Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Fortified Vintage Foch - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Fortified Vintage Foch (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.99 + taxes (375ml)
Alcohol: 18%
Production: 507 cases
Date Tasted: December 20th, 2018

Tasting Notes: On the spectrum of Port-style wines, the Quails' Gate Vintage Foch, made from select Marechal Foch grapes and then fortified with grape brandy, falls towards the fruity end of the spectrum, away from the nutty, aged Tawny Ports. Raisin-y cherries and Fig Newton cookies dominate the nose while the full-bodied, yet, fluid palate follows with flavours reminiscent of the bouquet and with added cocoa powder and blood orange notes.

Pair with a semi-sweet desert or simply a plate of dark chocolate pieces. Ready to go now or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Vidal Icewine - 91pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Vidal Icewine (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Sold out
Cost: $27.95 (200ml)
Alcohol: 9.5%
Date Tasted: December 20th, 2018

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. An extra year of bottle age has enhanced the golden-brassy hue of this unctuous beauty from Chateau Des Charmes. This low-alcohol, Vidal ice wine is bursting with honey-drenched, apricot and nectarine aromas and flavours. Fresh peach acidity tames the sweetness on the finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Tempranillo - 89pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Tempranillo (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Wine club only. Visit winery website here
Cost: $59.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: December 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: The Spanish variety Tempranillo is the third most planted grape in the world but is not widely grown in BC. In some of the warmer, dryer pockets of the Southern Okanagan it is popping up a little more frequently as wineries experiment with purchased grapes from the few established Tempranillo vineyards or with their own plantings.

The Black Hills example is a medium-everything wine with mannered tannins, acidity and intensity - well balanced, to be sure, and never showy. The nose and palate play host to a sensual ballet of blue fruit and spice aromas and flavours playing off one another, enhancing the experience. Pepper and a touch of charred oak linger in the long finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Ipso Facto - 89pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Ipso Facto (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Sold out
Cost: $49.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 11th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A new addition to the Black Hills portfolio, the Ipso Facto is a aromatic, feminine and hedonistic, Syrah dominant blend with 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon contributing some mid-palate body, mixed-berry notes and a touch of texture to an otherwise, low-tannin, ultra-smooth wine. Look for some sun-warmed, super-ripe, black cherry fruit throughout, with white pepper spice and roasted capsicum notes lingering on the moderate, plump finish. Structured to be enjoyed now with lean, rare cuts of beef. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2016 Collector's Series Cabernet Sauvignon - 90pts

Cassini Cellars 2016 Collector's Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Not yet released. Winery site here
Cost: $TBD
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: December 5th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A ripe and perfumed Cabernet Sauvignon. Mellow and feminine with some lush, blue and dark fruit aromas mingling, gently, with aromatic high notes and a kiss of toasty oak on the nose. Tannins are fairly mellow on the dry, yet, juicy palate with good continuity of flavours from the nose and with nicely integrated alcohol. Cocoa nibs and a touch of flat spice linger on the long finish. 

Ready to go now and should make a fine pairing for leaner cuts of beef or venison. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2018 Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2018 Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: December 2nd, 2018

Tasting Notes: With a little more perceptible fruit on the nose and palate, this year's Cailleteau is a delightful, well-balanced ode to Beaujolaise Nouveau with a profile of herbs, loose leaf tea and both dried and candied red fruits. 

A fine pairing for most of your holiday season comestibles, from meaty appetizers to roasted birds and even deserts like Christmas cake. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Vidal Icewine - 91pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Vidal Icewine (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $27.95 (200ml)
Alcohol: 9.5%
Production: 3665 cases
Date Tasted: November 28th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Imagine the aromas and flavours of honey-drenched, canned apricots and melons and you'll be ready to sip this tasty Vidal ice wine from Niagara's Chateau Des Charmes. Unctuous, sweet and long, with a touch of citrus acidity mid-palate to add some balance to the custard-y texture. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Late-Harvest Optima - 90pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Late-Harvest Optima (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $28.99 + taxes (375ml)
Alcohol: 10.5%
Production: 791 cases
Date Tasted: November 27th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Late harvest humidity created the perfect environment for the block of Optima to be afflicted with Noble Rot (botrytis) which severely dehydrates the grapes producing a super-concentrated, fruit cocktail and citrus flavoured, fully off-dry dessert wine with good acidity and a touch of light minerals and savoury nuts on the finish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Old Vines Foch - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Old Vines Foch (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 2809 cases
Date Tasted: November 27th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A consistently well-made and intense example of Foch with a unique combination of smokey dark fruit, exotic spices, wild berry acidity, astringent tannins and a touch of Kirsch liqueur on the spice-laced finish. Pair with venison or lean cuts of beef dressed in a spicy jus or sauce. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2014 The Godfather - 93pts

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

Availability: Contact the winery direct here
Cost: $80
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 145 cases
Date Tasted: November 24th, 2018

Tasting Notes: "The Godfather" is Cassini Cellars' Icon level wine to rival wines such as Mission Hill's Oculus and LaFrenz Winery's Grand Total, but is it their Flagship wine? In previous vintages, this wine took the form of a Bordeaux/Meritage blend, matching the style of its peers, an assumption that the sum is always greater than the parts. But for the 2014 release, Cassini has chosen to focus on one variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, which just happens to be the grape the Golden Mile Bench winery excels at, year-in, year-out.

With 2% Cabernet Franc blended in to enhance the feminine notes on the nose, the 2014 Godfather is bursting with a complex array of seductive aromatics, sweet, ripe fruit and savoury notes of the sweet, cured meet and steak spice. The palate is intense, yet, gentle with ultra-fine, ripe tannins and a flavour profile layered with dark and blue fruits, exotic spices and dried herbs and fruit, namely, dates, clove and anise.

Ready to go now at 4 years of age, or, hold for another 3-5 years. Drink now-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc Malbec - 90pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc Malbec (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2018
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: Another successful, unique blend from Bench 1775, this time a Cabernet Franc and Malbec concoction which marries juicy, blue and black fruit with savoury,  smokey and spicy characters together on the potpourri-scented nose and the generous, full-bodied palate. Refined, mannered tannins linger with a plethora of mild, yet, persistent spices on the long finish. Sealed with a Stelvin cap and ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Merlot - 90pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1000 cases
Date Tasted: November 18th, 2018
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: An aromatic and feminine, full-bodied Merlot with a creamy entry on the intense, long-lived palate where flavours of black currant and acai berries pair beautifully with coffee, spice and toasted oak notes. Finishes with waves of wild berry acidity and fine, dusty tannins which strips the creamy texture away leaving a lingering perception of charred spice and sweet pipe smoke.

After 4 years of age (12 months in French oak and 2+ years of bottle age) this Merlot is ready to go now and should hold for another few years if cellared appropriately. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: November 17th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A medium-everything Pinot with even parts fruit and savoury on the black raspberry and spicy-earthy nose and on the rustic, yet, juicy, slightly 'hot' palate where red fruit and bright huckleberry flavours are complimented by layers of spice, leather, herbs and dusty rock notes. 

Imagine a New Zealand Pinot Noir and a Gigondas Grenache blend having a baby and you'll be prepared for this unique wine. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Albariño - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Albariño (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2018
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: Still priced at under $20 and fulfilling that inner desire for something a little different, the Stag's Hollow Albariño is the wine you need tonight. A textural pleasure, this wine is both fleshy and firm with mouth-watering citrus and chubby melon characters coexisting beautifully. Sprinkle in some spice and exotic fruit notes and you have one complex, long-lasting white, perfect on its own or with your favourite white fish dish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Syrah - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Syrah (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A feminine, single-vineyard Syrah, proudly aromatic and spicy, though, not without a solid layer of red and black berry fruits on the herb-encrusted nose and the plump, yet, mouth-watering palate. Not a powerhouse Syrah, like some of its Southern Okanagan cousins, but nothing out of place and very food-friendly. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Syrah - 90-91pts

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $37 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: This youthful Syrah shows excellent potential for further evolution in the bottle with a lovely combination of both masculine and feminine characters on the seductive nose and the layered'n'long, mouth-watering palate. Look for complimentary aromas and flavours of brooding black cherry, salty tapenade, rosemary, violets, potpourri and black raspberry. Ready to go now with a long decant, but best to wait another 18 months for further integration and development. Drink 2020-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Merlot - 89pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Merlot (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: November 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A lively, bright Merlot, upon first sip, that blooms on the palate to reveal layers of red and blue fruit and savoury notes of worn leather, cigar box and spice just as the nose reveals added dimension when the wine is afforded time in the glass to breath.

A fine pairing for saucy BBQ dishes or even lean, simply seasoned cuts of beef with fine tannins and a full-ish body to match the weight of the meat and compliment iron notes. Ready to go now, though, decanting of several hours is recommended. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah - 87pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2018
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46.5% Syrah (with a 5.5% addition of Merlot) sourced from the Osoyoos area and producing port-like intensity on the nose with pruney blue fruits, molasses and caramel aromas. The dusty-tannin palate is more savoury, with less intense dark fruits supported by layers of black pepper, clove, vanilla and toasted oak. Finishes long and dry with a touch of smoke lingering. 

Sealed with a Stelvin cap and ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2015 Maximus - 91-92pts

Cassini Cellars 2015 Maximus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $40 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.7%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Another stellar vintage for Cassini's Maximus which sees 56% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 28% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec to produce a brooding wine with intense dark fruit and layers of savoury notes on the nose and palate. Look for ripe cassis and wild blackberry elements harmoniously integrated with oak spice, light menthol, All Sorts licorice, vanilla and fine, grippy tannins. Wild berry acidity keeps the long finish lively and your mouth wanting more. 

Excellent today, with plenty of decanting, but best to wait another 1-2 years for the wine to develop further. Drink 2020-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2017 Estate Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2017 Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.90
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: November 8th, 2018
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: The new Estate Sauvignon Blanc label is 100% sourced from the winery's Naramata Bench vineyard and meticulously vinified in 5 separate lots (2 of which were aged in oak) prior to blending. Care and attention only rarely awarded to Sauv Blanc in BC.

This new release leans more towards the Loire Valley in profile when compared to the multi-site blends of previous vintages. Less pungency and more laser-focused fruit and minerality, though, a touch of exotic fruit shows on the otherwise, stonefruit and citrusy-peach flavoured finish. Enjoy on its own or as a confident companion to seafood dishes. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $34.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 3000 cases
Date Tasted: November 8th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Most of the fruit for this cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the winery's estate in West Kelowna with additional fruit from the Black Sage Bench producing a robust, masculine wine with classic, cassis and oak influence aromas and flavours complimented by notes of worn leather and dry herbs. 

This isn't a tannin-heavy Cab, relying more on depth and length to impress. Should pair beautifully with leaner cuts of beef like a rare steak of filet mignon thanks to a touch of iodine on the spicy, slightly-greenish finish. Ready to go now or hold for a few more years. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 Chic Fille Pinot Blanc - 86pts

JoieFarm 2017 Chic Fille Pinot Blanc (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $30.35 + taxes
Alcohol: 11%
Production: 45 cases
Date Tasted: November 4th, 2018

Tasting Notes: 'Chic Fille' is a new side label from JoieFarm's proprietor and winemaker, Heidi Noble, with a goal to make fun wines using experimental techniques. The 2nd release under this label is a golden hued, herbaceous and dry Pinot Blanc with a savoury, salty-mineral-citrus flavour profile and loads of texture. What it doesn't have is a sense of whimsy or effortless consumption due to a lack of ripe'n'round orchard fruit and too much astringency. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Syrah - 89-91pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $39.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 1st, 2018

Tasting Notes: A dark and brooding Syrah, in its youth, with concentrated aromas of black cherry, peppercorn, tobacco leaf, mint, tar, oak spice and a hint of violets which should develop more prominently as it ages (as previous vintages have done). Palate is both juicy and dense with black and blue fruits complimented nicely by savoury notes, smoky, moderate tannins and waves of pepper, clove and tangy acidity.

Needs another 2-3 years in bottle to blossom. Drink 2020-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2017 Gruner Veltliner - 89pts

Fairview Cellars 2017 Gruner Veltliner (McIntyre Bluff) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 11.3%
Date Tasted: October 30th, 2018
@FairviewCellars

Tasting Notes: With so few plantings of Gruner Veltliner in BC there isn't much to use by way of comparison for Fairview Cellars' second commercial vintage of the Germanic variety which hails from their Eagle Bluff vineyard towards the McIntyre Bluff in the Southern Okanagan Valley. As Gruner is predominantly grown in Austria and very little of that is exported to Canada, you'll be forgiven if you've never tried it before. 

Should you take a flyer on Fairview's Gruner you'll find a seafood and salad-friendly wine (Thai salad rolls anyone?) with a profile of citrus, pepper, celery root and lentils, yes, lentils (and in a good way). The palate has a touch of raw honey weight and taste, especially on the, otherwise, long, mouthwatering finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Old Vines Foch Reserve - 91pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Old Vines Foch Reserve (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $46.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1424 cases
Date Tasted: October 30th, 2018

Tasting Notes: I'm not sure your nose will ever come across a more intriguing and seductive wine than the Quails' Gate Old Vines Foch with its unique combination of smoky Kirsch liqueur, aromatic potpourri, blackberry and Christmas cake aromas. This Foch is less intense on its medium-plus bodied palate, a perception somewhat skewed by comparison to the enormity of its gorgeous bouquet, yet, there is a palatable vibrancy thanks to pomegranate and dark cherry flavours and acidity. 

Recommended as a fun alternative to accompany Pinot Noir-friendly dishes like game and meaty stews. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2016 Two Hoots - 89+pts

Fairview Cellars 2016 Two Hoots (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Contact winery directly here
Cost: $24.90 
Alcohol: 14.7%
Production: 600 cases
Date Tasted: October 28th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc sourced from Southern Okanagan Valley vineyards producing a dark fruit dominant wine with good structure, meaty tannins and tangy, wild berry acidity. There's a touch of residual sugar on the juicy palate, where you'll find some added savoury notes playing a supporting role: licorice, tar and oak spice.

Ready to go now, while you wait for your Fairview Premier Series wines to mature, or hold for another 3-4 years for some further development. Drink 2019-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Dominio Del Plata 2016 BenMarco Malbec - 89pts

Dominio Del Plata 2016 BenMarco Malbec (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 26th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A very intense and concentrated Malbec from the Valle De Uco in the Mendoza. Fruit forward, though, with a decidedly acidic direction from the balsamic vinegar notes on the, otherwise, fruity/floral nose, through to the bright blackberry and apple cider flavours on the, otherwise, pepper'n'spice palate. Tannins are light and dominated by the fluidity created by the tangy texture and long-ish finish where nice, savoury spice notes linger. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Cabernet Franc - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A rustic, fruit-forward Cabernet Franc with brambly, wild berry aromas and flavours supported by gritty spice and tannins, added depth from oak exposure (13 months, 20% new) and finishing with a kick of feral acidity and lingering, smoky spicebox. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure to corral the fresh character of this well-price Franc. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards 2015 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir - 87pts

Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards 2015 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) Sonoma County - California

Availability: BCLDB 
Cost: $24-27 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: October 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Opens with a nice combination of red fruit, minerals and toasted oak aromas on the medium intense nose. A medium-everything, dry palate follows with a similar flavour profile and with added cedar chips, spice and forest floor/earthy notes through to the short-ish finish. Fine, smooth but not terribly refined. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2014 Zinfandel - 91pts

Rust Wine Co. 2014 Zinfandel (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $35 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: October 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Zinfandel doesn't always work in BC, the vintage conditions and handling of the variety in the vineyard have to be just right, but when it does work, its memorable and worth seeking out, like this full-throttle 2014 edition from Rust Wine Co. Big and bold, despite its medium body and tannin structure, with intense, exotic spice, sweet pipe tobacco and red fruit aromas and flavours on the spill-out-of-the-glass nose and the mouth-watering palate. Not for the faint of heart (though, ready to go now). Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir - 92pts

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $34.70 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: October 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: An intense Pinot Noir, in terms of complexity and power on the spiced-raspberry nose and the smoked, dark chocolate'n'cherry palate, not in terms of over-reduction or weight. The finish is long and elegant with savoury oak and a touch of forest floor notes making this beauty a great match for game or lean meats like Venison.

Certainly a stand-out BC Pinot for the 2016 vintage to be enjoyed today or over the next 3-4 years. Drink 2019-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Merlot - 89-90pts

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $35 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: October 16th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A very spicy Merlot starting with a quiet, vanilla and blackberry-kissed nose followed by a gregarious, spice box palate bursting at the seems with tangy black cherry, white pepper, clove, vanilla and smoky cinnamon flavours. A Syrah-like profile, yet, structured with medium tannins and a juicy/fleshy texture that's classic BC Merlot. Finishes long, holding its spice through to the next sip.

Sealed with a cork under a wax-dipped top, so make sure you're careful with your corkscrew knife as you open it. Give this spiced-up Merlot another year or two in bottle to further integrate. Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca