Church and State Wines 2011 Coyote Bowl Series Syrah - 90pts

Church and State Wines 2011 Coyote Bowl Series Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: December 13th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A beautiful, spicy Syrah from a challenging, cool vintage that offers Northern Rhone-like, intense aromas of white pepper, cherry, vanilla-coke, violets and blueberry fruit. Similar flavours grace the masculine palate with the inclusion of light citrus, mineral and toasted oak flavours. Weight, tannins and length are only medium intense, though, the overall wine is well balanced and offers good typicity for the variety in BC. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Church and State Wines 2010 Coyote Bowl Series Merlot - 88pts

Church and State Wines 2010 Coyote Bowl Series Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 642 cases
Date Tasted: May 28th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Sourced from the Vanessa Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley, the Coyote Bowl Series Merlot distinguishes itself from the winery's 'regular' Merlot with more pronounced oak influence in the form of tasty, vanilla and spice aromas and flavours which add a sensual note to the classic, mixed berry and black cherry profile. A touch of residual sugar adds body and depth but never nears Apothic Red levels, thankfully. A nice vein of wild berry acidity runs through the core keeping the palate fresh and balanced.

This is a great wine for grilled meats and for dinner parties when you can't predict what will be served. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Church and State Wines 2011 Merlot - 87pts

Church and State Wines 2011 Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1350 cases
Date Tasted: April 20th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Quite an intense nose for a moderately priced BC Merlot with loads of blackberry and black currant puree aromas and some savoury notes like coffee grinds, spice  and cedar adding depth. Lots of oak on the dry palate follows where dark fruit flavours are perceptible but play second fiddle to the toasty and earthy flavours. Mouth feel is vibrant and intense with meaty tannins and bright acidity. The finish, although a tad bitter, is moderately long and offers the distinct taste of Christmas cake in all its spicy-candied fruit glory. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Church and State Wines 2010 Coyote Bowl Series Petit Verdot Malbec - 89-90pts

Church and State Wines 2010 Coyote Bowl Series Petit Verdot Malbec (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 160 cases
Date Tasted: April 19th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Feminine and complex, the nose of this Petit Verdot and Malbec blend opens with lovely aniseed, charred oak, vanilla bean, black cherry fruit and sweet pipe smoke aromas. The dry palate comes across much more masculine with bell pepper and mineral flavours added to the mix of dark fruit, spice and toasted oak characters. Smooth tannins structure the flavours well through to the long, balanced finish where white pepper lingers.

Sadly, this spicy wine is sold out at the winery, though, you may be able to source it restaurants or private wine shops. If you do, it's ready to go now and should improve further over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Church and State Wines 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon - 87+pts

Church and State Wines 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (East Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1000 cases
Date Tasted: April 15th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Lots to like and pick-out on the nose of this Osoyoos-sourced Caberner Sauvignon with aromas of blackberry, cola, mint, black raspberry and light French oak. Balance is a tad sharp on the masculine, dry palate, though, the dark fruit, cocoa and cooking spice flavours are framed nicely by firm tannins and rhubarb acidity on the moderate finish. Should hold for several more years if you're looking to put a few away for future consideration. Otherwise, open now and allow time for decanting. Pair with a chocolate plate after a savoury dinner to finish off the night in style. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Church and State Wines 2009 Coyote Bowl Series Meritage - 91pts

Church and State Wines 2009 Coyote Bowl Series Meritage (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $34.90
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 975 cases
Date Tasted: April 13th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Another excellent Bordeaux-inspired blend from the Southern Okanagan's hot 2009 vintage. Church and State's Meritage follows the Left Bank recipe of a Cabernet Sauvignon-leading blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc adding backbone and approachable fruit to the otherwise, smoke-infused nose and palate where French-oak influence is prominent and appealing.

At 5 years of age, the dusty tannins are beginning to mellow and round, yet, the acid and dark fruit core remains youthful and vibrant. Will easily hold for another 5-6 years with proper cellaring, though, its peak will come sooner. Drink 2016-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Church and State Wines 2011 Cabernet Franc - 88-90pts

Church and State Wines 2011 Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 700 cases
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2014

Tasting Notes: After 2 hrs of decanting, this youthful Cabernet Franc will begin to reveal sweetened pot-pourri and crushed fresh flower notes which float delicately above the blueberry, black cherry and vanilla aromas. A dry, mouth watering palate follows with a nice balance of acidic, wild berry fruit flavours and savoury notes of oak, bitter chocolate, coffee beans and light spice. Despite the brightness of the fruit, the finish is long and measured with lingering, grippy tannins and dusty cocoa powder.

With its hints of chocolate on the palate and finish, this wine will make for a killer companion to salted, dark chocolate caramels as an after dinner treat. Another year of bottle age will do nicely. Drink 2015-2017+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Church and State Wines 2012 Gravelbourg Chardonnay - 90pts

Church and State Wines 2012 Gravelbourg Chardonnay (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 750 cases
Date Tasted: April 9th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Church and State's Gravelbourg Chardonnay is an exploration of texture and of the masculine qualities of the Burgundian grape, with the former enhanced from extended lees contact during élevage, adding fullness to the mouth feel and imparting brioche aromas and flavours. 

Cool, crisp and full of minerals, yet, fruit-forward and a successful advocate for the beneficial effect of French oak on Chardonnay. Apples, pears, apricots and peaches; a veritable plethora of classic orchard fruit. The finish is well balanced with green apple acidity keeping the ripe fruit in order while minerals linger through to the next sip. 

Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure to lock in the freshness. Should hold for a few more years, but why wait? Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Church and State Wines 2007 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Church and State Wines 2007 Pinot Noir (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.90
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: January 12th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Fans of Stoneboat's excellent middleweight Pinot Noir should consider trying this delicious, elegant and balanced example from Church and State (and vice versa). Medium garnet in colour, this Pinot offers superb concentration of raspberry, cherry, savoury spice and earth note characters on the sublime nose and silky palate. Fully dry, yet veins of sweet fruit linger with spice on the long and refined finish.

Produced from grapes grown at the Hollenbach Family Vineyard which overlooks Skaha Lake. Enjoy with your usual Pinot-friendly game or try a classic BC combination of BBQ Pacific Salmon. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Church & State Church Mouse 2006 Pinot Noir - 84pts

Church & State Wines - Church Mouse 2006 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) - Canada

Decanted: 3 hrs

Cost: $15.90 (VQA Stores)
Date: August 22, 2009

Tasting Notes: This Pinot Noir from Church & States' budget brand needed an amazing 3+ hours of decanting to settle down before the bouquet could truly be appreciated. Aromas of black and red fruits. This wine has a lovely rusty-transparent-red colour, something that I always appreciate in a Pinot Noir. On the palate you can taste cassis and a bit of plum finished with soft tannins. A decent wine for the price, but not one of my favourite under $20 Pinots.

Pair this wine with baked, herb-encrusted poultry and serve slightly chilled after decanting for 3 hours. - LC