Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series Syrah - 90-91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series Syrah (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $31.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 762 cases
Date Tasted: September 30th, 2016
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: The Oldfield Series Syrah returns from a two vintage hiatus to 
deliver a dense, masculine expression of the Rhone variety with a compelling nose of dark cherry, dried blueberry, vanilla-cola, clove, star anise, pepper and a hint of cured meats. Fine, dusty tannins and bright, wild berry acidity add structure and frame the palate, which offers plenty of pepper and other spices mixed with ripe, cherry and black plum flavours and savoury notes like coffee grinds, raspberry seeds and licorice. Ready to go now, thanks to 18+ months of bottle age prior to release, though, further development is likely. Drink now- 2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2013 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Chardonnay - 89pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2013 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Chardonnay (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $21.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 239 cases
Date Tasted: September 28th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Opens on the generous nose and on the boisterous palate with comforting custard'n'fruit characters that will put a smile on your face. The initial creaminess is followed closely by a wave of mineral and tangy, Tropical fruit aromas and flavours which establish equilibrium in this single vineyard Chardonnay. Also find pear, Golden Delicious apples, honeycomb, melons, pineapple, papaya, lime rind, river rocks, grapefruit and oak throughout with a touch of spice on the moderate-plus finish. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Sauvignon Blanc - 85pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at winery. Visit website here 
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 58 cases
Date Tasted: September 24th, 2016

Tasting Notes: This Sauvignon Blanc opens with a muted nose with traces of hay, peach skin and apple. The medium intense palate follows with a touch of residual sugar matched by equal amounts of citrus and pineapple acidity. Look for light, honeydew, gooseberry, apple and stonefruit flavours. The finish is mouth-watering, but short-lived. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Valentin Bianchi 2015 Finca Los Primos Malbec - 87pts

Bodegas Valentin Bianchi 2015 Finca Los Primos Malbec (San Rafael) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: September 23rd, 2016

Tasting Notes: Though, initially, an in-your-face, sweet berry explosion, there's more to this Finca Los Primos Malbec than your expectations might have prepared you for. Starting with the nose, a welcomed dusting of pipe smoke is present while the palate surprises with a hint of mint and anise and finishes (nearly) dry thanks to generous acidity which balances the sweetness from the dark berry fruit. Enjoy in its youth with sweet'n'spicy, BBQ ribs. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Domaine De Beaurenard 2012 Chateauneuf-du-Pape - 91-92pts

Domaine De Beaurenard 2012 Rouge (Chateauneuf-du-Pape) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $62.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2016

Tasting Notes: A harmonious and approachable Chateauneuf-du-Pape composed of 70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise and 5% Cinsault with a nice balance of fruit and savoury characters on the smooth scented nose and the vibrant palate. The developing bouquet shows dark cherry, brambly berry and black plum aromas blended nicely with garrigue and sage oils, cocoa nibs and burnt herb notes.

Similar fruit flavours follow on the mouth-watering, fine-tannin palate supported by earthy and herbal notes and a touch of spicy-oak, especially on the moderate-plus finish. Enjoyable now, with 2+hrs of decanting, though you'll be best served by being patient and drinking the Beaurenard further into its maturity window. Drink 2020-2022+.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Rosé - 85pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Sold out at winery. Visit website here 
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: September 25th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A juicy, fruit-forward, off-dry rosé comprised of 70% Osoyoos-sourced Cabernet Franc and 30% Naramata Pinot Noir grapes. Some of the residual sugar is offset by cran-apple acidity, but not enough to keep the palate balanced and fluid. Prune and earth notes add depth on the long, dried-cranberry infused finish. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Series 2Bench White - 91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Series 2Bench White (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1500 cases
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2016
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: Always complex and intriguing, the 2015 edition of the Oldfield Series 2Bench White is a richly textured blend of 29% Chardonnay, 27% Sauvignon Blanc, 26% Viognier, 13% Semillon, 5% Muscat. Opens with ripe peach, Bosc pear, dried apricot and stonefruit aromas with light lees, sweet straw and floral notes rounding out the romantic nose. 

Palate has excellent balance, successfully combining equal parts opulence, refreshment and structure. Tropical, orchard and melon fruit provide sweet fruit flavours and tangy acidity with medium-plus body and cool, river stone, lemon zest and light, spicy vanilla notes on the long, satisfying finish. Drink now- 2019.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Monte Creek Ranch 2015 Hands Up White - 88pts

Monte Creek Ranch 2015 Hands Up White (Kamloops) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $15.49 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: September 17th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Following a similar recipe as the 2014 edition, the new vintage sees 61% Frontenac Blanc, 25% La Crescent, and 14% Viognier blended to produce a tangy, off-dry wine with an aromatic and orchard fruit-driven nose and a well-balanced, citrus-infused palate with ripe fruit flavours of pear, peach and nectarine. Moderate finish leaves your mouth watering for the next sip. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Monte Creek Ranch 2015 Frontenac Gris - 87pts

Monte Creek Ranch 2015 Frontenac Gris (Kamloops) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $15.49 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: September 15th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Be sure you're looking for a fully off-dry white if you decide to take a flyer on this fruit-forward hybrid that was designed by the University of Minnesota for regions with hardy winters. Monte Creek's peach'n'melon scented Frontenac Gris is packed with 25.6 g/l of residual sugar, yet, the palate is nicely balanced by mouth-watering, citrus acidity and tangy, Tropical fruit flavours with a hint of spice on the moderate finish. Pair with spicy noodle dishes. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Monte Creek Ranch 2015 Riesling - 87pts

Monte Creek Ranch 2015 Riesling (Kamloops) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.99 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2016

Tasting Notes: More aromatic and expressive on the nose than last year's release, the 2014 Riesling offers a nice blend of orange blossom, raw honey, peach, lemon and mineral aromas followed by a crisp, dry, grapefruit and peach driven palate with plenty of citrus acidity and cool mineral flavours.

Though line rind notes linger in the mouth the fruit characters fade quickly on the finish. Pair with hard cheeses to fill the gap. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 13th, 2016

Tasting Notes: The perfect early-Autumn drink with the whimsical, fruity facade of a Summer Sipper and the body and complexity of a Winter, book'n'bath companion. Floral and candied, orchard fruit aromas grace the nose while the palate offers waves of white peach and spicy melon flavours, green apple acidity and stonefruit notes through to a long finish. Enjoy this Pinot Blanc in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon - 90pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 330 cases
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon with a firm, spicy structure and a vibrant, wild berry, acidic edge, balanced nicely by infatuating layers of fleshy, blue fruit and smooth, toasty-warm oak. Ready to go now or enjoy of the next 2 years. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Kris 2015 Pinot Grigio - 88pts

Kris 2015 Pinot Grigio (Delle Venezie IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $18.49 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: September 11th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A light and refreshing Pinot Grigio with a subtle nose packed with beautiful floral aromas supported by light mineral, pear skin and sweet apple notes. Palate is both crisp and a little creamy with some leesy notes beneath the tangy, citrus and green apple fruit flavours. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2014 Pinot Noir - 88pts

JoieFarm 2014 Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 507 cases
Date Tasted: September 7th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A pleasant, well-mannered Pinot Noir produced from a blend of fruit sourced from vineyards in Summerland and the Naramata Bench. Opens with a smooth, cherry'n'spice nose with a susurrus of oak and sweetened cured meat notes. The medium intense palate is juicy and well-balanced with red fruit and gentle spice leading the way, supported by cedar, soft spice and coffee grind flavours and structured by fine, light tannins and pomegranate acidity. Enjoy this Pinot today and anytime over the next 3 years. Drink 2016-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Syrah - 87pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Syrah (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Look for library release direct from the winery here
Cost: $26 (at release)
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: September 6th, 2016
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A fruit-forward, moderately intense, juicy Syrah with light, savoury notes, such as, spicy, cured meats and vanilla-cola adding some depth on the feminine nose and the slightly off-dry, bright-berry palate. Finish is moderate and mouth-watering. Enjoy this Syrah in its youth with sweet'n'spicy, BBQ ribs. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 St. David's Bench Vineyard Chardonnay - 87-85pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 St. David's Bench Vineyard Chardonnay (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 483 cases
Date Tasted: September 4th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A masculine and developed Chardonnay nearing the end of its peak with mature aromas of melon, spice, nectar, minerals, nuts, straw and unpasteurised honey. Palate is creamy, spicy and lemony with loads of wet wood characters and mineral notes through to a shortened finish. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Merlot - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Merlot (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $20.49 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: September 4th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A fruit-forward, mixed berry infused, masculine Merlot with menthol, tobacco leaf, charred oak and vanilla aromas followed by a full, glycerol-laden palate with rounded tannins, bright, wild berry acidity and juicy, dark berry flavours and oak-spice notes. Ready to go now, though, it will hold for another 2 years. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Le Vieux Pin 2013 Équinoxe Syrah - 92+pts

Le Vieux Pin 2013 Équinoxe Syrah (Osoyoos Lake) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $79.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 267 cases
Date Tasted: September 2nd, 2016

Tasting Notes: A feminine and moody Syrah with densely packed layers of ripe black cherries, peppercorn, spiced plums, licorice, sweet pipe tobacco aromas and lovely floral notes of potpourri, nectar and violets. The palate is equally dense and concentrated, bursting with mouth-watering, cherry-cola and smoky, black pepper flavours with fine tannins and red berry acidity contributing structure and balance. The finish is long with lingering dark berry notes and smoky goodness. Drink 2017-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Chasselas Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Chasselas Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB Stores and VQA stores
Cost: $19.18
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 16,900 cases
Date Tasted: September 2nd, 2016

Tasting Notes: An affable, well-priced blend of 37 % Chasselas, 32% Pinot Blanc, and 31% Pinot Gris with a subtle nose of flint and floral aromas and an off-dry, tart palate of exotic fruit and apple-pear flavours balanced well by kiwi acidity. Light spice, grass and mineral notes linger on the moderate finish. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca