River Stone Estate Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc - 90-91pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 143 cases
Date Tasted: June 25th, 2015
@drinkriverstone

Tasting Notes: Shows depth on the nose with blackberry, wild flower'n'herbs, plum, soft spices, boysenberry and light cedar aromas. The dry, well-structured palate expresses similar flavours with added coffee grind and earthy notes and fine, ripe tannins. The finish is long and balanced with lingering wild berry notes.

Consistently one of the best Cabernet Francs in the Okanagan Valley every year, the 2013 is showing signs of vineyard maturity and potential for further development in the bottle. Would benefit from another 6 months in bottle. Drink late-2014-2018. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Pinot Gris (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 8478 cases
Date Tasted: June 24th, 2015
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: Enjoy this tasty, well-made and well-priced Pinot Gris two ways:

1. Frosty
Chill-it down to 4 degrees to highlight the mineral and citrus characters that make this Gris a satisfying, mouth-watering, refreshingly crisp white to be enjoyed with lobster salad or a white fish dish.

2. Lush
Serve it at just below room temperature to highlight the round, blooming, melon and tropical fruit characters that hide in the background when the wine is chilled. The steely-citrus remains to help balance the lushness, but, the star attraction becomes the plump, sweet fruit. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2012 Allegretto Pie Franco Merlot - 91-92pts

LaStella Winery 2012 Allegretto Pie Franco Merlot (Osoyoos Lake Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $60.78 ($64.90 including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 206 cases
Date Tasted: June 22nd, 2015
@LaStellaWinery

Tasting Notes: The "Pie Franco" in the name of this excellent Merlot from LaStella, translates from the Italian meaning "on its own feet", a reference for wines made from "ungrafted" vines - a rarity in the Okanagan and most everywhere else, except Chile. The uniqueness factor aside, the resulting wine can honestly claim to be a pure expression of Merlot, especially when the winery employs non-invasive winemaking techniques. 

A sturdy backbone of fine-grained tannins supports all of the other elements of this Merlot, from the ripe, dark plum flavours, to the dusty, Christmas cake spice notes, to the mouth-watering, wild berry acidity. The complexity and depth on the nose is impressive and needs to be explored, yet, takes hours to open up. A few years of bottle age will do wonders for this wine and let it live-up to its full potential. Drink 2017-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2014 Chardonnay - 92+pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2014 Chardonnay (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: June 20th, 2015

Tasting Notes: As the vines age at Painted Rock's picturesque vineyard along the Skaha Bench, the resulting wines will mature as well, making future development more of a reality than ever before. The 2014 edition shows signs of a long life thanks to the harmonious balance of its core elements: fruit, acid and textural characters. There is also an effortless intensity which will not only help the wine hold for many years but actually help the wine improve as the intensity is slowly dialled back to reveal layers of dried and candied fruit aromas and flavours.

The nose offers pure, orchard, citrus, tropical and melon fruit aromas supported by French oak, minerals and light brioche notes. The palate is refined, complex and both round and refreshing at the same time, offering a vibrant texture and intense flavours of honeydew, pear, tangerine, lemon/lime, vanilla, spice and warm brioche. This is contrasted, lovingly, by green apple and stonefruit notes through to its long, balanced finish. Drink 2015-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Chill - 88pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Chill (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $20.70
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 876 cases
Date Tasted: June 12th, 2015
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: Simply, a refreshing white wine that will put a smile on your face - especially, a sun-drenched face connected to a body lounging on a patio. The 2014 edition of Chill is comprised of 39.3% Pinot Gris, 15.2% Semillon, 15.1% Gewurztraminer, 11.1% Muscat, 9.1% Chardonnay, 7.2% Viognier and 3% Riesling - don't worry, there won't be a test. 

All you need to know, really, is this is a juicy, plump, fruit-forward, aromatic, off-dry blend, nicely balanced with plenty of tropical fruit acidity and grounded by a light vein of mineral notes on the nose and palate. Finishes (nearly) dry with lingering citrus peel flavours and a hint of spice. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2014 Riesling - 89+pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2014 Riesling (West Bench Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 10.6%
Production: 849 cases
Date Tasted: June 17th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Derives its low 10.6% alcohol and complicated texture from blending two lots of grapes from the same vineyard that were harvested and vinified separately. The first lot was fermented in stainless steel with off-dry levels of residual sugar while the second lot was fermented to complete dryness in giant oak barrels with natural yeast and lots of lees contact. The two lots were then combined and enhanced with 3% Muscat Ottonel for added depth (seek out some delicate, candied fruit "high notes" on the nose). 

Why do all this work? Well, the resulting wine is a lovely balance of pure, orchard fruit flavours and racy citrus and stonefruit characters - often times, difficult components to meld together harmoniously. It transforms as it moves across your palate, starting fruity, then turning metallic and then finishes with mouth-watering, citrus peel notes.

Has the potential to develop with some extra time in the bottle, though, one can be forgiven for opening it now for early, sun-drenched consumption. Drink now-2018+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2014 Riesling - 90pts

SpierHead Winery 2014 Riesling (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores

Cost: $19 (including taxes)

Alcohol: 12%

Production: 200 cases

Date Tasted: June 14th, 2015

Tasting Notes: This Riesling will wake-up your senses with loads of lemon-lime and mineral characters on the fresh and vibrant nose and the bright and (slightly) effervescent palate. Look for layers of honey dew, herbs and pear. Clean, crisp, terroir-driven Riesling. Thank you SpierHead! Drink 2015-2018+.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc Malbec - 89pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc Malbec (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 425 cases
Date Tasted: June 12th, 2015
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A deep, layered, 50/50 blend of Cabernet Franc and Malbec with rich, dark fruit and gnarly, wild berry aromas supported by savoury notes of licorice, sweet oak, vanilla bean and spice box. The palate is generous and resolves quickly in your mouth like a melting, Icy Squares chocolate. Tannins are fine and very soft, making this blend very approachable and allowing the dark berry fruit to take centre stage. Spice and oak notes linger on the moderate-plus finish. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Le Vieux Pin 2014 Petit Blanc - 89pts

Le Vieux Pin 2014 Petit Blanc (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.04 ($21.90 including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 308 cases
Date Tasted: June 11th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A well balanced blend of mostly Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc (with other, unlisted, aromatic varieties) that plays the natural body and fullness of Pinot Gris off the inherent crispness and raciness of the Sauvignon Blanc. Yum.

Melon, apple, pear, hay, lemon-grass, spice, mineral and lemon-lime aromas and flavours, delivered via a seductive and comforting nose and a pleasantly textured and mouth-watering palate. Seafood salad and Spanish tapas come to mind for food pairing options, though, this wine will manage well on its own. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Le Vieux Pin 2013 Petit Rouge - 88pts

Le Vieux Pin 2013 Petit Rouge (Osoyoos Lake District) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20.78 ($23.90 including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 600 cases
Date Tasted: June 9th, 2015

Tasting Notes: This Merlot-dominant blend (with a small amount of Syrah) is loaded with fresh and dried herbs on the otherwise, mixed berry infused nose. The bright, mild tannin palate offers a similar theme of sweet berry fruit playing off the earthiness and spiciness of the herbs - a wine for a savoury, beef stew if ever there was one. Both the fruit and spice bow to the tangy wild berry acidity on the finish, though, a touch of pepper lingers. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Domaine Saint-Damien 2011 Gigondas - 91+pts

Domaine Saint-Damien 2011 Vieilles Vignes (Gigondas) Rhône Valley - France

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine stores.
Cost: $35-38
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: June 6, 2015

Tasting Notes: A gorgeous, rich, warm and raisonated blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre sourced from 40 year old vineyards in the Gigondas AOC. Deep and layered with intense dark fruit, garrigue, earth, sweet plum, cigar box, spice and cedar aromas and flavours. Barely ready, better to wait another 2-3 years prior to opening. Drink 2017-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2014 Pinot Gris - 89pts

SpierHead Winery 2014 Pinot Gris (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 710 cases
Date Tasted: June 8th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A stainless steel aged Pinot Gris, sourced from the Golden Retreat Vineyard in Summerland, offering a contrast of tart, mouth-watering, green-apple and tropical fruit acidity and an off-dry-ish level of residual sugar to achieve its crisp balance and desired texture - pleasantly rich mid palate. The nose is light and fresh with loads of citrus, apple and mineral notes with hints of spice that also linger on the moderate finish. To be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2016.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Weingut Gunderloch 2013 Fritz's Riesling - 87pts

Weingut Gunderloch 2013 Fritz's Riesling (Rheinhessen) Germany 

Availability: Widely available in BC
Cost: $15.69
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: June 7th, 2015

Tasting Notes: An aromatic, fruity Riesling designed for the off-dry loving export market with an emphasis on ripe, citrus and orchard fruit aromas and flavours and zesty, mineral-laced acidity. Finishes sweet with lingering spice and lemon-lime notes. Drink now-17.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Averill Creek Vineyard 2014 Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2014 Gewurztraminer (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $15.82 ($18.20 including tax)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 538 cases
Date Tasted: June 7th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Enjoy a classic, floral and lychee fruit infused nose on this Cowichan Valley-grown Gewurztraminer from Averill Creek with peach, steel, mandarin candy and light spice aromas supporting. The palate opens with upfront, plump pear and honeydew flavours followed by lean, mineral and citrus characters which lead to a rather dry finish thanks to its heightened acidity. A touch more residual sugar would be more 'typical' for the variety but perhaps not as unique - a pleasantly dry alternative to the often, 'sticky' Gewurztraminers on the market. Drink 2015-2016.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

LaStella 2012 Maestoso "Solo" Merlot - 93+pts

LaStella 2012 Maestoso "Solo" Merlot (Osoyoos Lake Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $86.81 ($99.90 including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 263 cases
Date Tasted: June 5th, 2015
@LaStellaWinery

Tasting Notes: True to its impressive lineage, the 2012 Maestoso represents the peak of Merlot production in the Okanagan Valley. Elegant, layered and supremely complex. Look for dark berry, sweet plum, toasted oak, dark chocolate, fresh herbs, mocha, vanilla toffee, menthol and warm spice aromas followed by a medley of similar flavours on the ultra-dry palate with a strong focus on the juxtaposition of the berry and savoury characters. Berry, spice and smoke notes linger and linger and linger on the finish. Sublime.

With several hours of decanting you can enjoy this wine today, though, 2-3 more years of bottle age would maximize your investment. Drink 2018-2023+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Glow Rosé - 89pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Glow Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 12.2%
Production: 409 cases
Date Tasted: June 3rd, 2015
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: This light-salmon hued rosé is a blend of 65.4% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Franc, 13.2% Merlot and 5.4% Syrah, focusing on a Provenciale-like balance between lightly, off-dry red fruit characters, crisp, tropical acidity and delicate herb and mineral notes. Very food friendly and refreshing. Enjoy this rosé with your favourite spicy seafood dish or a sun drenched patio. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2012 Cabernet Franc - 90pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2012 Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $33 (taxes included)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: June 2nd, 2015
@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: Ahh, BC Cab Franc, you gotta love it. Yes, you must! Another excellent release of the lesser-known Bordeaux variety from Burrowing Owl that meets the high standards we have collectively set for this cult wine (though, it doesn't exceed them as it did in 2009). 

Sourced from the estate vineyard along the Black Sage Bench, on offer are classic notes of wild berries, dried herbs, licorice, vanilla-spice, toasted oak, pipe tobacco, menthol and the ethereal 'Franc funk' on both the intense, dense nose and the bright, lightly tannic palate. Length is good, not great, but you will love the unique combination of the fruit and savoury characters that only good Cabernet Franc can deliver.

Add sophistication to any pizza night by adding this delicious Franc. Drink 2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Series Rosé - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Series Rosé (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 829 cases
Date Tasted: June 1st, 2015

Tasting Notes: Though consistently good over the years, this year's Oldfield Series rosé is a notch above the others and delivers memorable balance between its delicate, Provence inspired, aromas and flavours and the acid and mineral counterbalance that resolves the sweetness into a dry, mouth-watering finish. 

Produced from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes and sourced from Tinhorn's Black Sage Bench vineyard. Look for red berry, melon, flower, rhubarb, spice and river stone notes. Pair with... just about everything. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca