Gold Hill Winery 2011 Merlot II - 85pts

Gold Hill Winery 2011 Merlot II (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: August 23rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: Hover over the glass and enjoy South Okanagan dried herbs and classic mixed-berry fruit aromas blending nicely on the nose of this easy-drinking merlot from Gold Hill Winery. Palate is front loaded with juicy berry fruit, oak notes and spirited acid followed by mild tannins and a short finish. Pair with a sweet'n'spicy steak to bring out the best of this Merlot's attributes. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2012 Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Fairview Cellars 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: August 17th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Marketed as a perfect pairing for oysters (which I wouldn't disagree with), though, the association may be limiting as not everyone likes oysters and it's hard to see anyone not liking this wine. Do you like the sun? Do you like to be refreshed when enjoying the sun? Answer "yes" to either question and find yourself a bottle of this tasty Sauvignon Blanc who's mere presence on a hot deck brings down the perceived temperature by 3 degrees.

This crisp wine opens with a flash of sweet papaya fruit before quickly transitioning to a medley of stonefruit, green apple and tangy citrus flavours; lemon/lime, quince and mandarin orange. The finish is long and tastefully tart with lingering lime rind notes and just a hint of spice. Enjoy this Sauvignon Blanc in its youth. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir - 90+pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.90
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 204 cases
Date Tasted: August 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: Comparing the JoieFarm varietal Pinot Noir with the Naramata Bench firm's Reserve Pinot Noir is an examination of one's desire. Do you want to drink it now or in a few years? Do you want a more fruit forward wine or a forward thinking wine? Stelvin or cork?

The "En Famille" Pinot originates from the same lots of grapes pulled off of the Naramata Bench, Skaha Bench and Summerland vineyards that supply the fruit for the regular Pinot and most of the winemaking process is the same until you get into the influential élevage stage when the Reserve sees 10 months in Burgundian barriques prior to bottling instead of 10 months in 25hl casks. The comparative contrast is not dramatic, both yield a complex, well-balanced Pinot with plenty of classic-Pinot red fruit and earthiness but where the regular Pinot leads with fruit, the Reserve leads with its combination of savoury and earthy characters and is framed by more refined, polished tannins. Subtle differences that speak more to what you want to get out of the bottle than what went into it.

Enjoy the regular Pinot while you wait for the Reserve to mature over the next year or two. Sealed with natural cork enclosure, this Pinot is likely to develop through 2017 and possibly beyond. Drink 2014-2017+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Gold Hill Winery 2012 Pinot Gris II - 86pts

Gold Hill Winery 2012 Pinot Gris II (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: August 15th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Dry, fruity and loaded with minerals, a Pinot Gris for the dinner table when serving roasted fowl or ham. Bosc Pear, bruised ripe apples, wet rocks and tart lemons on the mild nose and full bodied palate where nice citrus acidity levels out the body, though, finishes a tad sharp.
Enjoy this Pinot Gris in its youth.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Gold Hill Winery 2012 Viognier I - N/R

Gold Hill Winery 2012 Viognier I (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery gate. Website info here
Cost: $21.90
Alcohol: 15.2%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: August 22nd, 2013

Tasting Notes: Though it opens with a sweet, pleasant nose of ripe, racy pineapple fruit this Viognier suffers from an intense perception of alcohol on the lean palate that overwhelms the light mineral and orchard fruit flavours. More residual sugar and a firmer acid structure was needed here to create balance.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 Pinot Noir - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 488 cases
Date Tasted: August 19th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This Pinot gets better and better in the glass over time with gorgeous red fruit, spice and sweet forest floor aromas that draws your attention in close to enjoy the minute details like hints of dried cranberry, flint and crushed flowers. The red fruit and earthy characters carry through to the intense, medium-plus bodied palate where the juicy flavours are balanced by mouth-watering acidity and framed with fine, mannered tannins. Enjoy this Pinot in its youth, on its own or with duck served with a fruit sauce. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2012 Chardonnay - 93pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2012 Chardonnay (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 20th, 2013

Tasting Notes: How do you follow-up on an Icon Wine of the Year performance? You don't rest on laurels and keep on trucking. For Painted Rock that means continual refinement of the vineyard management practices, pruning and harvest program for every variety in your vineyard. You also react to vintage conditions, which for 2012, meant more sun and higher yield. The result is continued excellence producing another stand-out Chardonnay and one of the Province's best (pissst, get it while the price is still only $30!).

Textured and concentrated with lush tropical, juicy melon, caramel and stonefruit characters supported by a vibrant backbone of citrus acidity and a long balanced finish of tangy, green apple, tangerine and brioche flavours. Effortless compatibility of all elements. Ready to be enjoyed today through mid-term cellaring. Drink 20123-2017+
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2011 Mad Cap Red - 90pts

Fairview Cellars 2011 Mad Cap Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Released in September. Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 14% (est)
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Fairview's answer to a Merlot-driven blend with Cab Sauv and Cab Franc contributing complexity and added tannin to a fruit-forward, yet, "serious" red wine offering concentrated blackberry, boysenberry, vanilla bean, light mint and cedar aromas. Sees more time in oak than the winery's popular Two Hoots (a Cab Sauv driven blend) resulting in more perceptible oak influence on the ripe, full-bodied, mouth-watering palate where dark berry fruit mingles with toasted oak flavours nicely through to the lightly spiced finish. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Tangy citrus, ripe papaya and sea shells grace the nose of this boisterous Sauvignon Blanc from Naramata Bench produce La Frenz Winery who, through past success, have become one of the most consistent producers of the French variety. The palate's flavour profile, which ranges from lemon/lime to green apple to stonefruit to brioche, benefits from selective blending from multiple fruit sources and prolonged lees contact creating mouth feel and a long finish.

Ready to be enjoyed in its youth, though short-to-mid-range cellaring is not out of the question. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2010 Shiraz - 90pts

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

Availability: Limited. 2011 vintage since released
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 15th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Opens with a feminine nose of generous white pepper, burnt cedar, fresh violets and dark cherry aromas followed by a well balanced and similarly flavoured, spicy dry palate. Comparable in style to other 2010 BC Syrah which yielded a more aromatic and lighter bodied style with ripe, fine tannins rather than the beastly, mouth-drying tannins of previous vintages. Ready to be enjoyed now and over the next 3 years.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Gold Hill Winery 2011 Pinot Noir I - 86pts

Gold Hill Winery 2011 Pinot Noir I (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 99 cases
Date Tasted: August 13th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Challenges the boundaries of labelling tenets with 25% Merlot blended in, augmenting the tannic backbone and deepening the colour. An otherwise impressive first-time Pinot with lots of earth and fruit characters to enjoy throughout. The fleshy nose brings a nice medley of red fruit, vanilla bean and woodsy aromas. The vibrant palate follows with red fruit, oak and light forest floor flavours and mouth-watering acidity, but it's a soften acidity that never verges towards an unwanted sharpness. Not overly complex or layered, but well balanced and easy-going making it a great companion for dinner. Ready to go now and likely best enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Gold Hill Winery 2011 Syrah II - 89pts

Gold Hill Winery 2011 Syrah II (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here

Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2013

Tasting Notes: As the Gold HIll Winery vineyards and winemaking process matures, wines like this flavourful Syrah, will reap the benefit and pay dividends in the years to come. Now 2 years on from their inaugural vintage, the 2011 shows signs of a simpler approach letting the grapes and French oak do their thing resulting is an aromatic Syrah with lovely fresh violet, cherry cola candy, white pepper, vanilla bean, mocha and light clove aromas on the pleasant nose.

The fruit-driven palate is nicely restrained with dark cherry, blackberry liqueur and coffee grind flavours, offset by tangy acidity and meaty tannins culminating in a slightly uneven finish, though, a touch of lingering spice and vanilla extract keeps you engaged and wanting another sip. Has the tannins and acid to last another 2-3 years comfortably, despite the synthetic cork enclosure. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Castello di Bossi 2008 Chianti Classico - 89pts

Castello di Bossi 2008 Chianti Classico (Chianti Classico DOCG) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $20-30
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Gorgeous, feminine nose of sweet licorice, violets, cherry, warm earth and spiced plum aromas. The round, berry and tobacco-infused palate has aged well but may have peaked showing signs of frailty on the short finish. Drink 2013-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer - 92pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $27.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 150 cases
Date Tasted: August 10th, 2013

Tasting Notes: One review, two renditions:

The "Quotable"...
Though it draws its inspiration from Grand Cru Alsatian examples, this is a classic BC Gewurztraminer with excellent balance and attention to detail from the refined floral medley and seductive tropical fruit on the nose to the lip-smacking, off-dry palate full of ripe lychee fruit and generous spice that lingers on the long, long finish. This single vineyard Gewurztraminer will make a perfect counter-strike to a casual, conversational, supper of aged sausage and hard cheese. Charcuterie, thy match is made. Drink now-2015.

The "Un-printable"...
Holy crap, this is some primo 'Goo'! Fat, juicy and souped-up. Sure, you may be thinking that nearly $30 is a lot of coin to lay down for a Gewurztraminer, but, have you had one this good? Probably not. Before long you'll be humming "Fat-bottom Goo, you make the vinous world go 'round!"
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Franciscan Estate 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - 91pts

Franciscan Estate 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville) Napa Valley - California

Availability: Costco in WA State. Private wine shops in Canada
Cost: $28-45
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 16th, 2011
Re-tasted: August 9th, 2013

Tasting Notes: An extracted powerhouse of a Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy blend with 13% Merlot, 3% Syrah and 1% Petit Verdot which retains its feminine charm with intense dark fruit and spot-on oak treatment characters. On the gorgeous nose are refined, warm aromas of cassis, licorice, toasted oak, eucalyptus, black olives and mint. Followed by an equally attractive palate of round, integrated tannins, mouth-watering acid and similar flavours.

An impressive wine offering great value for the price, all things considered. Add a few to your cellar to impress your guests over the next 6-7 years. Drinking well now, but would benefit from another year of aging. Pair with peppercorn fillet. Drink 2012-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: This Napa Valley blended Cabernet Sauvignon hasn't lost any of its impressive power on the intense, dark fruit'n'oak nose and concentrated palate, though, the finish is fading more quickly now. Corrective score down to 91pts from an estimated range of 92-93pts as the wine has failed to truly meld over the years. Still attractively intense and attention getting but the complexity has peaked and is now beginning to simplify. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2011 Chardonnay - 88pts

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

Availability: Sold out. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 13th, 2013
Re-tasted: August 9th, 2013

Tasting Notes: At first impression the 2011 La Frenz Chardonnay seems to follow on the heels of the lean and tart 2010 edition, however, when given time to open-up in the glass the wine reveals a layer of rich orchard fruit beneath the crisp and tangy veneer which rounds-out the palate and compliments the light oak and MLF notes living up to the "Peaches'n'Cream" moniker. A more complete wine. Drink Now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: 8 months on from our original tasting and this lovely Chardonnay has come into it's own. The La Frenz Chard is always ready to go upon release, but one extra year in the bottle does wonders to the integration of the fruity and tangy components. However, recent tastings of older La Frenz' "Peaches'n'Cream" Chard (not the refined reserve edition) have narrowed the expected window. I wouldn't recommend cellaring beyond two years now. Drink now-early-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2007 Maximus - 89pts

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

Availability: Sold-out. Contact winery here for library release details
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 862 cases
Date Tasted: January 14th, 2011
Re-tasted: August 7th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The "Maximus" is Cassini Cellar's red Meritage which blends 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 4% Malbec together resulting in a wine with decent complexity, concentration and an elegant palate. Aged in both French (80%) and American oak (20%) the nose shows influence of both with intense aromas of cassis, blackberry, vanilla and spice box. There are some green notes present, suggesting some slightly under ripe fruit in the mix but this doesn't detract from the pleasant appeal of the nose. A nice vein of sweetness also runs through the developing bouquet.

Good continuity of flavours carries through to the dry palate which offers a nice balance between its juicy texture and savoury oak structure with an added touch of minerality. Lack of a cork enclosure may affect long-term cellaring, but the wine is ready to be enjoyed now, so why wait? Pair with your favourite red meat dishes. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: Worth noting that the bottle opened for the re-tasting was sealed with a synthetic cork and dipped in wax. The nose has stood the test of time nicely with a developed bouquet of seductive red and dark berry fruit complimented by mature oak aromas and sweet vanilla notes. The palate is thinner with a shorter finish, yet, tasting scrumptious, maintaining the solid continuity of flavours to aromas. Drinking window can be increased slightly, though i wouldn't wait too much longer, this wine has peaked. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tenuta Sette Ponti 2010 Crognolo - 90-92pts

Tenuta Sette Ponti 2010 Crognolo (Toscana IGT) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This is a Super Tuscan perfect for the North American market; fruit forward, dense and steak friendly. It's not all power and extraction though, offering layers of warm earth, licorice, mint and spices on the intense nose and generous, full-bodied palate.

The tannins could use another year to mellow if you have the patience, otherwise, be sure to decant for 2+ hours. Will make a fantastic pairing for grilled red meats. Drink 2014-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tolaini 2007 Valdisanti - 92-93pts

Tolaini 2007 Valdisanti (Toscana IGT) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $40-47
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Warm rocks, toasted oak and sweet prune notes resonate from the feminine and floral nose of this supremely enjoyable and lovably complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Added potpourri, blackberry, vanilla and anise aromas make the quietly intense, developed bouquet irresistible.

The palate is a beast, though, 5 years in the bottle has helped reign in the horns some, with meaty, powerful tannins showing signs of releasing their tight grip on the elegant dark fruit and hot rock flavours. The effects of French oak aging lingers on the long, balanced finish. For the quality and depth on offer, this vintage has epic value and compares well to Super Tuscans priced 2X or 3X as much.

You'll find the sweet spot for this beauty after another 2 years of aging. Drink 2015-2020.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Little Straw Vineyards 2008 La Petite Paille Cuvée Noir - 87pts

Little Straw Vineyards 2008 La Petite Paille Cuvée Noir (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 296 cases
Date Tasted: August 2nd, 2013
@LittleStrawSue

Tasting Notes: This proprietary blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Blau Frankish opens on the nose with a nice blend of wild, alpine berry fruit and toasted oak aromas with light cinnamon and vanilla notes. The seriously tart and vibrant palate follows with mouth watering acidity likely to jolt your senses at first. Beyond the tartness are some pleasant, food-friendly characteristics: mild, integrated tannins, terroir flavours and nice lingering wild berry fruit on the finish.

Beyond the mellowed tannins, this blend is still tasting rather young and should last another 2-3 years, though, be weary of fruit denigration if you wait too long. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2009 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2009 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.99
Alcohol: 14.7%
Production: 440 cases
Date Tasted: August 2nd, 2013

Tasting Notes: One could never deny this Pinot's intensity. The nose spills from the glass with matured aromas of ripe cherry, cooked raspberry, vanilla bean and warm earth notes. The dry palate is equally intense and nearly full-bodied with a whopping 14.7% alcohol and concentrated, red fruit flavours framed by fine, mellowed tannins and mouth watering wild berry acidity.

Showing some brick colour now four years on from the dry and hot harvest of 2009 whose numerous heat units are responsible for the intensity of this Pinot produced on the edge of Canada's only true desert. Certainly ready to drink now and should last another 3-4 years with careful cellaring. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Gold Hill Winery 2012 Gewurztraminer II - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2012 Gewurztraminer II (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery gate. Website info here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: August 1st, 2013

Tasting Notes: A big, boistrous, brass-hued Gewurztraminer with intense, fat, fruit aromas of lychee, apricots and peaches with light lime rind notes. The palate is equally fat with silimar flavours and loads of body from ultra ripe fruit and off-dry levels of residual sugar. The fullness is balanced by nice vein of citrus acidity. The finish is long and spiced with a touch of lingering bitterness. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Yalumba 2008 FDR1A - 91pts

Yalumba 2008 FDR1A (Eden Valley) Barossa Valley - South Australia - Australia

Availability: Special order from BCLDB, Private Wine Shops
Cost: $30-40
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Irresistibly intense, classic Aussie Cabernet-Shiraz aromas of eucalyptus and cherry-cola leap from the glass and tickle your nostrils while vanilla, oak spice and plum notes add complexity. Equally intense on the palate with a similar flavour profile and enhanced toasted oak elements adding a nice structure of tannins supporting the concentrated fruit and acidic kick. Finish is balanced but too short.

Approaching its ideal drinking window, though, is tasting great today if you can't wait another year. Drink 2014-2020.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Merlot - 88pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 8640 cases
Date Tasted: July 30th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Opens with a pleasing nose of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, oak and light mint aromas. The dry palate follows with impressive ripeness showing through juicy berry and plum fruit flavours and via fine tannins that structure and support the fruit nicely. Finish is balanced with well-mannered acidity, though a touch short.

This Merlot is ready to go now but will hold for another 2-3 years should you choose to hold on to a bottle or two. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca