Fort Berens Estate Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc - 88pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.99 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 1045 cases
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Produced from fruit sourced both from the winery's home vineyard in Lillooet and from the Southern Okanagan Valley (a 75-25 split, respectively). The house style is a cool, masculine Cabernet Franc with dark fruit and savoury-oak undertones, though, its far from monochromatic with aromatic, feminine touches on the memorable nose and the mouth-watering, spicy, medium-everything palate. A ready-to-be-enjoyed-now wine, though, holding for a few more years is not out of the question. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Grenache - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Grenache (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.99
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: October 24th, 2016
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: The Grenache returns to the Stag's Hollow portfolio as a "regular" varietal release for 2015 after the benchmark 2014 was elevated to the winery's Renaissance, reserve-tier. The new edition is reminiscent of the 2013 vintage with a familiar, incense-berry-spice profile on the robust nose and the tangy, smooth tannin palate. 13% Syrah is blended for some added structure and depth. The balance is superb with a nice kick of fresh berry acidity, helping the rich, rounded mouth feel finish long, yet fresh. Open in early 2017. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2011 'Old Vines' Pinot Noir - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2011 'Old Vines' Pinot Noir (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO Vintages stores
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 867 cases
Date Tasted: October 21st, 2016

Tasting Notes: At 5 years of age, we're already dealing with a mature Pinot Noir sourced from the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Chateau Des Charmes vineyards. Over-ripe strawberry and tart huckleberry fruit are supported by layers of savoury notes of earthy, forrest floor, mineral, spice and oak. A decidedly Old World style with a long finish with lingering acidity and slightly bitter, dusty tannins. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2012 Brut Rosé - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2012 Brut Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $32.90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2016

Tasting Notes: An elegant and silky smooth Brut Rosé made in the traditional method with compelling aromas of honey-dipped scones, grapes, sweet lees and prune fruit. A pale, bronzed-salmon colour, this dry, zesty sparkling wine with loads of texture and creamy, strawberry notes, is to be enjoyed with savoury appetisers or on its own where it can comfortably hold your attention. Drink now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Rosé Sparkling Wine - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Rosé Sparkling Wine (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $29.95
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: October 19th, 2016

Tasting Notes: This sparkling rosé, made in the traditional method, is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next celebration with its delicious combination of red berry fruit, honeycomb, melon, vanilla-icing and baked brioche aromas and flavours. Palate is both lively and smooth with some residual sugar, mineral and plump, yeasty notes. The finish is crisp and satisfying. Drink now-2018+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Pinot Blanc Oraniensteiner - 88pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Pinot Blanc Oraniensteiner (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: October 16th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A fully off-dry, candied-fruit infused blend of late harvest Pinot Blanc and a little-know German grape called Oraniensteiner (a cross of Riesling and Silvaner). Mott's fruit cup and apricot aromas grace the subtle nose and the boisterous palate which also boasts added stonefruit and citrus notes and a nice wave of fresh peach acidity that helps keep the sweetness balanced. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2014 Old Vines Foch Reserve - 90pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2014 Old Vines Foch Reserve (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1550 cases
Date Tasted: October 16th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Be sure to spend some time appreciating the beautiful nose of this reserve-tier, Marechal Foch before taking a sip. Warm, dense aromas of smoky potpourri, vanilla-mocha, spicy plum and cherry liqueur will put a smile on your face instantly. The full-bodied, creamy palate follows with a similar flavour profile and an added layer of tangy berry notes which contribute levity and lead-out the mouth-watering and spicy finish perfectly. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2014 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2014 Pinot Noir (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $30 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: October 13th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A full-bodied and uber-ripe Pinot Noir, more reminiscent of Central Coast California than its cool-climate brethren from Central Okanagan Valley. Look for intense, red fruit on the perfumed nose and the generous palate with layers of toasted oak, mocha, cured meat, cedar and white pepper adding complexity and depth. Alcohol is better managed in this vintage, though, at 14% we're still in the glycerol-enhanced, creamy-smooth mouthfeel zone. The finish is long and spicy with a touch of tangy rhubarb lingering. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir - 90pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 269 cases
Date Tasted: October 11th, 2016

Tasting Notes: An elegant example of Canadian, cool-climate Pinot Noir, sourced from a single-vineyard in the Niagara Peninsula's St. David's Bench appellation. Opens with a soft, feminine combination of earthy, floral and red fruit aromas with caramel-chai spice and smoky-vanilla notes. The palate furthers the feminine profile with engaging texture, good continuity of flavours from the nose, spicy tannins and a nice wave of fresh berry acidity to keep the moderate-plus finish lively and refreshing. Ready to be enjoyed now and over the next few years. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2014 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir - 91pts

JoieFarm 2014 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $39.90
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 299 cases
Date Tasted: October 10th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A fantastic, barrel select, Pinot Noir sourced from Naramata and Summerland vineyards and true to its cool-climate roots with an only-in-BC blend of vibrant red fruit, silky-smooth sweet herbs and flowers, cedar plank, fine tannins and spicy earthy notes. The finish is long and mouth-watering with lingering, savoury and tangy raspberry seed notes. Drink 2017-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat - 87pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 330 cases
Date Tasted: October 6th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Though only Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat make the front label, this fruit-forward blend also includes small amounts of Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon. Lifted on the nose with candied fruit notes and sweet orchard aromas of apricots, peaches and nectarines followed by a juicy and plump, off-dry palate with similar fruit flavours and a nice wave of fresh peach acidity and a touch of mineral and clove on the moderate finish. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Franc - 89+pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 3916 cases
Date Tasted: October 6th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A brooding Cabernet Franc from the excellent 2014 vintage, full of dark berry fruit, intense earthy-herbs and meaty-metallic aromas and flavours but not without a few feminine touches like candied fruit, mocha and floral notes on the otherwise masculine nose and palate. Well structured with dusty tannins and fleshy, berry acidity. Length is moderate, but well balanced.

Enjoy now or over the next 3-4 years with some further development likely. Drink 2016-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Aligoté - 86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1687 cases
Date Tasted: October 4th, 2016

Tasting Notes: An aromatic Aligoté with floral and apricot notes on the nose followed by a medium-bodied, slightly-sharp, dry palate with lemon/lime, grapefruit and ripe apple flavours. A touch of spicy lemon zest and mineral notes linger on the finish. A wine to be enjoyed with hard cheeses and in its youth. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Chardonnay - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Fall release. Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.49
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: October 2nd, 2016
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: Tropical and melon fruit aromas spill out of the glass of this tasty, full-bodied Chardonnay from Tinhorn Creek. Though weighted on the palate, tangy citrus and cooling mineral notes keep the finish crisp and refreshing, balancing the generous and juicy flavours of honeydew, papaya, cantaloupe, pineapple, apple, peach and spicy-vanilla. Enjoy this Chardonnay on its own or with seafood pasta dishes. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca