Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: July 27th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A delightful, mostly dry and partially oak-aged Pinot Blanc, well-executed with a focus on clean, crisp, fruit and complimentary layers of texture enhanced by the complex élevage program. Look for aromas and flavours of Asian pear, lemon/lime, apricots, spent lees and peach pits. Pair with seafood, salads or hard cheeses. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: July 17th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Opens with a subtle, Loire-esque scented nose with a focus more on fresh, fleshy fruit and rounded savoury aromas than the more in-your-face, pungent, New Zealand style of Sauvignon Blanc. This subtlety is juxtaposed by a bracing wave of Champagne-worthy acidity on the otherwise, similarly flavoured palate where added  notes of herbs, spice, minerals and lemon zest add complexity. Pair with Scallops or Oysters and enjoy this wine in its youth or over the next few years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Pinot Gris (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: July 3rd, 2019

Tasting Notes: A Pinot Gris fermented with native yeast and one that touches a lot of oak (15% in stainless steel) but mostly older barrels and casks with only a kiss of new oak intermixed in the ever-evolving élevage program. The use of native yeast yields a more 'raw' wine, with plenty of texture and character, less composed refinement from foreign yeasts (less manipulation). 

Look for classic, stone and citrus fruit notes and rustic minerality throughout. Herbs and light spice show on the long, river stone flavoured finish. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Gamay Noir - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Gamay Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: March 22nd, 2018

Tasting Notes: A beautiful nose of potpourri, Christmas spice and wild berries opens this quaffable, Okanagan Falls Gamay. A slightly plumpy, front-loaded palate follows with rich, juicy red fruit, dried cloves and light, earthy tannins. Tart, huckleberry acidity shows on the spiced finish to (mostly) counter-balance the ripe'n'sweet elements. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Chardonnay - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Chardonnay (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine stores
Cost: $20.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: February 7th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A refreshing Chardonnay to pair with sensual/textural seafood entrées like seared scallops or poached halibut thanks to its vibrant citrus fruit on the vanilla scone and oak scented nose and on the lees'n'mineral spiked, medium bodied palate. 

This vintage is perhaps a tad too acidic for pasta dishes, but it can happily stand on its. Finish is moderately long and dry with a touch of lingering spice and lemon/lime. Enjoy now and over the next 3 years. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $27.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Disgorged: March 2017
Date Tasted: December 16th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Fine, persistent bubbles sparkle in the light-copper hue of the latest release of Blue Mountain's always-excellent, non-vintage brut; a blend of 58% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 4% Pinot Gris produced in the traditional method and disgorged in March of this year. 

A lovely wine with plenty of texture and a nice balance between vibrant notes of zesty citrus, cool mineral and green apple and warm'n'cozy notes of toffee, apricot and unpasteurised honey. 

No longer an under $25 steel, but still offers exceptional value at its new price of $28. Drink now or hold for 5-7 more years.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Pinot Gris (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $20.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A partially oaked Pinot Gris (60% stainless steel and 40% in 4th fill oak) that saw 0% malolactic fermentation for the 2016 vintage which is noticeably less rich and textured, though, still well-balanced and more minerally than the 2015. Look for stone fruits, citrus and layers of herbs and light spice on the pleasant nose and long finish. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Brut Rosé - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Brut Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $32.90
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: November 25th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This elegant, pink-amber hued Brut Rosé is made in the traditional method and delivers exceptional quality for its $32.90 price tag, making it an absolute steal and a legitimate contender to the over-priced Champagne you're considering for New Year's Eve celebrations.

A gorgeous nose of honey-kissed scones, grape seeds, raspberries and lees gives way to the dry palate, loaded with strawberry shortcake and light cinnamon applesauce flavours and texture to spare. Drink now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink 2017-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and Private Wine Stores
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 8th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Consistently a great example of the unique, brambly fruit'n'savoury herbs profile of BC Pinot Noir. This Okanagan Falls sourced Pinot offers black cherry and wild berry aromas supported by forest floor and fresh, sweet sage notes with similar fruit flavours on the (very nearly) dry palate where layers of spicy plums and sweet oak add depth. Finish is moderate this vintage, but well balanced. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $18.90
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: September 8th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Tart and refreshing with citrus and stone fruit galore on the blossom and grass scented nose and the dry, mouth-watering, leesy palate. The 11.5% residual alcohol is pleasantly low while hints of spice and minerals add some complexity. Always one of the Province's best Sauv Blanc. Pair with Scallops or Oysters and enjoy this wine in its youth or over the next few years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: July 30th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The 2016 edition stays true to the house style for this Alsatian variety; a near fifty-fifty blend of stainless steel and barrel fermented and aged fruit that produces delicate, whimsical, sweet fruit and fresh-off-the-tree acidity with hints of lees, citrus, minerals and light floral notes. Finish is generous and long. Absolutely fantastic value. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Chardonnay - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Chardonnay (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and Private Wine Stores
Cost: $20.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: March 11th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Another attractive and refreshing Chardonnay from Okanagan Falls' Blue Mountain. Well balanced with both cooling and warming characters on the aromatic nose and the textured palate; minerals, citrus fruit, lees, nectarine, Spring blossoms and subtle oak.

Sourced from the winery's home vineyard and a blend of 5 Burgundian clones, this cool-climate Chardonnay receives a 50-50 split between French oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks during fermentation and élevage. Lots of lees contact along the way contributing to the effortless, full-ish mouthfeel the wine offers. Finish is moderately long and dry with a touch of lingering spice and lemon/lime. Enjoy now and over the next 3-4 years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Gamay Noir - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Gamay Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 3rd, 2017

Tasting Notes: A layered Gamay with good intensity on the brambly-berry and cinnamon-spice scented nose and on the mouth-watering and fleshy-textured, dark-fruit infused palate. Very subtle oak influence is enjoyed throughout, supporting the fruit and spice characters. Tannins are light and rounded. Finish is moderate-plus, with a touch of spice and earthy notes lingering. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $23.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: December 15th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Produced in the traditional method and constructed like Champagne with finished wines from multiple vintages combined to create a consistent house style. This blend of 56% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Gris is the latest edition of their flagship Brut, disgorged in 2013 and now with a further 3 years of development in the bottle. All of which can be appreciated on the engaging nose and the bubbling, mouth-watering palate.

Look for fresh apple pie, lemon meringue and seashell aromas followed by a crisp, mineral-infused mouthfeel with flavours of lemon/lime, unpasteurised honey, peaches, stainless steel and light herbs. Finishes dry with lingering lemon rind and mineral notes. An absolute steal at under $25. Drink now or hold for 5-7 more years.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Gris - 90pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Gris (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $20.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 8th, 2016

Tasting Notes: An excellent, partially oaked Pinot Gris, both refreshing and rich with a nice balance between its crisp, orchard fruit characters and acidity and its creamy texture endowed with savoury notes of herbs, spice, brioche and vanilla bean. Deleightfully complex, especially for the price. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2012 Brut Rosé - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2012 Brut Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $32.90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2016

Tasting Notes: An elegant and silky smooth Brut Rosé made in the traditional method with compelling aromas of honey-dipped scones, grapes, sweet lees and prune fruit. A pale, bronzed-salmon colour, this dry, zesty sparkling wine with loads of texture and creamy, strawberry notes, is to be enjoyed with savoury appetisers or on its own where it can comfortably hold your attention. Drink now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 13th, 2016

Tasting Notes: The perfect early-Autumn drink with the whimsical, fruity facade of a Summer Sipper and the body and complexity of a Winter, book'n'bath companion. Floral and candied, orchard fruit aromas grace the nose while the palate offers waves of white peach and spicy melon flavours, green apple acidity and stonefruit notes through to a long finish. Enjoy this Pinot Blanc in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $18.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: August 3rd, 2016

Tasting Notes: A supremely refreshing, low-alcohol Sauvignon Blanc produced from 8-10 year old vines using a wild yeast ferment and minimal oak contact: a clean, pure expression of the French variety. Opens with a with a mellow nose of citrus fruit and Jazz apple aromas and the faint smell of oak and briny seashells. An intense, citrus and mineral-infused palate follows sporting a fairly full mouth-feel with hints of herbs and lemon peel through to the long finish. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Pinot Gris - 90pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Pinot Gris (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $20.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2015

Tasting Notes: A beautifully crisp and slightly effervescent Pinot Gris from Blue Mountain with a strong, citrus and mineral backbone supporting intense fruit flavours of Gala apple, white peach and Asian pear and a susarrus of savoury notes, herbs, spice, brioche and vanilla bean. A delightfully complex and vibrant Pinot Gris to be enjoyed now, or over the next 2-3 years. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 19th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Opens with delicate, white peach, straw and soft, green apple aromas that sit gently in the glass. An upfront, in-your-face palate follows that takes these delicate notes and explodes them into every corner of your mouth with shards of minerals and citrus acidity happily balanced by a touch of residual sugar and honeydew flavours. A crisp, vibrant Pinot Blanc to be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca