Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Viognier - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Viognier (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The Stag's Hollow Viognier returns after a one vintage absence and captures the intensity of the 2012 growing season with its boisterous, tropical fruit-infused nose and mouth-watering palate. Minerals and orchard fruit add complexity, though, the 2012 doesn't quite reach the depth of the more effortlessly layered and ultra-lux 2010 edition. A long, tart finish with lingering oak and fat, brioche flavours leaves a lasting impression. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Anarchist Mountain Vineyard 2011 Élévation Chardonnay - 89+pts

Anarchist Mountain Vineyard 2011 Elevation Chardonnay (East Bench Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 3rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: The Anarchist Mountain Vineyard site has long been supplying grapes for other wineries but the latest owners, Andrew Stone and Terry Meyer Stone have decided to hold back some fruit and thrown their hat into the ring with this single-vineyard Chardonnay. The East Bench vineyard has an elevation of 1700 feet overlooking Osoyoos and produces aromas of opulent orchard fruit, sweet citrus, cool minerals and light spice. The palate offers good continuity from the nose with a pleasant texture and mouth-watering acidity, though, the oak program comes on a bit strong.

Overall, this gold-hued Chardonnay shows great promise for future releases from the Stone family, as the winemaking team get their oak and secondary fermentation program dialed in. This edition will benefit from further aging thanks to the mature vines (planted in 1985) who's fruit will stand-up to the caramel notes that will develop over the new 3-4 years. Drink 2015-2017+.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.casmooth toasted oak