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