Calliope Wines 2022 Figure 8 White - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2022 Figure 8 White - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 9th, 2023

Tasting Notes: The Calliope brand is produced by the same family behind Okanagan Valley's iconic Burrowing Owl and offers well-made, approachable wines at entry-level prices. The Figure 8 White is a blend of 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 23% Gewürztraminer, 15% Riesling and 5% Viognier sourced from vineyards in both the Similkameen and Okanagan Valleys. 

The style is crisp and dry with energetic notes of apple, lemon-lime, stonefruit, lime zest and peach pit. Pair with shrimp and prawn dishes and enjoy it in its youth. Drink now-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2019 Figure Eight Red - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2019 Figure Eight Red (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19-21 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 4th, 2022

Tasting Notes: 

Juicy and approachable with food-friendly, brisk acidity, the Figure Eight is a straight-forward, entry-level, red blend of 73% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah and 1% Petit Verdot. 

A flavourful blast of berries opens both the otherwise, nicely savoury nose and palate where the intense fruit is balanced with notes of licorice, tobacco and toasted oak and herbs. Pair with all-things BBQ'd or appies. Drink now-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2018 Figure 8 Red - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2018 Figure 8 Red - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 7th, 2020

Tasting Notes: For an entry-level red blend, the Figure 8 Red offers impressive density on the dark fruit, spice and black licorice scented nose. The medium-plus bodied, slightly smoky palate is food-friendly with bright, mixed-berry acidity which cleanses the mouth between bites and should pair nicely with BBQ favourites. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2018 Figure 8 White - 88pts

Calliope Wines 2018 Figure 8 White - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $16.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 1st, 2020

Tasting Notes: A well-balanced and well-priced blend of aromatic varieties sourced from the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, offering a harmonious mix of floral and orchard fruit aromas on the pleasant nose and complimentary flavours of melons, citrus and stonefruit on the (slightly) off-dry palate. That kiss of sugar helps counterbalance the kiwi and lemon acidity on the moderate finish where a touch of spice, steel and peach linger. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2019 Rosé - 85pts

Calliope Wines 2019 Rosé - BC VQA

Availability: Not yet released
Cost: $17-18 + taxes (est)
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: June 1st, 2020

Tasting Notes: A pleasant, easy-going blush with no element out-of-place, nor terribly memorable either. Typical, medley of red fruit notes throughout with a refreshing, kick of green apple acidity on the well-mannered, medium-ish bodied palate. Ready to go now and should pair nicely with a wide range of BBQ favourites. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2018 Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2018 Sauvignon Blanc - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $17.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: May 31st, 2020

Tasting Notes: This well-priced Sauvignon Blanc offers just the right amount of 'stink' on its expressive nose layered with green apple, raw honey and lemongrass aromas. Refreshing with racy acidity and crisp, Tropical and citrus fruit flavours. Bitter lemon zest notes and a touch of spice linger on the finish. A great pairing for oysters and other shellfish. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2019 Gewurztraminer - 86pts

Calliope Wines 2019 Gewurztraminer (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Private and VQA stores in BC
Cost: $16.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: May 31st, 2020

Tasting Notes: An off-dry, subtlety-scented, Gewurztraminer whose spicy, mouth-watering finish balances the natural sweetness nicely thanks to plenty of crisp, lemon/lime acidity and a hint of minerals. Pair with Indian dishes or fried, Asian noodles. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2016 Riesling - 85pts

Calliope Wines 2016 Riesling (Similkameen Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $14-17
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: October 9th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This pale gold Riesling is sourced from Keremeos vineyards and delivers a pleasant mix of baked orchard fruit and zesty citrus fruit aromas on the nose with a watery, yet, acidic palate to follow with hints of stone fruit, lime margarita and spice on the dry finish. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2016 Sauvignon Blanc - 86pts

Calliope Wines 2016 Sauvignon Blanc - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15-17 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 24th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A pleasant, straight-forward Sauvignon Blanc with tangy green apple, hay and under-ripe apricot aromas on the nose and with raw citrus and tropical fruit acidity on the lemony-apple infused, lightly spiced, medium-bodied palate. Finish is moderate, well-balanced and refreshing - just as a Sauv Blanc should be. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2016 Viognier - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2016 Viognier (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Made from grapes sourced from Osoyoos and Oliver vineyards, this 'budget' Viognier opens with ripe pear and candied orchard fruit aromas and a hint of oak and lees notes from 35% of the juice fermenting in oak barrels. The palate is ever-so-slightly off-dry with both rounded apricot and nectarine fruit and edgy, citrus and hard white peach flavours; a contrast of textures that mostly works. Mineral, citrus peel and herb notes linger on the moderate, slightly sharp finish. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2013 Figure Eight Red - 86pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Figure Eight Red (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: January 4th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Should appeal to drinkers of Apothic Red with its mellowed tannins, front-loaded red and dark berry fruit and mouth-watering, bright acidity on the finish. Yet, there's more to work with here in this blend of 58% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec and 4% Syrah with additional aromas and flavours of vanilla bean, white pepper, spicy plum sauce and oak. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2014 Figure Eight White - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2014 Figure Eight White (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 19th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A blend of 35% Pinot Gris, 31% Chardonnay, 18% Gewurztraminer, 13% Viognier and 3% Sauvignon Blanc, the Figure Eight White is a refreshing, crisp, pale-gold wine with good body and off-dry texture, delivering a nice combination of pineapple, melon and kiwi fruit with steely, mineral notes and lemony acidity balancing the fruit. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2014 Gewurztraminer - 86pts

Calliope Wines 2014 Gewurztraminer (Southern Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $13.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 11th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A well-balanced, middle-of-the-road Gewurztraminer that isn't too lean or too 'gooey' on the lightly, off-dry palate. Opens with a ripe, juicy nose of sticky orchard fruit and mild spice aromas with additional citrus peel and mineral notes. Palate follows with some texture and decent intensity of ripe, nectarines and apricots contrasted by steely-lemon/lime flavours. Finish is a bit short, but nothing tastes out-of-place. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2014 Viognier - 88pts

Calliope Wines 2014 Viognier (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 2nd, 2015

Tasting Notes: The Calliope Viognier offers great balance and texture for a fantastic >$20 price - unmatched value for the varietal in the Okanagan Valley. A nice blend of orchard and tropical fruit grace the generous nose and the mouth-watering, full-bodied palate. Look for ripe melons and white peaches with refreshing citrus acidity and mineral notes to compliment the tropical and orchard fruit characters. Light spice lingers on the finish. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2012 Figure Eight Red - 86pts

Calliope Wines 2012 Figure Eight Red (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 20th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Juicy, friendly and well balanced, the Calliope Figure Eight makes a nice, straight-forward, entry-level, red blend of 54% Merlot, 34% Syrah and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering ripe plum and sweet tobacco aromas on the aromatic nose and a variety of red fruit flavours on the front-loaded palate. The short, but, effective finish is driven by mannered, wild berry acidity, adding freshness to the palate. Pair with lean cuts of beef or game. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2013 Viognier - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Viognier (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 16th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A nice blend of orchard and tropical fruit grace the subtle, subdued nose of this Viognier from Burrowing Owl's 2nd label, Calliope. The easy-drinking, slightly 'hot' palate is full-bodied with a plump texture and flavours of ripe, melons and peaches with some citrus acid attempting, and mostly succeeding, to tone down the 'plump'. Moderate finish is watery with a noticeable kick of lingering spice. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2013 Rosé - 85pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $13.90
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 13th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A vibrant, bright nose of cranberry, pomegranate, lime rind and raspberry aromas opens this rosé, a blend of Syrah-Viognier (70%-30%, respectively). The palate feels a little out of synch with the light-weight, red fruit and citrus fruit flavours unable to fully balance the 14% alcohol, though, mineral and spice notes are a welcomed component. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2013 Figure Eight White - 88pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Figure Eight White (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 10th, 2014

Tasting Notes: One of the things the BC wine industry does very well is create budget conscious, over-achieving, white blends that deliver all the complexity, balance and ease-of-drink that you could possibly hope to get from a wine only a cough above $15. 

This blend of 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Pinot Gris, 21% Viognier, 15% Chardonnay and 12% Riesling ticks all the boxes with cool citrus and mineral flavours matched by tropical fruit and light lees notes. Off-dry levels of residual sugar are kept from overwhelming your palate with ample citrus acidity and a light hint of spice. Serve chilled. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2013 Sauvignon Blanc - 86pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $17
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 1st, 2014

Tasting Notes: Opens with pleasant aromas of honey-crisp apples and green apple skins with delicate apricot notes enhancing the perception of sweetness on the nose. The (mostly) dry palate offers a medley of pear, apple and green peach flavours followed by a dominant blanket of green apple and lime rind acidity leading to a mouth-watering, though, slightly bitter finish. Not terribly complex or racy, but refreshing and crisp. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2011 Riesling - 85pts

Calliope Wines 2011 Riesling (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $12-14
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 20th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Produced by Burrowing Owl, Calliope Wines offer a budget-wise alternative to the cult-favourite wines produced at the iconic South Okanagan winery. This easy-drinking Riesling combines an off-dry, effervescent entry of green apple and lime margarita flavours with a tart, mineral, crisp finish with a hint of tangerine. Drink 2012-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca