JoieFarm 2010 Reserve Gewurztraminer - 90pts

JoieFarm 2010 Reserve Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $27.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 98 cases
Date Tasted: August 25th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Exquisite fruit, a gentle crush and a patient fermentation can only augment the inherent joyful expression of sweet, exotic fruit that Gewurztraminer yearns to project. Sourced from their ultra low-yielding home vineyard (1.25 tons per acre) on the Naramata Bench, this example of the Alsatian noble grape offers a pleasant nose of lychee, papaya, clove and orange blossom aromas with light sugarcane notes. The full-bodied, off-dry palate has similar flavours with added pear and mineral characters. Unctuous, to be sure, but well-balanced by the acid.

With only 98 cases produced this is going to be a hard wine to get hold of unless you order direct as restaurants will likely snatch-up a large allotment due to its food pairing potential and uniqueness. Classic pairing is spicy Thai or other Asian fare. However, for something a bit different go for the traditional Alsatian pairing of Munster cheese; this lovely wine is worth the effort it may take to source this product.

I've personally lived through the disappointment of even Grand Cru Gewurztraminer aging poorly so I recommend drinking this wine in its youth. Drink 2012-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2010 Quattro - 89-90pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29 (est)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 608 cases
Date Tasted: August 22nd, 2012

Tasting Notes: The Quattro makes a nice companion piece to Cassini's Cabernet Sauvignon heavy Maximus blend; consider it a take on a Right Bank, Merlot leading blend with a splash of Syrah for added colour, spice and tannin. The final blend is 67% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 1% Syrah and offers ripe dark berry, vanilla spice and toasted oak characters on the nose and palate. There's a good push and pull between the fresh acid, the mannered tannins and the lively fruit flavours. Notes of minerals and garden vegetables add complexity and linger on the long finish. Has some aging and development possibilities but don't let that keep you from opening up a bottle today to pair with savoury, peppercorn infused steaks or other grilled meats. Drink late-2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Stoneboat Vineyards 2011 Faux Pas Rosé - 87pts

Stoneboat Vineyards 2011 Faux Pas Rosé (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18.90
Alcohol: 12.4%
Date Tasted: June 26th, 2012

Tasting Notes: To enhance the colour and concentration of the winery's Pinot Noir and Pinotage they use a standard practice of "bleeding" juice from the crush that sees only minimal contact with the red grape skins and the result is a lovely rosé with a light cranberry hue. A 50/50 Pinot Noir and Pinotage blend, this rosé boasts lively acid and fresh red fruit flavours with a tangy, refreshing texture and some lingering tannins on the finish. Drink 2012-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2009 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir - 91pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2009 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and BCLDB stores
Cost: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1030 cases
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is an intense and fairly full-bodied Pinot Noir with concentrated cherry and raspberry aromas on the pleasant, vibrant nose. The body and mouth feel is influenced by the high alcohol (14.5%) and light residual sugar (3.5 g/l) adding lots of texture to the fruit-forward, bright and completely satisfying, well-structured palate. Drink 2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Gray Monk Estate Winery 2009 Odyssey Meritage - 88pts

Gray Monk Estate Winery 2009 Odyssey Meritage (Lake Country) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and BC VQA stores
Cost: $34.99
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 779 cases
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Reserved aromas of dark fruit greets you on the nose of this Merlot-Cabernet blend from Gray Monk. The intense yet lean, dry palate follows with ripe berry fruit flavours and lots of herbal notes. Some toasted oak and mineral characters adds complexity but fans of big, lush Meritage wines with gripping tannins and a long life should look elsewhere. This is a wine to open now and enjoy its subtle nature. Drink 2012-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2009 Reserve Chardonnay - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2011.
Tasting Notes: A delightful, fully oaked Chardonnay from a concentrated, hot vintage that manages to remain fairly bright and fruity - not burdened with the chunky nature of lesser, over-oaked Chards. It's the near-perfect level of acid that keeps the chewy, ripe orchard fruit and popcorn MLF characters in check, keeping the viscosity fluid and the texture of the hint-of-cream variety. With good length and complexity this balanced wine is well worth a try. Pair with seafood risotto and serve only lightly chilled to allow the nose to bloom. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Re-tasted: August 16th, 2012 - 90pts
This Chardonnay is aging beautifully and has developed  new melon flavours and more pronounced pear notes. The texture's creaminess has increased, though still nicely balanced by the acid and light mineral flavours. Drinking window remains until 2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2010 Maximus - 88pts

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

Availability: Not yet released
Cost: $29 (est)
Alcohol: 14.6%
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Cassini has such an impression portfolio of wines it's hard to definitively call-out one as the winery's "flagship" release, but if I had to pick one it would be this tasty Meritage. This year's blend has 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc and takes on more of a herbal-bell pepper style than in the previous two vintages, likely due to the cooler 2010 growing season. The late harvest created lots of sugar in the grapes and thus the alcohol levels are similar to the hotter 2009 season, but some of the big reds are a bit low with their phenolic ripeness adding a touch of "green" characters in the wine.

In the case of the Maximus, with its food-loving flavour profile of cassis, dark cherry, boysenberry, green peppers, sage and scorched earth, the "greenness" can simply be appreciated as vintage variation since there is so much else on offer. A pleasantly complex wine with good acidity and structure; very youthful at the time of this tasting and likely a good 6+ months away from being ready. It won't take as long to mature as the 2009, though it doesn't have the same upside either. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2010 Shiraz - 89pts

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

Availability: Sold out at the winery here. Check private stores and restaurants
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: June 20th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Back after a year off the La Frenz portfolio due to severe winter damage in 2009 that wiped-out the vintage of the variety. Labeled as "Shiraz" in reference to proprietors Jeff and Niva Martin's Australian heritage, though produced in cool-climate, Northern Rhone style with intense black pepper and ripe cherry aromas and hearty, cured-meat notes.

The dry palate has good balance with a slight tart edge to the acidity. Leaner body than in previous years (2008) with mineral, white pepper, black cherry and light coffee grind flavours. Moderate tannins and a leaner profile suggests enjoying this BC expression of the Rhone Valley variety over the first 2-3 years. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2011 Sémillon - 88+pts

La Frenz Winery 2011 Sémillon (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: August 13th, 2012

Tasting Notes: You'll be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant and lively Sémillon produced in Canada than the medal collecting version from La Frenz - one of the winery's most consistent wines. Enhanced with 10% barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc, its traditional blending partner, to add an extra layer of complexity and citrus kick, this Sémillon has a mouth-watering combination of vibrant acidity and rich texture from tropical and ripe melon fruit. Grass and citrus notes likely come from the Sauvignon Blanc and the cool-climate vineyards contribute nice minerality. For the uninitiated, the La Frenz Sémillon is a great way to get familiarized with the honeydew infused variety.

Further development is possible, although, the synthetic cork may limit the drinking window to 3-4 years. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Intrigue Wines 2011 Focus Riesling - 89-90pts

Intrigue Wines 2011 Focus Riesling (Lake Country) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 69 cases
Date Tasted: August 9th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The Focus Riesling is clearly Intrigue's baby. Their standard, straight-forward, $17 Riesling is well-made and true to the vintage and varietal. The Focus, their top-tier Riesling, gets extra attention during harvest and fermentation, dialing the varietal expression "up to 11" - appropriate for the vintage, I suppose.

For only $3 dollars more, you get a much richer Riesling, both on the nose and palate, which results in a longer and more compelling drinking experience. The nose is subtle, but has depth with layers of pear, roasted lemon and lees. This is followed by an off-dry palate with measured acidity and a long, long, mouth-watering finish. Despite many of the specs (acid, alcohol and residual sugar) being virtually identical, the Focus Riesling is an altogether different and superior wine.

There's aging potential with this Riesling. If you can wait another 1-2 years you should be rewarded with some tropical notes added to the mix. Drink 2013-2017+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Intrigue Wines 2011 Riesling - 87pts

Intrigue Wines 2011 Riesling (Lake Country) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and BC VQA stores
Cost: $16.90
Alcohol: 12.1%
Production: 420 cases
Date Tasted: August 8th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A pleasant nose of lime rind, pear and light mineral aromas sitting comfortably in the glass followed by more prominent citrus and orchard fruit flavours on the vibrant palate. Produced in an off-dry style with 14g/l of residual sugar balanced beautifully by tangy, green apple acidity leaving a crisp and focused wine. Not challenging or overly complex, but well-made and true to the variety - all for just under $17! Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2012-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Intrigue Wines 2011 Gewurztraminer - 84pts

Intrigue Wines 2011 Gewurztraminer (Lake Country) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.90
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 210 cases
Date Tasted: July 31st, 2012

Tasting Notes: An off-dry, medium-plus bodied Gewurztraminer from Lake Country producer Intrigue which opens with a muted nose of violets, pink lady apples and canned sweet bamboo shoots. Good, citrus acidity and orchard fruit follows on the palate with lingering light spice and pink grapefruit tang but an out-of-place bitterness leaves your mouth a little confused. A pairing with spicy Asian food will help mask the aftertaste, but there are many similarly priced wines available in BC that won't require the restricted serving parameters. Drink 2012-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Intrigue Wines 2010 Merlot - 86+pts

Intrigue Wines 2010 Merlot (Lake Country) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: August 6th, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is a fairly easy-drinking Merlot that reminds me of a youthful Pinot Noir in some ways with mild tannins, medium body and lively acid on the fruit forward palate. Though, the nose is pure BC Merlot with loads of mixed berry fruit aromas and light sage brush notes.

A food friendly wine that would pair best with lean cuts of meat - nothing too fatty. Dark berries, light oak, coffee grinds and sour huckleberry flavours make for a refreshing palate with a touch of residual sugar adding some texture before finishing dry - and a tad sharp.

Despite the low tannins, I do believe this Merlot would benefit from another 6-9 months of bottle aging, taking its drinking window into 2013. Some of the sharp elements should meld a bit more and yeild a better drink. Drink 2013-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2011 Mamma Mia - 87pts

Cassini Cellars 2011 Mamma Mia (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 1520 cases
Date Tasted: August 5th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Nearly every Okanagan Valley winery makes a Pinot Gris these days making it a large section in your local VQA store. Cassini Cellars wanted their version to stand-out from the crowd on the shelves and have thus chosen to brand the wine as "Mamma Mia" rather than the standard Winery Name-Vintage-Pinot Gris label. The fun, playful name is true to the wine inside the bottle which is a fully off-dry and fruity example of the most planted white grape in the Okanagan Valley (now surpassing Chardonnay).

Produced in a stainless-steel, tropical fruit style with amples of exotic fruit cocktail aromas and flavours. Palate is sweet and full with plenty of texture coming from the concentrated fruit flavours and with a nice vein of acidity to keep the finish fresh and fairly crisp.

The wine does lack a regionality indicator focusing more on a lively expression of fruit than of a unique expression of terroir. But ultimately, it's a fun summer sipper for when the occassion or food pairing calls a for a touch of sugar. Drink 2012-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2011 Riesling - 88pts

SpierHead Winery 2011 Riesling (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $21.90
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 185 cases
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is a Riesling to be served chilled. Cold even. It's an expression of Riesling whose individual parts turn a tad flabby when warmed to room temperature but when consumed straight out of the fridge combine into a classic terroir expressing gem filled with orchard and citrus fruit, good minerality and excellent texture - especially considering the low alcohol. Acid level is not for the faint of heart, yet, serves its purpose - balancing the fruit and full-ish body - leaving the wine with a (mostly) dry finish. Drink 2012-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Maison Calvet 2010 Reserve- 85pts

Maison Calvet 2010 Reserve (Bordeaux) France

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 1st, 2012

Tasting Notes: A good entry-level red Bordeaux to explore how Old World blends form a medley of terroir and fruit characters at a bargain basement price.

Not as ripe or juicy as its 2009 predecessor, with more of an emphasis on savoury spice and oak influence, yet the red berry fruit is still front and center. Fuller and more tannic, which is often welcomed, but as an entry-level wine you don't want to wait too long for the tannins to soften. Drink 2012-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2010 Pinot Noir - 86pts

SpierHead Winery 2010 Pinot Noir (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 12.1%
Production: 534 cases
Date Tasted: July 28th, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is the first vintage of Pinot Noir from the winery's south east Kelowna vineyard which has yielded a pleasant, food-friendly and red fruit centric wine that has been appropriately priced. A shrewd move which allows the firm the opportunity to over-deliver on expectations for an $18 Pinot Noir - and they do.

Not a terribly complex wine, typical for youthful vines, yet nothing is out-of-place. Nice sweet cherry notes on the nose blend nicely with light French oak aromas and a hint of vanilla. The dry palate offers similar flavours and a nice vein of acidity. A touch of bitterness on the finish will be masked when served with foods like a Thanksgiving roasted turkey. Drink 2012-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca