Bethel Heights Vineyard 2014 Estate Pinot Noir - 91pts

Bethel Heights Vineyard 2014 Estate Pinot Noir (Eola-Amity Hills) Willamette Valley - Oregon

Availability: Limited, Costco USA
Cost: $32 usd
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 2000 cases
Date Tasted: March 14th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Often, the small lot or single block labels are the priciest and most sought-after releases from Pinot/Chardonnay houses as they are seen as the best at transmitting the unique characters of the terroir in question into the glass. However, the "estate" blends are often the most drinkable and approachable wines in the portfolio and can cost less than half the price. The Bethel Heights Estate Pinot Noir fits the bill. 

A blend of the winery's different Pinot blocks from their 100 acres vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of Willamette Valley. Quite robust, for a Pinot, with a classic, earthy/red-fruit base, dialled up to "11", and a medley of surprisingly compatible sweet and austere notes. Sure to please Pinotphiles both traditional and adventurous. Ready to go now. Drink 2017-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

LaStella 2014 Fortissimo - 91-92pts

LaStella 2014 Fortissimo (Osoyoos Lake Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 1374 cases
Date Tasted: April 20th, 2016

Tasting Notes: The 2014 edition of the Fortissimo sees 57% Merlot, 21% Sangiovese 11% Cabernet Franc and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon blended to create a beautiful wine combining brambly berry fruit flavours and acidity, lush tannins, savoury notes and spicy oak. The finish is oh, so long and well balanced with cherry, dried herbs, vanilla and pipe tobacco lingering.

Ready to go now, but will improve with another 2 years of ageing. Drink 2018-2021 for best results..
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blackwood Lane 2004 Alliance - 95pts

Blackwood Lane 2004 Alliance (Langley) Fraser Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Contact winery direct for library release
Cost: $80-90 est
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 24th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A complex nose of cassis and other dark fruits mingle on the developing bouquet with aromas of graphite, fig, stewed plums and licorice. The full-bodied palate follows with concentrated dark fruit, plum, cassis, savoury oak flavours and mulled-wine spices. Powerful and intense but not over-extracted with a finish that goes on and on.

This Cabernet Sauvignon-leading blend is still years away from its peak as the wine has aged beautifully and effortlessly. Drinking well now and suggests, with its fine structure of tannins and near perfect balance, it won't peak until 2014 and then hold for further 5 years. Drink 2011-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca