Black Hills Estate Winery 2011 Syrah - 90pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2011 Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: September 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Nothing will ever replace Nota Bene as Black Hills Estate Winery's flagship wine, but their consistently excellent Syrah is worth as much attention (and is often easier to get your hands on). Always well made, always chalk full of dark cherry, cola, black pepper, charcuterie and mineral aromas on the warm and pleasing nose. A cool-climate Syrah from a cool vintage resulting in restrained tannins, allowing the tangy, wild berry acidity to lead the spicy dark fruit palate through to the moderate finish. Your last impression is lingering pepper spice, as all good Syrah should provide. Drink 2014-2017.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2011 Cabernet Franc - 88pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2011 Cabernet Franc (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Sold-out. Contact winery here for availability
Cost: $25.99
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 251 cases
Date Tasted: September 26th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The latest edition of their Cabernet Franc sees the Lillooet based winery finally able to contribute a significant amount of fruit to the wine from their home vineyard. 65% was sourced from the Fraser Canyon with the balance coming from vineyards along the Black Sage Bench near Oliver. The resulting blend is loaded with herbs and blue fruit making for a very quaffable Franc benefiting from 12 months in barrel prior to bottling. The dry palate that follows, is a tad 'green' on the firm tannins, attributable to the cooler vintage, though it's the herbs, mineral and berry fruit flavours that resonate through to the mouth-watering and well-balanced long finish. Drink 2014-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Backyard Vineyards 2012 Gewurztraminer - 86pts

Backyard Vineyards 2012 Gewurztraminer (Okanagan Valley) - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: September 24th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A near colourless, easy-going Gewurztraminer with a light, candied and perfumed nose of sweet lychee, orange blossom and white peach aromas. Palate offers a nice, creamy texture with some bright orchard fruit acidity and flavours popping through. Simple, pleasing patio and lunchtime wine. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Celler De Capcanes 2010 Mas Donis Barrica - 90pts

Celler De Capcanes 2010 Mas Donis Barrica (D.O. Montsant) Spain

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 8000 cases
Date Tasting: September 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: A fantastic BBQ wine with loads of character on the warm, fruity and perfumed nose and on the layered, fresh and vibrant palate. A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah, red fruit and herbs mix well to create a modern, Old World vibe with a refined/rustic dichotomy. A long finish with lingering spice and oak notes will carry through to your next bite of grilled Picanha. Drinking well now, but would benefit from further aging to reveal another layer on the palate of more mature fruit flavours. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Backyard Vineyards 2012 Nosey Neighbour White - 86pts

Backyard Vineyards 2012 Nosey Neighbour White (Okanagan Valley) - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: September 18th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Nosey Neighbour, Backyard Vineyards' easy-going blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sigerrebe and Gewurztraminer, has benefited from the warm 2012 growing season resulting in heightened aromatics on the nose and ripe, tropical fruit on the dry, mouth watering palate. Not overly complex, though, a nice vein of citrus fruit adds texture and freshness. Finish is moderate, but well-balanced. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Backyard Vineyards 2011 Syrah - 88pts

Backyard Vineyards 2011 Syrah (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: September 17th, 2013

Tasting Notes: An all-round pleaser, from the masculine, peppery and black cherry-infused nose enhanced with toasted oak notes, through to the well balanced, dry palate offering good continuity of flavours with added ripe plum and spice box notes. Finish is a tad short and the tannins are of the easy-going, drink now variety, but the relaxed style works in its favour. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2013

Chateau Des Charmes 2011 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2011 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $13.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 2303 cases
Date Tasted: September 16th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Lovers of toasty, buttery Chardonnay look no further, this barrel fermented example offers all the big peaches'n'cream aromas you crave at the impressive under $15 price point. Not overly complex on the palate, but a solid expression of apple and pear fruit and light mineral flavours with a satisfying creamy texture, mannered acidity and a moderate finish. Not a Chard to put away, enjoy it in its youth. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series Syrah - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series Syrah (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.99
Alcohol: 14.6%
Date Tasted: September 15th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The Oldfield Series Syrah reflects 2010 as a vintage perfectly with a shift from ripe tannins and robust fruit to a cooler, savoury-fueled wine bursting with white pepper and charcuterie aromas and flavours while the classic raspberry and plum fruit plays in the background. Very well-balanced with fine tannins and food-friendly acidity through to a moderate, spicy finish. Ready to go now, thanks to 18+ months of bottle age prior to release. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Cachet No. 02 - 92pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Cachet No. 02 (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold-out
Cost: $49.99 (original release price)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 40 cases
Date Tasted: September 13th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Feels a little like infanticide to open this beautiful Grenache-Syrah blend (with small amounts of Viognier and Marsanne) this early in its development, though, with proper decanting the gorgeous, feminine nose of crushed violets, potpourri, dried cranberry, spiced oak and sweet red fruit comes to life. The complex and intense palate needs more time in the bottle for the rich red fruit, savoury characters, bright berry acidity and fine tannin elements will meld together further and evolve as expected. Drink 2015-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Xavier Vins 2009 Gigondas - 90pts

Xavier Vins 2009 Gigondas (Southern Rhone) France

Availability: Limited. Private wine shops
Cost: $32-36
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: September 13th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A masculine Gigondas with spicy garrigue, cedar, dried plum, berry fruit and loads of river stone mineral aromas. The mouth-watering, concentrated, dry palate offers a generous blend of fleshy, berry fruits and savoury, herbal flavours supported by well-structured, mannered tannins with the continuity of mineral notes from the nose.

Gigondas, from the wine buyer's expectations perspective, should fit somewhere between quality Côtes du Rhône and entry-level Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the Xavier offering fits the bill. Better structure and balance than CDR, without the complexity or price tag of CDP.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Viognier - 88pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The Stag's Hollow Viognier returns after a one vintage absence and captures the intensity of the 2012 growing season with its boisterous, tropical fruit-infused nose and mouth-watering palate. Minerals and orchard fruit add complexity, though, the 2012 doesn't quite reach the depth of the more effortlessly layered and ultra-lux 2010 edition. A long, tart finish with lingering oak and fat, brioche flavours leaves a lasting impression. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Gold Hill Winery 2012 Rosé II - 85pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery gate. Website info here
Cost: $18.90
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 100 cases
Date Tasted: September 9th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This rosé is so dark it's only recognizable as a chilled blush by the beads of condensation on your glass. A big, bold bouquet of plum, cherry nib candy, stewed strawberry and peach pit aromas spill from the glass. The front-loaded palate, packed with red fruit flavours, is fairly full for a rosé with off-dry levels of sugar (mostly) off-set by tangy acidity keeping the mouth feel fresh. This wine pushes the envelop of what would be considered a traditional rosé - for better, for worse. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Backyard Vineyards 2012 Sauvignon Blanc - 85pts

Backyard Vineyards 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Valley) - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: September 10th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, grass and light tropical fruit greet you on the nose of this easy-going, food-friendly dinner companion for fish dishes. Not an overtly intense or tangy Sauvignon Blanc, but offers some good typicity for the variety. Finishes pleasantly dry with some residual sugar balanced nicely by the citrus acidity, though, the palate suffers a bit from out-of-skew ratio of alcohol to weight - just a tad "hot". Drink 2013-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series Merlot - 90+pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Oldfield Series Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Available October 1st. Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.99
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: September 8th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A serious, cellar worthy Merlot enhanced with 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Syrah which heighten the aromatics on the intense, dark berry fruit and savoury, licorice'n'cola nose with playful notes of violets and cherry. The palate has benefited from the extra bottle aging that Tinhorn employs for their Oldfield Series wines, with developing characters of blended fruit and savoury flavours supported by fine tannins and perfectly balanced acidity through to a long finish with a touch of lingering spice. Ready to go now, though will hold for many years if desired. Drink 2013-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Erath Winery 2012 Pinot Gris - 89pts

Erath Winery 2012 Pinot Gris (Dundee) Oregon - USA

Availability: Available at private wine shops
Cost: $12-20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Oregon may be world renowned for producing some of the best New World examples of Pinot Noir but locally wine lovers are swooning for the State's crisp, well balanced Pinot Gris often produced with little-to-no oak contact or secondary malolactic fermentation for a pure expression of the variety. The Erath example is sourced from multiple vineyards and then blended to deliver a Pinot Gris with beautiful orchard fruit and light floral aromas on the nose followed by a dry palate with an even balance of rich, apple and pear flavours to vibrant acidity. The finish is long and tangy with hidden citrus and spice elements completing a refreshing experience. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure to preserve the freshness. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Grenache - 91pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $29.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 170 cases
Date Tasted: September 6th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Just in time for this year's International Grenache Day on September 20th, comes Stag's Hollow's release of a 100% Grenache wine, quite possibly BC's first ever such bottling. Originating from the warm and consistent 2012 vintage, drinking this Grenache is pure joy. Brimming with layers of aromatic flowers, sweet spice and a medley of ripe, red fruit aromas on the sensual and feminine nose. The palate offers amazing continuity - the wine truly tastes like it smells - rich, feminine and complex with concentrated red fruit creating the perception of light sweetness through to the long, balanced, rounded finish. Ready to be enjoyed now. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

On a side note: Upon closer inspection you might notice what looks like an extra collar at the top of the bottle but it's actually the tell-tale sign of a Vino-lok enclosure, which you can be forgiven for not being familiar with as they are rather new to the BC market. Perhaps best described as a better-looking screwcap, the Vino-lok, a tight-fitting glass stopper, aims to seal the wine tight and lock in the freshness for fruit-forward wines. Though popular in Europe, the Vino-lok enclosure is rare in North America due to cost and limited availability of appropriate bottling equipment. (All 170 cases of the Stag's Hollow Grenache were sealed by hand.)

Gold Hill Winery 2011 Cabernet Franc II - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and BC VQA stores
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: June 13th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Gold Hill Winery definitely have a handle on how to produce excellent Cabernet Franc from their home vineyard along the Golden Mile Bench. Lighter in colour and body, reflective of the cooler 2011 vintage, this aromatic, sensual and complex wine has classic BC-Franc notes of sagebrush and herbs on the nose which support the wild berry fruit and French oak aromas nicely. The palate impresses with good continuity from the nose and a nice balance of fresh acidity and rounded tannins which lovingly frame the ripe berry fruit, dried herbs, cured sausage, coffee grind and light spice flavours. The finish is long, spicy and satisfying - you want another sip! Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2013

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2010 Merlot 89-91pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14.3%
Date Tasted: September 4th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A masculine Merlot with dark berry fruit, anise, spice, cedar and mint aromas that represents the Painted Rock brand well with its refined palate and complex, luxurious nose, yet doesn't shine quite as bright as the rest of the wines in the winery's impeccable, award-winning portfolio. Age-worthy, nearly to the point of necessity, where it's best to forget about this wine for a few years to allow the mature flavours time to develop and flourish as they have with previous vintages like 2007. Your patience will be rewarded handsomely. Drink late-2014-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Layer Cake Wines 2011 Shiraz - 88pts

Layer Cake Wines 2011 Shiraz (South Australia) Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $20-28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Intense, biting dark cherry and black pepper aromas pounce on your nose when you bring it to within a few inches from the glass. When your nose adjusts to the intensity, you'll find more layers of cardamon, cedar and light eucalyptus notes to enjoy before moving on to the equally intense, modern Australian Shiraz palate: sharp acidity, moderate tannins, peppercorn puree and powerful, dark cherry extract. Finesse and elegance are not on offer here, but what it does, it does well. Enjoy with grilled meats over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 Gamay - 89pts

JoieFarm 2011 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here

Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 530 cases
Date Tasted: September 9th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A new entry on the winery's growing portfolio, this single-vineyard Gamay completes JoieFarm's exploration of the classic red varieties of Burgundy - though, its decidedly BC New World. Sourced from the Naramata Bench, the wine is a nicely rounded example of the spicy, juicy and funky Gamay grape offering impressive depth on the nose with wild raspberry, white pepper, stewed plum and cherry cola aromas. The palate follows-up with fresh, vibrant acidity, mild, fine tannins and a flavour profile that ranges from wild, alpine fruit to savoury notes like cured meats and smoked cedar. The finish is long, balanced and palate-cleansing.

Sealed with a Stelvin cap to lock in the freshness. Enjoy this wine in its youth with cedar-plank, BBQ salmon (skin on and super crispy). Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2012 Alexandria - 89pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: August 30th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A bolder version of Muscat when compared to some of its delicate Okanagan Valley peers who focus more on the subtle, pure grape characters VS highlighting its potential for big, juicy orchard fruit flavours like La Frenz has chosen to do. Peach, apple, apricot, citrus and stonefruit aromas and flavours round-out the profile of this joyous, off-dry wine suitable for Sunday brunches or dreary Winter nights when you're dreaming of the warmth of Summer. Not a wine to hold in your cellar for long - best enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 PTG - 89pts

JoieFarm 2011 PTG (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here upon release
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 530 cases
Date Tasted: August 31st, 2013

Tasting Notes: Joie's PTG, from the French "Passe-Tout-Grains", is a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay (historical blending partners in Burgundy) which yields an intriguing melange of funky earthiness and tangy, raciness. Imagine a combination of cherry, raspberry, plum and cranberry fruit heated on a stove top with loads of spice and vanilla, then mix-in elements of the forest, bright acidity and savoury notes like oak and dried herbs and you have the 2011 PTG.

Where the 2010 edition was cellar worthy with aging potential, I see the 2011 better suited for early consumption. Now sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure to seal in the inherent freshness of the wine, though, I would recommend a lengthy decanting before drinking to allow the wine to properly express the layers beyond the pure fruit aromas and flavours. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2012 Riesling - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 11%
Date Tasted: August 31st, 2013

Tasting Notes: The aromatic intensity is back for the 2012 edition of the La Frenz Riesling - always one of the valley's best constructed examples of the Germanic varietal - with ripe, tangy honeydew melon, grapefruit and Asian pear aromas escaping from the glass supported by light tropical notes. Off-dry levels of residual sugar are well-balanced by the mouth-watering green apple and pineapple acidity on the palate adorned with boisterous orchard and tropical fruit flavours. A nice vein of minerals runs through the palate to the long, balanced finish where just a hint of spice is perceptible. A supremely consistent wine for La Frenz worth aging for 1-2 more years if you have the patience. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Seghesio Family Vineyards 2011 Sonoma Zinfandel - 89pts

Seghesio Family Vineyards 2011 Sononma Zinfandel (Sonoma County) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $26-30
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: August 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This dark-ruby hued Zinfandel is a blend of multiple Sonoma County vineyards that makes a great entry-level wine into the world of premium Zins that lives beyond the realm of the ultra-jammy fruit bombs populated by the mass-produced "branded" wines. Intense, yet, layered with spicy dark plum, ripe cherry and light citrus aromas above present, yet, restrained oak-influenced notes. A similar palate follows offering great concentration, but never seeks to overwhelm, with mixed-berry and plum fruit flavours supported by moderate tannins and vibrant acidity - an all-round, well-balanced and tasty Zin. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca