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

JoieFarm 2015 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer - 91pts

JoieFarm 2015 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery; VQA stores
Cost: $27.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 13th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Both delicate and intense with a subtle and aromatic nose and an unctuous, yet, refreshing palate thanks to this single vineyard Gewurztraminer's effortless acidity. Classic lychee and exotic fruit throughout with sweet yellow pepper, stone fruits and spiced honey notes adding depth. Finish is long and well balanced. Delicious is its youth or hold for 2-3 years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here  and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 12th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This medium ruby coloured Pinot Noir is sourced from a single vineyard in the Okanagan Falls sub-region planted to a number of the Dijon clones of the finicky, Burgundian grape. An intense Pinot, on a whole, with a Central Otago-esque nose of black raspberry blended with sweet'n'spicy earth aromas and hints of Teriyaki and mineral notes. The palate is not quite as complex as the nose with more of a juicy feel to it, though, never flabby, with fine, dusty tannins and mouth-watering, huckleberry and raspberry acidity keeping the finish lifted. Ready to go now. Drink 2017-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat - 89pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 11.5%
Production: 660 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Once again a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon, though, the 2016 edition is decidedly more delicate and sweeter than the 2015 vintage with dainty, sugar-dusted peach candies and dried apricot aromas on the nose and with Muscat's pure grapey-ness dominating the slightly effervescent, off-dry palate. The finish is long and lined with minerals and grapefruit rind notes.

Enjoy this wine, in its youth, with a spicy, Red Curry Thai Soup or hard cheese plate - Gruyere would be divine. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Noir - 89pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and Private Wine Stores
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 8th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Consistently a great example of the unique, brambly fruit'n'savoury herbs profile of BC Pinot Noir. This Okanagan Falls sourced Pinot offers black cherry and wild berry aromas supported by forest floor and fresh, sweet sage notes with similar fruit flavours on the (very nearly) dry palate where layers of spicy plums and sweet oak add depth. Finish is moderate this vintage, but well balanced. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 Rosé Sparkling Wine - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 Rosé Sparkling Wine (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $32.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 750 cases
Date Tasted: November 5th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Delicate raspberry, raw honey and Angle Food cake aromas grace the nose of this traditional method, rosé Brut. Following is a (mostly) dry palate with medium bubbles, delicate strawberry and covert, spicy plum flavours. Finish is a bit short, but well balanced and refreshing. Drink now-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2015 Syrah - 92+pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2015 Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $36.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: November 4th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Fantastical concentration in this Black Sage Bench sourced Syrah with deep, black cherry and sensual, floral aromas on the generous nose and oak-kissed layers of black cherry, mint, pepper, tobacco and blood orange flavours on the smoky, fine tannin palate. Simply gorgeous. Drink 2018-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Graffigna 2015 Malbec - 85pts

Graffigna 2015 Malbec (San Juan) Argentina

Availability: Private wine stores

Cost: $12.59 + taxes

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: November 4th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A fruity and juicy, mixed-berry driven Malbec with some brooding, dark fruit and light spice notes in the background of the medium-plus intense nose. The palate is bright and a bit sharp with a similar, berry-forward profile with dusty, rough tannins and toasted oak chip notes on the short(ish) finish. Drink now-2019.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca