Cupcake Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay - 84pts

Cupcake Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay (Monterey County) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $15-16
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 15th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A super-chewy, oaked and MLF'd Chardonnay from Cupcake Vineyards, aptly named for its infusion of baked-goods-essence into their wines. This Chardonnay is rich, fruity and slightly sharp, in tone, with some residual sugar adding body and crisp citrus notes keeping the finish (mostly) dry and refreshing. Fruit and savoury flavours fade fairly quickly with only raw lemon peel and a hint of spice lingering on the finish. Lacks a distinguishing character. Drink this Chardonnay in its youth, it will not improve with age. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay - 87pts

Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay (Central Coast) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 100,000 cases
Date Tasted: March , 2011

Tasting Notes: The Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay actually lives up to its namesake - the delectable, handheld, muffin-like dessert we all love. This Chardonnay is rich, fruity and textured with just the right amount of residual sugar. Reminiscent of a health conscious mom using only half of the prescribed sugar when baking for her kids.

A good value at $14.99 but not a Chardonnay for the ABC crowd with its ample oak influence on the palate and big MLF notes on the nose. The creamy texture could use more acidity and/or mineral characters to make a more harmonious balance. The synthetic enclosure will limit further development and besides, the price point screams "drink me now" - so do just that. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Cupcake Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon - 86pts

Cupcake Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Coast) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 80,000 cases
Date Tasted: March 25th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This easy-drinking wine from Californian winery Cupcake Vineyards may come across as a bit over-marketed in its presentation and forced association with everyone's favourite handheld frosted dessert. However, upon closer inspection you'll find a pretty tasty, fruit-forward, mild-tannin Cabernet Sauvignon with loads of extracted berry jam character. The medium-intense nose is, perhaps, a bit more serious than the palate offering dark berry, cherry, anise, warm earth and spice aromas with a touch of toasted oak floating in the background.

The palate is dry, but the heavy extraction leaves a formidable perception of sweetness which may prove too much for many and just right for some - especially when paired with food. The finish is a bit tart which the ample cassis, cherry and spice flavours almost nullify. This blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah and 3% Merlot is a good value option for when you want to purchase the taste of California sunshine but don't want to shell-out for the J Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca