Bench 1775 Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 12.1%
Production: 695 cases
Date Tasted: June 29th, 2013
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: Falls towards the tart'n'vegetal end of the Sauvignon Blanc spectrum with lively green apple acidity and asparagus notes, yet avoids any "sharp" or "bitter" descriptors by balancing the acidity and green notes with juicy apple and sweet lemon characters. The palate stays fresh while also offering some welcomed texture and body.

This wine will work both as a patio sipper when you need to combat the heat by keeping refreshed and alert and also as a companion to your seafood dinner thanks to its generous mouth feel and light minerality. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2011 Merlot - 87pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 1340 cases
Date Tasted: June 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Half of this Merlot was aged in stainless steel while the other half was aged in 3rd-fill French oak barrels, infusing only an echo of oak into the flavour profile and thus, resulting in what is practically an un-oaked Merlot. A great style for BC which has been guilty, from time-to-time, of over-oaking under-ripe Merlot, turning the Bordeaux varietal into a mere conduit for French or American oak flavours rather than letting the fruit speak for itself.

And what does it have to say you might ask? Well, plenty about wild berries and blueberries and even fresh dark cherries off the stem - pits and all. There's also notes of coffee, cassis liqueur and a faint hint of mint. How's that for an un-oaked Merlot?

Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure which will keep this fun and expressive wine tasting lively and fresh for years should you choose to hold on to it. Enjoy at any point over the next 3-4 years. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2011 White Gold - 88pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2011 White Gold (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 135 cases
Date Tasted: June 27th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The 2011 White Gold, Fort Berens' premium Chardonnay produced from grapes sourced from the Black Sage Bench, opens with a lovely nose of stonefruit and ripe tropical fruit aromas supported by vanilla bean and light clove notes. The dry, mouth-watering palate follows with a flavour profile of tart orchard fruit, melons and vanilla cream; true to the cool vintage and infused with the effects of 9 months in French oak.

The tangy palate is helped greatly by the partial malolactic fermentation which has contributed a light buttery texture which continues through to the moderate finish where an unexpected hint of spice lingers. Enjoy this Chardonnay over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2013-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Little Straw Vineyards 2012 Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Little Straw Vineyards 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.90
Alcohol: 10.2%
Production: 444 cases
Date Tasted: June 25th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Happily, the 2012 Little Straw Sauvignon Blanc drinks like a well-produced companion piece to the West Kelowna winery's lovely blend Tapestry. Not quite as well-balanced or complex, but equally approachable and, perhaps, even more refreshing.

Where I felt the 2011 failed, the 2012 succeeds with an expressive nose bursting with green apple, apricot and mineral aromas followed by a fully off-dry palate, this time with some wanted texture and body to help reign-in the intense citrus acidity through to the moderate finish.

Absolutely a Sauv Blanc to pair with a hot tub open to the night's stars. Enjoy this fun and tangy wine in its youth. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2012 Frizzante Rosé - 83pts

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2012 Frizzante Rosé (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $15.75
Alcohol: 11.9%
Date Tasted: June 24th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Mild effervescent texture on the palate pays homage to the "frizzante" used in the title, but "bubbly" it ain't, I'm afraid, in any sense of the word. This ruby-purple hued rosé goes Full Metal Rhubarb with a vein of sourness running through the red-fruit and mineral flavour profile. A little rustic and unruly, yet commendable for its intensity and resistance towards masking everything with residual sugar. Pair with standard picnic and BBQ fare. Drink 2013-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Micro Cuvée Chardonnay - 93+pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Micro Cuvée Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $60-70 est
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 105 cases
Date Tasted: June 24th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Each year the winemaking team at Meyer Family Vineyards carefully tastes and evaluates each barrel of Chardonnay over and over through the wine's fermentation and early élevage. Should a few barrels stand-out they will be considered for a special Micro Cuvée release which has only happened a handful of times since the winery as founded in 2006. For the 2011 vintage the stars aligned and the cool Fall and late harvest created a rich and textured Chardonnay with 5% botrytis infected fruit contributing notes of honeydew and apricots.

This remarkable Chardonnay combines raw power with amazing refinement while finding harmony between the unique terroir and oak treatment elements - a hallmark of the world's best Chardonnay. Both intense and restrained on the baked caramelized apple nose and leesy, orchard fruit and smoky palate. Boasting excellent acidity and a long, never-ending finish with lingering mineral and citrus flavours.

Many Icon Wines have the ability to drink well early and promise further development and the Micro Cuvée is no different. Certainly a special occasion wine based on the expected price, but not necessary one that you have to earmark for an event a long time in the future. Open it on your next birthday or anytime over the next 5-7 years. Drink 2013-2018+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 717 cases
Date Tasted: June 20th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Some wineries take their Sauvignon Blanc to the extreme, either towards a racy, acid-fueled, crisp-fest or to the other end of the spectrum, an overly sweet, easy-drinking, straightforward party wine. The Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc (with 3% Semillon added) fits nicely in the middle with a good balance of citrus acidity, grass notes, tangy green apple flavours and a hint of honeydew sweetness that challenges your nose and palate enough to keep you engaged without being too difficult to pair with food. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Cabernet Franc - 89pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production:  127 cases
Date Tasted: June 19th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The 2011 edition of this tasty and herbaceous Cabernet Franc maintains the characteristics of the fantastic 2010, which saw the Black Sage Bench winery move towards a lower alcohol and subtly layered approach, while only losing a touch of intensity and length, vintage-to-vintage, due to the overall cooler weather in 2011. Complex and well-balanced with good continuity from the aromatic nose to the dry palate spicy blue fruit, warm rocks, light oak, cardamon, coffee grind and violet aromas and flavours. A good acidic kick and fine tannins structures the mouth feel through to the moderate finish. Will benefit from another 6 months in bottle. Drink late-2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon - 90pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 700 cases
Date Tasted: June 17th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Here's a simple formula to remember. Sauvignon Blanc blended with Sémillon = better Sauvignon Blanc. Now, this isn't a scientific law or mathematical certainty, but it generally holds true, especially with Okanagan Sauvignon Blanc where many in the valley have adhered to the practise for years, yet, most mention it in passing on the back label or in small print in forgettable marketing material. Howling Bluff, however, boldly announces it right on the front label and invites all to ask, am I pronouncing Sémillon correctly?

Even small amounts of Sé·mil·lon can go a long way in a blend some call "White Meritage", an ode to 300+ years of trial and error in Bordeaux where these now traditional blending partners were deemed to make for pleasant bed fellows. Even Sauvignon Blanc blended with only minuscule amounts of Sémillon (like Fairview Cellars' perennial favourite) benefits from the added candied fruit and sweet honeydew complexity which compliment the raw citrus and grassy twang of Sauvignon Blanc perfectly. The Howling Bluff version uses a whopping 15% Sémillon resulting in added textural elements as well since Sémillon has a natural fuller body.

Clean, crisp, complex and long, the Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon will delight as a stand-alone Summer Sipper. Pair with a fading sunset and flourishing conversation for the full effect. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay - 86pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 1457 cases
Date Tasted: June 18th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Year-in, year-out, you can expect the Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay to be well made and tasty but the 2012 edition seems to be at a cross-roads of style: to oak or not to oak. Classic Tinhorn stonefruit and ripe orchard fruit grace the nose and palate but to achieve a more memorable balance the wine needs to resolve an apparent conflict between the stainless steel and oak barrel lots. The blended wine goes through a secondary, malolactic fermentation to soften the natural acidity which helps cohesion by enriching the nose and palate with buttery characters and a light cream texture but underneath the prominent fruit remains defiant and slightly out-of-sync.

In the future, it would be interesting to see Tinhorn release two Chardonnays. An un-oaked, fruit driven Chardonnay with only moderate MLF influence and an Oldfield Series, fully oak fermented Chardonnay given time in the bottle to mature prior to release. Enjoy this Chardonnay in its youth. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $18.90
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 300  cases
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A well-made, crisp and juicy Sauvignon Blanc with pungent aromas of gooseberry, hay, green apples and pears on the pleasing nose followed by a mouth-watering, well-balanced palate boasting similar flavours with additional citrus fruit characters and a nice acidic kick at the finish. Lively texture suggests some welcomed extended lees contact during fermentation creating a compelling mouth feel and added structure.

Part of the newly expanded Howling Bluff portfolio meant to help build brand awareness beyond the mailing list faithful who sell-out the Naramata Bench winery's Pinot Noir, White Meritage and Red Blend labels every year. As irony would have it, you'll be hard pressed to find this wine just the same. If you do, however, pick-up a bottle and discover the under-appreciated world of BC Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2010 Syrah - 88+pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: June 14th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This inky ruby-purple Syrah from Golden Mile Bench producer Cassini Cellars is true to its vintage and matches its peers with the intensity of the 2010 dialed back in favour of more subtle, complex layers of cherry cola, white pepper, vanilla, clove, pipe tobacco and lightly toasted oak aromas with a hint of mint. The youthful, medium-bodied and mild tannin palate follows with a more restrained flavour profile of ripe red fruit supported by oak and spice notes. A long, balanced finish of lingering spice and rhubarb completes the experience with a light acidic kick. Another 6 months of bottle aging will help to refine the palate and allow the red fruit and oak to meld nicely. Drink late-2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2012 Rosé - 86pts

Cassini Cellars 2012 Rosé (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 444 cases
Date Tasted: June 8th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This attractive, bright watermelon hued rosé from Cassini Cellars offers rose water, rhubarb and raspberry seed aromas on the mellow nose. The mouth-watering palate follows with tangy red fruit and more rhubarb flavours, minerals and a hint of residual sugar which helps balance the light bitterness. Winery suggested pairing of charcuterie is spot on - anything with chorizo. Drink now.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2007 Syrah - 86pts

Cassini Cellars 2007 Syrah (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Library release
Cost: n/a
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: June 12th, 2013

Tasting Notes:
Sadly, this Syrah has peaked and has begun its inevitable decline, accelerated by the use of a synthetic enclosure which has shortened the length of the red fruit and oak flavours on the palate and encouraged the development of prune-y, port-like oxidation. The premature aging is not as apparent on the nose which remains enticing and complex with lush aromas of baked cherry, vanilla, potpourri and toasted oak. If this wine is aging in your cellar, now is the time to open it; the drinking window is closing.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2012 Dry Riesling - 85pts

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2012 Dry Riesling (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.75
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: June 13th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Both tropical and orchard fruit linger on the nose of this always well-priced Riesling from St. Hubertus Estate Winery based in Kelowna. The intense, dry palate begins with flavours of green apples, pineapple and minerals before the wave of mouth watering lemon/lime acidity takes over, finishing with a touch of spice and lingering bitterness. Not a stand-alone Summer Sipper, but good company for your patio dinner parties. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2008 Syrah - 89pts

Cassini Cellars 2008 Syrah (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $34
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 367 cases
Date Tasted: January 24th, 2011
Re-tasted: June 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The Cassini Cellars Syrah is a monster. An intense, extracted, powerful, spicy, dark fruit monster that also manages to deliver delicate notes of vanilla and sagebrush on the impressive and layered nose. With good continuity from the complex nose to the dry palate, the flavour profile oozes brooding, dark cherry and black berry fruits with savoury flavours of spice box, licorice, scorched earth and toasted oak.

I would love to see winemaker and proprietor Adrian Capeneata experiment with a touch of Viognier in a future release of this wine. The earthiness he has managed to capture in his Syrah is a unique trademark that would blend nicely with 2-3% of Viognier. In the meantime, enjoy this release over the next 4-5 years. Drink 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: Nose remains intact with monstrous dark fruit and lots of oak influence. The palate is reaching its peak with the finish starting to fade. Though, while its alive in your mouth you're treated to intense and flavourful, dark berry and earth characters. Drinking window needs to be adjusted and I can't help but point to the synthetic cork for robbing this delicious Syrah of its longevity. Since the 2009 vintage, Cassini has moved back to cork for their big reds which will help with aging. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Little Straw Vineyards 2012 Tapestry - 88pts

Little Straw Vineyards 2012 Tapestry (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 11%
Production: 1496 cases
Date Tasted: June 1st, 2013

Tasting Notes: Though a blend of Riesling, Auxerrois, Gewurztraminer, Siegerrebe and Schonburger, it's the Gewurztraminer that plays the lead character in 2012 with lush tropical fruit on the floral nose and the off-dry palate which starts with a chewy (gooey) texture and then finishes crisp and tangy thanks to its pronounced grapefruit acidity. With all components a little more intense this time round, the more subtle layers of minerals and spice are pushed to the background a bit and are less 'involved' as it were. Still, a joyous Summer sipper if ever there was one. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Cuvée D'Andrée Rosé - 86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Cuvée D'Andrée Rosé (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 1000 cases
Date Tasted:  June 3rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: The nose of this Pinot Noir rosé is delightfully fruity with round raspberry, strawberry, orange blossom and light mineral aromas making for a pleasant, joyful quaff that can be enjoyed on its own. The palate, on the other hand, screams to be paired with food with a well-balanced, slightly off-dry presentation offering both rich and tart red fruits and pink grapefruit acidity. However you enjoy this uncomplicated and well executed wine blush, you will be satisfied and likely want a second glass. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2010 Red Icon - 93-94pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2010 Red Icon (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $55
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: June 1st, 2013

Tasting Notes: For the 2010 edition, Painted Rock are taking their time releasing their flagship red blend and having finally tasted it I can now appreciate why. Not yet released, it's a seductive beast that, despite its "cool vintage" provenance, is altogether, big, brawny and supremely delicate. It's also very youthful despite being already 3 years of age. The wine tasted better, more complete, on the second night, which (helps) suggest a lengthy drinking window of 2015-2020 to fully appreciate the future development on the concentrated, raw dark fruit and oak treatment elements when they will meld into the seductive bouquet one has learned to expect from the Skaha Bench vineyard.

The 2010 sees 39% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot, 11% Malbec and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon blended to produce an aromatic nose of dark berries, violets, mint, licorice, cedar and dark chocolate aromas while the dry palate charms with intense dark fruit puree flavours supported by fine tannins, mouth-watering acidity, warm earth and toasted oak notes. So well balanced and memorable - a true icon and destined to become the next must-have, collectible cult wine of BC. Drink 2015-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2008 Maximus - 90pts

Cassini Cellars 2008 Maximus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 862 cases
Date Tasted: January 14th, 2011
Re-tasted: June 1st, 2013

Tasting Notes: When compared the excellent 2007 vintage, the keyword for the 2008 release is "more". More of just about everything, the 2008 Maximus will appeal to wine lovers who enjoy extracted, concentrated, full-bodied red blends best summed up as "big".

Well priced at just under $30, the 2008's blend is comprised of 63 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 31 % Merlot and 6 % Malbec. Dark berries, toasted oak and cigar box characters dominate the nose and palate. Greater extraction has resulted in more body, tannin and a long finish but the wine remains well balanced an very smooth - never sluggish. Approachable now and very easy-drinking with mouth-watering acidity making it a great wine to pair with food. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: As this delicious Cab-Merlot-Malbec blend was approachable in its youth, you may not have any sitting in your cellar today. If you do, however, now's the time to open them as the wine is close to peaking. Some nice dried fruit and potpourri notes have developed on the nose while the palate's tannins and acid have mellowed (as you would expect). Though the palate intensity remains, the finish has suffered and will only get shorter.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca