Mollydooker Wines 2008 The Boxer - 89pts

Mollydooker Wines 2008 The Boxer (Naramata Bench) Australia

Availability: Widely available at BC signature stores
Cost: $35-37
Alcohol: 16%
Date Tasted: December 27th, 2010

Tasting Notes: To off-set the high alcohol, The Boxer is highly extracted with impressive concentration of classic Shiraz characters: dark cherry and white pepper. This concentration of aromas and flavours, which also include candied fruit, leather and espresso, mask most of the alcohol, but sadly, not enough to avoid the balance leaning towards the "hot" end of the spectrum. Smooth, integrated tannins and mouth watering acidity add to the packs-a-punch texture. A slight Port-like finish due to the massive concentration and touch of residual sugar.  Drink 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Nobilo 2008 Icon Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

Nobilo 2008 Icon Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $22.99
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: A tart, but not bombastic, fresh Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region that offers classic gooseberry and grass characaters as well as lush tropical fruits and a touch of lime zest. Excellent quality and complexity with a refined texture.
Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2008 Syrah - 89+pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2008 Syrah (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14.3%
Date Tasted: April 22nd, 2011

Tasting Notes: This is the second vintage of Syrah released from Skaha Bench producer Painted Rock Estate Winery and it takes a turn from the terroir-driven 2007 vintage towards a more oak-driven wine with the 2008 version. 100% new oak is used during the maturation phase (18 months in 70% French and 30% American) which impart prominent vanilla and spice characters to the highly intense nose and dry, old world, Rhone Valley-esk palate. White pepper, dark cherry, cassis, field berry and mocha flavours and aromas are also present but tend to ride pillion with the concentrated oak in charge.

This wine has the tannins and acidity to age and potentially improve if you should desire to lay down a bottle or two. If not, be sure to decant for an hour+ prior to serving. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Nichol Vineyard Estate Winery 2009 Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Nichol Vineyard Estate Winery 2009 Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Available direct from the winery here
Cost: $16.90
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: April 28th, 2011

Tasting Notes: In a hotter-than-average vintage like 2009, it's impressive to see a full and juicy Gewurztraminer that isn't too "hot" or too sweet. The alcohol is surprisingly low at 12.9% for a Gewurz that only has a hint of residual sugar on the palate. A healthy perception of sweetness due to concentrated flavours of lychee, ripe white peach and Bartlet pears is balanced nicely with a medium acidic kick of lemon. Savoury spices linger on the moderate-plus finish. Enjoy this wine on its own or with some spicy Asian fare. Drink 2011-2013.

Small side note: While the Nichol 2009 whites are enclosed with traditional cork, the winery will be switching to Stelvin cap enclosures for the 2010 whites. A smart move that will lock in the tart freshness of the 2010 vintage and avoid needless cork-taint casualties.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Lucky Penny 2009 Red - 84pts

Lucky Penny 2009 Red (South Eastern Australia) - Australia

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores

Cost: $17.99

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: April 25th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The Lucky Penny 2009 Red, as part of a newly released duo from prominent Australian mega-brand Yellow Tail, acts as an uneasy older brother out to chaperon his affable younger sister, the 2010 White. She's charming and fun. He's superfluous and uncomfortable in his own skin.

A blend of 50% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot you would expect, even for a mass-produced "South Eastern" Australia wine, to have a meaty backbone with big tannins and spicy black pepper characters. But the Lucky Penny Red has neither. Rather, the character of the wine is super-ripe and juicy with a sharp nose of prune, maraschino cherry, molasses and oak aromas. The palate starts with an unwanted level of sweetness and then settles to showcase substantial concentration of cherry, dark berry, licorice, spice and chocolate flavours.

"Unpretentious and bursting with flavour..." the marketing material suggests, and it's hard to disagree, but I think they left out "confused". Drink 2011-2012.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Lucky Penny 2010 White - 87pts

Lucky Penny 2010 White (South Eastern Australia) - Australia

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: April 25th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Rather than from a sense of place, the character for this Yellow Tail produced wine comes from the successful blend of 65% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier and 15% Pinot Grigio which combines lush tropical flavours with a decent citrus kick to create an easy drinking and food friendly summer sipper.

The subtle nose blooms after some time in the glass to reveal happy floral notes with melon and green apple aromas also present. The off-dry palate is feminine in nature and fairly full-bodied despite the low alcohol. All-in-all, a pleasant surprise from a company who too often produces well-priced, but forgettable varietal wines, this blend works. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Pinot Blanc - 85pts

Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Pinot Blanc (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Available direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1417 cases
Date Tasted: April 8th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2009 Pinot Blanc from Nk'Mip Cellars is of the rich and creamy variety but is a touch short on acidity to fully balance the richness of the palate leaving the wine a bit flabby. The nose opens with medium intense aromas of pears and tropical fruits which continue through to the dry palate that enjoys a long finish. The 2009 vintage was a tricky one for some white wines where acidity to balance the natural fullness of the flavour profile was occasionally hard to come due to warmer than normal nights. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2010 Riesling - 89pts

JoieFarm 2010 Riesling (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $22.90 (direct)
Alcohol: 11.9%
Production: 1119 cases
Date Tasted: April 20th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The JoieFarm 2010 Riesling matches the quality and style of the top off-dry exports from the Mosel valley with concentrated flavours and aromas of bright lime zest, green apple, slate,   straw and stonefruit. Prominent sweetness (25g/l of residual sugar) is balanced effortlessly with crisp acidity and strong minerality. The palate is fairly full-bodied for a Riesling offset by a refreshing, silky texture and a moderate, zesty finish. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2010 Rosé - 89pts

JoieFarm 2010 Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $20.90 (direct)
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 2198 cases, 552 magnums
Date Tasted: April 23rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: This is the rosé to pour your non-pink drinking friends who believe that the much maligned (and emasculated) wine style can't offer the complexity of white and red wines. Much of the complexity of the JoieFarm example is derived from the carefully constructed blend of 53% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier, 12% Gamay and 10% Pinot Gris which winemaker Heidi Noble selects from both Skaha and Naramata Bench vineyards. The resulting wine produces a delicate nose of cherry nibs, strawberry seed and mineral aromas with lime rind and cranberry tartness. The cranberry, nibs and minerality continue through to the dry palate where they mingle with boysenberry, pomegranate and green raspberry flavours. The finish is long with lingering tartness making this wine an excellent patio lunch/diner companion.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2010 A Noble Blend - 90pts

JoieFarm 2010 A Noble Blend (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $23.90 (direct)
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 2671 cases, 552 magnums
Date Tasted: April 21st, 2011

Tasting Notes: Despite the noticeable change in component percentage with a sizable increase to the amount of Riesling (now 43% Gewurztraminer, 38% Riesling, 14% Pinot Auxerrois and 5% Pinot Gris) the JoieFarm Noble Blend is so consistant in its execution of pure tastiness. Compared to the 2009 release, the 2010 has a bit more of an acidic kick; a hallmark of the cooler, yet longer growing season. Otherwise, all of the delicate, feminine characters return on the nose and off-dry palate: sweet lychee, spicy grapefruit, aromatic orange blossoms, candied fruits and strong stonefruit. A nice vein of citrus fruit runs through the medium-bodied palate which finishes long with a bit of lingering spice. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2008 Merlot - 91+pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2008 Merlot (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: April 20th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This intense and age worthy Merlot spends 18 months in new French oak prior to bottling. The oak gives structure to the fine tannins and adds nice vanilla and spice notes to the enchanting nose of dark berries, plum, anise and mocha. The concentrated, dry palate is elegant with a refined texture, good acidity, strong continuity of flavours from the nose and a long finish with lingering spice. I recommend putting a few of these beauties away in your cellar for 2-3 years of further development but if you can't wait be sure to decant for 2hrs+ before serving with a plate of fine dark chocolate. Drink 2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Young and Wyse Collection 2010 Amber - 88pts

Young and Wyse Collection 2010 Amber (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 589 cases
Date Tasted: April 12th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The first white wine to be released by Osoyoos winery Young and Wyse Collection is a blend of 47% Viognier, 38% Pinot Gris and 15% Gewurztraminer. Rich in aromatic and baked fruit aromas on the medium intense nose followed by a dry palate bursting at the seams with succulent pineapple, grapefruit and ripe peach flavours. The balance is ever-so-slightly "hot", but the richness on the palate generally masks the alcohol. Crisp citrus acidity, in turn, balances the fullness on the palate resulting in a very tasty wine with a moderate-plus finish and excellent texture. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2003 The Bear's Meritage - 91pts

Fairview Cellars 2003 The Bear's Meritage (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Contact winery for possible library release
Cost: N/A
Alcohol: 14.6%
Date Tasted: February 27th, 2011

Tasting Notes: From the Cellar. 2003 was the year of the devastating forest fires in the Okanagan Valley which destroyed houses and vineyards and overtly represents a reminder of an incredibly hot and dry vintage. Many of the wines of this vintage, to which The Bear is no exception, are higher in alcohol than in a more temperate year. It's a challenge to any winemaker to overcome a super hot and dry vintage especially with problems like over-heating which fall into the "not much we can do about it" category as vines will simply shut-down in extreme heat limiting flavour development.

The Bear fares well with good concentration on the nose and palate of abundant red fruit, plum, licorice, blackberry and cassis characters. Full-bodied from both the rich fruit and alcohol, the balance is a touch "hot" but does not affect the enjoyment of the wine which has aged very well (perhaps better than the 2004 vintage). A long, long finish with smooth, integrated tannins and good complexity. Close to peaking, enjoy this wine over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2011-14+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2010 Un-Oaked Chardonnay - 89pts

JoieFarm 2010 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $22.90 (direct)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1008 cases
Date Tasted: April 9th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2010 version of the excellent un-oaked Chardonnay from JoieFarm may have less tropical fruit characters than the 2009 vintage, but there is still an exotic element to the nose that will intrigue you instantly. Tangy citrus and minerality aromas are also present and continue through to the dry, intense palate. The long and sometimes difficult 2010 season has produced a lovely Chardonnay that showcases the orchard and lemon/lime flavours and crisp, natural acidity of the grape without the need of oak structure or added depth. Will hold for another 2-3 years, but can be enjoyed in its youth. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2010 Muscat - 89pts

JoieFarm 2010 Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $22.90 (direct)
Alcohol: 11.3%
Production: 453 cases
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: If smelling and sipping this wine doesn't make you smile then perhaps your heart is of the "one size too small" variety. The nose pops out of the glass with tangy citrus and candied fruit aromas. On the palate the wine is both biting and delicate. Crisp and fresh, yet gentle in its release of bright, nectarine, peach and lemon flavours. Well balanced with a moderate-plus finish Has the acidity to cut through the greasy texture of cured meats or bacon. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012 (or until the next vintage is available).
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Merlot - 87+pts

Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Merlot (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Available direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 2211 cases
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: It's a bold move to ferment your Merlot to zero residual sugar producing a whopping 14.5% alcohol. You need to have confidence that the flavour profile and concentration will support the hotness from the alcohol leaving a balanced wine. That confidence pays off for Nk'Mip (pronounced "Inka-meep") from the Osoyoos region of the southern Okanagan Valley, resulting in a quality Merlot that over-delivers for the price.

A masculine wine with strong savoury characters of mocha, oak, tobacco and mint on the nose and palate while offering a welcomed vein of dark fruit tang and lingering spice on the long finish. Pair with a dry-rub steak or a plate of fine, dark chocolate for dessert. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stoneboat Vineyards 2008 Duet - 87pts

Stoneboat Vineyards 2008 Duet (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A successful 60/40 blend of the Pinot Noir and Pinotage grapes that doesn't make it into the winery's signature varietal releases offering cherry-cola, dark fruit, vanilla and earthy characters on the nose and dry palate. Nice balance of fruit to smooth tannins with a smoky texture and a moderate finish. Don't lay down for further development but this quality juice will hold for a while if you want to wait for the right food pairing - Game is recommended here. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery 2006 The Black Dog - 89+pts

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery 2006 Reserve Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 54 cases
Date Tasted: November 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: The label may say "Reserve Merlot" but The Black Dog is really a proprietary blend assembled by Township 7's winemaker, Bradley Cooper, which comprises 44% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 1% Syrah (for good measure). Aged in new oak (both French and American) for a whopping 40 months, the wine reminds me of a Rioja Reserva crossed with old, worn furniture - great character, but a little rough around the edges.

The character comes from a wonderfully expressive nose of dark fruits, smoky oak, sweet fruit puree and a touch of mint. Loads of character on the dry palate as well with cigar box, leather, dark fruits and major oak flavours. The balance is a bit rough and leans towards the bitter end of the scale but certainly a unique wine worth sourcing. Drink 2011-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

See Ya Later Ranch 2008 Rover - 89-90pts

See Ya Later Ranch 2008 Rover (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Available at BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: January 12th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A solid follow-up to the excellent 2007 vintage which may not be quite as impressive in its youth, but possesses the same fortitude to deliver, over time, similar concentrated and brooding dark cherry, spicy pepper, toasted oak and licorice characters as its predecessor. Light aromatic notes on the nose make this release distinct while the long, balanced finish with lingering pepper speaks to its quality. Enjoy this wine on its own or with a mean and manly steak. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Monthly Picks: April 2011

Springtime means wineries are getting ready to show-off some of their newest wines and the April edition of our Monthly Picks contains a few exciting new releases to look-out for.

Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay - $15
New to BC. 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.
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SummerGate Winery 2009 Riesling Two - $20
Harvested in late October, the extra hang-time on the vine contributes to the impressive concentration in this wine. The acid is handled well and never seems tart due to the excellent balance of stonefruit flavours.
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Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir - $25
For an entry-level Pinot Noir this wine delivers a surprisingly complex nose of raspberry, plum, mushroom, forest floor and oak spice, highlighted by aromatic jasmine notes.
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LaStella Winery 2010 Leggiero - $25
New Release. 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.
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Eroica 2008 Riesling - $30
Both easy-drinking and complex, the wine is drinking beautifully its youth but will also reward careful cellaring with further development.
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Cassini Cellars 2008 Syrah - $34
An intense, extracted, powerful, spicy, dark fruit monster that also manages to deliver delicate notes of vanilla and sagebrush on the impressive and layered nose.
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Le Vieux Pin 2010 Sauvignon Blanc - $35
New Release. 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.
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Hester Creek Estate Winery 2007 The Judge - $45
New Release. 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.
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