Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 111 cases
Date Tasted: July 27th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Tangy and attention getting, the nose of this Sauvignon Blanc, from new Golden Mile producer Maverick Estate Winery, spills out of the glass with bold aromas of grass, gooseberry, citrus and minerals. The full bodied palate follows with a blend of tangy citrus and juicy tropical fruit flavours. The finish is long with some lingering lemon peel notes and spice. Enjoy this Sauvignon Blanc in its youth and over the next few years. Drink 2013-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Pinot Gris - 89pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Pinot Gris (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 113 cases
Date Tasted: July 26th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A full and flavourful Pinot Gris (with 5% Gewürztraminer added) that generates much of its texture and body from 3 months of lees contact and partial oak fermentation. Boasts apple sauce, Bosc pear and fruity brioche aromas on the reserved, yet, complex nose followed by an equally intricate palate offering similar flavours with added minerality, more citrus influence and a nice balance of creamy texture and mannered acidity. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

SynchroMesh Wines 2011 Palo Solara Vineyard Pinot Noir - 87pts

SynchroMesh Wines 2011 Palo Solara Vineyard Pinot Noir (East kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 12.6%
Date Tasted: July 25th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Boasts vibrant, raw red fruit aromas mingling with sweet incense on the quaffable nose with similar flavours on the dry, crisp palate with an added touch of earthy barnyard. Without a doubt, a tasty, refreshing and satisfying wine. But classic Pinot Noir? No, but getting there. Extraction is high and the tannins a tad rough. Drink 2013-2016.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2013

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Origin - 88pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Origin (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 164 cases
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: This new, $16, nicely packaged, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc blend from Maverick Estate Winery makes an impressive introduction to the new Golden Mile Bench venture by Burrowing Owl's departing winemaker Bertus Albertyn. "Origin", as its been named, opens with a vibrant and attention grabbing aromatic nose of sweet mandarin, lychee, orange blossom, fresh grass, lime rind and papaya aromas. A subtle, food-friendly palate follows with a simpler flavour profile focusing on apple and citrus fruit supported by the right amount of acid to keep your mouth fresh and wanting more. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 "En Famille" Reserve Chardonnay - 91pts

JoieFarm 2011 "En Famille" Reserve Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 408 cases
Date Tasted: July 22nd, 2013

Tasting Notes: A bit of a departure for JoieFarm with the release of the new vintage of their reserve Chardonnay, now dubbed "En Famille", sees the focus less on balanced opulence and more on subtle layering of orchard fruit, mineral and oak influenced characters: IE more French. Age-worthy and true to the past success of the more robust editions, this elegant and refined version is one heck of a tasty Chardonnay that just gets better in the glass over time. Tasting brilliantly now, though, should hold for another 4-5 years. Drink 2013-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet-Merlot - 89pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet-Merlot (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 489 cases
Date Tasted: July 19, 2013

Tasting Notes: Not sure about splurging on the $40 Equuleus? But you want a well-balanced, Meritage blend from the excellent 2010 Niagara vintage that satisfies your love of mocha-infused cassis and smoky tannins? Than the 'Old Vines' Cabernet-Merlot is the wine for you and at just under $20, won't break the bank.

Expressive on the sweet dark fruit nose with good concentration on the dry palate that features signature Chateau Des Charmes sweet'n'sour, tomato-stock and vegetal characters. Some earthy, mineral and French oak flavours add complexity and depth. Drink now-2015+.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Gris - 89pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Gris (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: July 18th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The ultimate descriptor for this Pinot Gris is 'balanced'. It's not as flashy as some of its Black Sage Bench cousins-from-other-puncheons™, but it works; it delivers the right balance of fruit'n'terroir to acid'n'texture.

Green apple, sweet orchard fruit and mineral notes adorn the pleasant nose while the dry-ish palate offers a nice blend of stonefruit, citrus and apples framed by a tangy-yet-full body. A hint of herbs lingers on the long, balanced finish. This pale-platinum hued Pinot Gris pairs nicely with your favourite poultry feast, though, has enough complexity to be enjoyed on its own. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 Chardonnay Musqué - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 Chardonnay Musqué (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $16.95
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 636 cases
Date Tasted: July 17th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This unique clone of Chardonnay is heavy on the aromatics and has been treated simply by the Chateau Des Charmes winemaking team to allow the grapes to showcase their natural perfumed and delicate fruit character without influence from popular winemaking tricks. Sweetly scented with orange blossom and candied lime aromas, this Chard sees no oak, yet, the palate is full with ripe, fat orchard fruit and sweet citrus tang that continues through to the balanced, long finish that resolves to lingering clove spice. A good match for oily fish like halibut or lightly smoked salmon. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2012 Chardonnay - 87pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 440 cases
Date Tasted: July 16th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Pleasant white peach, pear and lemon meringue aromas greet you on the nose of this new Chardonnay from Cassini Cellars. Although "un-oaked", the palate opens with a lovely mouth feel thanks to the winery's generous use of a secondary, malolactic fermentation which aims to soften the variety's natural high acidity and contributes buttercream flavours and texture. Beyond the peaches'n'cream facade the palate continues with prominent apple and mineral flavours with crisp citrus acidity, though finishing just a tad bitter, despite the 7 g/l of residual sugar. Overall, the wine remains light, refreshing and decently complex making a nice patio sipper or aperitif. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Cabernet Franc - 88pts

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

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: July 13th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The 2011 edition of this always popular Cabernet Franc from Tinhorn Creek successfully captures the unique blend of cured meats, herbs, cola and blackberry fruit that the variety produces in the Okanagan Valley. What it may lack in intense ripeness, due to the cooler vintage conditions, it makes up for with its balance of body-acid-tannin elements and layered, engaging nose where élevage influence has added notes of vanilla, oak and smooth spices. Ready to be enjoyed now with a Sunday roast or hold for 3 years. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2012 Chasselas - 85pts

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2012 Chasselas (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.75
Alcohol: 11.1%
Date Tasted: July 12th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The St. Hubertus Estate Winery Chasselas is a straight-shooting, low-alcohol, light-bodied and dry wine that offers aromas of confection sugar, golden delicious apples and minerals. This is followed by a mouth-watering and thinly textured palate of citrus and orchard fruit flavours. Pair with Swiss cheese or fish dishes. Drink now.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2011 Cabernet Merlot - 88pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2011 Cabernet Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 12.2%
Production: 1163 cases
Date Tasted: July 11th, 2013
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: This youthful, purple-ruby hued blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon is a mouth-watering, yet, easy-drinking, food-enhancing wine that makes a near perfect companion to traditional, oven-roasted pizza. Honestly, if a better BC wine pairing exists for pizza today, write me a stern letter immediately!

Beyond its strong gravitational pull towards the world's favourite flatbread, this blend offers a strong, fruit-forward nose of sweet dark fruit that should appeal to the casual New World wine-lover and connoisseur alike. The berry-infused and lightly spiced, dry palate follows with a susarrus of garden flavours, mannered tannins and the restrained, naturally-intense acidity you get when you bite into a fresh tomato - which is just a fancy way to repeat "it's perfect for pizza!" Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 1345 cases
Date Tasted: July 10th, 2013

Tasting Notes: 2010 has proven to be a great vintage for BC Pinot Noir thanks to a long, cool-ish growing season that prompted phenolic ripeness and complexity in the fruit and Tinhorn's varietal series edition of the finicky grape contributes more evidence to this claim. Deep, dark cherry and stewed plum aromas patrol the toasty oak nose supported by savoury sage and light spearmint notes. On the dry palate are pleasant, baked raspberry and cranberry flavours with savoury and earthy notes flowing through to the long finish. Mild-mannered tannins and refreshing acidity structure the palate nicely. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

SynchroMesh Wines 2012 Thorny Vines Vineyard Riesling - 89pts

SynchroMesh Wines 2012 Thorny Vines Vineyard Riesling (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18.90
Alcohol: 10.4%
Date Tasted: July 9th, 2013

Tasting Notes: 'Thorny Vines' is SynchroMesh's "other Riesling", essentially a nice companion piece to their $30, Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence winning Storm Haven Riesling which is produced from their home vineyard vines in Okanagan Falls. The Thorny Vines Riesling hails from a youthful, 3rd leaf Naramata Bench vineyard and is more assessable to the casual Riesling fan, both in character (a fruity, tangy, off-dry charmer) and price (impressive quality for under $20).

Concentrated kumquat, honeycomb and Asian pear through its floral nose and lightly-mineral-ed palate; finishing a tad short due to the intense acidity needed to balance the 30g/l of residual sugar. Though, it must be stated, a balance that works and allows the wine to stand on its own or as a companion to classic off-dry Riesling dishes like spicy Asian fare - just don't go too spicy or you'll overwhelm this lovely nectar. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2013

SpierHead Winery 2011 Chardonnay - 87pts

SpierHead Winery 2011 Chardonnay (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $21.90
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: July 9th, 2013
@spierheadwinery

Tasting Notes: The 2011 SpierHead Chardonnay is the product of 3rd leaf grapes sourced from the winery's estate vineyard in East Kelowna (dubbed the "Gentleman Farmer Vineyard"). Though it opens with good intensity on the nose with melon, peach and citrus aromas, the youthfulness of the vines and the cool vintage conditions contributes in a leaner style of Chardonnay on the palate where the oak treatment, although appropriately reserved to only 20% in new French oak for 10 months, is relied upon to provide much of the texture and slightly over-shadows the orchard fruit flavours. Nice minerality and citrus acidity adds complexity and lingers through to the long finish. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2012 Chill - 88pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2012 Chill (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.90
Alcohol: 11%
Production: 1744 cases
Date Tasted: July 7th, 2013
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A fun, off-dry blend of 46% Pinot Gris, 25% Chardonnay, 11% Sauvignon Blanc and 6% each of Pinot Blanc, Viognier and Gewurztraminer offering loads of tropical fruit and mineral characters with a summertime afternoon-drinking-friendly level of alcohol; you could sip this tasty wine all day! Citrus, kiwi, gooseberry and ripe apple aromas grace the pleasant nose followed by similar flavours on the zesty and honeyed palate that finishes crisp with lingering lemon tang and slate notes. Designed to be enjoyed in its youth. Drink 20132014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Notable Peers:

Little Straw Vineyards 2012 Tapestry
Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 23 Camels White
Sperling Vineyards 2010 The Market White

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 Gamay Noir 'Droit' - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 Gamay Noir 'Droit' (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 2051 cases
Date Tasted:  July 5th, 2013

Tasting Notes: As the story goes, this Gamay Noir is the result of experimentation. Chateau des Charmes founder, Paul Bosc Sr., planted multiple Gamay clones and later discovered a particularly successful and upright ("droit") vine in his St. David's Bench Vineyard. The unique plant was propagated and an entire block of vines thrive today having been born from this one happy mutation.

This singular history flows through into the resulting wine which sees the 2010 edition especially shine on the nose where intense black cherry, cola and warm earth aromas blend nicely with clove and mineral notes. On the palate, despite the 3.5g/l of residual sugar (adding texture and body), a thin vein of sharp acidity runs through to the Christmas Cake-infused finish, contrasting the ripe, spicy raspberry flavours along the way.

With its profile of flavours and at just under $15, this Gamay makes the perfect Summer BBQ companion. As the winery itself suggests, think ribs with a touch of sweetness in the sauce. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Little Straw Vineyards 2011 La Petite Paille Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Little Straw Vineyards 2011 La Petite Paille Sauvignon Blanc (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.90
Alcohol: 11.2%
Production: 150 cases
Date Tasted: July 4th, 2013
@LittleStrawSue

Tasting Notes: One winery, two labels and two distinct styles. West Kelowna's Little Straw Vineyards has, for lack of a better term, a mirror label called La Petite Paille which produces wines in a more "serious" style when compared to the namesake line-up. The best example of this comes in the form of Sauvignon Blanc which is produced by both labels. The Petite Paille version is tang'o'rific and herbaceouswith austere stainless steel minerality and focused citrus fruit - a stark contrast to the Little Straw Sauv Blanc which finishes off-dry and offers more boisterous fruit notes.

This wine would make a great companion for your next seafood fest and would compliment oysters, lobster, white fish and mussels. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Anarchist Mountain Vineyard 2011 Élévation Chardonnay - 89+pts

Anarchist Mountain Vineyard 2011 Elevation Chardonnay (East Bench Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 3rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: The Anarchist Mountain Vineyard site has long been supplying grapes for other wineries but the latest owners, Andrew Stone and Terry Meyer Stone have decided to hold back some fruit and thrown their hat into the ring with this single-vineyard Chardonnay. The East Bench vineyard has an elevation of 1700 feet overlooking Osoyoos and produces aromas of opulent orchard fruit, sweet citrus, cool minerals and light spice. The palate offers good continuity from the nose with a pleasant texture and mouth-watering acidity, though, the oak program comes on a bit strong.

Overall, this gold-hued Chardonnay shows great promise for future releases from the Stone family, as the winemaking team get their oak and secondary fermentation program dialed in. This edition will benefit from further aging thanks to the mature vines (planted in 1985) who's fruit will stand-up to the caramel notes that will develop over the new 3-4 years. Drink 2015-2017+.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.casmooth toasted oak

Oak Bay Vineyard 2012 Gewurztraminer - 85pts

Oak Bay Vineyard 2012 Gewurztraminer (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.75
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: July 2nd, 2013

Tasting Notes: Opens with a pleasant, summery nose of apricot, peach and Asian pear aromas with underlying spice box notes. An uneven palate follows with the texture and spiciness you'd expect from Gewurztraminer and typical flavours of lychee and passion fruit but these elements get challenged by bitter notes which seem to linger through to the finish. Pairing with spicy Asian food will mask the bitterness and end-up making for a lovely meal. Drink 2013-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Silverback Vineyards 2011 Reserve Syrah - 99pts

Silverback Vineyards 2011 Reserve Syrah (Columbia Valley AVA) - Washington State

Availability: Not yet available in BC. Contact winery direct here
Cost: $240 (USD)
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 55 cases
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2012
Re-tasted: June 3rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: From a barrel sample. Winemaker Charles Herrold decided to experiment with one barrel of his 100% free-run Syrah production from the 2011 vintage using a Bordeaux yeast normally reserved for Cabernet Sauvignon and the results are truly stunning. Violets, tar, cherry, licorice and citrus characters galore. Glaetzer's Amon-Ra springs to mind but with more concentration and length, if that is even conceivable. Bold, rich and absolutely gorgeous, this inky-purple Syrah is sure to become a cult classic. Only 55 cases have been produced so you may be hard-pressed to get your hands on it. If you do, you'll want to wait another 1-2 years+ before opening for your investment to pay dividends. Drink 2015-2026+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: The wine is awaking from its Spring bottling-induced slumber with a roar, though I still recommend another 1-2 years in the bottle before opening. Should you choose to open now you'll find a powerfully elegant wine bursting with restrained intensity and dense, dense dark fruit flavours effortlessly balanced by its expertly-tuned oak program.

So close to "perfect" that 99 points may seem like a slight to the producer - and truthfully, no change to this wine could truly improve on what's already in the bottle. Vintage conditions and a presumptive successful track record, however, do leave room for future perfection.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca