Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Oldfield Series Merlot - 90+pts

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

Availability: Available in September. Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.99
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: July 30th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A sweetly scented, complex Merlot blended with 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Syrah that offers a developed bouquet of beautiful, pot-pourri, ripe blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and exotic chai spice aromas.

Quaff the nose for hours while the wine opens in your glass to reveal a well-structured, dry palate of fine tannins, wild berry acidity and flavours of blue fruit, cherry-cola and spices. Ready to go now, though, will hold for many years in your cellar with some further development. Drink 2014-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Seven Directions Wine 2012 Kalala Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé - 88pts

Seven Directions Wine 2012 Kalala Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Sold out. Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $27.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 20th, 2014
Production: 97 cases

Tasting Notes: A beautiful, orange-salmon hued rosé that boasts an intense nose and palate of red fruit, citrus and floral aromas and flavours. Off-dry and (nearly) full-bodied, the palate is balanced by lip-smacking, cranberry acidity with added depth from a hint of French oak spice and vanilla notes. 

Would pair well with a wide range of savoury and spicy dishes, though, this rosé stands on its own confidently. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Flat Roof Manor 2012 Malbec - 84pts

Flat Roof Manor 2012 Malbec (Stellenbosch) South Africa

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: July 28th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A fruit-forward Malbec produced in the (mostly) off-dry style made popular by Apothic Red, where the focus is on boisterous berry flavours and aromas and less on balance or complexity. Sharp acidity tends to dominate the dried herbs and mild, mild tannins on the finish, though, the wine does delivers the berry-medley fruit you expect from a Malbec. 

Missing the structure to age or develop, therefore, be sure to consume this wine in its youth and pair with sticky-sweet BBQ ribs. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

KWV Winery 2011 Roodeberg - 85pts

KWV Winery 2011 Roodeberg (Western Cape) South Africa

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $13.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 26th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This blend of Bordeaux and Rhone grapes (percentages and variety not indicated) requires a very long decant to mature from its initial, closed and unwelcoming state. After 2+hrs, a rather pleasing nose with sinus-cleansing intensity emerges, offering aromas of ripe, dark red fruit, spiced plum sauce and sage.

The middleweight palate is far more subdued and approachable with an easy-drinking profile of ubiquitous 'dark red fruit' and sweet oak, licorice and light spice flavours. Not overly complex or long, but decent balance and good "drinkability", especially for the under $15 price-point. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Muga 2009 Selección Especial - 93-94pts

Bodegas Muga 2009 Selección Especial (Rioja DO) Spain

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $50.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 25th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This beautiful, spicy, femme-fatale from Rioja is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo and 3% Graciano and oozes sex appeal on the nose with powerful, layered aromas of pot-pourri, raspberry, cherry, anise, cardamom, vanilla, dusty rocks and toasted oak. The palate is a little more restrained, yet, equally complex and layered, with silky-smooth tannins and the weight and finesse of a Brunello. Look for cherry-cola, menthol, vanilla, mineral, spice and red fruit purée flavours. The constant theme of spice continues through to the long, balanced finish.

Ready to go now, with a long decant, though, another 2-3 years of bottle age should foster further development. Drink 2016-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca (with notes from Jordan Carrier)

Serendipity Winery 2013 Viognier - 89pts

Serendipity Winery 2013 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2014
@Winespiration

Tasting Notes: A lovely example of the Rhone Valley variety presented in a balanced, New World, fruit-forward style with plenty of tropical and orchard fruit complimented by mineral notes and the fullness of extended lees contact. Alcohol is handled delicately, blending in seamlessly, while a hit of lemon peel acidity keeps the palate fresh and vibrant. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Nederburg Wines 2012 Winemaster's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - 86pts

Nederburg Wines 2012 Winemaster's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Coastal Region) South Africa

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: Few Cabernet Sauvignon in the under $15 category produce as pleasant a nose as the Nederburg Winemaster's Reserve does. Vibrant blackberry, nibs candy and vanilla-coke aromas are supported by an even blanket of sweet, oak spice and blooming flowers. The palate is not quite as smooth, with the balance skewing a bit acidic, especially on the short finish, but there's good continuity from the nose in the form of ripe, juicy red fruit and oak flavours (though, more of the charred variety).

Needs a long decant to open up, though, ageing this wine would be for naught. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Perseus Winery 2012 Cabernet Shiraz - 87pts

Perseus Winery 2012 Cabernet Shiraz (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: July 19th, 2014
@PerseusWine

Tasting Notes: This well-priced Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz blend (42% and 48%, respectively) benefits greatly, especially on the nose, from the inclusion of 10% Cabernet Franc which enhances the traditional blackberry and raspberry aromas with crushed violet and huckleberry notes. The medium-bodied, dry-yet-juicy palate offers ripe, berry fruit and mouth-watering, wild berry flavours supported by mannered tannins and lingering, oak and light spice notes on the moderate finish. 

Think medium-bodied meat dishes to match the weight of the wine, like a savoury, Tagine lamb stew. Drink 2014-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Perseus Winery 2013 Viognier - 88pts

Perseus Winery 2013 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: July 17th, 2014
@PerseusWine

Tasting Notes: Distinguishes itself from other richly textured, tropical fruit-driven Viogniers with a cool, steely vein of minerals on the pineapple and white peach scented nose and the juicy/tangy palate. At 14.5% residual alcohol, this is not a wine for the faint of heart - it will brighten your cheeks. The fullness of the mouth feel helps manage the alcohol and enhances the length of the finish where citrus rind and steel notes linger. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Môreson 2012 Miss Molly Hoity Toity - 84pts

Môreson 2012 Miss Molly Hoity Toity (Franschhoek) Paarl - South Africa

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $15
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: July 15th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Dried tropical fruit and grass aromas dominate the intriguing nose with light brine, floral and mineral notes in the background. Palate has texture and intense pear, pineapple and papaya flavours, though, balance is thrown-off by the sourness of the harsh acidity that overwhelms the tropical fruit. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2013 Viognier - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Viognier (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 16th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A nice blend of orchard and tropical fruit grace the subtle, subdued nose of this Viognier from Burrowing Owl's 2nd label, Calliope. The easy-drinking, slightly 'hot' palate is full-bodied with a plump texture and flavours of ripe, melons and peaches with some citrus acid attempting, and mostly succeeding, to tone down the 'plump'. Moderate finish is watery with a noticeable kick of lingering spice. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

The Painted Wolf Wines 2012 The Den Cabernet Sauvignon - 86pts

The Painted Wolf Wines 2012 The Den Cabernet Sauvignon (Coastal Region) South Africa

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 16th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Bursts out of the glass with attractive blackberry, cassis, cola, menthol and oak aromas. Palate offers similar, juicy flavours until a wave of wild berry acidity floods the fruit, lightening the body, creating more of a middleweight Cabernet, better suited for spicy stews and leaner meats, than for thick, marbled steaks. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca 

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $18.90
Alcohol: 12.7%
Date Tasted: July 15th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Elegant and layered, this is a Loire Valley-styled Sauvignon Blanc with a kiss of subtle oak, whose but de la vie is to deliver scrumptious, mineral-infused, citrus fruit aromas and flavours via its engaging nose and refined, balanced palate. Mouth-watering and refreshing minus any hard edges or crowd-dividing pungency. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2013 Rosé - 85pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $13.90
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 13th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A vibrant, bright nose of cranberry, pomegranate, lime rind and raspberry aromas opens this rosé, a blend of Syrah-Viognier (70%-30%, respectively). The palate feels a little out of synch with the light-weight, red fruit and citrus fruit flavours unable to fully balance the 14% alcohol, though, mineral and spice notes are a welcomed component. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Serendipity Winery 2013 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Serendipity Winery 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.7%
Date Tasted: July 13th, 2014
@Winespiration

Tasting Notes: A well balanced, straight-forward Sauvignon Blanc that finds a happy milieu between the pungent and tangy examples of the variety from New Zealand and the aromatic, easy-drinking versions often produced in warmer climates. Green apple, lime rind, Bosc pear and gooseberry fruit grace the pleasant and engaging nose. The palate offers similar flavours with added stonefruit notes, but, the star of the show is the juxtaposition of, seemingly, competing textures by way of tangy effervescence and round, lees-y characters which resolve nicely to create a compelling mouth feel and decent length. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Graham Beck Wines 2011 The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - 88pts

Graham Beck Wines 2011 The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Robertson) Western Cape - South Africa

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: July 10th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Over-delivers for the price with a uniquely South African Cabernet Sauvignon blend of smoky incense, mocha and spicy plum fruit aromas on the feminine nose. Dark berry fruit flavours come to the forefront on the palate with smoky oak and allspice notes playing a supporting role. Acid is quite fresh, keeping the mouth feel vibrant and alive, while graphite tannins help frame the fruit and add some structure. Finish is balanced, but moderate in length. Enjoy on its own or with a desert plate of dark chocolate and dried figs. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca 

Calliope Wines 2013 Figure Eight White - 88pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Figure Eight White (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 10th, 2014

Tasting Notes: One of the things the BC wine industry does very well is create budget conscious, over-achieving, white blends that deliver all the complexity, balance and ease-of-drink that you could possibly hope to get from a wine only a cough above $15. 

This blend of 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Pinot Gris, 21% Viognier, 15% Chardonnay and 12% Riesling ticks all the boxes with cool citrus and mineral flavours matched by tropical fruit and light lees notes. Off-dry levels of residual sugar are kept from overwhelming your palate with ample citrus acidity and a light hint of spice. Serve chilled. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Chardonnay Musqué - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 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: 478 cases
Date Tasted: July 9th, 2014

Tasting Notes: One of the most aromatic Chardonnay you're likely to encounter on the Niagara Peninsula thanks to the unique qualities of the Musqué clones of the varietal. Floral notes aplenty with orange blossom, apple and candied lime aromas creating a memorable nose. Palate is not overly complex but well-balanced between its lush characters of ripe orchard fruit and the tangy texture of citrus fruit. Finish is long with a hint of lingering spice. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Perseus Winery 2012 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Perseus Winery 2012 Pinot Gris (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $16.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 8th, 2014
@PerseusWine

Tasting Notes: The comforting smell of ripe peach skins greets you on the nose of this tasty Pinot Gris from the Naramata Bench. The palate brings with it a wave of citrus fruit flavours and acidity before rounder orchard fruit notes appear and remain through to a mouth watering, long finish where hints of clove spice and minerals linger. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2013 Sauvignon Blanc - 86pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $17
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 1st, 2014

Tasting Notes: Opens with pleasant aromas of honey-crisp apples and green apple skins with delicate apricot notes enhancing the perception of sweetness on the nose. The (mostly) dry palate offers a medley of pear, apple and green peach flavours followed by a dominant blanket of green apple and lime rind acidity leading to a mouth-watering, though, slightly bitter finish. Not terribly complex or racy, but refreshing and crisp. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Pinot Gris - 89pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Pinot Gris (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 2nd, 2014
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: Falls hard towards the tangy-punchy end of the Pinot Gris spectrum where a barrel-aged, rich version would be at the complete opposite end. Crisp, clean and even a tad pungent with some Sauvignon Blanc like grassiness on the nose, the Bench 1775 offering is a mouth-watering, citrus fruit-driven, stainless steel aged Gris with depth thanks to a refreshing vein of stonefruit that runs through the dry palate and impressive intensity and length on the finish. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca