IconScores.ca: 2021

Cassini Cellars 2018 Godfather Red - 93pts

Cassini Cellars 2018 Godfather Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Contact the winery direct here
Cost: $80
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 145 cases
Date Tasted: November 24th, 2021

Tasting Notes: "The Godfather" is Cassini Cellars' uber-refined, Icon-level red showcasing the best the Golden Mile Bench winery has to offer in any given year. For 2018, it takes the form of a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend (67% and 33%, respectively) and presents a pretty, sophisticated expression of the varietals as grown and managed by the winery's winemaking team. Expect a silky-smooth, feminine wine with depth and balance; both on the aromatic nose and the fruit'n'savoury. Ready to go now at (nearly) 4 years of age, or, hold for another 3-5 years. Drink 2022-2027+.

Cassini Cellars 2018 Malbec - 91pts

Cassini Cellars 2018 Malbec (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here upon release
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 200 cases
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2021

Tasting Notes: An impressive, textured Malbec with a nice blend of ripe, dark berry fruit and meaty, savoury notes of spicy tobacco, sweet tar and leather. Look for flavours of menthol and pencil shavings on the kirsch-kissed, uber-long finish where robust, refined tannins linger to the next sip.

Best to let this beautiful beast sit for another year prior to opening. Drink early-2022-2026.

Cassini Cellars 2018 Cabernet Franc - 91pts

Cassini Cellars 2018 Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Winery site here
Cost: $40 + taxes
Alcohol: 15.3%

Production: 275 cases
Date Tasted: November 12th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Cabernet Franc is always a stand-out variety in Cassini's portfolio of 'big reds'. This single-vineyard release shows off the winery's touch with the Bordeaux grape allowing its innate funkiness and seductive aromatics to shine. Look for trademark menthol and eucalyptus aromas and flavours to be supported by a plethora of blue fruit, tobacco, toasted oak, spices and savoury characters on the generous, expressive nose and the well-balanced, pleasantly textured palate. Ready to go now, with decanting. Drink 2022-2027.

Cassini Cellars 2018 Merlot - 91pts

Cassini Cellars 2018 Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $TBD
Alcohol: 15.4%
Date Tasted: November 8th, 2021

Tasting Notes: A dark and brooding Merlot with a masculine, film noir profile of dark fruit, black menthol smoke, kirsch, sweet tar and subtle, seductive spice - a nose to appreciate, patiently. The palate is dry with good balance thanks to uber-refined, yet, grippy tannins and a long, long finish with lingering smoky-goodness.

Ready to go now, enjoy this sexy beast with your special someone as an after-dinner treat, paired with fine, dark chocolate. Drink 2021-2028.

Cassini Cellars 2017 The Aristocrat - 92+pts

Cassini Cellars 2018 The Aristocrat (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40 + taxes (est.)
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 275 cases
Date Tasted: October 27th, 2021

Tasting Notes: An excellent expression of The Aristocrat from Oliver's Cassini Cellars which has long been a source of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon in the Okanagan Valley. The 2018 is true to its roots and to its vintage with plenty of its signature mint and Fig Newton cookie aromas and flavours and with a slightly harder, masculine edge. The oak influence is near perfect and supports the ripe fruit, creating a firm, yet, refined structure and adding plenty of texture.

Pair this beauty with a lean, mean tenderloin of beef and decant for several hours. Drink now or hold for further integration and development. Drink 2023-2028.

Cassini Cellars 2018 Maximus - 92pts

Cassini Cellars 2018 Maximus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $40 + taxes (est.)
Alcohol: 15.5%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: October 26th, 2021

Tasting Notes: The 2018 Maximus is a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. It opens with a feminine, refined nose of both dense, dark fruit and cheerful, sun-drenched red fruit aromas and supporting notes of sweet tar, cherry nibs, anise and vanilla spice.

The palate needs another year or two in the bottle or a massive decant to unlock the elegance within. Look for a similar flavour profile as the nose with additional complexity thanks to the very present and balanced influence of oak. Best to be patient to maximus your investment and wait another year or two. Drink 2023-2028.

Cassini Cellars 2018 Quattro - 90pts

Cassini Cellars 2018 Quattro (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 1300 cases
Date Tasted: October 21st, 2021

Tasting Notes: This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah opens with a sexy nose of dark fruit and berry liqueur aromas and a supporting cast of licorice, vanilla and spice notes. The seductive nose is followed by a dense palate with a similar, dark fruit-leading flavour profile and a good amount of savoury goodness in its toasted oak, spicebox and peppery characters. Ready to go now or hold for further development. Drink 2021-2025+

Altesino 2018 Rosso di Montalcino - 90+pts

Altesino 2018 Rosso di Montalcino (Montalcino) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $28-30 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 26thh, 2021

Tasting Notes: This Rosso di Montalcino is a blend of roughly 80% Sangiovese with the remaining 20% a mixture of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes producing a robust nose and complex palate of earthy fruit and meaty veggie notes. Look for light cured meats, tomato stock, mushrooms, bell pepper, smoke, red berries and a touch of tart cranberry. A well balanced wine with rounded tannins and good acidity. Pair this wine with braised meat dished like Osso Buco. Drinking beautifully now or cellar for further development. Drink 2021-2024.

SpearHead Winery 2019 Saddle Block Chardonnay - 90pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Saddle Block Chardonnay (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%

Production: 169 cases
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2021

Tasting Notes: This Chardonnay, using the same Burgundian clone 95 as its portfolio cousin from the Naramata Bench, is sourced from the winery's home vineyard in East Kelowna and offers a similar flavour profile but with a more elegant and balanced result. Here the oak treatment is subtle and lovingly structures the happy marriage of ripe orchard and melon fruit to the lively, tanginess of the citrus fruit. The finish is long and balanced. Drink 2021-2024.

SpearHead Winery 2019 Chardonnay - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $42
Alcohol: 13.5%

Production: 485 cases
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Produced with fruit sourced from a vineyard on the Naramata Bench planted exclusively with the Burgundian, Clone 95, similar to its portfolio cousin, the Saddle Block Chardonnay. This Naramata version is full and generous with both melon and orchard fruit throughout. Balance is attained through the existence of fresh and tangy citrus fruit present on the expressive nose and refreshing palate. Oak treatment is a bit heavy with with lingering wood bitters on the lime rind'n'spice-infused finish. Drink 2021-2024.

SpearHead Winery 2019 Pinot Noir Cuvée - 93pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Pinot Noir Cuvée (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $42
Alcohol: 13.5%

Production: 430 cases
Date Tasted: August 26th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Opens with a stunning, generous nose of nicely integrated, earthy cherry, spiced plum and vanilla-kissed oak aromas which spill out of the glass without being overwhelming. A similar profile of flavours awaits on the elegant palate, enveloped by lively, bramble-berry acid, medium tannins and lingering, smooth, earthy spices. Possibly the winery's new benchmark release for its Pinot Noir portfolio.

Ready to go now or hold for a few years. Bring this beauty out for a perfect Christmas turkey companion. Drink 2021-2026+

Spier 2020 Signature Chenin Blanc - 87pts

Spier 2020 Signature Chenin Blanc (W.O. Western Cape) South Africa

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12.99-14.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 22nd, 2021

Tasting Notes: A crisp, clean and straight-forward Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape with a touch of RS on the refreshing, citrus and exotic fruit flavoured palate and with a generous nose of honeydew melon, Golden Delicious apple, peach pit and macadamia nut aromas. Ready to go now. Drink now-2023.

SpearHead Winery 2019 Saddle Block Pinot Noir - 91pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Saddle Block Pinot Noir (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $36 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 450 cases
Date Tasted: July 21st, 2021

Tasting Notes: SpearHead's earthiest Pinot from their line-up of single-vineyard releases is the Old World-ish, Saddle Block, named for the contours of the original planting of Pinot Noir clones in their home vineyard. Earth and forest notes are supported by rich aromatics and cherry skin aromas. The dry, medium-everything palate that follows feels both supple and energetic in the mouth and delivers a touch more fruit than the restrained nose. Vanilla and spice linger on the satisfying finish. Ready to go now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink 2021-2025.

SpearHead Winery 2019 Coyote Vineyard Pinot Noir - 91pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Coyote Vineyard Pinot Noir (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $36 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 350 cases
Date Tasted: July 18th, 2021

Tasting Notes: A nicely textured Pinot Noir with lively acidity, warmth from spices and alcohol, and well-integrated, complex aromas. Opaque and unfiltered the grapes for this wine were sourced from a single-vineyard near West Kelowna with volcanic soils and showcase a medley of scents and flavours from smokey herbs'n'spice and black raspberries on the nose to savoury'n'sweet earth and succulent wild berries on the palate. Ready to go now or hold for 3+ years. Drink 2021-2025.

SpearHead Winery 2019 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir - 91pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $36 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 440 cases
Date Tasted: July 15th, 2021

Tasting Notes: SpearHead's Golden Retreat Vineyard is located in Summerland and produces the most feminine of their three site-specific bottlings of Pinot Noir. Elegant and complex on the nose with aromas of ripe plum, sour cherry, crème de cassis and a variety of warm, dusty spices. Opulent on the equally complex palate where there is a lovely balance between bright, brambly acid, savoury flavours and round, juicy fruit. Ready to go now or hold for 4-5 years. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure. Drink 2021-2025.

Gold Hill Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here
Cost: $TBD
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: June 21st, 2021

Tasting Notes: At five years of age, this dense, aromatic Cabernet Franc is showing signs of peaking. The developed bouquet is offers prominent brandy aromas which envelope the more delicate floral and spice notes. Less robust on the berry'n'spice flavoured palate than the hedonistic 2015 vintage with more viscosity and a shorter finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2021-2022.

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Reserve Syrah - 90+pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Reserve Syrah - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $44.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.3%
Date Tasted: June 18th, 2021

Tasting Notes: When compared to the winery's regular Syrah of the same vintage and vineyards, the Reserve is dialed up to... more. More of everything you want; intensity, smoothness, spiciness and length, on the finish. Certainly a New World Syrah with boldness and neatly rounded edges. Deserves a sweet'n'spicy, BBQ feast held in its honour. Ready to go now or hold for further development. Drink 2021-2025.

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Noir - 87pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Noir (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.4%
Date Tasted: June 17th, 2021

Tasting Notes: A leaner, meaner vintage of Pinot Noir for 2019, but not without some joyful elements like the aromatic nose offering spiced plum and herbs. A textured, light-bodied palate follows with light tannins, racy, yet, food-friendly acidity and a medley of fruit flavours; plum, black raspberry and pomegranate. Light oak, herbs'n'spice and a hint of smoke add depth, especially on the finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2021-2023.

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Modest Wines The Green Red - 87pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Modest Wines Little Green Red (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Modest Wines' Little Green Red is anything but little, with a bold, spicy nose and bright, racy acidity on the equally spicy palate. But, it is a tad green, with under-ripe, rustic tannins and flavours of green pepper and raw peppercorn mingling amongst the juicy black fruit notes. A touch of lovely aromatics on the developing bouquet add an element of class to this meat-friendly, dinner companion. Drink 2021-2023.

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Cabernet Franc Rosé - 87pts

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Cabernet Franc Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: June 11th, 2021

Tasting Notes: An intriguing, off-dry, medium-copper hued rosé, made from Cabernet Franc grapes sourced from multiple sites in the Okanagan Valley. Offers a delicate nose of peach skin, orange blossom and nectarine aromas, followed by a plump palate of orchard fruit flavours and enough tannin and citrus acidity to finish balanced where a touch of spice lingers. Ready to go now as most blush wines are. Drink 2021-2022.

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 10th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Opens with a nice nose of blossoms, white currant berries and a little of that attractive, Sauvignon Blanc stink. Palate is light, mineraly and refreshing with good acidity and a medley of apple, citrus and peach flavours. Overall, a subtle, delicate expression of the Loire Valley grape that might be best suited as a companion to a hot deck. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Summit - 91-92pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Summit - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $54.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9 %
Date Tasted: June 9th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Be sure to give your glass of Summit time to open up and take a moment to appreciate the sensual, harmonious bouquet of blue and dark fruits, vanilla-mocha, sweet spices and graphite. A medium-plus bodied, fine-tannin palate follows with a profile shift towards highlighting more of the savoury notes than the ripe fruit, creating an Old World feel sensibility.

A proprietary blend of 51% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 3% Syrah sourced from the winery's vineyards in both the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. This wine has the bones to age well and keep developing. Ready to go now or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink 2021-2025.

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Merlot - 90pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Merlot - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: May 25th, 2021

Tasting Notes: A sexy Merlot, sourced from multiple sites in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, balancing smoky, savoury characters with concentrated black and blue fruits. Dry and toasty on the spicy, oak-kissed palate with moderate, ever-so-green tannins and a bright, yet, lingering finish. Pair with charred meats to match the smokiness throughout the profile. Ready to go now. Drink now-2023.

La Frenz Winery 2018 Malbec - 88-89pts

La Frenz Winery 2018 Malbec (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: May 20th, 2021

Tasting Notes: This Malbec (blended with 12% Syrah) is a full-bodied, juicy feast of lovely spice, black plum, sun-ripe blackberry and sweet earth characters on both the approachable nose and well-balanced palate whose ratio of fruit-to-savoury notes is spot on. Give this one a rest until the Summer of 2022, if you can wait, to allow for further integration. Drink 2022-2024.

La Frenz Winery 2020 Chardonnay - 88pts

La Frenz Winery 2020 Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops

Cost: $20.78 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: May 22nd, 2021
@LAFRENZWINERY

Tasting Notes: The La Frenz, Peaches'n'Cream Chardonnay is comfort food in-a-glass, delivering a likability score of... Yum! Well balanced and approachable with juicy, fruit-cup aromas and flavours and a clean backbone of nectarine acidity to keep the finish crisp. You will finish the bottle after you open it, be warned, and don't age this Chardonnay more than 1-2 years, enjoy it in its youth. Drink now-2023.

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2019 Modest Wines Sangiovese - 88pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2019 Modest Wines The Elder Vicar (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: May 23rd, 2021

Tasting Notes: Fresh and lively, this Sangiovese (with 5% of Merlot and Cabernet Franc blended in) is sourced from the Black Sage Bench and that region's signature, wild sage aroma is prominent on the savoury, tomato stock nose. Red fruit shows on the palate adding complexity and balance to the savoury profile of herbs'n'spice and refreshing, tomato acidity.

Think Italian with your food pairing ideas and you won't go wrong, though, special attention to spicy capicola, thin-crust pizza should be considered. Ready to go now. Drink 2021-2023.

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2020 Modest Wines The Elder Vicar - 87pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2020 Modest Wines The Elder Vicar (BC VQA)

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.9%
Date Tasted: May 13th, 2021

Tasting Notes: An off-dry blend of Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewurztraminer (percentages withheld) which finishes somewhat dry thanks to plenty of sweetness-balancing, crabapple and citrus acidity. Muscat and Gewurztraminer lead the way, tonally, with plenty of candied grape and gooey gooseberry aromas and flavours. Look for additional notes of blossoms, spice and pears and mid-palate minerality. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2020 Modest Wines La Graves Robber - 90pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2020 Modest Wines La Graves Robber (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.9%
Date Tasted: May 11th, 2021

Tasting Notes: A beautifully balanced and textured, Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend (81/19 split) which spent some time in oak barrels, rounding the edges of the racy profile of crisp orchard fruit, honeysuckle, stone fruit and tangy citrus aromas and flavours. The mouth-watering, long finish offers lingering mineral and spices making this Graves-inspired blend a nice match for shellfish and sushi dinners. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2020 Modest Wines Pinot Noir Rosé - 87pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2020 Modest Wines Pinot Noir Rosé (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.2%
Date Tasted: May 10th, 2021

Tasting Notes: An orangey-pink hued blush produced with Pinot Noir grapes sourced from Cawston in the Similkameen Valley offering a medley of delicate red fruit, blossom and white peach aromas and flavours. Marketed as a "dry rosé" despite its listed 8.2g/p of residual sugar and mostly lives up to this billing due to the balance of refined, peach and strawberry acidity. But you can taste the sweetness behind acid, and that is a good thing. Drink now-2022.

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2020 Rosé - 88pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2020 Rosé (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.2%
Date Tasted: May 9th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Produced as a field blend of Zweigelt, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir sourced from the winery's West Kelowna estate vineyard and opens with delicate, pleasant aromas of Summer berries, Kiwi and Dragon fruit. Lean melon and cranberry show on the refreshing, mineral-y palate. Offers a well-balanced, textured finish with a hint of lingering spice. Drink now-2022.

SpearHead Winery 2020 Riesling - 89pts

SpearHead Winery 2020 Riesling (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here

Cost: $21 + taxes

Alcohol: 12%

Production: 500 cases

Date Tasted: April 16th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Wow. This is a racy, lip-smacking, mouth-whacking, palate-cleansing Riesling. Opens with a seductive nose of green apple, grapefruit, lemon/lime and raw honey which is followed by similar flavours and additional notes of flint on the palate which has been balanced to finish dry. Ready to go now. Serve with seafood or pork chops. Drink 2021-2023.

SpearHead Winery 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé - 87pts

SpearHead Winery 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 542 cases
Date Tasted: April 15th, 2021

Tasting Notes: More robust and a touch dryer than recent vintages, the 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé opens with a peach and rhubarb-scented nose with subtle notes of wet stone and lime leaves adding depth. Palate is textured and refreshing, albeit, a bit short-lived beyond its initial attention-grabbing entrance. Pair it with your next backyard picnic spread and serve it in its youth. Drink 2021-2022.

SpearHead Winery 2020 Pinot Gris - 90pts

SpearHead Winery 2020 Pinot Gris (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $20 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: April 14th, 2021

Tasting Notes: The balance of the 2020 edition of Spearhead's popular Pinot Gris is spot on with a touch more residual sugar than recent vintages contrasting beautifully with the zesty, citrus and white peach flavours and acidity. Though, don't jump to the refreshing palate before taking time to appreciate the racy and vibrant peach-fest nose.

This is the ultimate Summer sipper for its ratio of quality to refreshingness to affordability. Buy it by the case and drink it with friends, 6 feet apart:). Drink now-2023.

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