Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Renaissance Merlot - 90-91pts

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

Availability: Released in September 2011. Futures available from the winery here
Cost: $25.50 (futures price)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 135 cases
Date Tasted: July 27th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The Stag's Hollow Renaissance Merlot is the single-vineyard, flagship release of the Okanagan Falls winery offering a sublime, layered nose of spiced plum, dark cherry, fig, licorice, dark chocolate and mocha aromas. Blended with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon which is inter-planted within one block of the Merlot, the wine presents a juicy, almost sweet entry on the palate with concentrated flavours of red and dark fruits. In the wake of the perceived sweetness follows fine, well-structured tannins and savoury elements from 15 months aging in French and American oak forming a lovely duet of fruity and savoury notes that plays through to the long, dry and tart finish.

As with other top 2009 reds, this wine will be both approachable in its youth upon release (with careful decanting) and at home in your cellar. Drink early-2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

On a side note: Only a handful of Canadian wineries employ the Bordeaux tradition of selling "Futures" for their upcoming releases. It's a fun experience for the wine lover who submits his or her order, often at a discount, and then waits in anticipation of the wine's release. For Canadian wines, one rarely waits more than 6 months as compared to the 2 years one will usually wait for an order from Bordeaux. More wineries, equipped with the staff and infrastructure needed to track pre-orders, should look into the practice as a way of rewarding loyalty to their products and brand.

Chateau Des Charmes 2007 St. David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc - 90+pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2007 St. David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO Vintages stores
Cost: $25.95
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 495 cases produced, 56 cases released through Vintages
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: This single-vineyard Cabernet Franc from Chateau Des Charmes falls into the "big funky nose" category of wines produced from the most charismatic of the Bordeaux varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful, Merlot is agreeable, Petit Verdot is spicy and Malbec is just a candied version of Merlot. Leaving Cabernet Franc to be the subtle charmer that seduces you with perfumed aromas of rose petals and sweet cheeses and with bold, unique flavours of smoky boysenberry and unripe blackberry. All of these characters can be found in the St. David's Bench Cabernet Franc which delivers a terroir driven expression of the varietal wrapped in a blanket of toasted oak. Alcohol is well managed at 13.5% with ripe fruit and tannins from the stellar 2007 growing season.

Still tasting youthful at the age of 4 with more development to come. Pair with a traditional Sunday roast with all the fixin's. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2010 Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: July 25th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Serve chilled for a refreshing summer heat shielding sipper or let it breath and warm up to reveal a gorgeous, delicate nose of citrus fruits and aromatic flowers. Acid may be a bit tart for some with a slightly dryer finish than its 2009 predecessor thanks to the acid-loving 2010 growing season, yet the balance works to highlight Sauvignon Blanc's crispness when left un-oaked and with minimal lees contact. Subtle tropical fruit notes compliment the austere style resulting in a delicious and well priced Sauvignon Blanc to be enjoyed in the company of your favourite hot tub (or hard cheese like Gruyère). Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Monthly Picks: July 2011

With a tepid summer out West and real scorcher in the East, this month's picks are a little all over the place. Some Summer Sippers to battle the heat and some sublime Pinots to ease the pain of rain.

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2009 Dry Riesling - $15.50
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.
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Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir - $20
There is a classic Pinot Noir earthiness to the nose of this wine but it is the raspberry, cherry, mint and smoked cedar aromas which take center stage and confuse your mind that you'll be drinking a much more expensive Pinot.
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River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Malbec Rosé - $20
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.
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SpierHead Winery 2010 Riesling - $22
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.
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JoieFarm 2010 Muscat - $23
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.
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Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir - $25
The smooth, round palate follows suit with a similar flavour profile and more pronounced savoury spice. Medium body and tannins compliment the bright texture creating a mouth feel that's both playful and sensual.
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Church and State Wines 2007 Pinot Noir - $26
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.
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Robert Mondavi Winery 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 90+pts

Robert Mondavi Winery 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) California - USA

Availability: Costco in WA State. Private wine shops in Canada
Cost: $20-40
Alcohol: 15.3%
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This is a massive wine, well worth a look, but it will take some more time to truly tame it and enjoy the multi-tiered layers of dark fruit, vanilla and toasted oak characters. Bright acidity and big, firm tannins greet you on the dry palate of this regional blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon 8% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc 1% Petite Verdot and 1% Malbec. Very ripe, dark fruit flavours and aromas are complimented well by the oak treatment influenced savoury notes.

Certainly, a Napa Valley Cab through and through, but not the foundation block to build a cellar of the same upon. Enjoy now for the pure masochistic pleasure of a young Napa Cab but the highly extracted nature of this wine needs time to mellow. Drink 2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Desert Hills Estate Winery 2010 Gewurztraminer - 90pts

Desert Hills Estate Winery 2010 Gewurztraminer (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold-out at the winery
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 22nd, 2011

Tasting Notes: Benefiting from the cooler than average 2010 growing season, the notoriously low-acid Gewurztraminer grape has outshone many of its much more popular white-varietal cousins in that vintage year. Matching its juicy, lush tropical fruit characters with tart, acidic notes rarely achieved (naturally). In British Columbia, 2010 may be remembered as "The Year of the Goo" for white wines and the Desert Hills release shines brightest.

The nose will brighten the day of even the most determined of grouches with lovely rose petal, perfume, tangerine and sweet lychee fruit aromas. The palate is fresh and crisp with some residual sugar, but nothing the tart acidity can't balance effortlessly. Enjoy this wine in its youth as Gewurztraminers only occasionally improve with age. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Sterling Vineyards 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 90pts

Sterling Vineyards 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) California - USA

Availability: QFC. BCLDB stores and private wine shops
Cost: $25-45
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: June 18th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Savignon takes a more subdued approach to the blockbuster 2007 vintage with this regional blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Gros Verdot and 1% Petit Verdot. The nose is more subtle than other its peers with medium intense aromas of cassis, blackberry, plum and licorice supported by a steady foundation of French and American oak.

The palate lacks the concentration of a typical Napa Cab, yet works, delivering its dark chocolate, licorice, cassis and oak flavours in a more masculine, cool and straightforward way. The watery texture finishes long with a touch of lingering bitterness. All-in-all a very good wine, but not one for those looking for a massive, powerhouse of a Cab and certainly not for one paying import prices in Canada. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2008 St. David's Bench Vineyard Gewurztraminer - 89pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2008 St. David's Bench Vineyard Gewurztraminer (St. David's Bench Vineyard) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Available direct from the winery here and at select LCBO Vintages stores
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 540 cases produced, 56 cases released to Vintages
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: An excellent, focused, single-vineyard Gewurztraminer offering classic peach, apricot and lychee fruit characters with a juicy, full-bodied and expressive mouth feel. With now 3 years of age, look for this "Goo" to stand-out from current releases with sultry, maturing aromas and flavours of cashew nuts, stewed pears and fruitcake spice. Mineral notes compliment the feminine elements of this wine and contrast the residual sugar nicely. The finish is very long and balanced with lingering lemon-lime tartness. Enjoy this wine on its own or with your favourite sushi. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Big House Wines 2009 White - 85pts

Big House Wines 2009 White (California) - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores and private wine shops
Cost: $12.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 115,000 cases
Date Tasted: July 15th, 2011

Tasting Notes: With a wild assemblage consisting of 8 white varietals and no specific regional designation other than "California", one's expectations are lowered. But these facts don't do the wine justice as the result of the Malvasie Bianca, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Muscal Canelli and Viognier blend are lovely, aromatic notes of exotic, sweet fruit and a rich, dry, well-balanced palate. Despite the grocery list of ingredients, the wine is not overly complex, yet the crisp, fun and easy-drinking character of the wine make it an easy addition to your summer sipping rotation. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinotage - 88+pts

Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinotage (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1013 cases
Date Tasted: July 18th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Not that it wouldn't benefit from another 6-12 months of bottle aging prior to opening, but compared to the 2007 and 2008 releases, the 2009 Pinotage from Stoneboat Vineyards, a yearly favourite of IconWines.ca, is the most approachable example of this fine wine released in recent years. A yearly favourite due to its consistency and reliability, to not so much as resist vintage variation, but rather to adapt to it, producing a tasty, unique wine year-in-year-out.

On the nose, blueberry, prune and black pepper aromas mingle pleasantly with the likes of moody toasted oak, barnyard and saltine notes. The dry palate entertains with a vein of sweet dark fruit followed swiftly by savoury oak and spice flavours. The finish is tart, concentrated and balanced with lingering cracked pepper and a chalky texture. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2009 Montage - 89pts

La Frenz Winery 2009 Montage (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 24th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The La Frenz Winery Montage changes each year reflecting the winemaking team's vintage specific palate of grapes to work with and for 2009, with no Shiraz available due to severe winter damage, it takes a turn towards Bordeaux with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot delivering a slightly more traditional Meritage style. In recent vintages (see 2007 and 2008) there has consistently been a nice spicy element to the Montage which, for the 2009 release, is supplied by the Petit Verdot and which rounds out the profile of bold, dark fruit and savoury oak notes.

Despite the changes, the wine remains unique and true to the winery's vision for this label - a well produced, affordable and lively red blend offering a near-perfect balance of easy-drinking, approachable fruit and serious oak treatment characters. Buy it by the case and make it your house red to the delight of all your guests. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Con-Fusion - 87pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 800 cases
Date Tasted: July 19th, 2011

Tasting Notes: An easy-going, crowd-pleasing, Thai food loving, Gewürztraminer-dominant (63%) white blend with other aromatic varietals (12.5% Sauvignon Blanc, 9.0% Riesling, 7.0% Pinot Gris, 6.0% Viognier and 2.5% Muscat) adding to the cornucopia of exotic fruit characters on the vibrant nose and off-dry-ish palate. Good acidic notes balance the concentrated fruit nicely leaving you refreshed and wanting more. This wine should definitely be on your summer sipper shopping list for 2011. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2010 Chardonnay - 86pts

La Frenz Winery 2010 Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: June 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: The acid-filled grapes of the 2010 vintage isn't the coziest of bedfellows for the "Peaches'n'Cream" styled Chardonnay released from Naramata Bench's La Frenz Winery each year. One loses a bit of the sultry, lightly oaked, fruit-forward splendor of the 2009 and 2008 releases when the balance is swayed towards "tart" and the texture is thinned. Yet, an off-year for La Frenz still produces a highly quaffable and enjoyable drink - one to be shared with friends on a hot deck, or later into the evening paired with a cream-based pasta sauce dish. Drink 2011-2013.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2009 Reserve Chardonnay - 91pts

La Frenz Winery 2009 Reserve Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 24th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A terrific Chardonnay that exemplifies the elegance and refinement attainable in the Okanagan Valley when the grape is treated to the right amount of lees and oak contact. Familiar, comfort-food characters of baked apples, popcorn and caramel percolate from the seductive nose and well-balanced, dry palate. A long, lush finish lingers lovingly. Enjoy this Chardonnay on its own to fully appreciate the craftsmanship on offer. Drink 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Wild Goose Vineyards 2010 God's Mountain Vineyard Riesling - 88pts

Wild Goose Vineyards 2010 God's Mountain Vineyard Riesling (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: July 12th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A delicate nose of apricot, lemon drop and peach fuzz candy aromas is accompanied by light petrol and mineral notes. Crisp acidity follows on the dry palate balanced by a hint of residual sugar and potent citrus and green apple fruit flavours. A raw and powerful Riesling best served chilled, on its own or with a simple seafood dish. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series Kerner Icewine - 89-90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series Kerner Icewine (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $29.99 (200ml)
Alcohol: 11%
Date Tasted: July 9th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2010 edition of the Tinhorn Creek Kerner Icewine returns with a similar flavour profile to the 2009 version with peach, apricot, tangerine, apple cider and lemon rind aromas and flavours. This time out, however, the intensity and concentration have been dialed up to "eleven". A welcomed development for the well-priced Okanagan Valley Icewine released under the winery's flagship "Oldfield Series" banner.

Nice acidity is present for 2010 adding essential tartness to counter-balance the full bodied, sweet palate oozing with concentrated fruit and a splash of savoury notes, adding complexity. Lightly-spiced apple cider lingers on the long finish. Yum. Enjoy this wine now through the next 6-7 years. Drink 2011-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir - 90+pts

Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 1054 cases
Date Tasted: July 7th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Recently awarded a 2011 Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence, this light garnet hued Pinot Noir from Oliver's Stoneboat Vineyards offers a gorgeous, seductive nose of sweet cherry-cola candy, vanilla, cedar, light earth and subtle oak spice aromas.

The smooth, round palate follows suit with a similar flavour profile and more pronounced savoury spice. Medium body and tannins compliment the bright texture creating a mouth feel that's both playful and sensual.

Ideally, one should wait until early 2012 to enjoy this excellent Pinot. Be sure to decant for 1-2 hours prior to drinking should you choose not to wait. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

On a side note, Stoneboat Vineyards has exchanged their oblong shaped bottles for more standard, easily stackable bottles. Good news for collectors who found the previous bottles awkward to arrange in their cellars. Bad news for fans of the old, unique bottles that were instantly recognizable.

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: July 5th, 2011

Tasting Notes: There is a classic Pinot Noir earthiness to the nose of this wine but it is the raspberry, cherry, mint and smoked cedar aromas which take center stage and confuse your mind that you'll be drinking a much more expensive Pinot. The dry palate follows with a good expression of red fruit, smoky oak, spiciness and a lingering tartness. The watery, tart texture completes the experience at a very appropriate price. Drink 2011-2013
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2010 Rosé - 87pts

La Frenz Winery 2010 Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 12.7%
Date Tasted: July 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: A vein of sweetness compliments the subtle and soft nose of strawberry and marichino cherry aromas. With a kiss of sweetness on the palate, the wine handles the balance of acid and tannin effortlessly with a good expression of red fruit and a hint of savoury chracters to add complexity. A great pairing for spicy BBQ meats with a ligering tartness and full-ish mouth-feel. Enjoy this wine in its youth to preserve its freshness. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca