Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2013 Organic Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2013 Organic Gewurztraminer (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 12.8%
Date Tasted: May 31st, 2014

Tasting Notes: Summerhill's certified organic Gewurztraminer has an eye-catching, brassy-golden hue closely reflecting the natural colour of the Germanic varietal on the vine. Off-dry, with a whopping 17.9 g/l of residual sugar, offering juicy peach and ripe lychee fruit on the nose and palate with supporting layers of citrus peel and 
dry herbs (especially on the moderate finish). Crab apple and kumquat acidity balance the residual sugar nicely, keeping the mouth-feel full, yet, fresh. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Church and State Wines 2010 Coyote Bowl Series Merlot - 88pts

Church and State Wines 2010 Coyote Bowl Series Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 642 cases
Date Tasted: May 28th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Sourced from the Vanessa Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley, the Coyote Bowl Series Merlot distinguishes itself from the winery's 'regular' Merlot with more pronounced oak influence in the form of tasty, vanilla and spice aromas and flavours which add a sensual note to the classic, mixed berry and black cherry profile. A touch of residual sugar adds body and depth but never nears Apothic Red levels, thankfully. A nice vein of wild berry acidity runs through the core keeping the palate fresh and balanced.


This is a great wine for grilled meats and for dinner parties when you can't predict what will be served. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2013 Splash - 87pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2013 Splash (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: May 29th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This blend of Viognier, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer (percentages not provided) makes a nice addition to the patio-sipping, white blend category whose wines, generally speaking, aim to be easy-drinking, refreshing and food-friendly. Splash goes 3-for-3, offering off-dry, apple, pear and tangerine fruit balanced nicely by mineral, citrus and light spice, while a good amount of body creates the textured palate experience that enhances many Pan-Asian dishes. Perhaps, 'complexity' is not on this wine's 
palmarès, but 'fun' and 'drinkability' certainly are. Drink 2014-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2013 Pinot Noir Rosé - 88pts

SpierHead Winery 2013 Pinot Noir Rosé (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 730 cases
Date Tasted: May 27th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This medium-pink hued ros
é makes for a nice, dry alternative to the many sweeter blush wines produced in BC. Made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from a vineyard in East Kelowna, this wine opens with a distinctive nose of strawberry, fig fruit and unpasteurized honey. The palate follows with juicy, red berry flavours and tangy, cranberry acidity. Well balanced, clean and crisp. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Corner Stone - 89pts

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

Availability
: Direct from winery here
Cost: $28.50
Alcohol: 12.1%
Date Tasted: May 23rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: A 
blend of 53% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Malbec which opens with lovely, deep aromas of blueberry, blackberry and cherry fruit with light, smoky, charred-oak notes and hints of dried herbs on the nose. Certainly, a refreshing Meritage with mouth-watering acidity, mannered tannins and lots of wild berry fruit supported by oak, sage brush and spice box flavours on the palate. Ready to go now with mid-range ageing potential. Drink 2014-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2013 Rosé - 89pts

JoieFarm 2013 Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $20.90
Alcohol: 12.5 %
Production: 2838 cases
Date Tasted: May 23rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: This watermelon flesh hued r
osé boasts a nice combination of sweet red fruit and light, savoury herbs on the expressive nose. The palate follows with off-dry levels of residual sugar which are managed nicely with tart cranberry and tangy citrus acidity and flavours. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Gamay sourced from multiple Okanagan vineyards, this wine is bright, cheery and well structured. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2013 Pinot Gris - 89pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2013 Pinot Gris (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: May 21st, 2014

Tasting Notes: The 2013 Pinot Gris from River Stone takes on a new, vibrant and punchy character when compared to last year's more subtle, balanced release. The muted nose yields its time to the edgy, tangy palate - it has the floor and your attention. Saliva-inducing citrus fruit flavours and acidity race around your mouth while sweet orchard fruit, stonefruit and light leesy flavours try and catch-up - there's lots to pick-out and enjoy. A distinctive medley of wild herbs linger on the long finish - a developing trademark of the family-owned, Black Sage Bench winery. Drink 2014-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2013 Rosé - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2013 Rosé (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 4600 cases
Date Tasted: May 20th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This light-salmon hued Rosé is a blend of 60% Gamey, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Gris grapes, offering a fresh and aromatic nose of Spring flowers, strawberry-marshmallow candies and tangerine peel. The palate is refreshing with wild berry and rhubarb acidity offset by sweet, red fruit flavours and near off-dry levels of residual sugar, finishing with a nice, mouth-watering, citrus twang. Exceptional value for the quality. Drink now... (until next year's release).
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2013 Muscat - 90pts

JoieFarm 2013 Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 11.8%
Production: 483 cases
Date Tasted: May 19th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Instantly pleasing at the first sniff of sweet peach and perfume aromas with lemon drop candy and delicate rose petal notes adding depth. The palate is a jolt to the senses compared to the demure, sensual nose. Imagine a big bite of a freshly picked white peach, right of the tree; acidic, sweet and juicy with notes of stonefruit and citrus peel. Delicious.


Enjoy this wine throughout the Spring and Summer with your favourite brunch or picnic fare. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2013 Pinot Gris - 90pts

SpierHead Winery 2013 Pinot Gris (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: May 17th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Grapes for this excellent Pinot Gris were sourced from Summerland, BC, delivering, clean, crisp, golden apple and citrus fruit characters on the subtle nose and the ultra-refreshing palate. With no oak program, stainless steel ageing only, this Pinot Gris relies on the contrast of tart, mouth-watering, green-apple acidity and its 
ever-so off-dry level of residual sugar to achieve a fine balance and desired texture. Light mineral notes and a hint of spice linger on the moderate finish.

This wine screams to be enjoyed on a hot patio and will aide in your quest to meld with said patio as you soak in the sun's rays and relax. To be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2012 Stones Throw - 87pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2012 Stones Throw (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24
Alcohol: 14.3%
Date Tasted: May 16th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A new label for the small estate winery, Stones Throw is an aromatic blend of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that offers gentle, pleasant aromas of perfume, violets, blackberries and oak. The youthful palate follows with a wave of fresh berry flavours and tangy acidity only slightly rounded by its soft tannins. Missing a little length in the finish, but a good wine for sweetened, roasted ribs or tangy, Korean BBQ dishes. 
Drink 2014-2017
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2013 Un-Oaked Chardonnay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2013 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 901 cases
Date Tasted: May 15th, 2014

Tasting Notes: The JoieFarm Un-Oaked Chardonnay distinguishes itself from its peers by delivering a richly textured palate to accompany the standard, fruit-forward flavour profile: the main goal of all un-oaked Chardonnay producers. This characteristic elevates the wine's appeal, making it more palatable to oak-loving Chardonnay fans as well as to the A-B-C crowd (anything-but-Chardonnay). 

In 2012, this richness was achieved from near-perfect ripeness and concentration of flavours. In 2013, an above average, but, less than ideal growing season, this richness relies on a higher level of alcohol to contribute mouth-coating glycerol to balance out the bright, grapefruit acidity and the edgy, green apple flavours. A warm layer of tropical fruit aromas and flavours also help to tame the rawness of Chardonnay's intense, natural stonefruit and mineral characters. 

Enjoy this refreshing and well-made Chardonnay in its youth. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2013 Pinot Noir Rosé - 88pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2013 Pinot Noir Rosé (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 204 cases
Date Tasted: May 13th, 2014

Tasting Notes: The continually improving Fort Berens rosé is made from estate grown Pinot Noir grapes and delivers juicy, cran-strawberry and light mineral aromas on the appealing nose, though, it's the well-balanced palate which grabs your attention. Ripe, raspberry, kiwi and cranberry fruit flavours create the perception of sweetness while bright, citrus acidity keeps the mouth feel crisp, but never sharp. The finish is long and refreshingly dry making it ideal for food pairing. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2013 A Noble Blend - 91pts

JoieFarm 2013 A Noble Blend (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 6236 cases, 486 magnums, 90 double magnums
Date Tasted: May 12th, 2014

Tasting Notes: JoieFarm's A Noble Blend draws inspiration from the Gentil blends of Alsace, France, which, for the most part, combine the region's traditional Germanic varieties into easily-accessible, entry-level, uncomplicated table wines. JoieFarm takes the concept of this humble wine and turns it on its head to produce a premium blend that has become the Naramata Bench winery's flagship label.

The 2013 edition is predominately a Gewurztraminer-Riesling blend (at 45% and 38%, respectively) with the balance being 8% Pinot Auxerrois, 4% Pinot Blanc, 3% Muscat and 1% Schoenberger. Tropical, citrus and pear fruit hit you first in the form of vibrant aromas and intensely sweet flavours. Then, the wine's secondary and tertiary layers appear as waves of crisp acidity and lingering spice; adding balance and complexity. This wine is a joy to drink. Enjoy it on its own or with a succulent, crab salad. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2012 Cabernet Franc - 90pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2012 Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: May 8th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Consistent and unheralded, the River Stone Cabernet Franc is a must-try for all Franc-ophiles who love how the Bordeaux varietal successfully transmits the unique terroir of the southern Okanagan Valley. The developing bouquet smells of its origin with wild herbs, flowers and berry fruit galore while hints of its 14 month stint in French oak gracefully round out the nose. The dry, well-structured palate expresses similar flavours with added spice, coffee grinds and earth notes and just a touch of cured meats. The finish is long and balanced. 
Would benefit from another 6 months in bottle. Drink late-2014-2018
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2013 Syrah Grenache Rosé - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2013 Syrah Grenache Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 168 cases
Date Tasted: May 7th, 2014

Tasting Notes: The 2013 edition of Stag's Hollow's popular Syrah R
osé sees the Okanagan Falls winery experiment with the addition of 15% Grenache. Sourced from the same vineyard in Osoyoos, the grapes were grown specifically with rosé in mind rather than as a second option or back-up plan - always a great way to ensure your rose will have the right amount of natural acid to keep the fruitiness in check.

Classic red berry fruit on the nose and palate is a little more intense for 2013, than in previous years, pushing the citrus, mineral and light spice characters more towards the slightly hot finish. The Grenache contributes added depth by way of candied, Christmas cake fruit notes but doesn't really enhance the overall balance of the cran-strawberry fruit, citrus acidity and near off-dry texture. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2013 Chasselas Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris - 87pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2013 Chasselas Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB Stores and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 11,200 cases
Date Tasted: May 6th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Chasselas is believed to originate from Switzerland and is still heavily used in that country for dry, full-bodied wines. It's a rarity in BC and lacks the name recognition many other white varieties enjoy with the public at large. Herein lies the cleverness of Quails' Gate to blend Chasselas (with whom the winery has a long relationship) with better known varieties Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Together, they make an approachable, floral smelling, orchard fruit'n'mineral patio wine with some residual sweetness balanced by mannered acidity and some grassy notes on the finish.

Enjoy this wine in its youth, chilled, while sitting on a hot deck with good company. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2013 Cuvée D'Andrée Rosé - 86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2013 Cuvée D'Andrée Rosé (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 1575 cases
Date Tasted:  May 5th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This cranberry-salmon coloured 
rosé is made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from multiple estate vineyards near Niagara-On-The-Lake. Supremely easy-going and fun to drink, this off-dry rosé delivers playful, red berry and pink grapefruit characters well-balanced with light minerals and tangy acidity. A nice hit of fresh grapefruit lingers on the finish. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2013 Pinot Blanc - 90pts

JoieFarm 2013 Pinot Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 438 cases
Date Tasted: May 3rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: Keeping with the style 
established for the 2012 edition, the 2013 gets more traction from its masculine, stonefruit-infused palate than its warmer, feminine nose of fresh flowers, apple peel and honeydew melon. Tangy and potent with a medley of orchard fruit, minerals and citrus flavours, the palate is vibrant, bold and long with lemon/lime zest lingering on the finish.

Keep a bottle at the ready for the first heat-wave of the Summer for a refreshing escape from the heat. Drink now-2016.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2013 Chenin Blanc - 90pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2013 Chenin Blanc (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 3500 cases
Date Tasted: May 3rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: BC Chenin Blanc is in short supply. In fact, only three BC wineries come to mind who produce this punchy, citrus-infused, acidic white variety whose origin can be traced to France's Loire Valley, though, it's probably best known as South Africa's signature white varietal. BC's own production is a mere blip, internationally speaking. Yet, for two producers, Quails' Gate and Road 13, Chenin Blanc has developed a cult following and become a 'must-try' of their portfolios.

Why? Well, Quails' Gate's offering is Summertime trapped in a bottle. It's vibrant, juicy, intense and oh-so mouth-watering, thanks to Chenin Blanc's high level of natural acid, without ever feeling sharp or out-of-balance. A mixture of citrus and tropical fruit aromas carry through to the dry palate where they are complimented by a cool blast of river stone minerality and lemon zest. The finish is long with a touch of lingering spice. Ready to go now. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 23 Camels Red - 87pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 23 Camels Red (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 323 cases
Date Tasted: April 30th, 2014

Tasting Notes: The latest vintage of Fort Berens' entry level red blend consists of 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Sundial vineyard, along the famed Black Sage Bench. It competes nicely with similar wines at the just-over-$20 price-point, with a generous nose of mixed berry, herbs, vanilla, toasted oak, warm earth and cardamom aromas. What the palate lacks in subtlety it makes up for in concentration and boldness. This is a mouth-watering red wine that hits your mouth with a vibrant splash of wild berry acidity and dark chocolate-coated cherry candy flavours and loads of spice on the finish.

A red blend to buy and enjoy that night; with dinner and friends. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

On a side note. The playful name comes from a local legendary prospector who attempted to use 23 imported camels as packhorses during the BC gold rush of the 19th century. The camels only lasted a year, the legend, however, lives on.