Poggio al Tesoro 2014 Il Seggio (Bolgheri DDOC) Tuscany - Italy
Availability: Limited
Cost: $40-50 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2019
Tasting Notes: A blend of 40% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot, the Il Seggio sits effortlessly on the palate with no more than medium weight, yet, endless layers of beautifully balanced, savoury and fruit flavours. There is an overall elegance on display with silky tannins and a fragrant femininity. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2024+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca
Argiano 2015 "NC" Rosso Tuscano (Tuscana IGT) Tuscany - ItalyAvailability: BCLDB storesCost: $29-35 + taxesAlcohol: 13.5%Date Tasted: December 31st, 2019Tasting Notes: The "NC" on the label stands for "Non Confunditur", the winery's motto and which roughly translate as "Not to be confused with" in English. It's a nice way of professing that this wine is unique, and it does stand out for its earthy-smokiness and its touch of black pepper. A blend of (mostly) Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller parts Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese, this is a medium-bodied, yet, intensely flavoured wine that can stand on its own without the crutch of good food, though, as with all Italian wines, it is even better in the company of a finely paired dish like a blackened Porterhouse. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca
La Frenz Winery 2014 Grand Total Reserve (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40-45 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: July 16th, 2017
Re-tasted: December 31st, 2019
Tasting Notes: Built for the long-haul, with excellent concentration and refined, youthful tannins, this blend of 42% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc delivers an intense and powerful nose of dark fruits, menthol, Christmas spices, toasted oak with a hint of sweetness emanating from the ripe fruit aromas. The palate keeps to the robust-meets-restraint formula for this label with similar characters as the nose and additional, charming notes of mocha, leather and tangy, brambly berries. Excellent length in the finish where spices linger through to the next sip.
Put this one away for another 2-3 years to make the most of your investment. Drink 2019-2024+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Re-tasting Notes: Has aged well to this point, but the development ceiling feels as though it has been reached. Youthful tannins have mellowed, as expected, and thankfully, the menthol notes have not faded away and still add depth and intrigue. Overall fruit profile has shifted a bit towards candied from its more brambly beginings. Drink now-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca
Viña Montes 2014 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon (D.O. Colchagua Valley) Chile
Availability: BCLDB Signature and private wine stores
Cost: $20-25 +tax
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2019
Tasting Notes: Actually a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this dry-farmed, high-altitude beauty offers exceptional value, delivering classic, Cabernet-Merlot aromas and flavours of minty-cassis and smoky-anise. Dry, balanced and food-friendly with impressive depth for the under $25 price tag. Drink now-2022+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca
