Fairview Cellars 2009 Merlot - 88pts

Fairview Cellars 2009 Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 90 cases
Date Tasted: June 29th, 2011

Tasting Notes: As a single varietal release, the Fairview Cellars Merlot is always short in supply. Only 90 cases were produced for the 2009 vintage which sees much of the yield used in the proprietary blends the winery is best known for.

An intense, bold nose of ripe, extracted dark berries supported by toasted oak, vanilla and pencil shaving aromas. On the palate the entry is sweeter than typical for a Fairview wine with scrumptious dark fruit purée, sweet oak flavours and mouth-watering acidity. The finish is tart, wiping out the sweetness with lingering, robust tannins and spice. You don't need to cellar this wine for years like many other Fairview releases. It is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Gris (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: June 30th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Intense on the sublime nose with rich orchard fruit, cantaloupe and floral aromas followed by a slightly off-dry palate bursting with lemon, grapefruit, pear, hay and honey flavours. Mouth watering acidity, typical of the 2010 vintage, balances the richness and sweetness of the fruit characters nicely. The finish is long, slightly tart and a tad "hot" with a touch of lingering spice. Very tasty. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2010 Chardonnay - 87pts

SpierHead Winery 2010 Chardonnay (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 385 cases
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2010 vintage of this wine sees a Chardonnay in flux: a transition to from a blend of multi-regional fruit to a full-fledged single-vineyard (potentially by 2011). Having not tasted the components separately prior to blending, my guess is the austere, mineral aromas and flavours come from the East-Kelowna home vineyard and the rich orchard fruit notes come from the Black Sage Bench where roughly 50% of the fruit is currently sourced. Together, the resulting wine has good balance, a restrained-yet-intriguing presentation and transmits the 100% French Oak treatment well. A focus on the austere and mineral characters for 2011 may produce an interesting Chablis doppelganger. Drink 2011-2013.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2010 Riesling - 88pts

SpierHead Winery 2010 Riesling (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21.90
Alcohol: 12.2%
Production: 101 cases
Date Tasted: June 17th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Produced from fruit grown in the home vineyard of the East Kelowna-based winery, the SpierHead 2010 Riesling offers a rich nose of baked apples with supporting slate mineral notes followed by a bright, focused, citrus and mineral-flavoured dry palate. A touch of spice lingers on the well-balanced, long finish. Shows good promise for the varietal at this property. Enjoy this release in its youth, over the next 1-2 years. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2009 Vanguard - 88+pts

SpierHead Winery 2009 Vanguard (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.90
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 214 cases
Date Tasted: June 13th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Produced from fruit grown on the Black Sage Bench, the 2009 Vanguard, a Bordeaux-styled blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc from new East Kelowna winery SpierHead offers generous ripe blackberry, cassis, vanilla, tobacco, oak and earthy aromas. The palate is silky and serious with smooth tannins and a refined mouth feel. Consulting winemaker Tom Di Bello has shown restraint when it comes to the extraction and alcohol levels resulting in a more elegant presentation than a powerhouse red. Concentrated ripe dark berry fruit is corralled by its fluid texture. Ready to enjoy now, but some bottle aging may show some development in 1-2 more years. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Chateau Bellevue La Randee 2009 Grand Vin - 88pts

Chateau Bellevue La Randee 2009 Grand Vin (Bordeaux) France

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: June 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Far from a wallflower, this intense blend from Bordeaux offers a big nose full of earthy characters and complex aromas of blueberry, cassis, plum, cedar, hazelnut, vanilla, oak and smoke with floral notes and Cabernet Franc funk. The dry palate starts with a vein of sweetness from concentrated dark berries, transforming into a savoury medley of cigar box, oak and tamarind spice flavours. Smooth tannins and tangy acidity will keep this wine drinking well for a few more years but development will be negligible. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

L'Etoile de Bergey 2009 Grand Vin - 90-92pts

L'Etoile de Bergey 2009 Grand Vin (Pessac-Léognan) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Limited, Costco US (WA State)
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: June 20th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Elegant and polished from the refined, cherry, field berry, cassis and savoury oak infused nose through to the dry, blackberry puree, poppy seed, licorice and rhubarb influenced palate. Smooth, fine tannins frame the juicy entry and long, spicy finish. Drinking nicely now with ample decanting but will improve greatly over time for the patient among you. Drink 2011-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2009 Two Hoots - 89-90pts

Fairview Cellars 2009 Two Hoots (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 400 cases
Date Tasted: June 14th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Calling the Two Hoots an "entry level" wine undermines its quality and provenance and I will cease to do so. It is the cheaper of the two Meritage-styled blends that winemaker Bill Eggert produces yearly at his Golden Mile Bench winery, but it is a solid wine in its own right that deserves more attention for its balance, ageability and affordability. It is rare to be able to add a bottle to one's cellar, confident of its development, for only $25.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes from both the Fairview Cellars home vineyard and the Nk'Mip vineyard on the Black Sage Bench delivering sublime dark berry, cocoa, spicy oak and vanilla characters the nose and dry palate. More concentrated than its 2008 predecessor due to the hotter than average vintage, producing a pleasing texture of juicy fruit, smoke and tart acid.

This youthful wine will benefit from a little patience and bottle aging. Bill's recommendation is post-December 2013 (as printed right on the back label) to open this wine, but I think mid-2012 will do just fine to mellow the acid and soften the tannins. Drink mid-2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 The Heritage Block - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 The Heritage Block (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: June 11th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The Heritage Block allows Stag's Hollow winemaker Dwight Sick to showcase his blending skills with the three components, 47% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc all coming from separate vineyards throughout the valley. Each added to contribute unique characters to the finished wine resulting is a complex and affable crowd-pleaser that will just as easily stand on its own as accompany food (roasts and steaks).

Aromas of warm mixed berry puree, dark chocolate flakes and toasted oak on the intense nose are followed by a dry, concentrated palate of cassis, field berry, vanilla, smoke and spice flavours with thirsty acidity. Green tannins do complicate the proceedings with an ever-so-slight, bitter tang but the overall drinkability is not affected.

Released after 15 months in oak and plenty of bottle aging at the winery, the wine is ready to go now but should keep for another 3-4 years if your current play list is full. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2009 Dry Riesling - 88pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.50
Alcohol: 12.2%
Date Tasted: June 11th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The rich, tropical and tangerine nose of this well-priced Riesling from Kelowna also offers delicate perfume and lime zest notes which seem to hover in the glass. The dry palate follows with intense flavours of granny smith apples, pineapple, kiwi and citrus fruit. Mouth watering acidity balances the juicy texture and helps the wine finish crisp and lean. One will be hard pressed to find better value in a BC Riesling. Screw-top enclosure has locked in the freshness. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stoneboat Vineyards 2010 Pinot Gris - 87pts

Stoneboat Vineyards 2010 Pinot Gris (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: June 7th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Black Sage Bench boutique winery Stoneboat Winery doesn't have a lot of SKUs - they focus on a few wines and make them consistently good each year. The Pinot Gris is no exception and its 2010 incarnation is a solid representation of the varietal combining expressive orchard fruit with characters of cucumber, snow peas and lees. Wisely, winemaker Jay Martinuik has kept the alcohol level down (12.9%) leaving a touch of residual sugar to balance the abundant acid typical of the 2010 vintage. The wine starts powerfully but ends a bit abrupt with a short, watery finish. Best paired with foods like roasted chicken and soft cheeses where the initial intensity of the wine will be highlighted. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Malbec Rosé - 88pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Malbec Rosé (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 110 cases
Date Tasted: June 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: New Black Sage Bench winery River Stone introduces the valley's first Malbec rosé and it's a winner. The medium ruby hued wine offers a classic rosé nose of strawberry and pomegranate enhanced with subtle notes of plum, blueberry punch and minerals. The intense, dry, full-ish palate follows with mouth watering acidity, bold flavours of pomegranate, pink grapefruit and hints of balsamic vinegar with enough tannins to add texture and depth. A long, balanced finish with lingering cranberry tartness completes the experience. Enjoy this wine in the sunshine with friends as a fun, yet complex summer sipper or with your favourite BBQ burger. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Renaissance Chardonnay - 88-89pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $27.90
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 90 cases
Date Tasted: June 5th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Possibly, a divisive wine that lovers of creamy, tropical, butter-bomb Chardonnay should rush-out to get (as only 90 cases were produced) and patrons of un-oaked, crisp, mineral-y Chablis should avoid. A full-bodied, textured Chardonnay with layers of sultry, rich characters of melon, pineapple, butter-cream, vanilla, smoke and oak. A long finish ends with lingering, refreshing lemon tang and a touch of cardamon. Barrel fermented and aged in French oak resulting in a wine that should hold well over the next 3-4 years with some development. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Pinot Gris - 87pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: May 13th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2010 release of the always enjoyable Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris offers typical characteristics of the vintage: more acid, more austere notes and a thinner body than its 2009 predecessor. Aromas of rich, baked apples and citrus fruit gently spill out of the glass followed by a dry palate with lemon zest tartness, some minerality and a medley of orchard fruit flavours. Enjoy this wine in its youth with roasted ham or chicken. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Thornhaven Estates Winery 2009 Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Thornhaven Estates Winery 2009 Gewurztraminer (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: May 17th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The aromas of a ripe fruit salad explode on the intense nose of this Gewurztraminer from Summerland. The off-dry palate follows with concentrated flavours of lychee, melons and a touch of citrus. Very full and oily in the mouth but appropriate levels of acidity help to add balance resulting in a bold expression of the Alsatian varietal. Seekers of subtle, dry "Goo" need not apply. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2007 Family Barrel Reserve Pinot Noir - 88pts

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2007 Family Barrel Reserve Pinot Noir (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 12.8%
Date Tasted: May 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: Classic Pinot Noir fruit aromas of cherry, raspberry and plum on the intense nose with some Burgundy-esk forest floor, mushroom, rhubarb and oak highlights. The bone-dry palate follows with intense oak, pepper and earthy flavours dominating the fruit from the nose. Old world austerity on the palate meets elegant, serious fruit on the nose - a dichotomy to enjoy. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Thirty Bench Wine Makers 2007 Triangle Vineyard Riesling - 91+pts

Thirty Bench Wine Makers 2007 Triangle Vineyard Riesling (Beamsville Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ont

Availability: Sold out. Contact winery for library release
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 11.9%
Production: 528 cases
Date Tasted: May 28th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This single vineyard Riesling from Niagara Peninsula winery Thirty Bench Wine Makers offers good complexity balancing its delicate fruit aromas with austere, mineral and petrol notes effortlessly. Slight residual sugar pairs nicely with citrus acidity and flavours creating a tangy, sensual mouth feel and a long finish. Show no signs of peaking anytime soon and should age well for another 2-3 years with some development. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

For the ultimate terroir experience taste the winery's 3 single vineyard Riesling side-by-side and compare for yourself the difference land, aspect, soil and clonal variation makes to the finished product.