Black Cloud 2011 Altostratus Pinot Noir - 89-90pts

Black Cloud 2011 Altostratus Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Private wine shops or direct from the winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 101 cases (750ml), 52 magnum bottles
Date Tasted: April 1st, 2014

Tasting Notes: Produced by current Township 7 winemaker Bradley Cooper, the 'Altostratus' is the high-end Pinot of a duo of wines produced by his micro-label side project, Black Cloud. Where its younger sister is 'subtle', the Altostratus is 'supple' with a lush, harmonious expression of BC Pinot Noir that combines a sweet-scented, joyous nose of ripe red fruit, pot-pourri and spice aromas with a well-balanced, red fruit'n'earth palate structured by fine tannins and fresh, alpine berry acidity. 

Give this beauty another year in the bottle for further integration. Drink 2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Black Cloud 2012 Fleuvage Pinot Noir - 87pts

Black Cloud 2012 Fleuvage Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Private wine shops or direct from the winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 98 cases
Date Tasted: April 1st, 2014

Tasting Notes: The 'Fleuvage' could be considered the younger sister, or perhaps, the understudy, to Black Cloud's showcase Pinot Noir 'Altostratus'. Lighter, unassuming and even innocent, one could say. The analogy certainly applies to the light-bodied palate where subtle, huckleberry, truffle and cedar flavours would be drowned-out by the 'louder' Altostratus in direct comparison, but when enjoyed on its own, makes for a pleasant, modest expression of Pinot Noir.

The quaff-able nose, too, is quite light with classic Pinot Noir aromas of red fruit and forest floor. Overall, the wine represents its terroir admirably; a youthful vineyard along the Naramata Bench. Enjoy the Fleuvage as you wait for your Altostratus to mature. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Black Cloud 2008 Altostratus Pinot Noir - 90pts

Black Cloud 2008 Altostratus Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $28-35
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: September 16th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Produced by current Township 7 winemaker Bradley Cooper, the "Altostratus", the high-end wine of a duo of Pinots produced by his micro-label side project, can take its place among the top Pinot Noirs of the valley. The gorgeous nose shows excellent typicity for a top BC Pinot combining ripe, red berry fruit aromas with savoury forest floor, oak, vanilla, potpourri and spice notes. Welcomed continuity flows to the dry palate with both juicy, red fruit and earthy characters and mild, integrated tannins. Finish is a tad short for this price-point but is very well-balanced while it lasts offering some lingering spice and tartness. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca