Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2014 Meritage - 91+pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $50 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: September 21st, 2018
@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: A ripe and extracted blend of five Bordeaux varieties, each vinified separately and aged in barrel for 18 months prior to forming an assemblage of 31% Merlot, 21.4% Cabernet Franc, 21.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.7% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot; each contributing their unique characteristics to the wine from mid-palate, juicy berry fruit, to seductive aromatics and flavours and to peppery spice on the finish.

A beautifully layered and complex, full-bodied Meritage that wears its cloak of oak like haute couture. Accessible in its youth with plenty of upside after a few more years in bottle. Drink 2018-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2014 Corner Stone - 89-90pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here

Cost: $35

Alcohol: 14.3%

Date Tasted: September 17th, 2018

Tasting Notes: An incense, minty-licorice and dark berry puree scented blend of 27% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot grapes all sourced from the winery's estate in Oliver or from nearby vineyards. The dry palate that follows is lively with plenty of mouth-watering, yet, delicate red berry acidity, a nice ratio of red fruit to spicy-oak flavours and fine, moderate tannins. 

Ready to go now or for best results, wait another 1-2 years for the onset of mature graphite notes to appear. Drink 2020-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2015 Merlot - 91pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2015 Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $30 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: September 15th, 2018
@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: A dense, hedonistic Merlot that fires on all cylinders with intense dark-everything on the spiced-up nose: dark fruit, dark chocolate and black licorice. An equally intense and concentrated, ripe black berry puree and vanilla-licorice infused palate follows with fine, dusty tannins, sweet spice and a smoky finish that lingers with mouth-watering wild berry acidity. Ready to go today and will hold for several years. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Viña Garces Silva 2016 Boya Pinot Noir - 87pts

Viña Garces Silva 2016 BoYa Pinot Noir (D.O. Leyda Valley) Chile

Availability: BC Liquor Stores
Cost: $16.99-19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 6,000 cases
Date Tasted: September 15th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A pleasantly stinky Pinot Noir with prominent barnyard aromas on the intense nose where notes of spiced plum and licorice play second fiddle. Red fruit shows on the every-so-slightly off-dry palate with a touch of savoury oak and earthy-spice on the moderate finish. Ready to go now. Sealed with a screwcap. Drink 2018-2021.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Poggio Bonelli 2012 Poggiassai - 93pts

Poggio Bonelli 2012 Poggiassai (Toscana IGT) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $50-60
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A 75-25 split of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, respectively, this Toscana IGT, sourced from a vineyard in Castelnuovo Berardenga, is a sexy, smoke-infused gem, featuring a harmonious blend of red fruit and earthy, forest floor aromas and flavours. Velvety, in texture, with fine, smooth tannins and a long, spiced-cocoa and tobacco flavoured finish. 

Already 6 years of age, yet, still years from peaking, though, further development may be limited. Drink now-2025.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer - 91pts

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery; VQA stores
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 404 cases
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Can you have an explosion of delicate fruit? The En Famille Gewurztraminer puts that seemingly contradictory statement to the test with its intense nose and pulsating, (lightly) off-dry palate of subtle aromas and flavours of lychee, fresh peach, orange blossoms, yellow capsicum, unpasteurized honey, spice and lemon rind. Absolutely delicious and ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Chardonnay - 91+pts

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Chardonnay (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 279 cases
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Chardonnay Musqué grapes sourced from Skaha Bluff and Naramata Bench vineyards were used for JoieFarm's reserve release of the Burgundian variety. A complex barrel program has contributed a subtle, French oak presence on the rich, yet, vibrant nose and the bright, yet, layered palate. Melon and pear fruit mingle with Brazil nut and cold butter aromas on the burgeoning bouquet, followed by flavours of Asian pear, white peach and tangy grapefruit. There is texture to spare and length on the finish. 

Ready to go now, or hold for another 4-5 years with some potential for further development. Drink 2018-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Escorihuela 2015 '1884' Cabernet Sauvignon - 87pts

Bodegas Escorihuela 2015 '1884' Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $17.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: September 11th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A Malbec-y Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza with plenty of lifted, mixed berry fruit on the fruit-forward nose and the medium-plus bodied, (mostly) dry palate. Savoury layers compliment the fruit nicely with a solid structure of smooth tannins, wild berry acidity and cool spice notes. Offers excellent value with no component out-of-place. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 PTG - 89pts

JoieFarm 2016 PTG (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 714 cases
Date Tasted: September 5th, 2018

Tasting Notes: 2016 is another Pinot Noir leading vintage with 40% Gamay making up the blend of the Burgundy inspired duo. This year's PTG is warm, feminine and graceful with a seductive, sugar'n'spice profile of ripe berries, plums, dried flowers, and hints of Christmas cake. Sits beautifully in the mouth with just the right weight and acidity for this medium-intense, food-friendly, effortless blend. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Alias - 90pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Alias (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.7%
Date Tasted: September 9th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Aiming for the "quintessential patio sipper", Black Hills hits the mark with their new label, Alias, a harmonious blend of 30% Riesling, 28% Pinot Blanc, 19% Gewurztraminer, 9% Schoenburger, 8% Muscat and 6% Ehrenfelser that combines an aromatic, delicate fruit-infused nose with a vibrant, off-dry palate of ripe'n'tart orchard fruit and a kiss of slate and spice on the moderate-plus finish. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 Pinot Noir - 89pts

JoieFarm 2016 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 670 cases
Date Tasted: September 9th, 2018
@JoieFarm

Tasting Notes: Offers a classic BC Pinot Noir profile and structure with a nice balance between its brambly fruit veneer and its savoury, herbs'n'spice core. Medium-everything; intensity, tannins, acidity and body, with a lovely, vibrant texture and a long, balanced finish where touches of spice, oak and tangy huckleberry linger. Pair this Pinot with grilled BC salmon - delish! Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2016 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2016 Pinot Noir (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: September  9th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A robust and meaty Pinot Noir from the winery's Lazy River Vineyard just South of Cawston that was fermented on Syrah skins in stainless steel tanks and then aged in French oak for 14 months (25% new) prior to bottling. Look for a fruit-first nose with raspberry and cherry aromas upfront followed by a wave of more savoury notes; peppercorn seeds, light cocoa and a hint of vanilla. An intense, medium-plus bodied palate follows with similar fruit and pepper notes and an extra touch of oak, mocha, exotic spice and dried cranberries on the moderate, mouth-watering finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca 

JoieFarm 2016 Gamay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2016 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 615 cases
Date Tasted: September 7th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A very consistent Gamay from JoieFarm's contracted Deep Roots vineyard alone the Naramata Bench. Slightly off-dry, but with a focus on pairing the candied, berry and cherry fruit with savoury notes of herbs, earthy seeds and a touch of iron, resulting in a pleasantly complex, medium-bodied, food-friendly wine.

Some may default to turkey dishes for Gamay but with this label one can look to lean, bloody cuts of beef as well. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Viognier - 88pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Viognier (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.7%
Date Tasted: September 6th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Offers good typicity for the variety with exotic Tropical and sweet orchard fruit represented on the nose and palate with added ginger, mineral and spice notes throughout. Lighter in body and length this year, by just a touch, yet, finishes with a satisfying snap of crisp, nectarine acidity. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Gamay - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Gamay (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: September 6th, 2018

Tasting Notes: On the spectrum of Gamay with sweet'n'tangy, Beaujolais Nouveau at '1' and savoury-gamy, Beaujolais Village at '10', the Rust Wine offering would register somewhere around '3' with an off-dry, unctuous palate and a profile of candied, smoky-sweet fruit and potpourri-spice. It will be too sweet and intense for some, and just right for others looking for a formidable companion to spicy, molasses-glazed, dialed to eleven, BBQ ribs. Not for the faint of heart or those looking for a subtle, savoury red wine to sip. Think loud and social, just like the wine. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2015 Stones Throw - 89pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2015 Stones Throw (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $28.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.7%
Production: 505 cases
Date Tasted: September 3rd, 2018

Tasting Notes: The hot 2015 vintage has produced an uber-ripe version of River Stone's 2nd red blend, Stones Throw, a compilation of 69% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec. Sweet and dense mixed-berry fruit lead throughout, with layers of pomegranate, boysenberry, light spice and chocolate covered blueberries adding depth to the (nearly) off-dry, full-bodied palate. Would make a great companion to sweet'n'spicy, BBQ ribs. Drink now-2021. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Pinot Grigio - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Pinot Grigio (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $20 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: September 3rd, 2018

Tasting Notes: A super ripe, Tropical and orchard fruit-infused Pinot Grigio with some nice body and length. This single-vineyard wine is aged in 90% stainless steel and 10% French oak, fermented to off-dry with green apple acidity and a touch of mineral notes to balance the sweetness. Finishes a tad 'hot', therefore, a pairing with hard cheeses or creamy pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara is a great idea. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca