Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay - 87pts

Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay (Central Coast) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 100,000 cases
Date Tasted: March , 2011

Tasting Notes: The Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay actually lives up to its namesake - the delectable, handheld, muffin-like dessert we all love. This Chardonnay is rich, fruity and textured with just the right amount of residual sugar. Reminiscent of a health conscious mom using only half of the prescribed sugar when baking for her kids.

A good value at $14.99 but not a Chardonnay for the ABC crowd with its ample oak influence on the palate and big MLF notes on the nose. The creamy texture could use more acidity and/or mineral characters to make a more harmonious balance. The synthetic enclosure will limit further development and besides, the price point screams "drink me now" - so do just that. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Blackwood Lane 2007 The Referènce - 95+pts

Blackwood Lane 2007 The Referènce (Langley) Fraser Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery and select private wine shops
Cost: $99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: March 19th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Using all five Bordeaux red varietals and an intricate barrel-aging program, the Blackwood Lane 2007 The Referènce challenges the common meaning of the word "complex". It's a Louis Carroll rabbit hole of complexity, one that you will happily lose your senses to its depth as you quaff and sip this incredible wine. Full-bodied and powerful while remaining whimsical and refined due to its gorgeous expression of dark fruit, toasted oak and ultra-smooth tannins. A long, long finish with lingering spice accompanies every concentrated drop.

Released ready to be enjoyed, this wine will age beautifully for those willing to wait. Drink 2011-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Le Vieux Pin 2008 Syrah - 89-90pts

Le Vieux Pin 2008 Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and restaurants
Cost: $45
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 487 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The transformation of Le Vieux Pin from serious Pinot Noir and severe Merlot producers to the more jovial "Rhone Valley homage" is complete with the release of this new Syrah. Not that the winery has lost its attention to detail and dedication to quality, but the new Rhone Valley inspired wines are certainly more approachable and fun.

This Syrah, from 3-4 year old vines, has 4% Viognier added during fermentation, in the form of pressed grape skins, to lift the aromatic qualities of the nose. Dark cherry, black pepper oil, oak and a touch of cola represent decent complexity in this inaugural vintage. But with such young vines, part of the critique will inevitably shift to the ethereal concept of future vintages - how will the vines evolve with age... is the site suited to Syrah? Based on the present, the future looks bright. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cupcake Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon - 86pts

Cupcake Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Coast) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 80,000 cases
Date Tasted: March 25th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This easy-drinking wine from Californian winery Cupcake Vineyards may come across as a bit over-marketed in its presentation and forced association with everyone's favourite handheld frosted dessert. However, upon closer inspection you'll find a pretty tasty, fruit-forward, mild-tannin Cabernet Sauvignon with loads of extracted berry jam character. The medium-intense nose is, perhaps, a bit more serious than the palate offering dark berry, cherry, anise, warm earth and spice aromas with a touch of toasted oak floating in the background.

The palate is dry, but the heavy extraction leaves a formidable perception of sweetness which may prove too much for many and just right for some - especially when paired with food. The finish is a bit tart which the ample cassis, cherry and spice flavours almost nullify. This blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah and 3% Merlot is a good value option for when you want to purchase the taste of California sunshine but don't want to shell-out for the J Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Le Vieux Pin 2008 Équinoxe Syrah - 91+pts

Le Vieux Pin 2008 Équinoxe Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released
Cost: $70
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 70 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The new "Équinoxe" line of wines replaces the "Reserve" level as the top-tier wines for Le Vieux Pin. The name is in recognition of their successful 2007 Équinoxe Cabernet Franc which blew away critics and the lucky wine club members who managed to get a hold of a bottle. The winery selected 3 barrels as the best of the best for their 2008 Syrah and deemed it worthy of the Équinoxe name. Only 70 cases have been produced and no release date is yet listed but expect a fall 2011 launch.

At the time of our tasting the wine was showing signs of being in an awkward stage that many wines go through upon being bottled before they are ready for release. Tasting past the closed palate, the wine offers massive complexity and major red fruit characters and suggests a bright future with sultry white pepper and oak notes. Drink 2012-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Glaetzer Wines 2009 Amon-Ra - 97+pts

Glaetzer Wines 2009 Amon-Ra (Ebenezer) Barossa Valley - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and private wine stores
Cost: $84.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: March 26th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Vines ranging in age from 50-120 years old produce the fruit for this world icon of Australian Shiraz. Such old vines yield minuscule quantities of grapes (about a half-tonne per acre) but the grapes that do grow contain intense concentration. 100% new oak (80% French, 20% American) is used during élevage (15 months) to add structure and complexity, but the key to this wine is the careful selection of the fruit - only the best of the best is used to preserve the elegance and refinement one expects from the Amon-Ra.

To write that this wine is complex is an understatement. The nose starts with ripe cherry, floral, white pepper, cinnamon, orange zest and warm oak aromas and then, given ample time to open-up, later evolves into a rich milk chocolate seductress. The dry palate follows with layers of prominent dark cherry, bright red fruit, leather, tobacco and toasted oak flavours. Near-perfect balance has been achieved by managing extraction creating rounded tannins that confidently support the massive concentration on the palate but never out-shine the fruit characters. The finish is very long with lingering spice and oak notes. Medium-plus acidity will mellow with another two years plus of aging and then the sky's the limit for this amazing wine. Drink 2013-2025+.
 - Liam Carrier (with Hugh Carter) ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

J. Lohr Vineyard and Wines 2008 Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon - 89pts

J. Lohr Vineyard and Wines 2008 Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $21-23
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 11th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The J. Lohr Seven Oaks is one of the top two selling Californian Cabernet Sauvignon yearly in the BC market for good reason. It offers good quality with classic California Cab characters of concentrated dark fruits and sweet, warm aromas at a reasonable price. Not cheap mind you, but very reasonable for what you get.

Blended with small amounts of Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot and Merlot to add complexity and depth, this tasty wine walks the precocious line of elegance and approachability effortlessly. Released when ready, it can be enjoyed immediately. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Blackwood Lane 2007 Cabernet Franc - 91pts

Blackwood Lane 2007 Cabernet Franc (Langley) Fraser Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery
Cost: $44
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: March 19th, 2011

Tasting Notes: An excellent Cabernet Franc with red berry, cedar, licorice, spice and oak characters whose mid-palate has been filled-out with 10-12% Merlot adding to the excellent and succulent texture. Winemaker Charles Herrold uses whole-berry fermentation in his Cabernet Franc production to bring out concentrated berry flavours which add a perception of sweetness to the fully-dry palate. Round tannins and mellowed acidity due to extended incubation at the winery prior to its release have created a complex and challenging wine that remains fun and easy-drinking. Enjoy now or add to your cellar for further development. Drink 2011-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2010 Leggiero - 89pts

LaStella Winery 2010 Leggiero (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and restaurants
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 330 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: An elegant un-oaked Chardonnay from Italy-themed LaStella Winery that offers good complexity of candied fruit, banana and apple on the clean nose and crisp palate while managing to remain a simple, no-fuss, crowd-pleaser. Should appeal to the ABC crowd and to wine-lovers who love Chardonnay for its inherent fruit and mineral character more so than its compatibility with oak. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2010 Moscato d'Osoyoos - 88pts

LaStella Winery 2010 Moscato d'Osoyoos (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and restaurants
Cost: $19.99 (500ml)
Alcohol: 9.2%
Production: 635 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The Moscato d'Osoyoos is the ultimate brunch wine: low alcohol, fruity, flowery, fizzy, sweet and, above all else, very tasty. The perfect pairing for the richest of the Sunday brunch dishes: Eggs Benedict. A blend of different Muscat varieties it boasts a long finish, a light fizz and ample residual sugar, true to its inspiration: the Moscato d'Asti wines of Piedmont. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2010 Vivace - 88pts

LaStella Winery 2010 Vivace (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 635 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2010 vintage yielded juicy Pinot Gris grapes in Lastella's West Bank vineyard site which sees the alcohol in the Vivace jump from 13.5% in 2009 to 14.2% in the 2010 release. Yet, the balance is spot on with good acidity and enough residual sugar to mask the alcohol and create a joyful and full-ish texture on your palate. With citrus characters aplenty, this wine should be enjoyed in its youth and paired with a fruity, summer salad or with your favourite sun-filled deck. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Blackwood Lane 2009 Pinot Noir - 91-92pts

Blackwood Lane 2009 Pinot Noir (Langley) Fraser Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery
Cost: $44
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: March 19th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Possibly, the quintessential BC Pinot Noir as it requires no "Burgundy-esk" or "Central Otago-like" descriptor. This Pinot is pure BC... and that's a major compliment. An exceptionally well balanced, fruit forward, intense wine that shines on the sensual nose with ripe cherry, raspberry jam, cherry-cola and toasted oak aromas. The dry palate will fool you into thinking it slightly off-dry with its concentrated red berry flavours which show early, only to be complimented by rich savoury oak and spice notes.

Do this wine proud and serve it in a proper Pinot Noir glass to get the full effect of the sophisticated nose and palate - a refinement aided by new French oak and free-run juice. It's drinking beautifully now, so why wait? However, this Pinot does have the specs to age well and improve. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2007 Meritage - 90-91pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2007 Meritage (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Select private wine shops and BCLDB stores.
Cost: $45
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 22nd, 2011

Tasting Notes: A brooding, "big" red blend that offers a seductive and very complex nose of plum, dark cherry, mocha, licorice, toasted oak, cigar box and spice aromas. The intensely concentrated dry palate starts juicy with bright red and dark fruits, then moves to savoury oak, anise and forest floor flavours and finally finishing with a lingering touch of pepper and clove. Round tannins and a good acidic kick give structure to the wine and provides the base for a long life of cellaring should you resist the temptation to open your bottle now - you won't be disappointed if you do. Drink 2011-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Blackwood Lane 2008 Vicuna Roja - 88pts

Blackwood Lane 2008 Vicuna Roja (Langley) Fraser Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery
Cost: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: March 19th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A unique blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 10% Malbec, the Blackwood Lane 2008 Vicuna Roja makes for an excellent "entry" wine for a winery who's portfolio boasts some of the most expensive wines in Canada. Should you visit the Langley-based winery with the goal of trying the cult favourites Alliance or The Reference but choose not to part with your cash, the Vicuna Roja will be much more than a token purchase or consolation prize.

This easy-drinking and charming wine offers decent complexity and mouth feel with intense characters of plum, cherry, cedar, spice and oak. The balance is slightly tart making it an excellent choice to spice-up a food pairing of roasted red meats. Very approachable now but will cellar for another 5 years. Drink 2011-16.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Le Vieux Pin 2009 Viognier-Roussanne - 90-91pts

Le Vieux Pin 2009 Viognier-Roussanne (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and restaurants
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 360 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Change is difficult but adaptation is essential. That must have been the motto the vineyard staff chanted to themselves as they ripped-up Pinot Noir vines and planted Rhone Valley varietals in response to a major change in direction at Le Vieux Pin. The winery decided that their Pinot Noir vines underperformed too often and that ultimately their Black Sage Bench vineyard was better suited to varietals like Syrah and Viognier. Thus, the extraordinary measure to reboot with Rhone Valley inspired wines was undertaken.

This 2009 Viognier-Roussanne (90-10 split) is the result of this change and adaptation. The inaugural release is impressive, to say the least and shows great promise for future vintages. The key to this wine is the lush tropical fruit character and rich, chewy texture which is very well balanced by crisp, but not tart acidity. The nose is delicate and very complex while the dry palate offers a long finish with lingering tropical fruit flavours. Enjoy now or cellar for 2-3 years for further development. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Le Vieux Pin 2010 Sauvignon Blanc - 91pts

Le Vieux Pin 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and restaurants
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 430 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: $35 may seem like a lot for a BC Sauvignon Blanc, but getting a taste of this excellent wine from Black Sage Bench producer Le Vieux Pin may change your stance on the subject of "worth". An incredible attention to detail has gone into the production of this wine with 9 batches of Sauvignon Blanc blended, each having received a unique treatment. Combinations of stainless steel and oak aging with an NFL-like playbook of variations was used to create an overtly complex and tasty dry wine that offers rich tropical fruit, herbal, mineral, lees and light oak characters on the nose and palate.

The 2010 vintage has proven to be a good fit for Le Vieux Pin who routinely drop fruit in their vineyards to keep tonnage low, long before the threat of bad weather forces them to. The result is added concentration and a wider spectrum of flavours... and a higher cost per bottle. The "worth" is for you to decide, but I will vouch for the "yum". Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Chateau Ste Michelle 2009 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling - 87pts

Chateau Ste Michelle 2009 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling (Columbia Valley) Washington State - USA

Availability: Limited in BC
Cost: $12-17
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: February 8th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling from famed Washington State producer Chateau Ste Michelle offers concentrated aromas and flavours of grapefruit, lemon drops, caned peaches and rich tropical fruit. The balance is a bit hot but otherwise an admirable, off-dry, single vineyard Riesling with decent crispness and goo complexity. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

SummerGate Winery 2009 Kerner - 88+pts

SummerGate Winery 2009 Kerner (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Inquiries can be made direct to the winery here and Liberty Wine Merchants
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 61 cases
Date Tasted: March , 2011

Tasting Notes: Wisely, the winemaker for new Summerland winery, SummerGate, fermented this certified organic Kerner to a manageable 13.5% leaving ample residual sugar to balance the crisp acidity native to the cool-climate loving Riesling-Trollinger cross. The result is a full, off-dry charmer with abundant tropical and citrus fruit character. May lack the sublime subtlety and long finish of the winery's amazing Riesling Two, but it makes up for it with a joyful expression of lush fruit.

Conventional wisdom would suggest a pairing of spicy, Asian food, which is hard to disagree with. However, my ultimate pairing suggestion would be a secluded hot deck in the apex of the summer sun, wearing nothing but an ice bucket over your doo-da and soaking up the rays. Has the residual sugar to age, but I would recommend enjoying this beauty in its youth. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2006 Summit - 86pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2006 Summit (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 13th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The subdued nose of dark berries and light oak lacks punch and complexity for a wine that is positioned in the winery's "Summit Reserve" tier as its top red blend. The wine does come alive on the dry palate with a nice, juicy texture and a welcomed presence of oak tannins and structure, however, the balance leans hot and a tad sharp. Comprised of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this Left-Bank inspired blend makes for a good dinner table wine to pair with a Sunday Roast but otherwise underwhelms. Decent, but not memorable. The wine has peaked and will only decline with long-term cellaring. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

SummerGate Winery 2009 Muscat Ottonel - 89pts

SummerGate Winery 2009 Muscat Ottonel (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Inquiries can be made direct to the winery here and Liberty Wine Merchants
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 156 cases
Date Tasted: March 13, 2011

Tasting Notes: To truly appreciate the gentle and delicate nose of this Muscat Ottonel from new Summerland producer SummerGate, I recommend 30 mins of decanting to allow the wine to open-up (and warm-up), releasing the intricate aromas of apricots, rose petals, stonefruit, cotton candy and lemon. The dry palate follows with the perception of sweetness from the concentrated flavours of a medley of citrus fruits which manages the tart acid effortlessly. Balance and a long, lingering finish seem to be a trademark of the SummerGate portfolio and is well represented here. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

SummerGate Winery 2009 Riesling One - 88pts

SummerGate Winery 2009 Riesling One (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Inquiries can be made direct to the winery here and Liberty Wine Merchants
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 120 cases
Date Tasted: March 7th, 2011

Tasting Notes: New Summerland winery SummerGate has produced two Rieslings in their inaugural 2009 vintage; the off-dry Riesling One and the dry Riesling Two. The Riesling One is nearly colourless in appearance (faint gold) and offers a gorgeous nose of honey, lime zest, wild flowers and slate aromas with just a hint of clove spice. The palate starts delicate with good continuity of flavours from the nose then becomes quite full, for a Riesling, as the sweetness (14.5g/l) creates a texture of citrus liqueur. The acidity and mineral flavours cut through the fullness resulting is a well-balanced, and very long finish. Very tasty. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc - 87pts

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: February 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Delicate floral notes greet you on the nose of this lovely and well-priced Pinot Blanc from Hester Creek followed by baked apple, stonefruit and herbaceous aromas. The hot 2009 growing season produced amble sugar in the grapes which for this Pinot Blanc has been mostly fermented, leaving only a touch of residual sugar and loads of juicy, citrus fruit flavours. The balance is slightly hot, lacking a bit of acidity to match the fullness from the alcohol and fruit. However, the wine is supremely tasty and fun to drink - especially on a hot, sunny deck with good company. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Semillon-Chardonnay - 86pts

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Semillon-Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: February 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Folks looking for an off-dry white that offers decent complexity and pairs well with rich food need look no further. The Hester Creek Semillon-Chardonnay is such a wine delivering melon, apple, flint, pear and tropical fruit characters in spade. Whilst doing so at the exceptional price of $15.99! Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2008 Reserve Cabernet Franc - 90pts

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2008 Reserve Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Hester Creek consistently produce one of the Provinces top Cabernet Franc each year and the 2008 vintage is no exception. Classic Cabernet Franc funkiness on the nose is elevated by gorgeous red and dark berry aromas. The complex, dry palate offers a plethora of fruit and savoury characters with a juicy texture that signs in the mouth. This wine is very well balanced matching the tannin, acid and texture expertly resulting in a Cabernet Franc that is both fun and challenging to drink. The long finish offers lingering spice. Ready to drink now. 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2007 The Judge - 89pts

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2007 The Judge (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $45
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Hester Creek's first foray into the land of premium Meritage wines results in a well made and easy drinking blend of Bordeaux varietals. Herbaceous on the medium intense nose with dark berry, spice and toasted oak aromas. The dry palate is very smooth with dark fruit characters and savoury notes from a lengthy oak treatment. Ready to drink now, however, lingering astringency on the moderate finish should mellow with further cellaring. Drink mid-2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Eroica 2008 Riesling - 92-93pts

Eroica 2008 Riesling (Columbia Valley) Washington State - USA

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $20-30
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: February 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Produced in the Columbia Valley, the Eroica Riesling is a joint venture between Washington State's Chateau Ste Michelle and Germany's Dr. Loosen. The collaboration has produced a spectacular Riesling that manages the balance of sweetness to tartness and fruitiness to minerality with near-perfect precision.

Great concentration and focus on both the intense nose and off-dry palate with abundant citrus, herbs and stonefruit characters. The Eroica, Italian for "heroic", is an epic wine that all Riesling lovers must try. Both easy-drinking and complex, the wine is drinking beautifully its youth but will also reward careful cellaring with further development. Drink 2011-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Chateau Belle-Vue 2007 - 88-89pts

Chateau Belle-Vue 2007 (Haut-Medoc) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A gorgeous nose of black cherry, cassis and toasted oak aromas with a touch of barnyard funk. The dry palate offers a happy marriage of juicy and savoury characters. Dark fruit, licorice, leather, coffee grinds and French oak flavours abound. This is a solid, tasty Bordeaux blend that won't break the bank and should appeal to wine lovers who enjoy modern, New World-leaning red blends. Drinking beautifully now and will develop some over the next 2-3 years. Prominent tannins will allow this wine to hold for years to come. Drink 2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Monthly Picks: March 2011

Generation Seven Wines 2009 Red - $14
Enjoyable on its own, but the wine really shines when paired with food. I tried it with a tomato-based, spicy meatball pasta sauce (with some of the wine added in) and the acidity and weight stood up beautifully.
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Hugel et Fils 2008 Classic Pinot Blanc - $15-20

A rich and creamy Pinot Blanc from top Alsatian producer Hugel et Fils with strong tropical and orchard fruit flavours and subtle slate minerality. Slightly off-dry with a full mouth feel and lingering lemon zest.
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Dr. Loosen 2009 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett - $20
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.
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Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir - $25
The hot 2009 growing season has contributed a bit more tannin than normal for Pinot Noir, but it doesn't over-power the palate in any way. Flavours are both juicy and earthy. The texture is tart and dusty making this an excellent wine to accompany food.
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Fairview Cellars 2008 Madcap Red - $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.
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Cassini Cellars 2008 Maximus - $29
The 2008 Maximus will appeal to wine lovers who enjoy extracted, concentrated, full-bodied red blends best summed up as "big". Well priced at just under $30, the 2008's blend is comprised of 63 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 31 % Merlot and 6 % Malbec.
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Tantalus Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir - $30
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.
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Blackwood Lane 2007 Merlot - $44
Wine lovers who find Merlot boring or incomplete will be happily rewarded with this example from Fraser Valley producer Blackwood Lane. Winemaker Charles Herrold has rounded out the flavours and aromas with a splash of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The result is a more complete experience than drinking a straight varietal.
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