Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2011 Summa Quies Vineyard Pinot Noir - 90pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2011 Summa Quies Vineyard Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 12.2%
Production: 411 cases
Date Tasted: May 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The cooler than average 2011 growing season has dialed back the intensity of this terroir transmitting Pinot Noir though the complexity and charm remain intact thanks to extended hang-time on the vines. The nose intrigues with layers of baked raspberry, plum, cherry and cedar aromas accompanied by light floral notes of potpourri and herbs. The dry palate is true to the vintage with a leaner presentation, less fruit, moderate fine tannins and more savoury and earthy elements. Food-friendly acidity will make this Pinot a popular entry on the wine lists of BC's top restaurants and while the production has risen over the years, it will still be hard to find unless you're already on the winery's mailing list. Your fellow Pinot Noir connoisseurs are, so what are you waiting for?

If you do seek it out and find a bottle, I would recommend waiting another 1-2 years before opening the 2011 to make the most of your investment (in money and in effort of tracking down the wine). As the wine is sealed with a screwcap, the extra bottle age will have no detrimental effect on the fruit components yet will allow the oak, acid and earthy notes to meld nicely. Drink 2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Gris - 87pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Gris (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 434 cases
Date Tasted: May 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: One of the nicer smelling Pinot Gris in BC, especially when given time in the glass to open up (and warm up slightly), revealing ripe pear and honeydew aromas with light mineral notes in the background. The dry palate follows starting fresh and juicy then turns a tad bitter when the wave of citrus acidity takes over the palate briefly until the orchard and mineral flavours return for the long finish with lingering clove notes. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2012 Pinot Gris - 88pts

SpierHead Winery 2012 Pinot Gris (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: May 26th, 2013

Tasting Notes: When tasted blind it's easy to mistake this tangy Pinot Gris for a BC Sauvignon Blanc with its grass and grapefruit nose and bright, citrus-y palate. Beyond the tanginess and with a little time in the glass, the palate blooms with ripe orchard fruit and a rich texture complimented by mineral notes and a mouth-watering finish. A Pinot Gris you can enjoy on its own and over some hours as it changes in the glass. Drink 2013-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2009 Maximus - 92pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: September 13th, 2011
Re-tasted: May 25th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Youthful, vibrant and raw may best describe the intense, fruit'n'savoury nose of the latest edition of Cassini Cellars' Meritage blend called "Maximus". This year's blend boasts 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% of Malbec, aged in new and second fill French and American oak for 14 months.

The soft entry on the dry palate evolves quickly to reveal the beast within. Fine, ripe tannins and a sublime texture partner well with concentrated dark fruit, smoky cigar box and toasted oak flavours. A touch of minerality adds subtle complexity. Loads of spice accompany the balanced, long finish.

Perhaps, not as "big" as the 2008 overall, but more refinement on the palate is a welcomed attribute of this new vintage. Based on the pedigree of previous releases and the new use of a real cork enclosure, development seems like a safe bet along with a long lifespan of nearly ten years. Buy up some of the remaining 2008's to enjoy while you wait for this one to mature. Drink late-2012-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: At 4 years old, the 2009 Maximus has aged beautifully and now offers a developed bouquet of smoky dark fruit and vanilla with new cured meat notes appearing. Lots of life left on the pallet as well with the acid mellowing only slightly and the tannins as smooth as ever. This gorgeous wine truly has gotten better with age. Original drinking window is, thus far, proving accurate with the peak not expected for another 3 years. If you have some squirreled away you're sitting pretty.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Gris - 87pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Gris (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 400  cases
Date Tasted: May 24th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A large piece of Howling Bluff's new expanded portfolio is this clean, crisp and aromatic Pinot Gris that employs a let-the-fruit-speak approach resulting in a fruit-forward wine with ripe orchard fruit on the pleasant nose and tangy palate supported by light tropical and citrus fruit notes and a faint susurrus of minerality. Intensity, balance and length are all well executed. Enjoy this Pinot Gris chilled while you're soaking in sunlight or pair it with a cold salmon and goats cheese spinach salad. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2010 Heritage Block - 89pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 875 cases
Date Tasted: May 23rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: The latest edition of the Heritage Block, Stag's Hollow Winery's red Meritage blend is amazingly consistent - almost indignant towards the fluctuating vintage conditions thanks to careful attention during the early parts of the winemaking process where extraction occurs and during the final assemblage which, for 2010, sees 60% Merlot (rich in mixed berry fruit) supported by 23% Cabernet Franc (adding lovely floral and perfumed aromas) and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon (adding tannin structure and overall umph). Aged in American and French oak barrels, the finished wine imbues elements of both with dark chocolate, toasted wood and light spice notes which linger on the the long-ish, balanced finish.

Although a "Bordeaux style" blend, the Heritage Block has always been quite New World-y in its approach to showcasing the rich and vibrant fruitiness of the classic combination of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Thus, the decision to switch to a screw cap enclosure for 2010, which tends to lock-in the fruit characters longer than cork while still supporting the wine's evolution, makes total sense and better positions the wine mid-tier in the winery's portfolio.

Ready to be enjoyed today and over the next 3+ years with careful cellaring. Drink 2013-2016.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 Riesling - 90pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 Riesling (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 532 cases
Date Tasted: May 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: At first quaff you know you're in for something unique and something special. This Lillooet produced Riesling offers a range of aromas on the intriguing nose from grapefruit and kiwi fruit to orange blossoms and stonefruit minerality. The delightfully tangy palate starts with sweet, juicy apples and nectarine flavours before quickly resolving into a crisp explosion of mouth-watering, yet balanced, citrus acidity. As with the 2011, lingering spice adds to the uniqueness and mystique of this tasty Riesling from a little-known terroir. Drink 2013-2016+.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Merlot - 86pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 358 cases
Date Tasted: May 13th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Offers some typical Merlot characters of blue fruit and medium tannins with bright acidity on the palate making it a good pairing for tomato-based sauces. Atypical spiciness helps it stand-out from the crowded line-up of bland Merlot from cool vintages, but perhaps not enough to make it as memorable as the 2010. The overall experience is pleasant and improves in the glass over time. Drink 2013-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2012 Riesling - 89+pts

SpierHead Winery 2012 Riesling (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores

Cost: $22
Alcohol: 11.4%
Production: 350 cases
Date Tasted: May 18th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Flinty with lemon-lime citrus notes aplenty, this well-balanced wine hails from East Kelowna yet adheres to the Niagara Riesling formula of matching sweetness to acid while keeping the alcohol low and maintaining a light and mineral-y texture. No clunky sugar and alcohol influenced palate here. Just clean, crisp fruit and terroir-driven flavours: a refreshingly honest approach. Should develop unctuous nectarine flavours if given time to mature, though tasting great in its youthful state today. Drink 2013-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 23 Camels White - 86pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 23 Camels White (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 118 cases
Date Tasted: May 16th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This tangy and playful blend of 60% Pinot Gris, 20% Chardonnay and 20% Riesling is all about its well balanced palate with tart green apple mingling with ripe grapefruit and juicy white peach flavours. The mouth-watering, long finish lingers with herbal notes and lots of green apple and lime peel acidity. Enjoy this wine on its own, on a hot deck or with a nice spinach and goat's cheese salad. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Corner Stone - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $28.50
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 415 cases
Date Tasted: May 17th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Round, ripe and robust, this blend of 59% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc offers mixed berry fruit, spicy licorice and light mint aromas enhanced by mild oak and sweet aromatic notes on the soothing and pleasant nose. The refreshing palate follows with mouth-watering acidity, mannered tannins and lots of intense berry fruit supported by oak, sage brush and spice box flavours. Lots to like here with good complexity, balance and ripeness though, a touch of green pepper creeps onto the dry palate. Drink 2013-2017.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series 2Bench White - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series 2Bench White (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $22.99
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 1258 cases
Date Tasted: May 15th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A truly delicious, summer-sipper with both rich orchard fruit and tangy citrus characters on the complex and long palate. Proceeded by an equaly complex and expressive nose of apple, pear, kiwi, gooseberry and flower aromas. This blend of 53% Chardonnay, 21% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Semillon, 6% Viognier and 3% Muscat sits beautifully on your palate with generous mineral and spice notes accompaning the fruit profile. The lengthy, balanced finish speaks to its quality and care taken during the blending process to deliver a fun and enticing white wine. Drink now- 2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

On a side note: Not likely to be found in any of its marketing material, but this wine makes an impressive pairing for your favourite chip-shaped munchables for when you want to add a touch of panache to your evening of delectable deluge.

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Syrah Rosé - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Syrah Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 400 cases
Date Tasted: May 11th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The 2012 edition of this excellent Syrah rosé from Stag's Hollow sees only a nominal amount of Orange Muscat and Viognier (2% and 1% respectively) added to the blend but the effect is impressive with gorgeous, sweet, floral and tangy aromas of cherry, rose petals, tangerine, lime rind and rhubarb appearing on the nose. The cheerful and intense, slightly off-dry palate follows with mouth watering citrus acidity and richly textured red fruit flavours paired with cool mineral and light herb flavours. Light, tangy and intense. What more could you want from both a food-friendly and stand-on-its-own rosé? Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2012 Malbec Rosé - 88pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2012 Malbec Rosé (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 101 cases
Date Tasted: May 11th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Bold, both in hue and in flavour, the River Stone Malbec Rosé is one of the more colourful and fuller-bodied blush wines on the market in BC today. Juicy and ripe cran-apple, pomegranate and strawberry flavours are supported by light tannins and grapefruit acidity. The finish is moderate but well balanced with lingering mineral notes and other hints of the wine's terroir like sage and bay leaves. Has the body and acid to age longer than your average rosé, but to no real benefit. Best to enjoy this fun wine in its youth. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 McLean Creek Vineyard Chardonnay - 90pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 McLean Creek Vineyard Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 340 cases
Date Tasted: May 9th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Stylistically consistent year-to-year, the McLean Creek Vineyard Chardonnay is a pleasant combination of light Oak charm and Chablis-like focus with apple, lemon/lime, mineral, pineapple, bay leaf, clove and bread characters on the delicate nose and boisterous palate. Crisp acidity, concentrated fruit flavours and a long, balanced finish denote the quality of this Okanagan Falls Chardonnay which will be at home in your cellar for 3-4 more years though is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2013-2016+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Cabernet/Merlot - 88pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Cabernet/Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 50 cases
Date Tasted: May 7th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Warm, round and inviting, this sweet smelling Cab-Merlot blend (50/50 split) opens with ripe blackberry and cassis aromas supported by toasted French oak and light mocha notes. The easy-going, smooth textured palate follows offering similar dark fruit and oak flavours plus an added herby-spice element framed by mild tannins. Though it finishes with a nice acidic kick to keep the wine from getting flabby, the finish is a bit short. Took a long while to open up in the glass and suggests another 6+ months of bottle age would do nicely. Drink late-2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series 2Bench Rosé - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series 2Bench Rosé (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Releases June 1st. Direct from winery here
Cost: $22.99
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 786 cases
Date Tasted: May 5th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Despite a change from 100% Cabernet Franc to a blend of 51% Franc and 49% Syrah, the signature light brick/salmon colour remains consistent, as does the refreshing blend of cranberry and strawberry-kiwi fruit flavours, ever-so-light tannins and delightful, aromatic nose. Where things do change is in the overall balance and perception of sweetness, which, despite the mouth-watering lime rind and tangy cran-apple acidity, results in a slightly sweeter mid-palate and quiets the mineral notes (admittedly, nitpicky stuff).

Always a great dinner wine, the 2012 edition is no different with, seemingly, the excellent Spanish tapas from Tinhorn's on site restaurant Miradoro, the intended food pairing. Though, if a visit to the restaurant isn't in your future, you will find it incredibly versatile and easy to pair this wine with something at home... like a chair positioned to watch the sun go down. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Noir Rosé - 86pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Noir Rosé (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 200 cases
Date Tasted: May 6th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Produced from 100% estate grown fruit in Lillooet, this cheerfully pink Pinot Noir rosé has generous aromas of juicy red fruit and light mineral notes followed by a dry palate with similar flavours, terroir influence and just a hint of tannins. The balance has greatly improved over the 2011 with good acidity offset by medium body and juicy fruit though the finish is still a bit sharp. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Le Vieux Pin 2011 "Cuvée Violette" Syrah - 90pts

Le Vieux Pin 2011 "Cuvée Violette" Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 418 cases
Date Tasted: May 2nd, 2013

Tasting Notes: This well priced wine, with a eye on the restaurant by-the-glass market, validates the Black Sage Bench winery's continued experimentation with Syrah. Gone is the costly 18-month, new French oak program, this release focuses more on the aromatic qualities of the Rhone Valley grape, hence the name, and less on highly extracted tannins and fullness. The palate has been left quite light with a good balance of fruit, pepper and herbaceous flavours, while the nose successfully expresses the lovely, feminine, floral aromas achievable by Syrah.

This approach may ultimately be more of a reflection of the cooler vintage which didn't lend itself to the super-ripe and extracted style of Syrah, but whatever the future holds for this sku, I'm happy to see it as a new edition to the LVP portfolio, at least for now. Drink 2013-2016+.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2010 Summa Quies Sin Cera - 91pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2010 Summa Quies Vineyard Sin Cera (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28.90
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 575 cases
Date Tasted: May 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A blend of all five Bordeaux varietals and aged in French oak for 18 months, the Sin Cera is an irresistible femme fatale that jumps out of the glass with potent, yet graceful, feminine aromas of baked cherry and blackberry fruit, plum preserve, cooking spice, sweet licorice, vanilla, toasted oak and holds your attention through to the equally seductive, fine tannin and similarly flavoured palate. Warm, round and rich, this gorgeous blend sits beautifully in the mouth and never feels heavy or overstays its welcome thanks to lingering acidity which keeps the palate fresh and focused. Ready to be enjoyed today or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Le Vieux Pin 2012 Sauvignon Blanc - 92pts

Le Vieux Pin 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 350 cases
Date Tasted: May 2nd, 2013

Tasting Notes: Always a highlight of the LVP's portfolio, the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc shines bright thanks to its impressive complexity and delicate balance resulting in a memorable sipping experience. An incredible attention to detail has gone into the production of this wine with multiple batches of Sauvignon Blanc each receiving a unique treatment of oak, stainless steel, MLF and lees contact and then blended together to achieve rich layers of tropical fruit, herbal notes, mineral characters and leesy texture. Just gorgeous. Drink 2013-2016+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2012 Rosé - 90pts

JoieFarm 2012 Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $20.90
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Production: 2699 cases, 340 magnums
Date Tasted: May 3rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: A remarkably consistent wine, year-to-year, thanks to the Naramata Bench winery's flexibility with each year's blend. The 2012 assemblage is made up of 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Gamay, 5% Pinot Meunier and 5% Pinot Gris with the components soaked on their skins for 3 to 4 days, helping to extract just the right amount of tannin and create the signature watermelon Jolly Rancher colour.

The nose is ever-so more engaging in 2012 with more cherry aromas and terroir influence than in recent years which accompany tangy strawberry and rose petal notes. The (mostly) dry palate follows with a nice balance of juicy red fruit, lime, mineral and tangy cranberry flavours. This rosé sits beautifully in your mouth with a great texture of light tannins and medium-ish body. As always, enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Tribute Series Chardonnay - 91pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Tribute Series Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 430 cases
Date Tasted: May 1st, 2013

Tasting Notes: A golden-hued Chardonnay from Naramata Bench which offers delightful pear, apple, vanilla and lightly toasted oak aromas on the pleasant nose but this wine is really all about the engaging palate which playfully attacks your mouth from multiple angles. There's the great leesy-fullness and MLF flavours to satisfy your craving for richness and there's the cool mineral and citrus acidity characters that satisfy the your craving for refreshment. Drink 2013-2016+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca