Trust Red (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here. Select private wine shops
Cost: $28.25
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 1120 cases
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: The blend of the Blind Trust Red takes a rather dramatic turn in 2008. The Cabernet Sauvignon plummets from 28% down to just 9%. The Cabernet Franc is gone and the Merlot jumps from a "platform" level of 50% to a dominant 78%. The rest of the blend is made up of 13% Malbec. One can only guess that due to lower crop yields in 2008 the winery was forced to reserve all of their best Cabernet for their flagship Bordeaux-inspired wine Portfolio (the 2008 vintage has yet to be released). Regardless, the resulting wine is still a full-bodied, palate-pleaser. A credit to its winemaker David Enns.

The 2008 remains a fruit-forward and powerful wine but it seems more mellow and more restrained than the 2007. Less big tannins and more elegant notes. Dark fruits like plums, blackberry and cassis with vanilla, toasted oak and a just touch of spice. An excellent wine to pair with your favourite grilled meats or hard cheeses. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2008 Syrah - 89pts

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2008 Syrah (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Select private wine shops
Cost: $34
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 302 cases
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: Produced from fruit grown on the Osoyoos East Bench and made in the style of a Northern Rhone blend of Syrah-Viognier (92%,8% respectively) this small lot wine from Laughing Stock Vineyards delivers big, bold fruit flavours that is more in line with a cool-climate Australian offering. Nice aromatics on the nose from the Viognier add complexity to the spectrum of aromas that range from ripe dark cherry to a hint of lush tropical fruit. 40% new French oak was used during elevage. A total of 16 months in barrel has added structure with ripe tannins and a confident, masculine texture. Very tasty. Moderate-plus finish with lingering spice. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Viognier Riesling Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Viognier Riesling Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. VQA and private wine shops
Cost: $22.99 (Direct)
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 350 cases
Date Tasted: October 1st, 2010

Tasting Notes: This new Viognier-heavy blend from Road 13 replaces their fantastic Viognier-Roussanne-Marsanne blend released in 2008. The follow-up wine, consisting of 61% Viognier, 30% Riesling and 9% Sauvignon Blanc, is a result of the winery working with what the vintage delivered and the grapes obtained. The dominant tropical fruit flavours and aromas in the 2008 blend become more of a supporting component in the 2009 with bigger citrus, candied-fruit and savory-nut characters coming to the fore. The texture is richer and creamier, full-bodied to be sure. With acidity from the Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc that I marked as "high" in my notes, yet the mouth feel remains dominated by the lushness from the creamy Viognier of 2009.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Young and Wyse Collection 2008 Merlot - 87pts

Young and Wyse Collection 2008 Merlot (Osoyoos East Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Some VQA stores may still have some
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 1000 cases
Date Tasted: October 3rd, 2010

Tasting Notes: Bottled in October 2009 after 11 months in oak (80% French and 20% American), this lush Merlot made from Osoyoos East Bench fruit was released shortly there after. Far too soon, but likely, out of necessity as the Young and Wyse Collection's first vintage needed to get to market. I decided to hold on to my bottle for an extra year of aging. If you did as well, then you are reaping the rewards of patience as the extra year has settled the wine and allowed it to open up.

Dark ruby in colour with an intense nose of dark berries, mocha, dark chocolate, vanilla and spice. Continuity of flavours follows through to the dry palate with added notes of warm gravel and tart acidity. Ripe tannins frame a chalky-textured mouth feel. Toasted oak and spice box flavours linger on the moderate finish who's balance is just a touch hot. Pair with food like grilled meats or peppered dark chocolate. Drink 2010-2012.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010