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.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

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.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

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.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

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+

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca