Blasted Church Vineyards 2016 Nectar Of The Gods - 89-90pts

Blasted Church Vineyards 2016 Nectar Of The Gods (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $55 + taxes
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 1073 cases
Date Tasted: July 12th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A fleshy, masculine blend of 49% Petit Verdot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cot Noir (Malbec), offering a robust, developed bouquet and maturing palate of black cherry, kirsch, pipe tobacco, saddle and peppery, charred oak spice. Full-bodied with leathery tannins and a long, black pepper-infused finish, this cellar worthy wine spent 20 months in oak (3 months in varietal lots and 17 months post-blend) prior to bottling. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure, it should continue to evolve over the next 2-3 years. Ready to go now with a lengthy decant (and watch for plenty of sediment). Drink 2020-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc - 89-90pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $31.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 143 cases
Date Tasted: August 3rd, 2019
@drinkriverstone

Tasting Notes: Just released and approachable in its youth, this Cabernet Franc opens with a gorgeous nose of pretty aromatics and savoury herbs, brambly berries and just a hint of evergreen needles. The palate is fresh and crisp with focused, wild berry fruit flavours and acidity, a touch of oak and layers of support, savoury notes; herbs'n'spice, vanilla and chalky earthiness. Ready to go now or hold for another 2-3 years for further development. Drink 2019-2025. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Merlot - 89-90pts

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $35 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: October 16th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A very spicy Merlot starting with a quiet, vanilla and blackberry-kissed nose followed by a gregarious, spice box palate bursting at the seems with tangy black cherry, white pepper, clove, vanilla and smoky cinnamon flavours. A Syrah-like profile, yet, structured with medium tannins and a juicy/fleshy texture that's classic BC Merlot. Finishes long, holding its spice through to the next sip.

Sealed with a cork under a wax-dipped top, so make sure you're careful with your corkscrew knife as you open it. Give this spiced-up Merlot another year or two in bottle to further integrate. Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2014 Corner Stone - 89-90pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2014 Corner Stone (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here

Cost: $35

Alcohol: 14.3%

Date Tasted: September 17th, 2018

Tasting Notes: An incense, minty-licorice and dark berry puree scented blend of 27% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot grapes all sourced from the winery's estate in Oliver or from nearby vineyards. The dry palate that follows is lively with plenty of mouth-watering, yet, delicate red berry acidity, a nice ratio of red fruit to spicy-oak flavours and fine, moderate tannins. 

Ready to go now or for best results, wait another 1-2 years for the onset of mature graphite notes to appear. Drink 2020-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca