River Stone Estate Winery 2009 Corner Stone - 89-91pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2009 Corner Stone (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $28.50
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 349 cases
Date Tasted: April 29th, 2012

Tasting Notes: An intense and robust blend of 49% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc that offers both ripe, mixed berry fruit and savoury, spicy licorice notes on the refreshing nose and bright palate. Still quite youthful, this well-balanced blend has all the qualities one desires in an age-worthy wine: strong yet fine tannins, mouth-watering but not sharp acidity and enough complexity to suggest further evolution. Drink late-2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

On a side note: The winery makes a lovely Cabernet Franc and a unique Merlot as well which suggests that a Right Bank, Cheval Blanc-type of blend may be very successful for the Black Sage Bench firm.

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Malbec Rosé - 88pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Malbec Rosé (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 138 cases
Date Tasted: April 27th, 2012

Tasting Notes: If you like your rosé a bit fuller on the palate and with a unique flavour profile, than this is the one for you. Made from 100% Malbec grown on the Black Sage Bench, this bright, medium ruby coloured wine offers cran-apple, strawberry, pomegranate seeds and a faint hint of brine on the nose. The dry, juicy palate follows with similar red fruit flavours with an added layer of blueberry and grapefruit. Light tannins and red currant acidity linger on the finish, exciting the senses in anticipation of more or as a good prelude to food. All rosé should be food-friendly, but some, like this unique Malbec release, are more so than others. Drink 2012-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Pinot Gris - 87pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Pinot Gris (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 284 cases
Date Tasted: April 25th, 2012

Tasting Notes: If served too chilled the nose will remain a tightly woven weave of apricot and green apple skin aromas. When allowed to warm up a bit, the nose will blossom and reveal more layers of orchard fruit and mineral notes. The dry palate has a thin, watery texture, yet does deliver wanted richness and concentration of fruit - good continuity from the nose with added peach pit and sour crab apple flavours. This is a great Pinot Gris to accompany a turkey feast or a baked brie cheese wedge with fresh rosemary. Drink 2012-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Cabernet Franc - 90pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.90
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 120 cases
Date Tasted: April 23rd, 2012

Tasting Notes: The winemaking team at River Stone Estate Winery certainly prove with the release of this tasty Cabernet Franc that they are adept at producing a rich and complex dry red wine with lower alcohol. Remarkably different from the sweetish 2009 release at 14.5%, the 2010 delivers a lovely, aromatic and spicy nose of berry fruits, violets, spice box, warm rocks and light oak aromas. Followed by an Old World-leaning, masculine palate rich with mineral and dark berry flavours supported by fine, round tannins. Good acidity balances the mouth feel and completes the mouth-watering finish which lingers with peppy cardamon and coffee grind notes. Tasting beautifully now yet will benefit from another 6 months in bottle. Drink late-2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Merlot - 88+pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 133 cases
Date Tasted: April 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: This Merlot, from the northern end of the Black Sage Bench, is the absolute perfect wine to pair with dark chocolate. 65% cocoa and up will showcase the nice blend of savoury spice and sweet blackberry fruit on offer. The tannins are tad rough but tend to enhance the rustic, terroir-driven character of this wine. Some vegetal notes are present on the dry palate, but the fruit is ripe and expressive. Good concentration, good balance, mouth-watering acid and a uniquely spicy presentation all for just under $20!

With another 6 months in the bottle this wine should really come into its own. Drink Fall 2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Gewurztraminer (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: April 19th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The 2011 vintage of the Tinhorn Creek Gewurztraminer is about as acidic as you can get with the Alsatian grape without losing any varietal identity. Blessed with natural fullness and a creamy mouth feel, this release succeeds by reigning in the body with vibrant, mouth watering, citrus acidity that structures the Asian pear, apple and lychee fruit characters beautifully. The finish is long and well balanced with lingering tartness and a touch of spice - everything you want from the grape whose translation literally means the spicy grape. Enjoy this wine, as you would most Gewurztraminer, in its youth. Drink 2012-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2009 The Maitre D - 88pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 The Maitre D (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $35.99
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: Classic Aussie Cab aromas of eucalyptus, menthol and ripe cassis fruit on the expressive, sweet'n'sour nose. Good continuity brings the aromas through to the dry palate that impresses with moderate weight and an even balance of concentrated dark fruit flavours and bright acidity. Finish is a bit short for the price point, but a good showing overall. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2010 The Boxer - 90pts

Mollydooker Wines 2010 The Boxer (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $36.99
Alcohol: 16%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is a big, in-your-face Aussie Shiraz that manages to tread the perilous fence between overdone and subdued power leaning slightly towards the side of subdued. Ultra ripe dark fruit and pepper spice aromas are carried through to the massive palate with licorice and mocha flavours adding complexity. Pair with tangy BBQ steaks but leave time to quaff the gorgeous, warm nose. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Pinot Gris (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Released on May 1st. Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: April th, 2012

Tasting Notes: At first blush the muted nose of apple sauce, roasted lemon and pear aromas underwhelms until you take a sip of this delicious Pinot Gris: it's all about the palate. Despite the lower alcohol than in recent years (13.9% in both 2010 and 2009) the 2011 release is fuller with a creamier texture on the dry palate. A touch of residual sugar adds some weight, but the richness seems to come from the concentrated and flavourful fruit. Succulent orchard fruits and masculine mineral flavours mingle effortlessly culminating in a well balanced, long finish with lingering lemon and subtle, green apple notes. Enjoy this wine over the next few years with citrus flavoured fish dishes or a California salad. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 Rosé - 89pts

JoieFarm 2011 Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $20.90
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 2026 cases, 340 magnums
Date Tasted: April 13th, 2012

Tasting Notes: With the colour of watermelon Jolly Rancher candy, the JoieFarm rosé is unmistakable. The final blend for the 2011 vintage changes fairly dramatically with Gamay at 41% taking the lead followed by Pinot Noir at 38%, Pinot Meunier at 11% and 10% of Pinot Gris. Yet, the end result remains impressively consistent with the house style - we're talking Champagne-like consistency here.

This rosé starts juicy, almost sweet in its concentration then reveals layers of flavours that are finished with lingering tartness. A true beginning, middle and end. Delicate notes of sweet and tangy strawberry and aromatic rose petals precedes expressive strawberry seed, cranberry, mineral and lime rind flavours on the (very) nearly dry palate. The texture and body is fuller and more complete than most other BC rosé wines.  The food pairing options, especially with this dryer vintage, seem endless. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Oldfield Series 2Bench Rosé - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Oldfield Series 2Bench Rosé (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Released May 1st. Direct from winery here
Cost: $23
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: April 12th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The 2011 version of this fantastic light salmon coloured rosé from Tinhorn Creek builds on the fruit and aromatic success of the 2010 vintage with extra attention paid to mineral aromas and flavours adding both depth and intrigue. There is a sense of place with this rosé and that is welcomed and rewarding.

The balance is spot on with refreshing cranberry characters mingling with sweet strawberry fruit beneath a weave of stainless steel and river stone flavours. Soft tannins linger on the tangy, long finish.

Pairs well with nearly anything but a magical match is found with the savoury Spanish tapas and charcuterie platers available at Tinhorn Creek's onsite restaurant Miradoro. If Tinhorn is on your Spring of Summer wine tour agenda make sure to leave time for a visit to Miradoro and soak in the gorgeous view. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2011 Syrah Rosé - 89pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2011 Syrah Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 220 cases
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The cheerfully sublime nose of this rosé from Okanagan Falls producer Stag's Hollow offers strawberry, rose petal and light rhubarb notes with the comforting aromas of Peek Freans' Fruit Cream cookies. How can you resist that?

The dry palate is very well balanced with the acid nicely off-setting the rich, textured red fruit and enhancing the mineral flavours. The blend of 91% Syrah, 5% Viognier and 4% Muscat adds complexity and supports flexible food pairing options.

There is no need or real benefit to saving this wine for future consumption. Enjoy it in its youth throughout the summer and into the fall (when you want to be reminded of summer). Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 A Noble Blend - 91pts

JoieFarm 2011 A Noble Blend (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 3467 cases, 486 magnums
Date Tasted: April 8th, 2012

Tasting Notes: For the second year in a row the blend for the JoieFarm flagship wine remains a Riesling-Gewurztraminer leading concoction of exotic fruit characters and well-balanced, refreshing acidity. The final blend is 38% Riesling, 33% Gewurztraminer, 14% Pinot Blanc, 11% Pinot Auxerrois and 4% Schoenberger, yet the key ingredient is the balance of acid to residual sugar that JoieFarm pulls-off consistently each year no matter which varieties are used or from where they are sourced. A winemaker's wine that, yes, starts with good fruit in the vineyard, but really comes together in the winery during assemblage. Enjoy this wine in its youth as it is drinking beautifully today. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2007 Old Vines Pinot Noir - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2007 Old Vines Pinot Noir (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO Vintages stores
Cost: $18.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1640 cases
Date Tasted: April 7th, 2012

Tasting Notes: At 5 years of age, the generous nose of this Old Vines Pinot Noir has developed a wide spectrum of earth and sweet red fruit aromas with spicy, toasted oak adding depth and warmth. The dry palate follows with mushroom and forest floor earthiness supported by cherry and tomato flavours leading to a long, balanced finish with lingering rhubarb and waxy notes. This is a very old world style presentation of Pinot Noir with a focus on food pairing and terroir characters. The label's suggested match is wild mushroom risotto and it would be hard to argue with that, but consider game in a fruity butter sauce as well to showcase the cherry flavours. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 Riesling - 91pts

JoieFarm 2011 Riesling (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 780 cases
Date Tasted: April 4th, 2012

Tasting Notes: If you like a bit of sweetness in your Riesling, but only when it is perfectly balanced with the appropriate level of crisp acid, than this is the Riesling you'll want to try this Summer. The 19.3 g/l of residual sugar may seem like a lot, and certainly this is an off-dry wine, but the balance of acid, with the help of austere mineral aromas and flavours, works so well that you would be hard pressed to remember that number when enjoying the juxtaposition of alternating tartness and sweetness sensations in your mouth and their aimless loitering on the long, satisfying finish.

The sugar helps add texture and fullness to the lemon/lime dominant palate. Some tropical fruit notes are also present adding complexity and enhancing the food pairing opportunities. However, the best match for this wine is a hot and sunny day that was filled with grueling yard work. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 Un-Oaked Chardonnay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2011 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 12.2%
Production: 1219 cases
Date Tasted: April 1st, 2012

Tasting Notes: Some folks like to drink their oaked Chardonnays closer to room temperature to let the nose express itself fully while they drink their un-oaked Chards straight from the cold fridge. This is an un-oaked Chard that should break this tradition: allowing the lovely nose of apple seed, cider and steel aromas to bloom in the glass. Not too warm, mind you, as the refreshing palate of similar flavours with more pronounced minerality and abundant acidity needs a bit of a chill to keep from going flabby.

The texture is less compelling than in recent years but the flavours are there and quite enjoyable. A good drink to be sure, but not quite as memorable as the 2010 or 2009 vintages. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 Muscat - 88pts

JoieFarm 2011 Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 11.1%
Production: 427 cases
Date Tasted: April 2nd, 2012

Tasting Notes: The 2011 edition of Joie's estate grown Muscat is a little more subdued than the expressive 2010, especially on the subtle nose, yet the natural delicate charm remains. 8.5 g/l of residual sugar is, metaphorically speaking, eaten-up by the tangy, but never sharp, acid - a very nice balance that adds body and a refreshing quality to the finish. The palate transmits the essence of biting into a nearly ripe peach - tangy sweetness with a touch of candied fruit and earthy spice. Kiwi and lime fruit flavours are also present. Enjoy this wine through the Spring and Summer with your favourite brunch or picnic fare. Drink now-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

On a side note: The wine's nickname, "The Pure Grape", is a reference to the variety's ability to actually taste, when fermented into the tangy alcohol beverage we all love, like the berries do on the vine. That's rarer than you might think.

Grandes Vinos y Viñedos 2009 Beso de Vino Selección - 87pts

Grandes Vinos y Viñedos 2009 Beso de Vino Selección (Cariñena) Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $12.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 29th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The Beso de Vino Selección is a blend of 85% Syrah and 15% Garnacha made in a fruit forward style with prune, blueberry, fig, rhubarb, licorice and warm rock characters on the nose and dry palate. Truly impressive complexit for the price-point.

Those of you who are put-off by the many Spanish offerings that are loaded with rustic, earthy flavours and a rough mouth feel should find the Beso de Vino wines to your liking as there is a pleasant, juiciness to this wine that makes it very approachable and should appeal to a wide audience. Not a wine for the cellar; enjoy it young and with food - sweet and spicy BBQ ribs. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 Pinot Blanc - 92pts

JoieFarm 2011 Pinot Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: April 1st, 2012

Tasting Notes: A fun, light brass colour greets you with this amazing Pinot Blanc from JoieFarm, an indication that you are in for something different, something memorable. The nose is gorgeous, feminine and round with rich orchard fruit and canned peach aromas. The texture is lush and creamy and sits in your mouth like a delicious tropical fruit tart dessert. The finish is very long, balanced and concentrated with lingering spicy apple sauce flavours. Absolutely the hallmark of an exceptional wine.

This Pinot Blanc is rich and sourced from mature vineyards in Kelowna and from the Naramata Bench, thus, the potential is there to develop further over the next few years, but why wait as it is tasting beautifully now. Drink 2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 St. David's Bench Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc - 86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 St. David's Bench Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 1772 cases
Date Tasted: March 30th, 2012

Tasting Notes: This Sauvignon Blanc from Chateau Des Charmes is presented in a clean, crisp, New Zealand style which promotes the inherent fruit characters above any resulting from winemaking decisions. This wine sees no oak and only minimal intervention during vinification. The 2010 growing season was a particularly hot vintage where grapes received all the sun exposure needed to reach their optimum ripeness. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc bursting with citrus, green apple, hay and gooseberry aromas and flavours. The acid is high and a tad sharp, but when paired with a hot deck and fresh oysters, you'll be thankful it's there. The moderate finish lingers with cool minerality and tart, green apple flavours and just a hint of spice. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Efesté 2009 Jolie Bouche - 91-92pts

Efesté 2009 Jolie Bouche (Yakima Valley) Washington State

Availability: Limited
Cost: $39
Alcohol: 14.95%
Date Tasted: March 24th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Dark cherry and spicy plum aromas greet you on the rich nose of this single vineyard, Yakima Valley Syrah from Efesté. The rich fruit notes carry through to the full-bodied palate where a nice array of white pepper spice, vanilla and coffee grind flavours add complexity to the mix. 15 month in nicely toasted French oak (15% new) adds a further layer of depth and structure to the fine tannins of this excellent Syrah. The finish is well balanced and long. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca