Monthly Picks: June 2011

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc - $16
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.
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Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Gewurztraminer - $18
Off-dry and richly aromatic with mountains of spice on the medium intense nose and full palate. Stonefruit, citrus and peach fruit characters aplenty with a well-balanced, long finish.
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JoieFarm 2010 A Noble Blend - $24
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.
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See Ya Later Ranch 2008 Rover - $25
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.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Syrah - $28
A blend of co-fermented 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, produced from fruit from grown in Osoyoos and Penticton, resulting in a bold and adventurous Syrah that is approachable in its youth yet will hold nicely over the next 3-4 years.
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Fort Berens Estate Winery 2009 Meritage - $28
A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc produced from grapes grown on the Black Sage Bench, this wine has silky-smooth textured tannins with excellent concentration of ripe dark berry, toasted oak, vanilla, spice and mint characters on the vibrant nose and sensual, dry palate.
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Blackwood Lane 2009 Pinot Noir - $44
Possibly, the quintesential 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.
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Viña Montes 2006 Purple Angel - $54
A fantastic Carmenère to which all others will likely be compared with a super smooth texture, complex character, a long finish, good aging potential and a near perfect balance.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Syrah - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $27.99
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: May 20th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A beast of a wine with concentrated black cherry, pepper, toasted oak and cola bottle cap candy characters on the fragrant nose and dry palate. A blend of co-fermented 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, produced from fruit from grown in Osoyoos and Penticton, resulting in a bold and adventurous Syrah that is approachable in its youth yet will hold nicely over the next 3-4 years with its integrated tannins and mouth-watering acidity. Pair with peppercorn encrusted BBQ steak. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

Fairview Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Private wine shops
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 190 cases
Date Tasted: May 28th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The Sauvignon Blanc block planted at the Fairview Cellars home vineyard has come online and contributed its first fruit to this wine adding more minerality to the flavour profile than in previous years. The cool 2010 vintage has contributed major acidity which winemaker Bill Eggert has balanced with increased residual sugar creating a refreshing wine full of granny smith apple, lemon grass and grapefruit flavours. More complex than merely a clean, crisp summer sipper with some fullness on the palate from lush, oily Semillon fruit adding a hint of honeydew melon to the mix. A long finish with lingering tartness completes the satisfying experience. As Bill suggests right on the back label, pair with Oysters or try a simple roasted ham with apple sauce. Drink 2011-2015.

River Stone Estate Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc - 87-88pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 60 cases
Date Tasted: May 24th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This Cabernet Franc makes an unexpected homage to the Australian modus operandi of producing big, juicy and ever-so-sweet reds. The fullness comes from both the perception of sweetness from intense dark berry fruit flavours and a hint of residual sugar which may not appeal to lovers of bone-dry reds. Glycerol from the 14.5% alcohol also adds to the fullness on the palate creating a round, chewy texture. French oak influence is perceptible in the fragrant, juicy nose and on the concentrated palate, but plays second fiddle to the fruit characters. I believe this wine would benefit from another year of bottle aging before opening to let the fruit and oak flavours more time to integrate. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc - 89pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 238 cases
Date Tasted: May 25th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This bone-dry Cabernet Franc from Lillooet-based Fort Berens Estate Winery opens with a gorgeous, fruity nose of red fruit, ripe plum, toasted oak and vanilla. Followed by a concentrated palate that begins juicy with intense dark berry, oak, spice and mint flavours and then finishes long with lingering earthy notes and mouth-watering acidity. Easy-going tannins help create a soft, silky texture in the mouth. Produced from fruit grown on the Black Sage Bench in the southern Okanagan. Pair with your Sunday roast or enjoy with a dessert of sea-salt infused dark chocolate. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Church and State Wines 2007 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Church and State Wines 2007 Pinot Noir (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.90
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: January 12th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Fans of Stoneboat's excellent middleweight Pinot Noir should consider trying this delicious, elegant and balanced example from Church and State (and vice versa). Medium garnet in colour, this Pinot offers superb concentration of raspberry, cherry, savoury spice and earth note characters on the sublime nose and silky palate. Fully dry, yet veins of sweet fruit linger with spice on the long and refined finish.

Produced from grapes grown at the Hollenbach Family Vineyard which overlooks Skaha Lake. Enjoy with your usual Pinot-friendly game or try a classic BC combination of BBQ Pacific Salmon. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Gris - 86pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Gris (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 332 cases
Date Tasted: May 24th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A rich Pinot Gris from new Oliver winery River Stone whose estate fruit is blended with grapes sourced from a nearby vineyard to produce a textured, full and flavourful wine bursting with baked apple, peach and lemon characters. Abundant acidity contrasts the sugar left on the palate nicely but together they can't mask the sizable residual alcohol (14.5%) leaving the wine's balance leaning towards "hot" and shortening the finish on this otherwise enjoyable Gris. Drink 2011-2012
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2009 Chasselas - 86pts

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2009 Chasselas (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.75
Alcohol: 10.8%
Date Tasted: May 24th, 2011

Tasting Notes: "Chassel-what?" Although most prominently known as a Swiss grape, Chasselas may have more synonyms than any other varietal which likely contributes to its relative unfamiliarity with many North American wine drinkers. The St. Hubertus Estate Winery edition is a straight-shooting, low-alcohol and joyful wine that offers delicate aromas of peaches, golden delicious apples and violets on the nose followed by an off-dry palate of mild citrus, orchard and tropical fruit flavours.

A fun picnic wine that won't wear down your alcohol tolerance quickly and keep you refreshed in the sunshine with good acidity and sweetness. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Gewurztraminer (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 12.6%
Date Tasted: May 11th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2010 vintage was good to Tinhorn Creek's Gewurztraminer vines. The long, cool season provided the brisk nights needed to produce ample acid in the tightly bunched grapes resulting in a refreshing and relatively crisp wine for the notoriously low-acid producing varietal. Off-dry and richly aromatic with mountains of spice on the medium intense nose and full palate. Stonefruit, citrus and peach fruit characters aplenty with a well-balanced, long finish. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc - 86pts

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $14.50
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: May 9th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A rich, full, off-dry styled Pinot Blanc from Kelowna offering candied fruit, ripe pear and tropical fruit characters on the nose and palate. Balance is a bit short on the acid due to the warmer than average vintage. Not overly complex but fun and easy-drinking providing excellent value for money. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - 87pts

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $26.95
Alcohol: 14.6%
Date Tasted: May 10th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of cassis, plum, toasted oak and mint mingle with rustic pine cone and dusty herb notes on the spicy nose. The dry palate starts juicy and playful with flavours of blackberry, licorice, vanilla and oak then finishes a bit awkward with moody tannins and a slightly tart balance making a pairing with food a happy, if not necessary, alliance. Good concentration – a solid Cab Sauv priced appropriately. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series 2Bench Rosé - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series 2Bench Rosé (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: May 8th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 100% Cabernet Franc adds seductive crushed flower aromatics and complexity to the wine's classic rosé nose of Maraschino cherry, cranberry, grape skins and raspberry seeds. The entry is juicy with a touch of residual sugar and succulent red fruit. The finish is crisp, long and balanced with lingering tartness and subtle tannins. Certainly a contender for the top rosé in BC. Available via the winery's "Crush Club" and tasting room only. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca
 
Also see:
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series 2Bench White

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2009 Meritage - 91pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 445 cases
Date Tasted: May 5th, 2011

Tasting Notes: As Lillooet-based Fort Berens Estate Winery transitions from purchasing Okanagan grapes to producing wines from their own estate grown fruit (beginning with the 2011 vintage) it will be interesting to see what they do with some of the stars of their current line-up like this fantastic, complex Meritage.

A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc produced from grapes grown on the Black Sage Bench, this wine has silky-smooth textured tannins with excellent concentration of ripe dark berry, toasted oak, vanilla, spice and mint characters on the vibrant nose and sensual, dry palate. The balance is spot-on and the finish lingers lovingly with a touch of refreshing acidity - here's hoping this wine remains in the winery's portfolio indefinitely. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Gris (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC


Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 463 cases
Date Tasted: May 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Despite the winery's Lillooet address this wine is all Okanagan. Produced from West Kelowna grown fruit and fermented in stainless steel tanks, this Pinot Gris is fruit forward and terroir driven with excellent austere characters to balance the orchard fruit and lemon zest notes. Mouth watering tartness is refreshing and never overbearing, balancing the perception of sweetness from the fruit and the full-ish texture. The finish is long with lingering tartness and a touch of spice - a quality, un-oaked Pinot Gris. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2010 Gewurztraminer - 87pts

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2010 Gewurztraminer (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.50
Alcohol: 11.8%
Date Tasted: May 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: A pleasant nose of ripe lychee, apricot, subtle rubber tree and delicate floral notes await should you take the time to properly quaff this delicious, straightforward Gewurztraminer from Kelowna-based Oak Bay Estate winery. Classic Alsatian "Goo" flavours of lychee, spice and citrus fruits follow on the well-balanced, full-bodied palate with a touch of residual sugar, good acidity and a long finish with lingering peppery lemon. Enjoy this wine in its youth on its own of with hot Asian fare. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series 2Bench White - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series 2Bench White (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $22.99
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: May 3rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2010 2Bench White opens with a lush nose of apple sauce, kiwi, gooseberry and citrus fruit. The moderately intense, dry palate follows with similar flavours and added pineapple and lemon zest tartness. A blend of 44% Chardonnay, 26% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Semillon, 12% Viognier and 1% Muscat, this wine is complex and very satisfying with a rich, creamy texture and a crisp, long, balanced finish. Enjoy on its own or with your favourite shellfish dish like scallops in a garlic cream sauce. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: April 30th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Chardonnay, always a great value, returns for its 2010 release as a Mâcon doppleganger. When served chilled, the oak treatment (23% barrel fermented in new French oak) is hardly noticeable leaving a wine that comes across as un-oaked and chalk-full of minerality. As the wine warms in your glass the oak and lees characters come to life, but never dominate the palate of nose. Stonefruit, green apples, lemon and austere notes round-out the flavour profile.

Lovers of crisp, natural acidity and tart fruit flavoured Chardonnay should buy this wine by the case. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2010 Frizzante Rosé - 86pts

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2010 Frizzante Rosé (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $15.75
Alcohol: 11.1%
Date Tasted: May 2nd, 2011

Tasting Notes: A tasty, fun and lovingly tart Rosé sipper for your hot summer deck or for pairing with picnic fare like cheeseburgers and corn-on-the-cob. Classic red berry flavours and pleasant residual sugar are offset nicely by mouth-watering cranberry twang and. Mild effervescent texture on the palate pays homage to the "frizzante". Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Viña Montes 2006 Purple Angel - 93+pts

Viña Montes 2006 Purple Angel (Colchagua Valley) Chile

Availability: BCLDB Signature and private wine stores
Cost: $53.95
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 5500 cases
Date Tasted: April 30th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A concentrated, dense and brooding monster of a Carmenère (with 8% Petit Verdot) from Chile's Viña Montes. 18 months in new French oak imparts perfectly integrated tannins and lovely oak notes to the nose and palate. Prominent aroma of menthol on the intense nose with cassis, blackberry, spice box, orange blossom and stonefruit supporting. The dry palate offers impressive depth with good continuity of flavours from the nose with added tobacco, leather and tomato stock characters.

A fantastic Carmenère to which all others will likely be compared with a super smooth texture, complex character, a long finish, good aging potential and a near perfect balance. Drink 2011-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Viña Montes 2006 Montes Folly - 95pts

Viña Montes 2006 Montes Folly (Colchagua Valley) Chile

Availability: BCLDB Signature and private wine stores
Cost: $86.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 4100 cases
Date Tasted: April 30th, 2011

Tasting Notes: For wine drinkers who believe the world's best Syrah can only be made in the Rhone and Barossa Valleys, I offer for your consideration the amazing, refined and effortlessly elegant Montes Folly: a true Chilean icon.

Aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels, this single vineyard Syrah offers an intriguing combination of both intense and delicate notes on the nose and palate. Dark cherry, oak, vanilla, licorice, white pepper and floral characters aplenty. The concentration is so high that just a drop on the tongue thrills the senses. This perfectly balanced, gorgeous wine with its long, long finish and lingering spice, would pair beautifully with savoury steaks yet can stand on its own confidently. Approachable now and will enjoy a long life. Drink 2011-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Monthly Picks: May 2011

More Spring releases in our monthly picks for May 2011 with a special focus on Merlot. Many of the BC selections may need to be sourced from the wineries directly.

Chateau Pey La Tour 2009 Grand Vin - $15-17
A blend of 77% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and offers good value for money with juicy, dark berries and savoury, leather and coffee bean characters.
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Lucky Penny 2010 White - $18
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.
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Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Merlot - $20
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.
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Young and Wyse Collection 2009 Merlot - $20
The tannins are solid and smooth, the acid is balanced nicely with lingering tartness on the moderate finish - great for food.
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JoieFarm 2010 Muscat - $23
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.
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Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2007 Oldfield Series Merlot - $25
The texture is first juicy and up front and then chalky and mischievous. Patient decanting will help bring out more layers of complexity revealing more earthy notes along with French oak and bitter chocolate flavours.
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Meiomi 2008 Pinot Noir - $30
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.
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Painted Rock Estate Winery 2008 Merlot - $40
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.
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Oak Bay Estate Winery 2009 Marechal Foch - 88pts

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2009 Marechal Foch (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.50
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: April 29th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Marechal Foch is a French hybrid grape developed in Alsace and imported into Canada over 60 years ago. Today, there are only a handful of vineyards in BC producing the varietal which adds to the mystic of the grape - a mystic that some may experience more as apprehension due to its unfamiliarity with many wine drinkers. When produced as a dry table wine, it can offer a refreshing change from the familiar with pungent aromas of blackberry liqueur, coffee grinds, savoury spice, mint and flavours of dark fruit, earthy mushrooms, cranberry and black pepper.

This wine has excellent concentration with a full-ish body and transmits the enhancement of its oak treatment well. Enjoy this wine with a savoury, dry spice rub steak. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca