SpearHead Winery 2018 Riesling - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2018 Riesling (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 

Cost: $21 + taxes

Alcohol: 12%

Production: 500 cases

Date Tasted: April 30th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An off-dry Riesling bristling with fresh, citrus and green apple acidity and flavours of lemon/lime, stonefruit and slate. A touch of classic, kerosene notes grace the honeycomb, nectarine and floral scented nose. Ready to go now or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink 2019-2023+.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir - 91pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $51.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 1150 cases
Date Tasted: April 27th, 2019

Tasting Notes: More lush and concentrated than the winery's regular Pinot Noir, the Stewart Family Reserve offers the same, well-proportioned blend of BC Pinot characters, brambly berries, savoury cedar and dried herbs, but wrapped in a more elegant, silky blanket of goodness with added depth from vanilla, creamy raspberry and fresh shortbread notes. Spice and a touch of cranberry linger on the long finish. Ready to go now or enjoy over the next 4-5 years. Drink now-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Pinot Noir - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 3400 cases
Date Tasted: April 25th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A well-balanced Pinot Noir with classic BC-Pinot characters of equal parts; brambly berries, savoury cedar and dried herbs. Smooth on the pretty nose and the fine-tannin, wild berry acid palate. Sealed with a Stelvin cap and ready to go now. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Bodega Renacer 2017 Punta Final Malbec - 87pts

Bodega Renacer 2017 Punta Final Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: Widely available
Cost: $15.99 (BCLDB Stores)
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: April 24th, 2019

Tasting Notes: In the category of budget Malbecs from Argentina, the Punta Final is the bad boy of the group when compared to its fruitier, cherry-berry brothers. There's a nice edge to this wine with a profile of darker fruit and charred oak, and with supporting notes of tar, spices and vanilla. That edge is a bit rough, we're not dealing with an uber-refined Malbec here, but there is true value on offer. Pair with sweet'n'spicy, BBQ pork or chicken. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2018 Pinot Gris - 87pts

SpearHead Winery 2018 Pinot Gris (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $20 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1500 cases
Date Tasted: April 23rd, 2019

Tasting Notes: A change in style from previous versions of this Summerland-sourced Pinot Gris which sees more intensity in both the residual sugar and acidity, creating a balanced wine, but one that tastes more like a ruckus Riesling, than a pleasant Pinot. 

Citrus, green apple and pear fruit dominate the mineral-flavoured palate with a touch of aromatic, white blossoms on the nose. To be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2020.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Viña Los Vascos - Le Dix - 92pts

Viña Los Vascos 2012 Le Dix (Colchagua Valley) Chile

Availability: Limited. BC Liquor Stores (newer vintages)
Cost: $63.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: April 20th, 2019

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Primarily a Cabernet Sauvignon, with a splattering of Carmenere and Syrah added (about 10 and 5%, respectively), Le Dix is the 'icon wine' of Viña Los Vascos, the Barons De Rothschild owned Chilean firm which aims to deliver exceptional, Bordeaux-inspired Cabernet with a touch of local charm. This wine fulfills the criteria with its rabbit-hole like depth on the sensual nose and uber-refined palate. 

Built to age, seven years in this beauty is just starting to think about peaking with ripe, fine tannins holding strong and no sign of the dark fruit fading. Sweet and sensual at first sniff, the developed bouquet deserves time in your glass to seduce you before you sip it down between bites of a medium-rare tenderloin steak. Drink now-2022.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Rutini Wines 2015 Cabernet-Malbec - 90pts

Rutini Wines 2015 Cabernet-Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: Private wine stores like Everything Wine
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: April 21st, 2019

Tasting Notes: A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec with a bright and tangy structure supporting ripe, dark and red berry fruit and savoury notes of charred oak, tar, smokey herbs, licorice and chirpy tannins. Finishes long with lingering spices and lip-smacking acidity, perfect for the dinner table and versatile, pairing well with BBQ pork and chicken dishes. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2018 Pinot Noir Rosé - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2018 Pinot Noir Rosé (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: April 20th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A delicate rosé made in the saignée method from Pinot Noir grapes destined for one or more of the winery's red wine labels. This blush is very drinkable (really, the most important  descriptor for a rosé) and delivers an subtly aromatic and Summer berry flavoured wine in the Provence style. Not overly complex, but well balanced with some citrus and fresh berry acidity evening out the RS and the alcohol. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2016 Red Icon - 92+pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2016 Red Icon (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $54.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 1487 cases
Date Tasted: April 19th, 2019

@PaintedRockWine

Tasting Notes: There has yet to be a disappointing Red Icon produced and the 2016 does not balk that trend with its quality and depth. But that isn't to say that this label presents as thought it were made from a mould each year, it isn't. Its crafted using whatever the vintage has delivered and from what the vineyard team could influence.

This year, a blend of 44% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Malbec combine to showcase the lively, fruitier elements of each varietal with fewer brooding characters than is previous years. Still refined and elegant, as always, with layers of savoury goodness (oak, spice, herbs and a touch of leather) but also cheerful and aromatic, very feminine.

Though its ready to be enjoyed today, there is usually further development ahead for the Red Icon, especiallay in the mid-term. Look to enjoy this beauty over the next 3-4 years. Drink 2019-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Also see:

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2015 Red Icon

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2014 Red Icon

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2012 Red Icon

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2011 Red Icon

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2010 Red Icon
Painted Rock Estate Winery 2009 Red Icon

SpearHead Winery 2018 White Pinot Noir - 89pts

SpearHead Winery 2018 White Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores

Cost: $24 + taxes

Alcohol: 13.5%

Production: 500 cases

Date Tasted: April 18th, 2019

Tasting Notes: This Blanc de Noirs shows another side of Pinot Noir, well, less a 'side', really, more like its innards; rich and unctuous, in texture, reminiscent of the clear, fleshy part of the grape and flavoured with beautiful, white peach, melon and honeycomb characters. The fullness is balanced by plenty of fresh orchard fruit acidity and just a touch of cool minerality. Pair with a white fish dish or try it at Easter brunch with your eggs Benedict. Drink now-2021.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Kaiken 2016 Reserva Malbec - 86pts

Kaiken 2016 Reserva Malbec (Lujan de Cuyo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: Special order, private wine stores
Cost: $14.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: April 18th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Tonally, a cooler edition of this well-priced Malbec from the Montes family, the 2016 offers a profile of dark and red berry fruit with charred oak and spice on the masculine, developing nose and on the green-ish, spice-driven palate. Finish is moderate with lively wild berry acidity and a hint of mint and tar. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Blanc de Noirs - 89pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Blanc de Noirs (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: April 16th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A new-ish trend in the Okanagan Valley is the experimentation with blanc de noir wines, which are white wines made from red skinned grapes. Pressed quickly after harvest with minimal skin contact leaving a (mostly) clear, 'white' juice to the fermented. 

The Stag's Hollow version is an off-dry blend of 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Gamay Noir with medium-plus body, texture to spare and a clean, crisp finish. A flavour profile of fresh-off-the-tree peaches and hot apple crumble show on the delicate nose and the well-balanced palate. Delish! 
Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Masi Tupungato 2016 Passo Doble - 87pts

Masi Tupungato 2016 Passo Doble (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12-15 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: April 15th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A very consistent, well-produced blend of Malbec and Corvina, the Passo Doble combines dark berry, smoked hazelnut, light spice and fresh almond notes on the impressive nose and the mouth-watering palate. Finish is a bit short-lived and edges towards bitter, but, when paired with food, you'll hardly notice.

Easiest (and best) pairing is grilled red meat drenched in a smokey-sweet or teriyaki BBQ sauce. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Doña Paula 2016 Estate Malbec - 88pts

Doña Paula 2016 Estate Malbec  (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: Private stores like Everything Wine
Cost: $15.99-18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 26th, 2018
Date Re-tasted: April 14th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A typical, fruity/juicy/fresh Malbec from the Valle De Uco in the Mendoza, but happily, with some smokey goodness on appealing, blackberry and violet infused nose and with beautifully integrated spice on the lively, black fruit dominant palate. A drink now Malbec, lacking the tannin structure for a long life, but a well balanced, food-friendly wine that would pair nicely with spicy, grilled meats. Drink now-2020.

Re-tasting Notes: Tasted 6 months later as part of the lead up to the 2019 World Malbec day (April 17th). Still believe this is a drink-now Malbec with a tasty, juicy-smoky profile and light tannins. Crazy good value for this quality-to-price ratio.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Langmeil Winery 2015 Valley Floor Shiraz - 90+pts

Langmeil Winery 2015 Valley Floor Shiraz (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $30-35 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2019

Tasting Notes: The Langmeil Valley Floor is like a meta-critic constructed, amalgamation of an Aussie Shiraz; something to like for all tastes. You like deep, dark fruit in your Shiraz? Check. You like moody, mysterious eucalyptus in your Shiraz? Check. You like added layers of cocoa, savoury spice, sweet peppercorn and cola? Check. You like it full bodied and full flavoured, yet, not over extracted? Check.

If it checks so many boxes, why not a perfect score then? Because it also checks the box for 'a safe bet, something that will please fans of Shiraz but isn't too challenging'. The 'Fluffy' Iglesias of Shiraz. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Mascota Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon - 87pts

Mascota Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipú District) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $14.99-16.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: April 9th, 2019

Tasting Notes: The 2017 edition of this entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon from Mascota Vineyards (producers of the divine Unanime) is an, overall, more balanced wine. Especially on the palate where, in previous years, wild berry acidity was relied upon to off-set high levels of residual sugar. For 2017, we see a cut back in the RS and the acidity used to keep the palate vibrant and food friendly, a welcomed change and one that better compliments the ripe, yet, brambly, wild berry and savoury spice flavour profile. Excellent value. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Albariño - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Albariño (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: April 3rd, 2019
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: Opens with an exotic nose of papaya, candied peach, kiwi, melon and citrus aromas followed by a textural palate with a juicy, melon fruit-driven entry and a mineral-kissed, mouth-watering, crisp finish. Coming into its own with maturing vines and a maturing fermentation/elevage program in the winery. Can stand alone, enhance your favourute salty snacks or pair harmoniously with any white fish recipe. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Finca Decero 2016 Remolinos Vineyard Malbec - 89pts

Finca Decero 2016 Remolinos Vineyard Malbec (Agrelo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: Special order, private wine stores
Cost: $23.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 2nd, 2018
Re-tasted: April 3rd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Sourced from a single, high altitude vineyard in the Agrelo appellation of Mendoza and distinguished by a sweet'n'earthy, flower bed note on the feminine, red berry scented nose. Offers good concentration and balance between fruit, savoury, oak and acid components on the full-ish, rounded palate. A lengthy, spice-laced finish lingers pleasantly. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: This uber-smooth Malbec is ageing nicely with an opulent, lushness to the palate that is instantly enjoyable. The alcohol is starting to be noticeable, just a touch, but enough to think the original drinking window is probably still right. Enjoy this beauty over the next year and a half.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca