Cassini Cellars 2009 French Couture Viognier - 87pts

Cassini Cellars 2009 French Couture Viognier (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 376 cases
Date Tasted: January 23rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: Subtle aromas of tropical fruit, grapefruit, star fruit, Asian pear, lees and savoury spice on the nose precede a similar palate with a greater presence of citrus fruit characters. This Viognier is crisp without being tart, sweet without much residual sugar and memorable without a lingering finish. Well balanced and well priced with nice mineral notes adding a bit of complexity to the otherwise straight forward presentation. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2008 Reserve Chardonnay - 90pts

Cassini Cellars 2008 Reserve Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 290 cases
Date Tasted: January , 2011

Tasting Notes: The gold-amber hued Reserve Chardonnay from Cassini Cellars is the next "must try" wine for lovers of oaked Chardonnay. Aromas of candied fruit, caramel apple, exotic tropical fruit and tangerines are prominent on the nose with savoury notes of oak and smoke.

The dry palate follows with highly concentrated orchard and candy-apple fruit flavours adding a perception of sweetness. All of the benefits of oaking are present; body, complexity and character - without the heaviness of excessive oak. May lack the refinement of the the Province's top Chardonnay, but is an outstanding wine in its own right. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2008 Nobilus - 91pts

Cassini Cellars 2008 Nobilus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $39
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 290 cases
Date Tasted: January 14th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Worthy of one's cellar, this 100% Merlot brute from Golden Mile Bench winery Cassini Cellars is a tasty treat full of dark berry, earthy peat, smoky licorice, toasted oak, dark chocolate and cherry-cola candy aromas and flavours. The sublime nose also delights with aromatics notes of rose petals. One of BC's top Merlots.

Although approachable now, to get the most of your investment I recommend another year or two in the cellar before opening. Blessed with excellent tannin structure and mouth-watering acidity, the Nobilus has the right stuff to hold another 6-7 years. Drink 2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2008 Malbec - 88pts

Cassini Cellars 2008 Malbec (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 174 cases
Date Tasted: January 25th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Only a handful of BC wineries produce a wine made from 100% Malbec due to the difficulty of getting the Bordeaux varietal fully ripened in the Okanagan Valley. The colder yet prolonged growing season of 2008 allowed for longer hang-time on the vines producing ripe fruit with plenty of mouth-watering acidity. Blackberry, French vanilla, sour field berry, mild peat and oak aromas mingle on the subtle, refined nose.

The dry palate follows with similar flavours, soft tannins and a heightened presence of French oak and cool spice. For a wine with 15% alcohol it doesn't sit heavy in the mouth. Boasting, rather, a silky, fluid texture. The moderate finish is balanced with a kiss of lingering spice. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Palo Alto 2009 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc - 86pts

Palo Alto 2009 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Maule Valley) Chile

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $12-16
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: January 19th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Rich and round, this Sauvignon Blanc from Chile's Maule Valley offers a change of pace from ultra-tart New Zealand examples. Grapefruit, pineapple, pear and mineral characters manifest as potent flavours on the slightly off-dry palate and as delicate aromas on the subtle nose. Good acidity balances the powerful fruit. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Dr. Loosen 2009 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling - 87pts

Dr. Loosen 2009 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett (Graach) Mosel - Germany

Availability: Limited
Cost: $20-25
Alcohol: 7.5%
Date Tasted: January 19th, 2011

Tasting Notes: An off-dry, slightly effervescent, single-vineyard Riesling from famed Germany producer Dr. Loosen. Classic petrol, citrus and slate notes abound but the nectar-like sweetness from the expressive fruit is the dominant character. Pair with spicy Asian foods or stinky cheeses. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2009 Rosé - 85pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2009 Rosé (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 220 cases
Date Tasted: December 25th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A dry rosé whose light-cranberry hue hints at the prominent tart fruit at the core of the flavour profile. Light in body and complexity but well balanced and easy-drinking with a touch of residual sugar and a tart, moderate finish. Pairs amazingly well with Persian Herb Lamb Stew with Saffron Basmati Rice. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2008 Meritage - 88pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2008 Meritage (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 112 cases
Date Tasted: December 28th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A gorgeous nose of delicate dark fruit, blueberry pie, spice and aromatic flower aromas is followed by a dry, fruity palate of similar flavours within a supportive framing of toasted oak. Produced from southern Okanagan fruit, the blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc is aged in French and American oak for 18 months prior to bottling. The result is an easy-drinking, but far from "simple", wine which pairs well with food but can also be enjoyed on its own. Smooth tannins and medium-plus acidity will allow this wine to hold nicely for 2-3 years, but the synthetic cork enclosure will be adverse to further development in the bottle. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2009 Late Harvest Riesling - 88pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2009 Late Harvest Riesling (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $20 (500ml)
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 112 cases
Date Tasted: January 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: A subtle nose of tropical fruits continues through to the nuanced and moderately intense, semi-sweet palate where flavours of lemon drops, apricots and minerals are also present. Packaged and presented as a desert wine, however, this lovely sipping wine reminds one more of a Spätlese from the Rheingau of Germany and should be treated as such when pairing with food. It won't stand-up to really sweet deserts but will make for a great pairing for roasted ham and medium cheeses.

Well balanced with moderate sweetness offset by pineapple acidity. A long finish citrus notes and tang. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc - 87pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 148 cases
Date Tasted: December 28th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Single varietal releases of Cabernet Franc always intrigue me as I'm inherently a fan of the often maligned and under appreciated grape. Styles range widely with Cabernet Francs; from funky, pungent wines to cool, collected and even steely wines. With this Fort Berens offering, made from southern Okanagan sourced fruit, I'd place it more in the cool and collected category - reminiscent of the style most often found on the Niagara Peninsula.

A subtle nose of dark fruits, coffee grinds, tomato stock and aromatic flower aromas. Bone-dry and smoky-textured on the palate, yet decently balanced by juicy, dark berries and savoury oak. The acid kick would benefit from touch more residual sugar to truly stand-alone as a sipping wine, however, the balance as is makes for an excellent food-pairing wine. Think red meet and pork roasts. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2009 Chardonnay - 86pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2009 Chardonnay (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 325 cases
Date Tasted: January 1st, 2010

Tasting Notes: There are individual elements of this wine that are compelling, but the complete package left me a little wanting. The medium-intense nose offers aromas of orchard fruit, vanilla bean and cardamon with light, tropical notes of pineapple and star fruit. The bright, dry palate follows with similar flavours, added citrus notes and green apple tartness wrapped together by a full-ish, French oak infused body and a creamy  texture. A long finish lingers with spicy characters.

Produced from fruit grown on the Black Sage Bench in the southern Okanagan Valley. This Chardonnay shows that the winemaker understands the varietal and has something to say via the finished product. Exactly what that is will be much clearer to understand with future releases made from the estate grown grapes in Lillooet (2010 or 2011 vintage). Drink mid 2011-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tantalus Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir - 88-89pts

Tantalus Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $29.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: December , 2010

Tasting Notes: West Kelowna winery Tantalus Vineyards is mostly known for their various outstanding Rieslings which include a release made from some of the valley's oldest vinifera vines, an icewine and even a sparkling wine release made in the traditional Champagne method. A justified notoriety as these wines produce awards and positive reviews yearly. However, they should also be known for a block of estate grown Pinot Noir vines which produces a quality (and sometimes fantastic: see 2007 review) wine year-in, year-out.

The 2008 vintage, although not the blockbuster that the 2007 was, is a solid and delicious Pinot Noir with an excellent balance of red fruit and savoury characters with a touch of fragrant aromatics. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, French vanilla, toasted oak, rose petals and cured meets adorn the intense nose. The dry, medium-bodied palate follows with layers of red fruit, earth, minerals and oak flavours. A progression from juicy texture to acid kick to tannic finish with lingering toasted oak spice. Drink 2011-2015.

With each release Tantalus' reputation will increase as a top producer of Pinot Noir. A status the winery strengthens with practise like bottling a younger block of Pinot Noir vines as a separate release called "Juveniles". The wines are available from the winery direct or via your local VQA store.
 - Liam Carrier (with Hugh Carter) ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2009 Gamay - 84pts

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2009 Gamay (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: VQA stores
Cost: $13 (Taylorwood Wines)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Longtime grape-growers turned vintners, the Gidda family, based in West Kelowna, have released their first vintage of wines with the help of veteran BC winemaker Elias Phiniotis. This Gamay, produced from grapes that benefited from the fabulously hot 2009 growing season, is surprisingly light and mild on the palate suggesting a high-ish tonnage-per-acre diluting the concentration. Skin contact was light resulting in a wine nearer to a rosé in both colour and tannin. Think of it as a deeply coloured rosé with similar food-friendly qualities that yearns to be a Beaujolais-Nouveau, and nearly succeeds. An easy-drinking table wine with a wide array of food-pairing options. Well priced at $13.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Young and Wyse Collection 2009 33-30-24-13 - 89pts

Young and Wyse Collection 2009 33-30-24-13 (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 856 cases
Date Tasted: January 3rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: Osoyoos based winery Young and Wyse Collection released their second vintage of wines in late November, all reds from 2009, which included a new blend called "33-30-24-13". The name refers to the unique recipe of 33% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc that winemaker Stephen Wyse fashioned during blending. Essentially, it's a traditional Meritage with a twist; a substantial amount of Syrah added and in short, it works well.

Mr. Wyse is not the first Okanagan winemaker to use Syrah with traditional Bordeaux varietals and won't be the last as the focus on producing uniquely Okanagan wines is trending well and should be encouraged. Yes, some wineries create excellent  Bordeaux-inspired blends, but they will always remain linked to the world-famous French region as "examples of" rather than establishing a proprietary identity. The inclusion of Syrah in this and similar wines (see La Frenz's Montage and Mission Hill's Quatrain) reflects the growing admiration for, and recognition that, Syrah is becoming a key red varietal in the southern Okanagan Valley and may one day put the valley on the international stage for something other than icewine.

The "33-30-24-13" has a complex and layered, restrained nose of red fruits, dark berries, savoury earth and sweet spice aromas. The dry palate follows with concentrated cassis, cherry and earth flavours with a juicy, yet refined texture that never feels too heavy (or "hot") in the mouth. Smooth tannins are well integrated with food-friendly, medium-plus acidity and a long finish with lingering cranberry tartness and pepper. Sealed with a synthetic cork enclosure which may limit further development in the bottle. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Poplar Grove Winery 2008 Chardonnay – 88+pts

Poplar Grove Winery 2008 Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $21.90
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: January 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: A charming Chardonnay from popular Naramata Bench producer Poplar Grove which exhibits classic malolactic fermentation aromas of butter cream on the nose with orchard fruit and melon notes. Richly textured on the dry palate with a nice mixture of ripe apple and pears, serene oak and steely mineral flavours. Well balanced with a moderate-plus finish and lingering vanilla spice. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Viña San Diego De Puquillay 2007 Encierra - 90-91pts

Viña San Diego De Puquillay 2007 Encierra (Colchagua Valley) Chile

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $37.99 (BC)
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: January 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: For lovers of “big reds” this is your wine. A highly concentrated, silky-smooth blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah, 3% Carmenere and 2% Petit Verdot. The intense nose of dark berries, orange peel, vanilla, slate and espresso aromas spill out of the glass. The dry, easy-drinking palate doesn’t challenge with complex layers, but does reward with focused, concentrated fruit followed by savoury oak flavours and round tannins. A very “big” wine which, despite the high alcohol (15%,) is well balanced. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier (with Hugh Carter) ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Château Bastor-Lamontagne 2007 Grand Vin – 88-89pts

Château Bastor-Lamontagne 2007 Grand Vin (Sauternes) Bordeaux - France

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $19 (375ml)
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: January 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: Intense apricot, peach, petrol and mineral aromas on the nose are followed by lemon and peach flavours on the fully sweet palate. Concentrated, fruity and fun, but lacking in complexity compared to the more famous Sauternes houses. Still, a good, entry-level Sauternes from the exceptional 2007 vintage (for white Bordeaux) which offers excellent value for money.

Pair with chocolate fondant cake for a sumptuous desert that will send you and your guests to frenzied sugar heaven. Drink 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Brut – 90+pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Brut (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2010

Tasting Notes: A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris (47/47/6) grapes produced in the traditional Champagne method, this sparkling wine has been built to last. The lees-y character (two years sur-lie) will bloom over time and create a richly textured sparkler that will be sure to impress even the most severe of your Canadian-wine skeptic friends.

Apples, pears and a touch of citrus aromas on the nose with mineral and lees notes. The dry palate has mouth-watering lime zest acidity and a lingering, orchard fruit finish. A serious sparkling wine without the serious price-tag. Drink now or hold for 5-7 more years.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Meiomi 2008 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Meiomi 2008 Pinot Noir (Sonoma County) California - USA

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $29.99
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2010

Tasting Notes: Showing good typicity, this is a classic, fruit-forward, juicy, California Pinot Noir which is nicely balanced with forest floor, espresso, pine, mushroom and savoury spice characters. A touch of residual sugar adds weight to the rich, fruity, dry palate whose soft tannins and acidity make for a very easy-drinking Pinot Noir. Hardcore Burgundy lovers may not appreciate the opulent fruit but this remains a good-quality Pinot for the masses with excellent complexity and depth. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier (with Hugh Carter) ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Pinot Gris - 86pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.90 (BC), $25.95 (AB)
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 900 cases
Date Tasted: December 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: 2008 must have been a tough year to ripen fruit in the Cowichan Valley. When compared to the excellent 2007 vintage of this Pinot Gris, the alcohol and sweetness is way down for the 2008 release which means the fruit prior to fermentation lacked sugar (brix). The acidity that Pinot Gris generates in a cool climate is formidable and the lack of enough sweetness leaves the wine a bit unbalanced and short on complexity. However, it is not all bad news for this wine as there are many things to like: a nice nose of citrus, baked apples and lees aromas with crisp, green apple tartness and pear, mineral and apple cider flavours. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Prevost - 86pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.90 (BC), $25.95 (AB)
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 1100 cases
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2010

Tasting Notes: The nose of this Marechal Foch dominated blend is fresh and intense with field berry, chocolate, light oak, prune and rustic earth aromas which spill out of the glass. The cool and wet 2008 growing season has robbed the wine of equally intense flavours on the dry and acidic palate. This is a wine that would be best served with food as the right pairing will bring out the rustic berry fruit flavours delivering a unique drinking experience. Drink 2011-2012.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Noir (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 112 cases
Date Tasted: January 2nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: New Lillooet based winery, Fort Berens will be producing wines from their estate grown grapes in the upcoming 2011 vintage. Until then, including this Pinot Noir, their wines are produced from grapes sourced from the Okanagan Valley and showcase the skill of winemaker (and co-proprietor) Heleen Pannekoek, rather than the terroir of Lillooet.



The nose offers complex aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, vanilla and forest funk with loads of allspice and earth notes. Savoury earth and oak characters take a starring role on the bone-dry palate with supple tannins and red fruits supporting. Well balanced with food-friendly, mouth-watering acidity and a long finish with lingering sweet spice.


Pair with a warm kale salad with roasted duck, baked gnocchi and fig goat’s cheese. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca