Seven Directions Wine 2013 Zweigelt Rosé (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: TBA
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2014
Production: 245 cases
Tasting Notes: A dry, fruity and unique rosé produced from 100% Zweigelt grapes sourced from a single-vineyard in West Kelowna. If you're not familiar with Zweigelt, don't beat yourself up, many are not. It's a cross between two equally lesser-known grapes, blaufränkisch and St. Laurent and is most commonly grown in Austria, where it was developed in the 1920's.
As a rosé, the Seven Directions' version has retained much of its Zweigeltiness with sour cherry, fresh mineral, peppercorn spice and perfumed floral notes on the nose and palate, with added, classic 'blush' characters of strawberry and cranberry. A generous dose of crab apple acidity keeps the palate refreshing, perhaps a little too much so, as the balance sways slightly sharp through the finish where spice and mineral flavours linger moderately.
If you're looking for a unique and spicy rosé, this is your wine. Enjoy it in its youth.Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Serendipity Winery 2010 Devil's Advocate (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: August 28th, 2014
Production: 200 cases
@Winespiration
Tasting Notes: The blend of Bordeaux varieties and Syrah (specific blend not provided) opens with a beautiful balance of juicy red fruit and sweet spice aromas on the generous nose. The dry, peppery palate follows with pronounced spice elements and added savoury flavours from the oak treatment, pushing the fruit profile of black cherry, raspberry and plum to the background. Tannins have mellowed at 4 years of age, yet, still frame the palate nicely. However, the finish has begun to fade, so, if you have any in your cellar look to open them over the next 1-2 years. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
La Frenz Winery 2012 Montage (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: August 26th, 2014
Tasting Notes: La Frenz's middleweight red blend combines Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir to produce a red fruit and oak'n'spice infused wine ideal for early consumption over the next 1-2 years. Aromas of mocha, plum, vanilla and Cadbury Flake bars adorn the sweetly scented, engaging nose while meaty, savoury notes compliment the red and blue fruit flavours on the dry palate. Mellow tannins and tangy, mouth-watering, wild berry acidity keeps the wine refreshing and an ultra-flexible food companion. Buy it by the case and make it your house red to the delight of all your guests. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Origin (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 170 cases
Date Tasted: August 26th, 2014
Tasting Notes: This blend of Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc (60/40 respectively) showcases classic characters of both varieties, balancing sweet, tropical fruit notes and unctuous texture from the Gewurz with crisp citrus fruit and cool mineral elements from the Sauv Blanc. Look for ripe lychee, gooseberry, orange blossom, fresh grass, lime rind, papaya and river stone aromas and flavours. Ready to go now for late Summer parties or as a crisp aperitif over the Fall/Winter. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
J Vineyards and Winery 2013 Pinot Gris (California) USA
Availability: Specialty wine shops in BC or direct from winery here
Cost: $16 (USD), $20 (CDN)
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 60,000 cases
Date Tasted: August 23rd, 2014
Tasting Notes: J Vineyards and Winery offers three Pinot Gris skus ranging from a single-vineyard version to this 'California' blend; a Gris for the masses. At 60,000 cases, this wine's character is constructed via blending, rather than extracted from its micro-climate terroir, but the construction is superbly done with layers of floral and tropical fruit aromas woven together with cool mineral and sweet apricot notes around the edges.
The palate is rich from malolactic fermentation and ripe melon flavours, not from oak ageing, and is nicely balanced by grapefruit and lemon peel acidity, resolving into a long, crisp finish with hints of light spice. Ready to be enjoyed today with a warm lobster or scallop salad. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2011 Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 22nd, 2014
@BurrowingOwlBC
Tasting Notes: A well balanced Merlot coming into its own at 3 years of age with a masculine nose of blackberry, vanilla, herbs, smoke, oak spice and York bar aromas. The dry palate offers integrated tannins and mouth watering acidity and a flavour profile of mixed berry fruit, Nibs candy, toasted oak, tobacco and dry herbs.
Look for the smoke character on the nose and palate to be enhanced with further bottle ageing. Drink 2015-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Serendipity Winery 2010 Reserve Serenata (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 21st, 2014
Production: 456 cases
@Winespiration
Tasting Notes: A dense and meaty red blend of Bordeaux varieties, delivering concentrated aromas of cassis, plum chutney, black cherry, anise, menthol, incense, toasted oak and eucalyptus on the complex nose. The dry, mouth-watering palate offers good continuity from the nose with concentrated, dark fruit flavours and added savoury elements from French oak and coffee grinds.
Grippy tannins have begun to mellow, but still need more time in the bottle to soften. Though full bodied and fleshy upon entry, the plentiful, citrus acidity thins the wine as it travels over your palate, resulting in a light, watery finish. Spice and espresso linger after the fruit fades. Ready to go now and will hold for many more years. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Calliope Wines 2012 Figure Eight Red (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 20th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Juicy, friendly and well balanced, the Calliope Figure Eight makes a nice, straight-forward, entry-level, red blend of 54% Merlot, 34% Syrah and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering ripe plum and sweet tobacco aromas on the aromatic nose and a variety of red fruit flavours on the front-loaded palate. The short, but, effective finish is driven by mannered, wild berry acidity, adding freshness to the palate. Pair with lean cuts of beef or game. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Mt. Boucherie Winery 2011 Family Reserve Chardonnay (Similkameen Valley) BC
Availability: VQA stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: August 18th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Manages to deliver the robust, butter cream'n'baked orchard fruit aromas and flavours many Chardonnay lovers crave, without feeling overly heavy and flat. Time in oak and a softening of the acids process known as 'MLF' or malolactic fermentation, has infused the nose with ripe apple, white peach and cream aromas, while offering, intense baked Granny Smith apple, brioche and spicy-vanilla flavours on the palate. Balance is kept in-check with cool, mineral-y acidity. Light spice lingers on the moderate finish. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Gold Hill Winery 2013 Chardonnay (Similkameen Valley) - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20.90
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2014
Tasting Notes: This Simikameen Valley sourced, un-oaked Chardonnay is brimming with orchard fruit aromas on the inviting nose with a hint of lees and a dash of lemon curd in the background, rounding out the youthful bouquet. The (mostly) dry palate offers a similar profile of flavours with the addition of honeydew melon notes and mouth-watering lemon/lime characters which frame the crisp'n'tangy finish. Pair with a warm lobster and mango salad. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Gold Hill Winery 2012 Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: August 15th, 2014
Tasting Notes: A riper, fruitier version of Merlot compared to the 2011 edition from Gold Hill, reflecting the hotter growing season in the Okanagan Valley in 2012. Blackberry, blueberry, and plum fruit lift the nose while cool spices and light, dry herb aromas point to the wine's Southern Okanagan provenance.
The palate is a little disorderly with bright, wild berry acidity overshadowing the rustic tannins and disproportionate oak influence in the flavour profile, but, it all just works... in its own charming way. Another 6+ months of bottle age should do wonders for the overall integration and cohesiveness. Drink 2015-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 15th, 2014
Tasting Notes: A Sauvignon Blanc with a rich nose of tropical and sweet citrus fruit aromas and hints of light sage brush and minerals. Tropical fruit richness also appears on the entry of the mineral-infused, medium-bodied palate, where it progressively gets mellowed by grapefruit acidity. Balance sways slightly sour on the long finish where a nice wave of spice lingers. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 331 cases
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2014
Tasting Notes: A generous Pinot Noir whose fruity and earthy components co-exist nicely and are well supported by dusty tannins and wild berry acidity. Aromas of raspberry, cherry, forest floor, sweet cedar and clove grace the feminine nose while oak, spice and red fruit dominate the easy-drinking, fresh palate. Ready to be enjoyed now and will hold for many years. Drink 2015-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Subtle, round and long. This Sauvignon Blanc from Golden Mile producer Maverick Estate Winery weaves a tale of baked lemons, Bosc pears, wild herbs and grapefruit peel through its inviting, feminine nose and refined, subtlety refreshing, mineral-kissed palate.
Some of the wine's roundness and fullness can be attributed to a quarter of the fermented wine being aged for 3 months in used French oak where it was allowed to stay in contact with its lees (spent yeast), contributing added body, texture and some warm brioche notes on the nose. The finish is long and impeccably well balanced, with lingering spice and citrus twang. Enjoy this Sauvignon Blanc in its youth and over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2014-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Serendipity Winery 2010 Red Handed (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 1st, 2014
Production: 911 cases
@Winespiration
Tasting Notes: For those not ready to take a flyer on the winery's flagship blend, the Reserve Serenata, the Naramata Bench firm offers this entry-level, well-priced option. Specifics of the assemblage have not been posted on the winery's website, but the blackberry, black cherry, sweet spice and vanilla-chocolate aromas and flavours suggests a combination of Merlot, both Cabs and perhaps a splash of Syrah was used.
The palate might be best described as 'raw', with ripe, intense dark fruit fruit followed by slightly coarse tannins and rustic acidity, leading to a long, watery finish where peppercorn lingers. Would make a nice match for tapas or savoury, meaty appetizers. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Bodegas Vega Sicilia 2008 Pintia (Toro DO) Spain
Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $60-70
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: August 2nd, 2014
Tasting Notes: At 6 years of age, the Pintia is still quite youthful and requires a long decant for its savoury and fruity elements to come together in the glass. But boy, when they do, look out! Vega Sicilia's "affordable" wine is sourced from the Toro region of North-Western Spain and sees 12-15 months in French and American oak (usually a 70/30 split). This 100% Tempranillo wine yields a complex nose of espresso, minerals, red fruit, sweet tobacco, leather, toasted oak, dried grass and subtle spices.
The palate is packed with red fruit flavours which seem to float about the more subtle savoury backbone of dry herbs and anise spice. Though concentrated and loaded with tannins, the Pintia doesn't overwhelm your palate and feels refined and elegant in the mouth. More time will ensure further development and depth, lessening the grip of the tannins. Drink 2018-2024+
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Perseus Winery 2012 Select Lots Cabernet Franc (Similkameen Valley) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: August 9th, 2014
@PerseusWine
Tasting Notes: A tasty Cabernet Franc, sourced from a Similkameen Valley vineyard, offering ripe, black currant and plum aromas with a touch of forest floor funk in the background. The dry and smooth palate supports its alcohol nicely with a juicy/milky mouth-feel and plenty of red fruit and vanilla-spice flavours and light mineral undertones. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure to seal in the wine's inherent freshness and juicy appeal. Ready to go now and will hold for another 3-4 years. Drink 2014-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Mt. Boucherie Winery 2012 Riesling (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: VQA stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $16
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 560 cases
Date Tasted: August 9th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Ripe tropical and sweet citrus fruit aromas hover above light stainless stell, mineral notes on the nose of this easy-going, mellow Riesling from Mt. Boucherie. The watery, slightly off-dry palate follows with a focus on acidic fruit flavours like pineapple, grapefruit and green apple. A touch of spice lingers on the mouth-watering finish. A solid patio sipper or pair with a simple seafood salad. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Glaetzer Wines 2010 Amon-Ra (Ebenezer) Barossa Valley - AustraliaAvailability: BCLDB and private wine storesCost: $88Alcohol: 15.1%Date Tasted: August 2nd, 2014Tasting Notes: This intense, impressive specimen begins its journey to your cellar via vineyards in the Ebenezer sub-region of the Barossa Valley whose dry-grown vines range from 50-130 years of age and are cropped to a measly 1-tonne per hectare. A paltry amount that yields crazy, OMG-concentration on the sublime, rabbit-hole deep nose and the powerful-yet-refined palate.
This wine is chalk-full of tasting note favourites for intense Shiraz like cherry purée, floral, white pepper, cinnamon, orange zest, fig, mocha, blueberry and vanilla. What sets this wine apart from other highly extracted Aussie Shiraz is its inherent ability to minimize the extraction to the consumer, producing an elegant, cellar-worthy icon. Enjoy over the next decade and a half. Drink 2014-2025+.
- Liam Carrier (with Hugh Carter) ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Seven Directions Wine 2013 Kalala Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Sold out. Contact winery here
Cost: $27.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 7th, 2014
Production: 100 cases
Tasting Notes: This single-vineyard rosé offers a good balance between its sweet and acidic elements with strawberry, honey and pink grapefruit characters blending beautifully whist embraced by a cosy kiss of French oak, imparting added notes of vanilla bean to the mix.
A layer of welcomed texture comes from extended lees contact during fermentation and élevage. Sweet citrus fruit and a touch of spice lingers on the long finish. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2012 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 440 cases
Date Tasted: August 6th, 2014
Tasting Notes: When Merlot is handled with care and attention to detail, as it has been at Upper Bench Estate Winery, it must be taken seriously and any snide reference to Sideways must be quickly dismissed. In the movie, Paul Giamatti's character 'Miles' colourfully decries that he would rather drink anything but Merlot. Well, Miles needs to try some Merlot like this!
Given time to breath, the nose opens up to reveal sweet-scented, floral and vanilla-oak notes above the layers of dark berry and cherry fruit. Delightful. The palate is full of texture, restraint and fine tannins with dense dark fruit flavours complimented by oak, mocha and mineral notes. The finish is long and balanced. Further development possible with another 1-2 years of bottle age, though, the wine is tasting beautifully today when given a lengthy decant. Drink 2015-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BCAvailability: Direct from winery here and private wine shopsCost: $17.90Alcohol: 13.5%Date Tasted: July 31st, 2014Tasting Notes: This Pinot Blanc is all about finding the balance between the juxtaposition of feminine and masculine characters. Both the nose and palate sees the richness of opulent, ripe Golden Delicious apples and white peaches balanced by cool mineral aromas and flavours and a smooth blanket of citrus acidity that keeps the finish fresh and vibrant. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
