JoieFarm 2012 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $39.90
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 215 cases
Date Tasted: August 31st, 2015
Tasting Notes: Produced from a blend of Pinot Noir fruit sourced from vineyards in Summerland and the Skaha and Naramata benches. This reserve wine spends 8 months in Burgundian oak prior to bottling and then a further 18 months in bottle prior to release preserving the wine's fresh, vibrant red fruit characters while allowing the earthy notes and tannins to integrate beautifully.
Opens with a maturing nose of sweet herbs, black cherry, raspberry seeds, cassis and light, spicy oak. The palate has plenty of vibrant texture and medium-plus body with a strong fruit component and fine tannins. The finish is spicy and mouth-watering with lingering, savoury earth and tingling raspberry notes.
Sealed with natural cork enclosure, this Pinot is likely to develop through 2018 and beyond. Drink 2015-2018+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
JoieFarm 2014 Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $20.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 3145 cases
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2015
Tasting Notes: I can't think of another winery who's had more influence to help popularize BC rosé over the past decade than Naramata's JoieFarm. The words "Re-Think Pink!" are proudly printed on the label, mostly as fun, marketing slogan/nickname, but they also ring true to the approach the winery took back in 2004 for their first release and continue to strive towards today.
What did they 'rethink' by challenging the status quo? For starters... "Why can't a rosé be a flagship label for a winery?" and, "Why shouldn't a rosé get as much attention to detail and as much dedication to quality than any other wine in one's portfolio?" .
BC rosés are no longer afterthoughts or simply made as solutions to problems. Today, they get the attention in the vineyard and cellar they deserve and the results show. To the degree that this Re-Think Pink blush no longer stands as lone sentry of quality rosé in the province. Today it is joined by many other fine examples of wines-of-the-short-soak and even gets out-scored, on occasion, by producers who too, answered the above questions with a definitive "They can and they should!" Though, the JoieFarm example remains one of this reviewer's favourites, no matter what the final score is year-to-year.
Why? Because this rosé always makes me smile. From the eye-catching, watermelon Jolly Rancher colour to the combination of sweet red fruit and light, savoury herbs on the expressive nose and the lightly, off-dry palate where the residual sugar is balanced beautifully with tart cranberry and tangy citrus acidity and flavours. Everything you want from a blush. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
The Painted Wolf Wines 2014 The Den Chenin Blanc (W.O. Swartland) South Africa
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $13.29 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 25th, 2015
Tasting Notes: A refreshing, well-balanced and extremely well-priced Chenin Blanc from South Africa with zesty citrus, rich apple and light mineral aromas on the nose. The palate opens with a kick of zesty citrus fruit that quickly transitions to creamy, off-dry texture mid-palate and then circles back to tongue-tingling citrus zest for the (slightly) spicy finish. Delicious. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
River Stone Estate Winery 2014 Splash (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: August 25th, 2015
Tasting Notes: Riverstone's 'Splash' is a tasty, fruit'n'acid fuelled blend of Viognier, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer (percentages not provided) falling towards the dryer end of the patio-sipper spectrum, with just a touch of residual sugar perceptible on the palate, when not too chilled, and finishing quite dry in the mouth with crisp citrus and mineral notes lingering moderately. Look for pleasant tropical fruit notes on the nose. Drink 2015-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2013 Ava (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.90 (includimg taxes)
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 690 cases
Date Tasted: August 22nd, 2015
Tasting Notes: A Southern Rhone-inspired blend of Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne (50-41-9%, respectively), that welcomes your appreciation with exotic tropical fruit, juicy white peach and crisp lemon characters on the delicate, floral-infused nose and on the rich, long-lasting palate where added layers of minerals, spice and lime rind await. Excellent depth and texture here. Drink 2015-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $19.49 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 2262 cases
Date Tasted: August 20th, 2015
@TinhornCreek
Tasting Notes: Sourced from grapes grown on both the winery's Golden Mile Bench and Black Sage Bench vineyards and treated to a combined 2.5 years of oak and bottle ageing prior to release. Offers a nice combination of red fruit and funky, earthy notes with cherry cola, sweet soil and dried herbs as highlights. Palate is medium-everything, as Pinot usually is, with a smooth entry, some juicy red fruit mid-palate and a mouth-watering finish where herbs and cherry notes linger. Drink 2015-20178
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Stratus Vineyards 2010 Red (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery directly here
Cost: $44
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 18th, 2015
Tasting Notes: The 2010 assemblage of the winery's flagship red wine is a more straight forward approach when compared to previous vintages which have included up-to 7 red varieties grown on the Niagara-On-The-Lake vineyard. This year's blend could easily be mistaken for the specs of a Left Bank Bordeaux: 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc.
The 2010 boasts a still-youthful nose of both raw and cultured, red and dark fruit aromas supported by lovely aromatic notes of sweetened spice, tobacco leaf, vanilla beans and toasted oak. The smooth palate follows with good continuity of flavours, supportive tannins and near-perfect acidity that refreshes the palate without washing away any of the lingering characters.
Should age well, even by Stratus Red standards. Drink now-2022..
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 375 cases
Date Tasted: August 18th, 2015
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: A juicy, ripe, feminine expression of Merlot with puréed berry fruit and sweet pipe smoke on the lightly, perfumed and herb-scented nose. A similar core of berry and herbs form the flavour profile on the dry, yet, juicy palate where a wave of wild berry acidity keeps the moderate finish mouth watering-ly crisp. Spice and mild, oaky tannin notes linger on the tongue. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Monte Creek Ranch 2014 Hands Up White (Kamloops) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $13.49 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: August 17th, 2015
Tasting Notes: A unique, tangy blend of hybrid varieties (Frontenac Blanc and LaCresent) and Viognier that will be sure to get your mouth pumping saliva with every sip. This lightly-bronzed wine, sourced from the winery's vineyard near Kamloops, opens with a candied apple and apricot nose, followed by an off-dry palate with melon, peach and pear flavours and major, citrus and green apple acidity.
The finish is sharp and a little overwhelming when consumed on its own. Pair with hard cheeses to add some equilibrium to the palate (aka, a protective coating). Then this truly unique wine can be appreciated to its fullest. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Series 2Bench White (Okanagan Valley BC
Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.3%
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2015
@TinhornCreek
Tasting Notes: A blend of 30% Semillon, 25% Chardonnay, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Viognier and 10% Muscat sourced from Tinhorn's Southern Okanagan Valley vineyards on the Golden Mile and Black Sage benches.
Opens with a burst of Chardonnay and Semillon characters on the nose; rich orchard fruit and ripe honeydew aromas. Sweet apricot, soft floral and fresh lemon notes follow, adding depth. The palate is well balanced with round, ripe orchard and tropical fruit flavours and refreshing, citrus acidity which keeps the finish refreshing and dry. Spice and citrus zest linger through to the next sip. Drink now- 2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
JoieFarm 2014 A Noble Blend (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 5328 cases
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2015
@JoieFarm
Tasting Notes: A complex, layered, Tropical and citrus fruit infused blend of 38% Gewurztraminer, 30% Riesling, 16% Pinot Auxerrois, 8% Pinot Blanc, 7% Muscat and 1% Schoenberger. Mineral, herb and light spice notes follow the fruit on both the charming nose and the unctuous'yet'crisp finishing palate. This wine is consistently exceptional and the 2014 vintage is no different. Truly a joy to drink. Enjoy it on its own or with a succulent, crab or lobster salad. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Seven Directions Wine 2014 Pinot Noir Rosé (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Contact winery here
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 8th, 2015
Production: 130 cases
Tasting Notes: Dry, tart and rich, this Pinot Noir rosé, sourced form a single vineyard in West Kelowna, opens with strawberry, raw honey and orange blossom aromas on the charming nose. The palate is complex with red fruit and citrus flavours, rich lees notes, a kiss of French oak, minerals and a long, long finish with lingering grapefruit acidity. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
River Stone Estate Winery 2014 Malbec Rosé (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: August 8th, 2015
Tasting Notes: A well-rounded rosé, made from 100% Malbec grapes grown just outside of Oliver, that opens with light, refreshing, cran-apple and strawberry aromas on the nose. The palate offers a nice balance between its crisp, up-front, mouth-watering, citrus'n'pomegranate flavours and its texture building, plump, strawberry-kiwi notes. The finish is dry with lingering minerals and a hint of spice. Enjoy this fun wine in its youth. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Finca Los Primos 2014 Malbec (San Rafael) Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $11.79 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 6th, 2015
Tasting Notes: A bright, tangy Malbec with up-front, blackberry and black cherry fruit on the nose and palate. The fruit is supported by layers of spice, dried herbs and oak with a touch of residual sugar mid-palate that resolves dry on the short finish. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Pascual Toso 2013 Malbec (Maipú District) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $13.29 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2015
Tasting Notes: A fruit-forward Malbec with ripe'n'tangy blackberry and chocolate-cherry liqueur aromas followed by a bright, yet, approachable palate of similar flavours and added earth, spice, vanilla and light oak notes. Finish is short, though, a touch of spice lingers on the tongue. A well-priced, not-too-sweet-Malbec worth a punt, unless you're in the mood for something with more age-ability and length. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Maverick Estate Winery 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery hereCost: $19 (including taxes)Alcohol: 13%Production: 500 casesDate Tasted: August 2nd, 2015Tasting Notes: A boisterous, fruit'n'acid driven Sauvignon Blanc with underlying fullness from rich, ripe apple and pear flavours and a touch of residual sugar. Refreshing, tangy citrus, light minerals, savoury wild herb and light lees characters add depth and complexity. The finish is long and well balanced with lingering spice and grapefruit peel notes. Has the structure and balance to hold for several years. Drink 2015-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $18.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 1st, 2015
Tasting Notes: An intense Loire Valley-styled Sauvignon Blanc with a kiss of subtle oak supporting a mouth-watering profile of lemon zest, minerals and grapefruit aromas and flavours. The palate opens with a fairly full-ish mouth-feel with some hints of herbs, until waves of citrus and minerals liven things up and take over though to a moderate finish where citrus peel lingers. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Fairview Cellars 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.6%
Date Tasted: July 31st, 2015
@FairviewCellarsTasting Notes: The nose of this Sauvignon Blanc doesn't appear until the wine has warmed in the glass, which many of us won't wait to experience. If you do, it's a nose fuelled by apples, citrus and stonefruit aromas.Instead, we'll enjoy this tasty wine, with our favourite seafood dish or a hard cheese plate and appreciate the multitudes of textures on the palate. Most memorable is a flood of mannered, yet, persistent acidity that hits your mouth like an early '60's 'wall of sound' record would hit your ears. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
