Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2012 The One - 90pts

Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2012 The One (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $47.88
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 234 cases
Date Tasted: December 30th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A traditional method, Champagne-inspired, sparkling wine, roughly an 80/20 split of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and aged sur lees for 41 months. Now 5 years old, this Brut is ageing beautifully with savoury lees and lemon meringue aromas making for a refreshing bouquet. The dry, elegant palate shares these notes with plenty of shellfish-loving mineral and grapefruit flavours leading the way.

Ready to be enjoyed now with your special occasion celebration. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery N/V Brut Rosé - 86pts

Bench 1775 Winery N/V Brut Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Mixed case purchase only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: TBA
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: December 30th, 2017
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A 50/50 spit of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with an effervescent, light mouse, this non-vintage sparkling wine derives its brassy-orange colour from some skin contact with the Pinot Noir grapes during crush. A touch of mineral and lemon zest show on the dry finish with a pleasant, straight-forward blend of strawberry, cranberry and kiwi fruit on the nose and palate. Would make for a fine Sunday brunch aperitif. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2014 Estate Merlot - 90-91pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2014 Estate Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $38
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 141 cases
Date Tasted: December 29th, 2017

Tasting Notes: An excellent, masculine'yet'sensual Merlot, full of youthful exuberance and confidence. Offering, not-yet-fully-integrated layers of vanilla-spiked blueberry and cassis fruit, savoury and sweet spices, pipe tobacco, anise, tar and finely grained oak. Should mature beautifully over the next 2-3 years. Drink now-2021+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon - 89pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $34.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 29th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A cool-climate Cabernet with a touch of green vegetal and black olive notes grounding the blue and dark fruit characters on the spicy nose and toasted oak palate. A full-bodied wine with good length and acidity and grippy tannins. Ready to go now and should hold for a few more years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Merlot - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Merlot (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 28th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A full-bodied, glycerol-rich Merlot with a blend of ripe berry and smoky oak aromas on the boisterous nose and the similarly flavoured, acid-rimmed palate. Herbs'n'spice linger on the moderate, mouth-watering, woody finish. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2014 Reserve Chardonnay - 89pts

Cassini Cellars 2014 Reserve Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 229 cases
Date Tasted: December 26th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Sourced from a 22 year old vineyard along the Golden Mile Bench, this is a fully oaked (10 months in new oak), deep gold coloured Chardonnay with baked apple and vanilla cream aromas on the luxurious nose and the smoke-lined, well balanced palate. Though a touch of vanilla'n'spice lingers, the finish is a tad short. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca 

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc - 88pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Contact the winery here
Cost: $30.50 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 170 cases
Date Tasted: December 19th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This Cabernet Franc spends 18 months in French oak (30% new) prior to bottling and opens with some lovely  floral and lifted berry fruit aromas on the nose. This is followed by a more masculine, bright and metallic palate with mouth-watering black currant acidity and dusty tannins framing the cool-berry fruit and spice box flavours. Drink now-2020.
-  Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc - 91+pts

Cassini Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 295 cases
Date Tasted: December 17th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Given time to warm-up and breath in the glass, the nose of this Cabernet Franc will come to life and present a gorgeous, developing bouquet of wild blueberry and blackberry fruit, light eucalyptus-mint and cedar notes and a subtle perfume of violets and white blossoms. It tastes just as it smells with a touch of spice to accompany the elegant texture and silky-smooth tannins and bright, berry acidity.

Intensity and length doesn't quite match the outstanding 2013 vintage, but we're splitting hairs with Cabernet Franc of such high quality. Ready to go now and will hold for many years. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Chateau Rahoul 2013 Blanc - 86+pts

Chateau Rahoul 2013 Blanc (Graves) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Limited
Cost: $25-30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: December 16th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A golden-hued, pungent blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc with baked lemon, white flowers, apricot, lemon grass and a touch of mint on the nose and palate. Missing an acidic kick on the long finish to balance the oily texture. Ready to go now or cellar for another 5-6 years to bring out the unctuous qualities of the Semillon further. Drink now-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $27.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Disgorged: March 2017
Date Tasted: December 16th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Fine, persistent bubbles sparkle in the light-copper hue of the latest release of Blue Mountain's always-excellent, non-vintage brut; a blend of 58% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 4% Pinot Gris produced in the traditional method and disgorged in March of this year. 

A lovely wine with plenty of texture and a nice balance between vibrant notes of zesty citrus, cool mineral and green apple and warm'n'cozy notes of toffee, apricot and unpasteurised honey. 

No longer an under $25 steel, but still offers exceptional value at its new price of $28. Drink now or hold for 5-7 more years.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2016 Pinot Noir Cuvée - 90pts

SpierHead Winery 2016 Pinot Noir Cuvée (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $38
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 13th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The Cuvée is a blend of Dijon and Pommard clones (35% Dijon 115, 25% Dijon 667, 25% Dijon 828 and 15% Pommard) from the winery's East Kelowna estate vineyard and successfully expresses the uniqueness of the terroir along with classic BC Pinot characters. Look for typical aromas and flavours of creamy raspberry and tangy cherry fruit, sweet earth and vanilla, finishing long with a touch of spice and lingering Black Forest cake notes.

This year's vintage is decidedly un-fined and unfiltered with a slight haziness in the medium ruby hue. Ready to go now and could evolve further in the cellar over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Old Vines Foch Reserve - 90pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Old Vines Foch Reserve (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $46.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 13th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Always one of the most beautifully scented wines every year, the 2015 edition of the Old Vines Foch Reserve offers a seductive, aromatic and perfumed nose of sweet, candied cherries, potpourri, Christmas cake spice, Kirsch and smoked vanilla aromas.

This year's palate is not as full-bodied as recent vintages, with more prominent, cranberry acidity and tangy berry flavours and a touch of mineral on the otherwise oak and spice-kissed finish. Ready to go now with little decanting. Will make a fun alternative to Pinot Noir for your next duck or game dish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau - 87pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: December 12th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Fans of Beaujolais Nouveau will not be disappointed in this Okanagan tribute to the quirky, quickly fermented, 100% Gamay Noir wine. Classic Kirsch and candied fruit'n'nut aromas and flavours with a susurrus of Okanagan wild sage in the background. 

This dry, low tannin wine with a lingering finish of spice and dried cherries, should make an intriguing companion to holiday party appetizers or sharing plates. Enjoy this wine in its youth and slightly chilled. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2015 Syrah - 92-93pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2015 Syrah (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: December 10th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Though Painted Rock is best known for its ripe and complex Red Icon blend, the wine gaining ground as the flagship product is the winery's estate-grown Syrah. Mind-blowing intense, yet, without ever feeling over-extracted or jammy. This youthful Syrah displays ripe cherry and plum fruit with integrated white pepper, pepperoni and floral aromas followed on the dry, grippy-tannin palate with similar flavours and added layers of blood orange, mint and vanilla.

Finishes long with lingering spice and cigar box notes. Ready to go now, with 4+ hrs of decanting, though, the best results will come with patience and mid-term cellaring. Drink 2019-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2014 Nobilus - 90pts

Cassini Cellars 2014 Nobilus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 125 cases
Date Tasted: December 9th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A massive Merlot with an uber-full palate thanks to rich'n'ripe berry fruit, a touch of residual sugar and plenty of glycerol texture from the 15% alcohol - reminiscent of Californian Primitivo. Big on the nose too, with aromas of blackberry, plum, menthol, spiced vanilla, cocoa liqueur and oak. Profile is consistent on the intense palate with similar flavours, heightened degree of spice, blueberry acidity and dusty tannins. Ready to go now, yet, should hold nicely for the next few years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blasted Church Vineyards 2012 OMG - 87pts

Blasted Church Vineyards 2012 OMG (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here. BCLDB stores
Cost: $27
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 800 cases
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The playfully labeled OMG is a blend of 67% Pinot Noir, 22% Chardonnay and 11% Pinot Blanc and produced with the traditional, in-bottle second fermentation method. This process imparts yeasty-goodness into the bouquet and texture of the wine from the long exposure to its spent lees and the Blasted Church OMG offers these characters in spades. What it might be lacking is a touch more fruit and residual sugar with a racy profile focused more on mineral and nut flavours and plenty of raw acidity. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Winemaker's Cut Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Winemaker's Cut Sauvignon Blanc (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 270 cases
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A beautifully crisp and pungent Sauvignon Blanc with ample exotic and citrus fruit, lemon grass and celery on the mineral-kissed nose and palate. Sourced from an Osoyoos vineyard and partially aged (20%) in Slovakian oak for 5 months prior to blending. Finish is long with citrus rind and a touch of spice lingering. Lip-smacking good! Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2015 Red Icon - 93pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2015 Red Icon (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $47.79 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 1487 cases
Date Tasted: December 5th, 2017

@PaintedRockWine

Tasting Notes: The 2015 edition of the uber-popular Red Icon sees 45% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 11% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon expertly combined to create the refined, yet, powerful Bordeaux-inspired wine we've all come to admire. It's a flagship product for the BC wine industry exported around the world thanks to the desire of the family owned and operated winery wishing to prove the merits of the Province's homegrown wines to the international market.

Always complex and layered, look for brambly berries, cool cassis, licorice'n'mint, fresh tobaco, spiced herbs and brooding, smokey oak notes on the glass escaping nose and the elegant, dry palate where fine, grippy tannins linger on a long, spicy finish.

This vintage is very approachable in its youth, much more so than recent vintages, though, it should hold well for 7-8 years in your cellar. Drink now-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Pinot Gris (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $20.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A partially oaked Pinot Gris (60% stainless steel and 40% in 4th fill oak) that saw 0% malolactic fermentation for the 2016 vintage which is noticeably less rich and textured, though, still well-balanced and more minerally than the 2015. Look for stone fruits, citrus and layers of herbs and light spice on the pleasant nose and long finish. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2014 Merlot - 89+pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here upon release
Cost: $34.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15.3%
Date Tasted: December 1st, 2017

Tasting Notes: The sensory contact of the 2014 Painted Rock Merlot is dialed up to "11", especially on the palate where the sensation of acidity is higher than any previous vintage of the otherwise feminine and well balanced wine. Look for integrated blackberry, vanilla, cocoa, oak and dried herbs on both the sweet berry kissed nose and the bright, smooth tannin palate. Enjoy now or file away in your cellar for some further development. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2014 Maximus - 92+pts

Cassini Cellars 2014 Maximus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $40 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 15.5%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: November 30th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This is a Meritage-style, big'n'bold red that excels in long, hot vintages (not that surprising for Bordeaux varieties) and 2014 was just such a vintage in the Southern Okanagan. The latest Maximus is comprised of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec offering a dark and brooding nose of black licorice, menthol, cassis liqueur, blackberries, toasted vanilla, tobacco and light spices. 

The full-bodied palate has the concentration to (mostly) mask the whopping 15.5% residual alcohol, keeping everything balanced and continuing the broody, dark fruit'n'friends motif of the nose. The finish is long with a nice pop of lingering spice and wild berry acidity.

Has the pedigree to last many years in the cellar, as previous vintages have done, with some evolution of flavours expected. Yet, the wine is absolutely ready to go today with careful decanting. Drink now-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2014 Yard Wine - 92+pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2014 Yard Wine (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $30.50
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 191 cases
Date Tasted: November 28th, 2017

Tasting Notes: For this beautifully aromatic and intensely dark blend, Upper Bench co-fermented Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes (a 70/30 split, respectively) and then aged them in 25% new French oak barrels for 18 months prior to bottling. The finished wine is equal parts 'pretty' and 'dark' with eucalyptus-mint, spicy cocoa and black cherry-cassis notes on the sensual nose and brooding, blackberry, cola, cocoa, toasted oak and minty flavours on the well-balanced, fine-tannin palate. 

Ready to go now with a couple hours of decanting. Or hold for further development in the next 2-3 years. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Brut Rosé - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Brut Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $32.90
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: November 25th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This elegant, pink-amber hued Brut Rosé is made in the traditional method and delivers exceptional quality for its $32.90 price tag, making it an absolute steal and a legitimate contender to the over-priced Champagne you're considering for New Year's Eve celebrations.

A gorgeous nose of honey-kissed scones, grape seeds, raspberries and lees gives way to the dry palate, loaded with strawberry shortcake and light cinnamon applesauce flavours and texture to spare. Drink now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink 2017-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2015 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2015 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 316 cases
Date Tasted: November 25th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A well-balanced, black cherry and vanilla-cola scented Pinot Noir with a savoury, toasted herb and sweet earth enriched palate and a vibrant, bright finish of wild berry acidity and lingering spices. Ready to go now and will hold for several years. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2016 Chardonnay - 90pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2016 Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $26
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 469 cases
Date Tasted: November 23rd, 2017

Tasting Notes: A delicious Chardonnay that straddles the line between robust and vibrant with 50% of the juice barrel fermented and aged in 30% new French oak and 50% seeing stainless steel exclusively prior to bottling. A nice degree of opulence is on offer with mineral notes and vivacious stonefruit acidity present to keep the finish refreshing and balanced. Melon, peach and macadamia nut aromas and flavours throughout. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Estate Bottled Pinot Noir - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Estate Bottled Pinot Noir (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $16.95
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: November 23rd, 2017

Tasting Notes: True to the house style of an Old World Pinot Noir, but far from fruitless, especially on the raspberry-cherry scented nose. The (very) dry, savoury palate has smooth, light cedar tannins, wild berry acidity and layers of herbs, mocha and earthy notes. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Chardonnay - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Chardonnay (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.49
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: November 21st, 2017
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: If you're looking for a buttery, boisterous Chardonnay but don't want to spend the exorbitant prices of a California import of similar quality, then this is the wine for you. Buttered popcorn, tropical and melon fruit aromas and flavours are balanced by cooling, mineral and citrus notes on the nose and a refreshing wave of fresh peach acidity on the lightly off-dry palate. Enjoy this Chardonnay on its own, with medium cheeses or with seafood pasta dishes. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Winemaker's Cut Syrah - 91pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Winemaker's Cut Syrah (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Details here
Cost: $??
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 150 cases
Date Tasted: November 21st, 2017

Tasting Notes: Sadly, only 150 cases of this beautiful Syrah were produced and they're sold-out at the winery. If you find one, snatch it up immediately. If you open it right away, you'll be met by a wall of intense, dark cherry, pepper and cola aromas with a sexy susurrus of mint and licorice notes adding impressive depth on the nose. The youthful palate offers excellent continuity from the nose with similar flavours supported by toasted oak, fine tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is oh so long and spicy - lip smacking and satisfying. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2014 Stones Throw - 90pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2014 Stones Throw (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 525 cases
Date Tasted: November 19th, 2017

Tasting Notes: River Stone's other blend compiles 58% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec and 11% Petit Verdot together to create a charming, impressively complex, Bordeaux styled wine with ripe, blackberry, cassis and boysenberry fruit complimented by dark chocolate mint, light oak and wild sage. Happily, dryer than the 2013 vintage with a long-ish, balanced finish and lingering spices on the tip of your tongue. Pair with sweet BBQ chicken dishes or Swiss Chalet take-out. Drink now-2020. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Muscat Frizzante - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Muscat Frizzante (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.9%
Date Tasted: November 18th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The 2015 vintage Muscat Frizzante is refreshingly vibrant and dry (or Brut) very Prosecco, in style, with a lifted profile of citrus and stone fruit, minerals and a hint of lees. Bitter lime rind and a touch of spice linger  on the effervescent finish. A great holiday party aperitif. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Grenache - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Grenache (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.99
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: November 17th, 2017
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: It's rare that such a young wine can be so engaging and balanced. The Stag's Hollow Grenache is released the Autumn following its harvest year after spending 6 months ageing on lees in large, 500l French oak puncheons and blended with 10% Syrah. Upon release, the youthful wine is a veritable spice box, bursting with pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg and nicely integrated floral and berry notes. Tannins are light and smooth on the medium-bodied palate with fresh, wild berry acidity and lingering spice on the moderate finish. 

Ready to be enjoyed this holiday season with traditional social dishes like Roasted Turkey and Pork Tenderloin. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 Plein De Vie Brut - 88pts

JoieFarm 2016 Plein De Vie Brut (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 11%
Production: 769 cases
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Originally conceived as a tasting room-only label to help visitors beat the heat during the hot Okanagan Summer touring season, this 2nd vintage of the easy-going bubbly is now available on the winery's website. A blend of 45% Pinot Meunier, 36% Chardonnay and 18% Pinot Noir with fresh cranberry and raspberry seed aromas on the subtle nose and a unique combination of strawberry spongecake, herb and mineral flavours on the dry palate. Finish is refreshing with some lingering savoury notes. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2015 McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir - 90-91pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2015 McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private stores
Cost: $40 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 13th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Sourced from the winery's home vineyard in Okanagan Falls, this is a rich and hedonistic Pinot Noir with harmonious dark fruit, sensual herbs and rustic earth aromas on the nose. The dark fruit and earth theme continues through to the medium-plus bodied palate, nicely balanced with fresh blackberry acidity and supported by silky, fine tannins. Finishes long and elegant. Drink now or hold for further integration and development. Drink 2017-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca