Bartier-Scholefield 2008 Red Table Wine - 88pts

Bartier-Scholefield 2008 Red Table Wine (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: June 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: Nice Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot aromas on the nose of this red blend that also includes Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Violets, field berries, cardamon, tomato stock and raspberry skins. The dry, medium-bodied palate follows with a solid expression of red fruit flavours and patient oak influence. Cassis, blackberry and tart boysenberry characters are framed by moderate tannins and mouth-watering acidity. This is certainly a food wine with good balance that would compliment and be complimented by smoky, succulent, Sunday roast. Ready to be enjoyed now. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca
 
Also see:
Bartier-Scholefield 2010 White Table Wine
Bartier-Scholefield 2010 Rosé Table Wine

Bartier-Scholefield 2010 Rosé Table Wine - 87pts

Bartier-Scholefield 2010 Rosé Table Wine (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 792 cases
Date Tasted: August 31st, 2011

Tasting Notes: The "When Michael Met David" themed press kit that accompanied this crisp and fruity rosé reads like the rejected first draft of "When Harry Met Sally" where everyone gets along immediately with a mutual respect for one another and a similar outlook on life - no conflict to speak of. But, what doesn't work for an Odd Couple styled narrative, does work for designing, producing and releasing a tasty wine. The "Michael" being former Road 13 Vineyards winemaker Michael Bartier and the "David" being former head BCLDB wine buyer David Scholefield who both have spent time as consultants post their previously held name-making positions.

The result of this partnership is a 100% Gamay, bone-dry rosé that may not appeal to fans of BC blush the likes of JoieFarm's flagship pink. However, the concentration achieved on the palate is so great and cheerful, that despite the dryness, one is left with a loving embrace of freshly baked cherry-goodness and rhubarb-tang. The texture and balance are spot-on with a touch of tannin from the Gamay skins and mouth-watering acidity. As rosé wines have a tendency to age poorly, we suggest a purchase'n'pour application with this release. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Bartier-Scholefield 2010 White Table Wine - 88pts

Bartier-Scholefield 2010 White Table Wine (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 883 cases
Date Tasted: August 28th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Controversy surrounded the Bartier-Scholefield wines before they hit the shelves or were ever tasted by the public. The contentious issue at the center of the debate is if wines produced at "custom crush" facilities like the Okanagan Crush Pad, where anyone with grapes and the necessary funds may produce and release wine under the facility's winery license, skirt the spirit or even the letter of the Provincial liquor board laws. The legal issue doesn't hold my attention, but the pioneering element does and I find myself enchanted with the idea of more such "micro-labels", hitting the market over the coming years.... as long as they are reasonably priced and quality wines. Happily, the first release from Bartier-Scholefield is both.

A blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with impressive balance and concentration for a wine produced with minimal intervention in mind. If you were to make a "serious" wine out of Honest John's White from Road 13 Vineyards, where Michael Bartier was the head winemaker for many years, this would be the wine. Dry, crisp and loaded with supple fruit flavours and aromas. The long finish and lingering tartness make for the perfect summer sipper for those of you who prefer to avoid sweet whites on sunny days. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca