Laughing Stock Vineyards 2009 Portfolio - 91-93pts

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2009 Portfolio (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Private and VQA stores
Cost: $42
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 1990 cases
Date Tasted: October 28th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A stellar example of a Bordeaux inspired Okanagan blend that boasts a dense nose of blackberry and cassis fruit, anise and clove spices followed by an exquisite, powerful, full-bodied palate of similar flavours with added savoury elements of coffee grinds, toasted oak and fresh tobacco leaf.

The final blend of 36% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 14% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot was aged in French oak (60% new) for 19 months prior to bottling resulting in a structured wine with big, coarse tannins and loads of character. The raw youthfulness is begging for another year of bottle aging and should integrate sublimely creating a gorgeous, complex and rounded wine. Pair with a great cut of fatty beef slightly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. Drink late-2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

M. Chapoutier 2009 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut - 89pts

M. Chapoutier 2009 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut (Côtes-du-Roussillon Villages) Languedoc-Roussillon - France

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: October 27th, 2011

Tasting Notes: An easy-drinking, soft-tannin blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan that scores well for its harmony, approachable fruit-forward appeal and long, balanced finish of wild berry and rustic earth notes. A feminine wine that boasts of the hot Mediterranean coastal region terroir from where it originated. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir - 90pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: To be released in the Spring of 2012. Contact winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 48 cases
Date Tasted: November 12th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Robust, concentrated and refreshing. The 2009 vintage of the Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir yielded just 48 cases but every bottle packs a punch. The nose is fresh and very ripe with aromas of cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice, fennel, cedar, cooking spice and minerality. The dry palate offers great continuity with a similar flavour profile livened-up by mouth-watering acidity and medium tannins. The finish is long with lingering white pepper spice. The winery is wise to delay the release to allow more time in bottle to mellow and meld. Drink late-2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir - 89pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 168 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The style of the 2010 Mclean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir reflects the vintage truthfully: lean, mean and very flavourful. Strong minerality and plenty of acid makes your mouth stand-up and take notice, en guard even, but then the intense red fruit flavours arrive and calm the precedings through to the long, refreshing finish with lingering tartness.

Perhaps not the classic profile of the 2008 or the ripe intensity of the 2009, but this honest wine makes the most of a difficult growing season (saved by a late Indian Summer) and does what all good Pinot should - speaks of its terroir admirably.

Given time, the nose opens up beautifully in the glass. At first the developing bouquet is tense and timid, but with proper decanting and patience it evolves to reveal a lovely array of sweet cherry and plum aromas. However, I would still recommend cellaring this youthful wine another 6-9 months before opening. Drink mid-2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2009 Cabernet Franc - 90pts

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

Availability: Not yet released. Contact winery here
Cost: TBA
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: October 23rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: A first for Cassini Cellars, we hope this single varietal Cabernet Franc becomes a regular of the winery's portfolio. The nose is soft with subtle aromas of dark berry fruit and Christmas cake. The dry, medium-plus bodied palate is where the intensity picks up (and when your heart will swoon) with a veritable spice rack of complex savoury and spicy notes complimenting the blackberry, currant and vanilla fruit flavours. Oak treatment has helped structure the wine with firm tannins adding depth and longevity. The finish is long and very satisfying with lingering cinnamon stick characters. Another 6 months of bottle time will do this wine wonders. Drink mid-2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2009 Nota Bene - 92+pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2009 Nota Bene (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Some VQA and private wine shops have it in stock
Cost: $53-60
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 3300 cases
Date Tasted: October 21st, 2011

Tasting Notes: The estate vineyard that produces the Nota Bene seems to have soaked up every heat unit and ray of sunshine the sun served up during the hot Indian Summer of 2009. The fruit characters on the gorgeous nose and juicy, sublime palate are the ripest since the 2003 vintage - the year of the devastating forest fires that hit Kelowna. Higher extraction and more modern vinification techniques have upped the concentration and increased the potential cellar life for this highly collected blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc.

Originally tasted as a barrel sample in October 2010 (as part of a 10 year vertical tasting) this true BC icon has evolved nicely over the past year in bottle and still has a ways to go yet before being completely user friendly. Look to open yours in mid-2012 to avoid a balance skewed towards the bold yet smooth tannins. Drink mid-2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2008 Oldfield Series Syrah - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2008 Oldfield Series Syrah (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.99
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Medium-plus bodied Syrah with a healthy dose of spice and dark cherry characters both on the pleasantly layered nose and dry, complex palate. The high concentration and refined presentation masks the 15% alcohol, for the most part, providing a wave of sensual stimuli for your mouth to sort through with both fruity and savoury characters aplenty. Ready to be enjoyed now and will hold for many years due to the integrated tannins and mouth watering acidity. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2009 Syrah - 88pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2009 Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 1200 cases
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A well made, cool climate Syrah from young Black Sage Bench vines chalk full of dark cherry, cola, black pepper, charcuterie and mineral aromas and flavours. Aided greatly by its oak treatment of 15 months in barrel (30% American and 70% French) to help add depth and texture. Tannins are a bit restrained allowing the tangy, cranberry acidity to dominate the moderate finish. Your last impression is lingering pepper spice, as all good Syrah should provide.

Shows good promise as a vineyard sight for future vintages of the Rhone varietal. Ready to go now and should hold for a few more years with proper cellaring, however, further development may be minimal. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $27.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 135 cases
Date Tasted: October 18th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The nose of the Stag's Hollow Cabernet Franc is both subtle and powerful. The power comes from intense concentration of dark berries and French oak aromas accompanied by layers of pleasant, subtle notes of flowers, fresh tobacco and a touch of light chorizo sausage. The equally intense palate begins with juicy, ripe berry flavours followed closely by savoury oak, minerality, dried herbs and potpourri incense characters. The balance is spot on with good acidity and a long finish with lingering Cab Franc funk and a plash of spice. Drink early-2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 SHV Pinot Noir - 87+pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 SHV Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: October 14th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Cherry and plum greet you on the lovely nose of this well presented Pinot Noir from the Stag's Hollow home vineyard in Okanagan Falls. The fruit aromas are accompanied by savoury, earthy notes of mushrooms, forest floor and smoke creating a developing bouquet that deserves time to evolve in the glass before drinking.

On the palate the acid and tangy rhubarb characters tend to overshadow the complexity of ripe red fruit, scorched earth and savoury oak flavours hidden below. At first sip you may not appreciate the depth on offer. Careful attention is worth the investment otherwise one would be better off with the dinner party guest's best friend: Stag's Hollow 2010 Simply Noir.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Monthly Picks: October 2011

October is the month of Halloween but it is difficult to find any inspiration from this candy-industry-fueled holiday for a Monthly Picks theme. The only things related to wine that are truly scary are corked wines and an empty glass. All of the following selections were sealed with a Stelvin enclosure to avoid any such fright, but if you pick one up you'll be sure of an empty glass.

Intrigue Wines 2010 "10" - $16
A blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Muscat Caneli that serves to intrigue your senses like a clever collage with the varietals each adding an element to the final product rather than a seamless, integrated presentation.
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Cassini Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc - $19
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.
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Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc - $20
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.
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Bartier-Scholefield 2010 White Table Wine - $22
A blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with impressive balance and concentration for a wine produced with minimal intervention in mind. If you were to make a "serious" wine out of Honest John's White from Road 13 Vineyards this would be the wine.
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Nobilo 2008 Icon Sauvignon Blanc - $23
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.
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SpierHead Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc - 89pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 71 cases
Date Tasted: September 23rd, 2011

Tasting Notes: The developing house style for its red wines from this East Kelowna based winery is a focus on smooth, rounded, fruit-forward and utterly quaff-able releases worthy of appreciation and attention during early consumption. They are not bone dry, nor are they loaded with natural or artificially enhanced tannins for extended cellaring. They also tend to keep the alcohol level down, even during a hot vintage like 2009, thus the creamy body is due to the intense, lush fruit more so than the effect of glycerol on one's palate from excessive residual alcohol.

This Cabernet Franc, produced from fruit sourced from a Black Sage Bench vineyard in the southern Okanagan Valley, follows the house model to a tee. The delicate nose will entice you with ample potpourri and crushed fresh flower aromas followed by a full-ish, buttery palate of dark and red berry flavours with enough of an acid kick to keep the mouth feel fresh, vibrant and not overly creamy. The finish is long and complex with some lingering spice and fruit puree. Ready to be enjoyed now. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2010 Simply Noir - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2010 Simply Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 424 cases
Date Tasted: October th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2010 edition of Stag's Hollow's Simply Noir arrives as advertised delivering an easy-drinking, quality red wine at a good price ($19.99) that requires little to no contemplation to understand and enjoy. But, what's the fun in that? Lets delve a little deeper...

A unique blend of 38% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 30% Pinot Noir with the Merlot providing dark berry flavours and tannin structure, the Cab Franc providing flashy, aromatic character and the Pinot Noir rounding-out and lightening the palate creating a softer entry and contributing welcomed spice.

I found the 2010 more intriguing than the 2008 version with the switch to Cabernet Franc from Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Sealed with a synthetic cork, but the fresh nature of the blend screams for a Stelvin cap. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2010 GVM - 90+pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $27.90
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 94 cases
Date Tasted: October 12th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Why pay a bit more for an exotic blend than a familiar, go-to single varietal wine? Well, for an experiment, I suggest tasting the new Stag's Hollow 2010 GVM (a blend of 66% Grenache Blanc, 23% Viognier and 11% Marsanne) side-by-side with Stag's Hollow's own single varietal 2010 Viognier (reviewed separately here). Both are excellent wines that have seen time in oak and boast a lovely, delicate nose and a vibrant, yet lush palate. So, what's the difference? Well, other than the extended flavour profile that comes from the addition of Grenache and Marsanne grapes, the difference is the ultra-slick harmony that develops when one balances the appropriate amount of complimentary varietals together resulting in a wine that, when blended, is greater than its individual parts.

With its exotic character, refined palate and long, long finish, the GVM is certainly greater than its parts and should be sought out by BC wine lovers who can see past the lack of a universally adopted varietal identity and who specifically appreciate the relative freedom afforded the winemakers in our New World wine region.

This beauty should evolve over time if cellared carefully. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2008 Oldfield Series Merlot - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2008 Oldfield Series Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. BCLDB stores
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: September 19th, 2011

Tasting Notes: He wants "a smooth, easy-drinking Merlot with decent complexity". She wants "something big with lots of character". Fictionalized wine-review-couple, may I introduce to you, Marriage Councelor Merlot by Tinhorn Creek.
The Oldfield Series Merlot is the reserve tier of the merry-berry varietal which successfully, and with the utmost dignaty, manages to satisfy everyone. Big tannins, due to a prolonged jam session in oak, blend nicely with juicy, ripe mixed berry flavours and sultry, savoury notes of spice and smoke. As Tinhorn Creek has done the bottle aging for you, this wine is ready to go now, yet, will keep for another 4-5 years with propper storage if you want to wait.. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2008 Oldfield Series 2Bench Red - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2008 Oldfield Series 2Bench Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.99
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: September 27th, 2011

Tasting Notes: May not be the Master of Balance that was the 2007 edition, but the 2008 still delivers the Meritage characters you know and love: concentrated dark fruit and smoky oak notes with enough tannins to make your mouth stand-up and take notice but not feel the need to salute. A Chaz Bono-like transition from feminine to masculine best describes the vintage variation from 2007 to 2008 (minus the social commentary, of course). Cool minerality permeates the divine, aromatic nose and bone-dry palate.

A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc delivering a potpourri of savoury and fruit elements, wrapped-up in a mouth-watering, sweet spice and sandpaper sprinkled texture. Sealed with a Stelvin cap to lock-in the fruit and freshness, therefore, may not develop much despite the appropriate levels of tannin and acid. Drink 2011-2015.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca