SpearHead Winery 2021 Saddle Block Pinot Noir - 90pts

SpearHead Winery 2021 Saddle Block Pinot Noir (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $38 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 410 cases
Date Tasted: June 23rd, 2023

Tasting Notes: A beautifully earthy Pinot Noir from Pinot specialists, SpearHead Winery in East Kelowna. Look for savoury and forest notes to be well supported by vibrant red fruit and sour cherry skins on both the boisterous nose and the dry palate. Lots of texture to enjoy with both supple and energetic elements in the mouth and through to the long finish which offers lingering vanilla and spice. Ready to go now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink 2023-2026.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2022 Pinot Gris - 91pts

SpearHead Winery 2022 Pinot Gris (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and BC Liquor Stores
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: May 7th, 2023

Tasting Notes: Another stellar vintage for East Kelowna's SpearHead Winery of the often underappreciated Pinot Gris grape. When executed with precision and care as SpearHead consistently does, Pinot Gris can yield a crisp, yet, generous wine with aromas and flavours of white peach, mellon, pears, citrus and gravel. The result is a wine which drinks - simply - beautifully. 

You can find this underappreciated and overlooked white in most BC Liquor stores these days. Sure, you might get two, cheap bottles of Italian Pinot Grigio for the same price, but they will be plain and forgettable. You will remember yourself enjoying this wine and you will find yourself buying more. Drink now-2025.

  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2021 Chardonnay Clone 95 - 90pts

SpearHead Winery 2021 Chardonnay Clone 95 (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 14%

Production: 450 cases
Date Tasted: May 7th, 2023

Tasting Notes: A rich and robust Chardonnay sourced from the Naramata Bench which offers a boisterous nose of both Tropical and orchard fruit with zesty lemon notes, a touch of minerality and malolactic, buttery goodness, . Lots of texture on the equally intense, leesy palate thanks to time in oak and to its mouth-watering acidity from crisp apple and citrus flavours. A peaches'n'cream, wrap-you-in-a-warm-blanket-but-keep-you-awake-with-a shot-of-lemon Chardonnay to be sure. Drink now-2025.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2020 Saddle Block Pinot Noir - 90pts

SpearHead Winery 2020 Saddle Block Pinot Noir (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $38 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 443 cases
Date Tasted: September 23rd, 2022

Tasting Notes: Keeps with the label's style of being the earthiest Pinot Noir in the winery's portfolio of single-vineyard bottlings. The 2020 Saddle Block offers the comfort of earth and forest notes beautifully supported by rich, pruny fruit and incense on the pleasant, elegant nose. A dry, medium-everything palate follows bringing similar flavours and layers of textures from dark chocolate tannins to Christmas spices to tangy, dried-cranberries. Vanilla and spice linger on the finish. Ready to go now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink 2023-2026.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2020 Saddle Block Chardonnay - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2020 Saddle Block Chardonnay (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 14%

Production: 188 cases
Date Tasted: July 19th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Fresh and tropical on the nose with a layer of candied fruit, the Saddle Block is one of two Chardonnay the East Kelowna winery produces using the same, Burgundian clone and, presumably, the same, general techniques. Sourced from their home vineyards, this is an uber-expressive, operatic wine with over-the-top intensity and lots of tangy acidity on the tropical'n'melon flavoured palate. It won't be for everyone, especially those expecting the predictable comfort of a partially-oaked, refined Chardonnay. Ready to go now. Drink 2022-2025.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2020 Lucy's Block Rosé - 89pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2020 Lucy's Block Rosé (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: May 21st, 2022

Tasting Notes: Quails' Gate's premium blush, Lucy's Block, is a subtle and mineraly rosé which gets its light salmon colour from brief skin contact of its Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes (a 70-30% split, respectively) sourced from the winery's East Kelowna vineyard. Though delicate and pretty, this is a very refreshing rosé with layers of rose water, fresh red fruit, steel and lime zest aromas and flavours and impressively low alcohol. Drink now-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2021 Riesling - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2021 Riesling (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 

Cost: $21 + taxes

Alcohol: 13%

Date Tasted: April 25th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A (very) off-dry, yet, well-balanced Riesling with a pleasing mix of ripe apple, pear and peach notes on the mineral-scented nose. The palate has solid, fresh peach acidity to contrast the plumpy melon and kiwi-passion fruit flavours and is far less racy than the mouth-smacking, leaner 2020 vintage (and still available at the writing of this review). Pair the sweater 2021 edition with rich, hard cheeses or your favourite salty snack. Ready to go now. Drink now-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2021 White Pinot Noir - 91pts

SpearHead Winery 2021 White Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores

Cost: $28 + taxes

Alcohol: 13%

Date Tasted: April 23rd, 2022

Tasting Notes: This white is an absolute gem; rich, refreshing and unique. Made from the winery's signature grape, Pinot Noir, this beautiful, fleshy, Blanc de Noirs can attribute its lack of colour to the limiting of skin contract during the crush. Both full bodied and vibrant with white peach acidity and unctuous fruit characters of honeydew melon and papaya. Pair with a white fish dish or try it at a Mother's Day brunch with your eggs Benedict. Drink now-2022.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2019 Saddle Block Chardonnay - 90pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Saddle Block Chardonnay (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%

Production: 169 cases
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2021

Tasting Notes: This Chardonnay, using the same Burgundian clone 95 as its portfolio cousin from the Naramata Bench, is sourced from the winery's home vineyard in East Kelowna and offers a similar flavour profile but with a more elegant and balanced result. Here the oak treatment is subtle and lovingly structures the happy marriage of ripe orchard and melon fruit to the lively, tanginess of the citrus fruit. The finish is long and balanced. Drink 2021-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2019 Pinot Noir Cuvée - 93pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Pinot Noir Cuvée (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $42
Alcohol: 13.5%

Production: 430 cases
Date Tasted: August 26th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Opens with a stunning, generous nose of nicely integrated, earthy cherry, spiced plum and vanilla-kissed oak aromas which spill out of the glass without being overwhelming. A similar profile of flavours awaits on the elegant palate, enveloped by lively, bramble-berry acid, medium tannins and lingering, smooth, earthy spices. Possibly the winery's new benchmark release for its Pinot Noir portfolio. 

Ready to go now or hold for a few years. Bring this beauty out for a perfect Christmas turkey companion. Drink 2021-2026+

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2019 Saddle Block Pinot Noir - 91pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Saddle Block Pinot Noir (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $36 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 450 cases
Date Tasted: July 21st, 2021

Tasting Notes: SpearHead's earthiest Pinot from their line-up of single-vineyard releases is the Old World-ish, Saddle Block, named for the contours of the original planting of Pinot Noir clones in their home vineyard. Earth and forest notes are supported by rich aromatics and cherry skin aromas. The dry, medium-everything palate that follows feels both supple and energetic in the mouth and delivers a touch more fruit than the restrained nose. Vanilla and spice linger on the satisfying finish. Ready to go now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink 2021-2025.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2020 Riesling - 89pts

SpearHead Winery 2020 Riesling (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 

Cost: $21 + taxes

Alcohol: 12%

Production: 500 cases

Date Tasted: April 16th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Wow. This is a racy, lip-smacking, mouth-whacking, palate-cleansing Riesling. Opens with a seductive nose of green apple, grapefruit, lemon/lime and raw honey which is followed by similar flavours and additional notes of flint on the palate which has been balanced to finish dry. Ready to go now. Serve with seafood or pork chops. Drink 2021-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé - 87pts

SpearHead Winery 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 542 cases
Date Tasted: April 15th, 2021

Tasting Notes: More robust and a touch dryer than recent vintages, the 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé opens with a peach and rhubarb-scented nose with subtle notes of wet stone and lime leaves adding depth. Palate is textured and refreshing, albeit, a bit short-lived beyond its initial attention-grabbing entrance. Pair it with your next backyard picnic spread and serve it in its youth. Drink 2021-2022.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2018 Pinot Noir Cuvée - 91pts

SpearHead Winery 2018 Pinot Noir Cuvée (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%

Production: 450 cases
Date Tasted: September 17th, 2020

Tasting Notes: SpearHead's flagship Pinot Noir is a barrel select blend of multiple clones and vineyard sites and checks all the right boxes for an outstanding BC Pinot Noir; brooding cherry notes, earth and forest tones, smoky tannins and wildberry acidity. Put this beauty down for 2 more years to further integrate and mature. Drink 2022-2028.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2018 Saddle Block Pinot Noir - 90pts

SpearHead Winery 2018 Saddle Block Pinot Noir (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $35 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 450 cases
Date Tasted: May 16th, 2020

Tasting Notes: The East Kelowna based, home vineyard is the source of the winery's  forest floor scented Pinot Noir, the "Saddle Block". The earthy bouquet is beautifully contrasted by feminine, aromatic notes and by well integrated, red and dark cherry, huckleberry and cooked plum flavours on the lively palate. A touch of spice and pomegranate lingers on the well-balanced, medium length finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2019 Riesling - 88-89pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Riesling (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 

Cost: $21 + taxes

Alcohol: 12%

Production: 500 cases

Date Tasted: March 20th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Clean, crisp and vibrant, this lip-smackin', off-dry Riesling shows lively, green apple, stonefruit and citrus aromas and flavours with homey notes of blossoms and unpasteurized honey adding depth on the nose and palate. Ready to go now or hold for another 3-4 years for further development. Drink 2020-2023+.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: March 18th, 2020

Tasting Notes: An instantly enjoyable, strawberry-citrus flavoured and delicately textured rosé, made from Pinot Noir grapes, layered with vibrant grapefruit and lime zest acidity and a touch of lees. Well balanced and refreshing. Pair with seafood, salads or your favourite, salty snack. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2018 Riesling - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2018 Riesling (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 

Cost: $21 + taxes

Alcohol: 12%

Production: 500 cases

Date Tasted: April 30th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An off-dry Riesling bristling with fresh, citrus and green apple acidity and flavours of lemon/lime, stonefruit and slate. A touch of classic, kerosene notes grace the honeycomb, nectarine and floral scented nose. Ready to go now or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink 2019-2023+.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2018 Pinot Noir Rosé - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2018 Pinot Noir Rosé (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $21 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: April 20th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A delicate rosé made in the saignée method from Pinot Noir grapes destined for one or more of the winery's red wine labels. This blush is very drinkable (really, the most important  descriptor for a rosé) and delivers an subtly aromatic and Summer berry flavoured wine in the Provence style. Not overly complex, but well balanced with some citrus and fresh berry acidity evening out the RS and the alcohol. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2017 Club Consensus Pinot Noir - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2017 Club Consensus Pinot Noir (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Club members only. Winery website here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 100 cases
Date Tasted: March 4th, 2019
@spearheadwinery

Tasting Notes: As the story goes, SpearHead invited its wine club members to participate in a blending session for a club-only Pinot label, selecting from barrels of different Pinot clones from the winery's two primary vineyards; their home vineyard in East Kelowna and the Golden Retreat Vineyard in Summerland. 

Percentages of the 667, 777 and 828 clones selected for the finale blend have been withheld, but tasting the finished product, the consensus was, seemingly, to construct a vibrant, yet, approachable, red fruit and floral scented Pinot with front-loaded weight on the palate and a clean, crisp finish. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca