KWV Winery 2017 Cathedral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - 87pts

KWV Winery 2017 Cathedral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (W.O. Western Cape) South Africa

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $15.99-18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 10th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Dusty, smoky and very well priced, this is a savoury Cabernet Sauvignon with plenty of herbs and spices, but not completely void of fruit thanks to a vein of toasted black fruit running through the feminine nose and dry palate. Pair with smoky'n'sweet dried meats or a charcuterie plate. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2009 The Wrath - 93pts

Fairview Cellars 2009 The Wrath (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here. Private wine shops
Cost: $65
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: November 23rd, 2011
Re-Tasted: December 8th, 2019

Tasting Notes: This single vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine comes from a Golden Mile Bench property separate from the Fairview Cellars home vineyard. Intense, brooding and fantastically complex, this wonderful wine offers loads of dark fruit and French oak at the core of its flavour profile. Big tannins, big mouth feel, big nose, big presence... big everything! Yet, amazingly the wine remains refined and very smooth. Well balanced and beautifully long. For fun story behind the name and label is covered here.

Enjoy this wine after a couple of years of bottle aging. Drink late-2013-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Re-Tasting Notes: At tens years of age this beautiful, one-off release is still going strong with several years of peak drinking ahead. Today, seductive aromas and flavours of menthol and eucalyptus have developed adding more complexity to the already brooding profile. Anyone who thinks Cabernet Sauvignon can't be ripened or built to age in BC must be poured a taste of this special wine. But just a small pour - save the rest for us. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Anciano 2015 Old Vines Garnacha - 89pts

Anciano 2015 Old Vines Garnacha (Calatayud DO) Aragon - Spain

Availability: Private wine shops and BCLDB stores
Cost: $23.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: December 8th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A modern-ish bottling of Garnacha sourced from 35 year old vines and spending far less time in oak when compared to the winery's other wines which are aged for 7 and 10 years. Though textured and moderately intense, this Garnacha sits beautifully in the mouth with just a touch of 'hot' alcohol notes. Look for a pleasant combination of dusty red fruit, subtle prunes and plenty of spicy, sweet earth aromas and flavours. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes N/V Brut Sparkling Wine - 89pts

Chateau Des Charmes N/V Brut Sparkling Wine (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.95 (750ml) or $15.95 (375ml)
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A traditional method Brut with fine, persistent beads, produced from Chardonnay and Pinto Noir grapes sourced from vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula by Chateau Des Charmes. Offers a nice balance between its tangy citrus and ripe, orchard fruit characters on the peaches'n'cream nose and the yeasty, biscuit-infused, slightly off-dry palate. Finish is lively and refreshing with lingering, steely minerality and crisp citrus. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2018 Sauvignon Blanc - 86pts

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB and private stores
Cost: $16-18 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: November 28th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A citrus fruit and Asian pear dominant nose with a supporting layer of mineral and pungent aromatic notes. Palate opens with some residual sugar and plump orchard fruit upfront, then finishes crisp and refreshing with a touch of spice and citrus peel lingering. ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2017 Pinot Noir - 86pts

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2017 Pinot Noir (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB and private stores
Cost: $17-20 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: November 28th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A straight-forward Pinot Noir with a classic Marlborough nose of funk-meets-fragrance. Look for vibrant, raspberry seed and cherry aromas supported by earthy notes and a touch of cedar sap and green olive. Palate is a bit thin on complexity, depth and texture, though, the lively acid does provide some lift on the moderate finish. Simple, entry-level New Zealand Pinot for a Tuesday night. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Old Vines Foch Reserve - 91pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Old Vines Foch Reserve (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $46.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 361 cases
Date Tasted: November 25th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Opens with a nose to dive deep into and stay awhile to explore around a little. You'll discover a seductive blend of Kirsch liqueur, cocoa nibs, sweet salami and the pleasing, familiar notes of Christmas cake with its dried, candied fruit. The dry palate is uber food-friendly with well-balanced acidity, mannered tobacco-leaf tannins and similar notes as the nose. Pair with braised venison or other gamey meats at your next special holiday dinner.

Now sealed with a Stelvin cap which will prolong the ageing process, but not completely stifle it. Ready to go now or hold for some development. Drink 2019-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2018 Pinot Noir Rosé - 87pts

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2018 Pinot Noir Rosé (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB and private stores
Cost: $14-18 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: November 22nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Subtle on the nose, this rosé, produced from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Marlborough region, comes alive on the (slightly) effervescent and (mostly) dry palate which offers refreshing, food-friendly acidity and flavours of tart berries, citrus peel, minerals and juicy Asian pear. Ready to be enjoyed now with your favourite snack foods. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Old Vines Foch - 87pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Old Vines Foch (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 2800 cases
Date Tasted: November 22nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Be sure to take your time to appreciate the beautiful, feminine nose of this Marechal Foch and look for a harmonious blend of ripe, dark cherry fruit and savoury characters of vanilla mocha, anise, smoky spices, sweet prune and poppy seeds. A mouth-watering and dry palate follows offering a similar blend of flavours enhanced by tart red fruit, dried fruit notes and finished with dusty tannins. Ready to go now. Drink now-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2018 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2018 Pinot Noir (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 3400 cases
Date Tasted: November 18th, 2019

Tasting Notes: The quintessential BC Pinot Noir with hints of caramelized, BBQ Salmon skin notes supporting its classic pairing of ripe, brambly berries and savoury, cedar'n'herbs. Fresh, balanced and well structured with food-friendly acidity and medium body and tannins. Blended with 7% Gamay Noir contributing a little added dimension via a touch of dried fruit on the nose and palate. Drink now-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 The Allison - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 The Allison (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 1700 cases
Date Tasted: November 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A new addition to the Quails' Gate portfolio named for the restored heritage house on the winery's estate. This approachable, easy-to-like blend of 61% Syrah and 39% Cabernet Franc is warm and aromatic on the floral and spice-infused nose which is followed by a well-balanced, fruit-forward palate with dusty tannins and loads of feminine spice. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon - 89pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $34.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 1237 cases
Date Tasted: November 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Beautiful, deep aromas of dark fruit and warm oak greet you on the nose of this tasty Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from vineyards in the South Okanagan (a third) and the winery's estate in West Kelowna (two thirds). A grippy, slightly green and 'hot' palate follows with uber-dry, dusty tannins, familiar dark fruit and oak flavours with additional, savoury notes of licorice, dried herbs and a touch of mint.

Best served after another 1-2 years. Drink 2020-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Merlot - 87pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Merlot (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 3785 cases
Date Tasted: November 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A dramatic, toasty-warm Merlot thanks to grippy, charred-oak tannins and a palate-coating level of alcohol (15%). A combination of savoury and fruit notes collide on the nose and palate. Look for black currant, wild berry and black cherry aromas and flavours contrasted by coffee grinds, licorice and tobacco. Ready to go now or hold for another 2-3 years with some mellowing of the tannins to be expected. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Blaufrankisch - 91pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Blaufrankisch (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $27.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: October 29th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Blaufrankisch is a late-ripening, rarely seen grape of Central European origins which produces a spicy, medium-plus bodied wine and, commenting frankly, will never catch on in North America unless it is disguised as part of a proprietary blend thanks to its hard-to-say, unfamiliar name. A shame, really, since it can match the complexity of a G-S-M blend by itself and makes the most out of minimal oak contact.

This old vines example from Mt. Boucherie offers deep layers of spices, dark fruit and smooth, dense tannins and long, smoke-kissed finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca 

Amulet Wines 2018 Red - 89pts

Amulet Wines 2018 Red (Penticton/Naramata Bench) - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.78 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 123 cases
Date Tasted: October 29th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A vibrant, Southern Rhone-inspired blend of 46% Grenache, 28% Syrah and 26% Mouvedre showing youthful aromas of cola, vanilla, sweet black licorice, ripe wild berries and fresh, rich flowers. A similar, mouth-watering palate follows, minus the flower notes, but with additional flavours of a medley red fruits and the charred bits of roasted, sweet potatoes. 

Extremely food-friendly thanks to the plethora of wild berry acidity. The winery's suggestion of a braised lamb shoulder seems spot on, but also consider lamb shank or Greek food, in general. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022+.

On a side note: The Amulet Wines brand is the side project of long-time Stag's Hollow winemaker, Dwight Sick (now of Moraine Estate Winery), who has long been a fan of Rhone Valley varieties and a proponent of their viability in the Okanagan Valley. This micro label, limited to one white and one red release comprised exclusively of Rhone varieties, is another example of Dwight proving himself right - and we're glad he is. Sold through Roche Wines or direct at https://www.amuletwines.ca/.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Monte Creek Ranch 2017 Pinot Noir - 86pts

Monte Creek Ranch 2017 Pinot Noir - BC VQA

Availability: Sold out. Direct from winery here
Cost: $??
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A light and fruity Pinot Noir with some nice spice and oak throughout and a little added weight from the 14% alcohol. Quite drinkable and food-friendly with a touch of lingering, wild berry acidity which refreshes the palate befor your next bite. Sealed with a Stelvin cap to lock in the fresh, lively presentation. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Amulet Wines 2018 White - 90pts

Amulet Wines 2018 White (Penticton/Naramata Bench) - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.09 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 163 cases
Date Tasted: October 11th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An elegant, food-friendly wine composed of 90% Viognier and 10% Marsanne sourced from Penticton and Naramata Bench vineyards, offering a delicate nose of fresh apricot skins and flesh, canned pears and unpasteurized honey and a mouth-watering, yet, subtly oily palate of Asian pear, white peach, chestnuts, light lime rind and a hint of minerals. Pairs nicely with spicy noodle dishes or with hard cheeses. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2021.

On a side note: The Amulet Wines brand is the side project of long-time Stag's Hollow winemaker, Dwight Sick (now of Moraine Estate Winery), who has long been a fan of Rhone Valley varieties and a proponent of their viability in the Okanagan Valley. This micro label, limited to one white and one red release comprised exclusively of Rhone varieties, is another example of Dwight proving himself right - and we're glad he is. Sold through Roche Wines or direct at https://www.amuletwines.ca/.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Atelier Red - 84pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Atelier Red (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 4000 cases
Date Tasted: October 22nd, 2019
Tasting Notes: An easy-going, uncomplicated (or complex) blend of Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Merlot, which, despite the inclusion of Bordeaux varieties, tastes like a rustic, yet, smooth PTG (or passe-tout-grains) from Beaujolais. Though, nearly tannin-less, the Atelier Red does posses a vibrant finish, making it food-friendly, especially for stews or soups. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.

- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Atelier White - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Atelier White (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 1802 cases
Date Tasted: October 8th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A crisp, off-dry blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Auxerrois (percentages withheld), the Atelier balances its residual sugar with plenty of mouth-watering, citrus and Asian pear acidity and flavours. Look for juicy, ripe melon notes and a touch of minerality and spice on the crowd pleasing, amuse-bouche friendly palate. Finish is short, but when paired with food, no one will notice. Drink now-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2016 Summit - 92pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2016 Summit - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $54.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: September 24th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Mt. Boucherie owns 200 acres of vineyards distributed amongst the sub-regions in the central and south Okanagan Valley and near Cawston of the Similkameen Valley. The Summit is a proprietary blend of 51% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 3% Syrah sourced from all of the winery's vineyards. What it may be lacking in its expression of specific terroir, it makes up in its quality and tuned construction. This is an impressive wine to open for visiting family or friends who are suspicious of the potential ripeness of the fruit in British Columbia, a relatively northerly situated wine region, especially for 'big reds'.

Bold, ripe and concentrated with both fine texture and weight to pair with lean, grilled meats, but not too much body, staying fairly fluid and graceful. 'Big', yes, but 'balanced', mostly. Look for classic New World Meritage flavours of dark fruits, pipe tobacco and spices supported by toasted oak, a touch of graphite and other mineraly notes. Ready to go now or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca 

Bodegas Palacios Remondo 2014 La Montesa - 91pts

Bodegas Palacios Remondo 2014 La Montesa (Rioja D.O.) Spain

Availability: Limited.
Cost: $20-25
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An uber-smooth, concentrated blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Tempranillo, La Montesa is fermented in stainless steel vessels with natural yeasts and sees only one year in oak, imparting nearly no influence, leaving a fresh and rich, fruit-driven medley of ripe and dried red berries with toasty spices and earth notes supporting. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Castillo de Maetierra 2017 Atlantis Albariño - 89pts

Castillo de Maetierra 2017 Atlantis Albariño (Rueda DO) Spain

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: September 19th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A beautifully textured Albariño with evenly matched tangy and oily layers on the dry, mouth-watering palate and a fresh and fruity nose with light aromas of apricot, peach, melon and lemon/lime. Pair with seafood, salads or All-Dressed Ruffles. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez 2017 Basa Blanco - 89pts

Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez 2017 Basa Blanco (Rueda DO) Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores and private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: September 18th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A delightfully crisp'n'fruity blend of Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc vinified to near dryness, leaving a touch of residual sugar to add to the body and texture which, otherwise, offers layers of tangy acidity and light, flinty minerality. Look for lemon drop, honeydew and orchard fruit aromas and flavours and pair with your favourite bag of crisps/chips. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Little Engine Wines 2018 Rosé - 90pts

Little Engine Wines 2018 Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: See winery for details here
Cost: $27 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: September 13th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A beautifully textured blush made of 78% Pinot Noir and 22% Merlot sourced from Naramata Bench vineyards and produced in the saignée method. Bright and tingly with some yeasty characters on the palate, look for a vibrant collection of rhubard, dried cranberry and citrus notes with a touch of herbs and light minerals. Pair with fried rice or noodle dishes, or enjoy on its own when the Sun shines next. Drink 2019-2020.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Pinot Noir (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: September  12th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A simply structured, fresh and lively Pinot Noir with a satisfying balance between red fruit and spicy-earthy characters. Sourced from a single vineyard near Cawston in the Similkameen Valley, this is a food-friendly Pinot that will match BC, West Coast cuisine. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca 

Winemaker's Cut 2018 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Winemaker's Cut 2018 Pinot Noir (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Visit winery website here
Cost: $38 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 50 cases
Date Tasted: September 10th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An elegant Pinot Noir with some texture and body, a touch of tartness from brambly fruit and pleasant layers of herbs, crushed flowers, red currants and light oak. Not particularly long or earthy. Pair with BBQ salmon (especially the bits of caramelized skin). Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - 90pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.95
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 488 cases
Date Tasted: September 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Opens with a touch of menthol on the, otherwise, blackcurrant and woody-graphite scented nose. An opulent, New World Cabernet Sauvignon with ripe, black fruit flavours providing the perception of sweetness while savoury notes of cedar, licorice and light spice add depth and blackberry acidity and dusty/smoky tannins contribute the needed structure for such a concentrated palate. Readu to go now or hold for another 2-3 years. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2016 Corner Stone - 91+pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2016 Corner Stone (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here

Cost: $36.89

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: August 18th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A Right Bank inspired composition of 42% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot showcases Oliver-grown fruit in a beautiful way with a harmonious blend of ripe, dark fruit, minty-goodness, light oak, vanilla, savoury herbs and feminine notes of flowers and incense. Mannered, berry acidity lingers with the herbs and light spice on the finish with just a hint of blood orange citrus. Ready to go now, but library releases of older vintages have shown this wine to develop as it matures. Just don't wait too long. Drink 2019-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Winemaker's Cut 2018 Gruner Veltliner - 89pts

Winemaker's Cut 2018 Gruner Veltliner (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery, details here
Cost: $28 + taxes
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 80 cases
Date Tasted: August 15th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied with a nice balance between refreshing, grapefruit and Golden Delicious apple flavours and acidity and the rich, savoury characters of nuts, raw honey and light spices. A crisper style of BC Gruner compared to more oily offerings (admittedly, the sample size is small). Ready to go now and be paired with cheese fondue or sausages. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2018 A Noble Blend - 90pts

JoieFarm 2018 A Noble Blend (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB stores and VQA stores
Cost: $22.52 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 4780 cases
Date Tasted: August 13th, 2019
@JoieFarm

Tasting Notes: The 2018 edition of A Noble Blend stays pretty consistent with recent vintages of the (lightly) off-dry, food-friendly wine, though, last year Pinot Blanc was missing and it has now been returned to the fold. The final blend is 47% Gewurztraminer, 31% Riesling, 9% Pinot Auxerrois, 8% Pinot Blanc and 4% Muscat sourced from Naramata Bench, Summerland and East Kelowna vineyards, as per usual.

Though best served chilled to highlight its crispness and texture, this is a wine that can sit in your glass and evolve. The pleasant aromatics work at any temperature but the palate grows more exotic as it warms, mixing stone fruit and citrus characters with lush, Tropical fruit. Spice lingers on the lemon peel-kissed finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2016 Stones Throw - 89pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2016 Stones Throw (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $28.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 860 cases
Date Tasted: August 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: River Stone's Merlot-leading blend (78%) is a well-balanced, fruit-forward wine with layers of ripe, black cherry, blueberry and blackberry aromas on the feminine nose and similar flavours on the bright, mouth-watering palate which is nicely structured with smooth, light tannins. 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot round out the blend and contribute secondary notes of spices and fleshy dark fruits. Would make a good companion for leaner meats or enjoy it on its own, in its youth. Drink now-2022. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2018 "En Famille" Reserve Muscat - 89pts

JoieFarm 2018 "En Famille" Reserve Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.1%
Production: 401 cases
Date Tasted: August 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Continuing the dryer trajectory of the reserve muscat from last year, the 2018 is lean and focused on the palate with delicate, peach and mineral flavours and supported with crisp acidity over a touch of oily mouthfeel. Perfumed and aromatic on the equally delicate nose, this wine should be allowed to warm-up and open-up in order to be coiffed properly when served with a slow, relaxed brunch. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Riesling - 90-91pts

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Riesling (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.4%
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2018
Re-tasted: August 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Sourced from a block of Riesling planted in the St. Hubertus vineyard in 1978, the En Famille is both concentrated and delicate with a lovely, rich-yet-fluid texture thanks to off-dry residual sugar, effortless citrus acidity and fresh, pitted fruit flavours. Ginger, peach, mineral and dessert-friendly herbs notes add complexity to the nose and palate. Ready to go now or hold for another 2-4 years to wait for honeycomb characters to develop. Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Re-Tasting Notes: A year-on from its release, Joie's reserve Riesling is showing development of kerosene notes and enhanced minerality on the nose. The palate has integrated further and the balance has shifted dryer. Though evolved some, there is more to come, so keep to the original, suggested drinking window: 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Cabernet Franc - 89+pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: August 3rd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Packs quite a punch for a medium-bodied wine with good intensity and a layered profile of concentrated, fresh mixed berries and dried fruit'n'herbs, a touch of vanilla-kissed oak and some dusty tannins. Sealed with a Stelvin cap to lock in the freshness, but I would love to see how this wine ages as there's potential for more development. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca