Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $55
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2011
Re-Tasted: May 27th, 2016
Tasting Notes: I love this wine for its uniqueness in the world of cookie-cutter big reds. The first vintage (2007) had Petit Verdot as the leading grape in the blend... yeah, Petit Verdot! None of the corporate wineries would ever try that. (And to be fair, I doubt proprietor John Skinner would ever again either... the bane of originality.) These bold risks have mostly all paid off delivering a unique blend from a picture perfect vineyard offering honest vintage variation.
The 2009 is a harmonious blend of 30% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot and 1% Syrah delivering massive complexity and concentration that never overloads the dry palate rather evolves slowly in the glass to reveal layers of the flavour profile. The wine is impressively approachable now but I still recommend a further 6 months or longer of cellaring prior to opening. Drink mid-2012-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca
Re-Tasting Notes: At seven years of age, the 2009 Red Icon is tasting beautifully and appears to be still a couple of years away from peaking, challenging my original drinking window. Tannins have mellowed, turning ultra creamy and the nose is now a fully integrated bouquet - feminine, sensual and mysterious. Finish is long and supple. Drink now-2020
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca