JoieFarm 2009 PTG - 89pts

JoieFarm 2009 PTG (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Private and VQA wine shops
Cost: $26.90 (direct)
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 980 cases
Date Tasted: September 25th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A blend of 63% Pinot Noir and 37% Gamay sourced from multiple Naramata Bench vineyards produced with traditional Burgundian methods including regional oak barrel selection and small lot fermentation. Classic Pinot barnyard/austerity meets familiar Gamay fruity/spice - a unique wine for BC consumers who likely have rarely tasted an authentic "Passetoutgrain" from France for which this wine is in homage. The 2009 version delivers a sharper presentation on the nose and palate than in previous years (2008) resulting in a brighter, crisper and thinner wine more appropriate for food accompaniment than for solo consumption and lengthy contemplation. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2009 Merlot - 89pts

SpierHead Winery 2009 Merlot (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.90
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 151 cases
Date Tasted: September 23rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: A touch of sage brush greets you on the nose of this delicious, smooth and decently complex Merlot. A mix of savoury, earthy and oak notes blend nicely with ripe blackberry, raspberry seed an mint aromas on the nose. The dry palate enjoys body from just a hint of residual sugar and lush mixed berry fruit flavours creating a lovely weight in your mouth. Good acidity cleans up any lingering loose ends into a moderate, well balanced finish. Round with an underlying tannin bite - may develop over time with proper cellaring. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon - 88pts

SpierHead Winery 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $32.90
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 210 cases
Date Tasted: September 23rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: SpierHead Winery is based in Kelowna, BC and produces white wines from their estate grown fruit, but for their reds they source from a vineyard on Black Sage Road in the southern Okanagan Valley. Juicy cassis fruit dominates the nose of this well made Cabernet Sauvignon with vanilla and oak notes supporting. The dry palate benefits from the hot 2009 vintage with good ripeness of fruit and tannins. Produced in an easy-going, fruit forward, smooth style with added complexity from 18 months on French oak and lots of mineral elements. Finish is a bit short, but the balance is there with blue fruit characters, oak and acid evenly matched. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Chateau de Fonbel 2006 Grand Cru - 88+pts

Chateau de Fonbel 2006 Grand Cru (Saint-Emilion) Bordeaux - France

Availability: BCLDB stores, private wine shops
Cost: $28-35
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: September 17th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Produced by Chateau Ausone's Alain Vauthier, this Right-Bank, Merlot dominant blend (with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Carmenere) offers savoury, elemental characters of graphite, oak, smoke and earthy minerality with a backbone of dark berry fruit. Concentrated with good weight and length, strong acidity and medium-plus, rounding tannins. To make the most of this complex, charming wine, be patient and allow it to develope fully in your cellar for another year to allow the wine to mellow and it's tannins to integrate fully. Drink late-2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2009 Reserve Chardonnay - 91+pts

JoieFarm 2009 Reserve Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Private and VQA wine shops
Cost: $29.90 (direct)
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 502 cases
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2010

Tasting Notes: The perfect white wine to ease you into Autumn with an excellent balance of creamy, MLF notes and ripe orchard fruit. A gorgeous nose of candied pears, cold butter and river rocks is presented subtly followed by increased intensity on the dry palate with lush poached pear characters, slick minerality and some tropical fruit notes. Sits lovingly on your palate with evenly matched energetic acid and glycerol fullness. The long, long finish delights with both savoury oak and ripe pear fruit flavours and just a touch of lingering spice. Utterly charming now, but should age nicely if properly cared for. Drink 2011-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Chateau Mont Redon 2004 Chateauneuf-du-Pape - 92pts

Chateau Mont Redon 2004 Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Rhone Valley) France

Availability: Private wines shops
Cost: $45-50
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: September 8th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This is a massive WINE that has stood the test of TIME and is drinking super FINE! Concentration galore with raspberry fruit, funky earthiness, leather, tobacco and cooking spice characters on the sublime, developed nose and palate. Body and acid reminds one of the texture and weight of a tart Pinot Noir, but the flavour profile screams Southern Rhone. Still has many years left of cellaring before the breaking point. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: September 17th, 2011

Tasting Notes: "Early adopters" (of anything) live the dichotomy of success and struggle. Tinhorn Creek was certainly one of the first Okanagan wineries to embrace Cabernet Franc as anything beyond simply a blending partner for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It's been a struggle at times to market over the years, I'm sure, as the name recognition and unique characters of the grape are not as widely known to the average consumer. I hope that changes with the release of this over-achieving 2009 version.

Perhaps it was the hotter than average vintage, or the fact the vines are now over 15+ years old, or the tried and tested winemaking techniques of Sandra Oldfield (or all of the above?). Whatever the case, Tinhorn have a real winner on their hands with this one. And it's only $20!

Lovers of Franc Funk need not disparage. Yes, with the 2009 vintage much of that in-your-face-stinky-cheese-funk is gone, but it is replaced by a heart-warming, decently-complex and sultry plum-floral-cedar-cocoa-cigar nose that, actually, offers better typicity for the varietal. The fruit and tannins are ripe, the acidity resets your palate and the finish is moderate plus - the makings of a very good wine that will make every critic's "best value" list at the end of the year. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2009 Merlot - 87+pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2009 Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and BCLDB stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: September 17th, 2010

Tasting Notes: The bread and butter of the Golden Mile Bench producer is well-made, crowd-pleasing, food-friendly white and red varietal wines that show good typicity for the grape. The 2009 Merlot fits this model to a tee with an extra dose of vintage-specificity. The hot, intense summer of 2009 cooked the red grapes nicely upping the concentration on the nose, palate and in the colour. This inky-ruby hued wine has plenty of delicious, ripe dark fruit matched with thick, savoury dark chocolate, spice and oak characters. A near perfect pairing for Lindt's Dark Chocolate with Chili bar.

Acidity and tannin levels seem higher than previous vintages adding a bit of extra umph to the finished wine and some extra longevity for those of you buying by the case.  Enjoy this wine in its youth or with moderate aging. Drink now-2014.
 -  Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hidden Bench Vineyards and Winery 2008 Felseck Vineyard Riesling - 88+pts

Hidden Bench Vineyards and Winery 2008 Felseck Vineyard Riesling (Beamsville Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery and LCBO stores
Cost: $32
Alcohol: 10.8%
Date Tasted: September 16th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A doppelganger for top-end German Riesling with a focus on citrus fruit, fresh acidity and masculine minerality. Concentration on the nose and palate comes by way of intense, tart, green apple, honeycomb and citrus fruit characters grounded by slate, steel and pumice, minerality.  Drink now-2016.
 -  Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Black Cloud 2008 Altostratus Pinot Noir - 90pts

Black Cloud 2008 Altostratus Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $28-35
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: September 16th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Produced by current Township 7 winemaker Bradley Cooper, the "Altostratus", the high-end wine of a duo of Pinots produced by his micro-label side project, can take its place among the top Pinot Noirs of the valley. The gorgeous nose shows excellent typicity for a top BC Pinot combining ripe, red berry fruit aromas with savoury forest floor, oak, vanilla, potpourri and spice notes. Welcomed continuity flows to the dry palate with both juicy, red fruit and earthy characters and mild, integrated tannins. Finish is a tad short for this price-point but is very well-balanced while it lasts offering some lingering spice and tartness. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Saint Cosme 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape - 91+pts

Saint Cosme 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Rhone Valley) France

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $63.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: September 8th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Far from a fruit forward Chateauneuf-du-Pape with ripe cherry aromas and flavours playing second fiddle to the barnyard, cinnamon, cardamom, earth, smoke and oak characters on the nose and palate. This blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault needs more time to blossom and come into optimum balance with bright acidity overshadowing the moderate tannins. Drink mid-2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir - 88pts

Cassini Cellars 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 115 cases
Date Tasted: September 15th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Cherry cola candy, plum, pomegranate, vanilla, sweet smoke and oak aromas await you on the nose of this lightly ruby-brick hued Pinot Noir from Cassini Cellars. The dry palate packs a tart punch on the entry but evolves into a more refined presentation of silky smooth tannins supporting raspberry, cherry, spice and oak flavours. A light-in-the-mouth weight and fluid texture is followed by a long, tart finish with lingering oak spice. A fried gnocchi duck confit salad would pair perfectly. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Storks' Tower 2007 Tempranillo-Shiraz - 85pts

Storks' Tower 2007 Tempranillo-Shiraz (Castilla y León) Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $12-14
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 30th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A nice combination of earthy, rustic, cured meat, pepper and dark cherry aromas and flavours makes this wine deceptively complex for the price. The palate lacks refinement but round-ish tannins and tart acidity help create an interesting and fairly balanced experience. Moderate-minus finish ends a bit too short, however, if out shopping for a good bargain wine for diner, this one is well worth a try. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2009 Malbec - 88pts

Cassini Cellars 2009 Malbec (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 85 cases
Date Tasted: September 6th, 2011

Tasting Notes: An intense, dense nose of mixed berry fruit, violet and cherry-cola aromas with subtle oak and game notes precedes a lush, equally intense, fluid palate with similar flavours and additional cigar box, spice and French vanilla characters. Generous complexity leads to repeated appreciation of the developing bouquet which would benefit from another year of bottle aging to mellow and mature. Smooth, integrated tannins are a touch green and won't "ripen" over time, but don't distract from the enjoyment. Lively acid and light mineral notes create a cool and refreshing mouth feel. Pair with chili pepper infused dark chocolate or dry-rub BBQ ribs. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2010 Chardonnay - 86pts

Cassini Cellars 2010 Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 400 cases
Date Tasted: September 7th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The most unexpected, charming quality of this unpretentious Chardonnay is the length of the experience. For an easy-going and food-focused wine, the finish is impressively long. This feat is derived from the excellent concentration and the well balanced assemblage of ripe orchard fruit sweetness and tropical fruit acidity - think a cocktail of pineapple, peach and granny smith apple fruit juice. The mouth feel is fairly lush and full for a Chardonnay that only sees a kiss of oak (just 6 weeks in new French oak barrels). The oak succeeds in adding a nice undertone of spice and vanilla bean to the otherwise fruit forward presentation. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2009 Malbec - 89pts

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

Availability: Sold out at the winery (here). Search private wine shops like Marquis Wine Cellars
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 30th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A vein of red berry and cassis fruit sweetness runs through the sublime nose dominated by smoky, toasted oak and spicy vanilla aromas. Similar characters are found on the beautifully balanced palate of this excellent Malbec from La Frenz Winery. A tough grape to fully ripen, this release shows no signs of "greeness" with integrated, medium tannins, good acidity and a moderate finish with lingering spice. Enjoy this wine on its own or with roasted lamb. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 181 cases
Date Tasted: September 2nd, 2011

Tasting Notes: A Sauvignon Blanc hinting towards a New Zealand style with mouth-watering acidity, grassy character and crisp minerality. Where it breaks boldly from the Kiwi mold is the addition of lush tropical fruit to the flavour profile and a higher level of alcohol which creates extra texture and body. A hint of spice goes a long way to adding another level of complexity and more food pairing options like sweet and sour Thai dishes. Drink 2011-2012.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2010 Viognier - 88pts

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

Availability: Sold out at the winery (here). Search private wine shops like Marquis Wine Cellars
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: September 3rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: Appreciating the gorgeous nose of this Viognier from Naramata Bench producer La Frenz Winery needs to be stressed as all too often the bouquets of crisp white wines are overlooked. Fresh pineapple and green apple fruit aromas float serenely in the glass showcasing both their tart and sweet characters. Moving to the palate may shock you at first with bright, high-plus acidity, but the initial impression of a sharp balance is eased with rich tropical flavours and textures. Enjoy this wine on its own or with a rich seafood dish. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Thornhaven Estates Winery 2008 Pinot Noir - 86pts

Thornhaven Estates Winery 2008 Pinot Noir (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $18.90
Alcohol: 12.4%
Date Tasted: August 26th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Good alcohol level management keeps this cool climate, budget Pinot tasting fresh and fairly light-bodied with raspberry seed, savoury spice and oak flavours on tap. A welcomed alternative to the expensive, higher alcohol, flashy Pinots that are on offer from other BC wineries. That said, you won't find great elegance or complexity with this wine but rather, a focused, food-friendly offering excellent value for money. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2010 Viognier - 88pts

Cassini Cellars 2010 Viognier (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 425 cases
Date Tasted: September 2nd, 2011

Tasting Notes: If the dryness and high level of acidity were the whole story with this Viognier from Cassini Cellars, it would be undrinkable. Thankfully, there is a rich narrative to this wine that rounds out the dry palate with lush tropical and ripe orchard fruit characters that blend with the crisp acidity of the cool 2010 season nicely.

The concentration is great and the finish is long, as with most Cassini wines, leaving your mouth with plenty of evidence with which to ponder the lingering flavours. Enjoy this wine in its youth on its own or with your favourite seafood dish. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Errazuriz 2007 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Errazuriz 2007 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca Valley) - Chile

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $13.99 (375ml)
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: February 27th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Late Harvest wines offer an excellent and affordable alternative when the impressive funds needed to purchase icewines aren't available. Having been produced in Chile makes this excellent and highly concentrated, sweet Sauvignon Blanc from Errazuriz even more of a great value. The intense nose of apricot, lemon and honey is followed by and equally intense, watery-textured sweet palate of honeyed citrus flavours. Enjoy nearly all of the intensity of an icewine without the palate coating heaviness and at a fraction of the price. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2010 Red Carpet Pinot Noir - 85pts

Cassini Cellars 2010 Red Carpet Pinot Noir (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC


Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $18-20
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 1049 cases
Date Tasted: September 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: The "Red Carpet" Pinot Noir is Cassini Cellars' entry-level Pinot produced with minimal oak aging and with the casual meal or get together in mind. The wine delivers as advertised with typical red fruit and subtle forest floor aromas on the light nose and a medium-bodied presentation on the lightly tannic, red fruit palate. Sharp acidity forces the balance askew making the accompaniment of food a warranted necessity. A simple, yet quality wine that will pair with an assortment of roasted meats released at (or below) the $20 mark making it an ideal choice for informal parties when you don't know what will be served. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Montes 2009 Limited Selection Cabernet Carmenere - 87+pts

Montes 2009 Limited Selection Cabernet Carmenere (Apalta Vineyard) Colchagua Valley - Chile

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $18-19.50
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 28th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Despite a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Carmenere, it is the once-thought-to-be-eradicated 6th Bordeaux varietal Carmenere whose candied fruit and spice characters dominate the intense nose. A heavily extracted, yet watery-textured presentation follows on the juicy palate with concentrated mixed-berry fruit flavours and mouth-watering acidity. Coarse, medium-plus tannins will keep this wine "cooking" in your cellar for some further development but it may not be worth the patience needed. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Bartier-Scholefield 2010 Rosé Table Wine - 87pts

Bartier-Scholefield 2010 Rosé Table Wine (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 792 cases
Date Tasted: August 31st, 2011

Tasting Notes: The "When Michael Met David" themed press kit that accompanied this crisp and fruity rosé reads like the rejected first draft of "When Harry Met Sally" where everyone gets along immediately with a mutual respect for one another and a similar outlook on life - no conflict to speak of. But, what doesn't work for an Odd Couple styled narrative, does work for designing, producing and releasing a tasty wine. The "Michael" being former Road 13 Vineyards winemaker Michael Bartier and the "David" being former head BCLDB wine buyer David Scholefield who both have spent time as consultants post their previously held name-making positions.

The result of this partnership is a 100% Gamay, bone-dry rosé that may not appeal to fans of BC blush the likes of JoieFarm's flagship pink. However, the concentration achieved on the palate is so great and cheerful, that despite the dryness, one is left with a loving embrace of freshly baked cherry-goodness and rhubarb-tang. The texture and balance are spot-on with a touch of tannin from the Gamay skins and mouth-watering acidity. As rosé wines have a tendency to age poorly, we suggest a purchase'n'pour application with this release. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Monthly Picks: September 2011

Big House Wines 2009 White - $13
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.
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Cassini Cellars 2010 Mamma Mia Pinot Gris - $19
Residual acid keeps the sweetness in check leaving your palate refreshed for the next mouthful. The finish seems to go on and on and stays balanced with just a touch of lingering spice.
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Red Rooster Winery 2008 Reserve Meritage - $23
Recently awarded a Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Excellence, this Cabernet Franc leading blend offers an intense, tangy nose of dark berries, dark cherry, stinky cheese, licorice, anise and toasted oak aromas.
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Chateau Bellevue La Randee 2009 Grand Vin - $25
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.
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Fairview Cellars 2009 Merlot - $25
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.
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Eroica 2009 Riesling - $20-30
Produced from Columbia Valley fruit, the Eroica Riesling is a joint venture between Washington State's Chateau Ste Michelle and Germany's Dr. Loosen. The collaboration produces a spectacular Riesling year-in, year-out which seems to celebrate vintage variation rather than try to overcome it.
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Chateau Giscours 2005 Grand Vin - $70-90
The superb, well rounded 2005 vintage sees 60% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 32% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot yielding a wine with rounded tannins, a chalky texture and a long, balanced finish.
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