Chateau Haut-Bergey 2012 Grand Vin - 89pts

Chateau Haut-Bergey 2012 Grand Vin (Pessac-Leognan) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $40-50
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: July 24th, 2022

Tasting Notes: At 10 years of age, the 2012 Haut-Bergey has developed lovely, dense, prune and eucalyptus notes on the dark fruit nose which carry through to the peaking palate. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot with, predictably, mellowed tannins and acid. A well-balanced, albeit, shorted finish completes the sip down memory lane. Drink now-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

2012 Château Pontet-Canet - 92pts

2012 Château Pontet-Canet (Pauillac) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Limited. Private wine stores
Cost: Average $149 CDN as per Wine-Searcher.com
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 20th, 2022

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Still youthful at 10 with a robust, earthy nose and more perceptible extraction producing bigger, dark fruit notes and acidity to compliment the savoury characters. If there was a conscious change of style post-2009's uber-vintage, then this is the result when matched with a cooler growing season like 2012. Big, yet lean, robust, yet astringent. Ready to go now or hold for further integration. Drink 2022-2028+.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

2007 Château Pontet-Canet - 92pts

2007 Château Pontet-Canet (Pauillac) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Limited. Private wine stores
Cost: Average $133 CDN as per Wine-Searcher.com
Alcohol: 13%

Production: 20,000 cases
Date Tasted: February 20th, 2022

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. At 15 years of age, this Pontet-Canet has peaked and is showcasing its fully developed and integrated splendor. From the over-lamented 2007 vintage, the blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot offers charming, red and blue fruits with pretty notes of crushed flowers, subtle potpourri and a hint of aged leather and graphite. The palate that follows is best described as effortless with good continuity from the nose with a more pronounced mineral edge through to a long, elegant finish. Drink 2022-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

2008 Château Pontet-Canet - 94+pts

2008 Château Pontet-Canet (Pauillac) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Limited. Private wine stores special order
Cost: Average $144 CDN as per Wine-Searcher.com
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2019

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. At eleven years of age at the time of the tasting, this "Super Second" Bordeaux is still tasting youthful with prominent fruit characters supported by burgeoning graphite and iron notes. There is still plenty of life left in this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Smooth, dense and oh so elegant. If this beauty is in your cellar, give it another 2-3 years and open it in its 15th year. Drink 2022-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Château des Laurets 2011 Puisseguin Saint-Emilion - 89pts

Château des Laurets 2011 (Puisseguin Saint-Emilion) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $21-40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: May 27th, 2019

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. This 'bargain' Bordeaux (relatively speaking and forgiving the crazy import taxes over which it has no control) has aged beautifully, offering the pencil shaving, prune and tobacco/tar notes we love. Dark fruit still present throughout with iodine, earth and spicy, charred oak flavours dominating the intense, full-ish, and leathery-tannin palate.

If you have any in your cellar I would look to open them soon as you don't want to miss the boat to Peaked Island, the next stop, after all, is Waited-To-Long Cove, from whence the ferry shall never return, so get on it. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Domaines Ott 2016 Chateau De Salle - 92pts

Domaines Ott 2016 Chateau De Salle (Côtes De Provence) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $50-55 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: January 17th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Fineness and effortless balance drive this blend of 57% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 5% Mourvedre, 2% Syrah and 6% other regional grapes from the famed, and still family-run, Domaines Ott. The Chateau De Salle rosé, though muted and subtle on the strawberry skin and fresh pineapple scented nose, the dry-ish, lively palate is both vivid and restrained, which sounds like posh, mumbo-jumbo wine-ponce jargon, yet, once you take a sip, you'll know exactly what is meant; intensely satisfying and at the same time, harmoniously mellow. Finishes long with texture to spare. Drink now-2020. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Domaines Ott 2017 BY.OTT - 90pts

Domaines Ott 2017 BY.OTT (Côtes De Provence) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $30-35 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 16th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An elegant, understated, pale-pink hued blush that sits effortlessly in the mouth with a touch of tannin, a hint of RS and a kiss of effervescence. Well-balanced and decently complex, yet, leaves room to reach for the top-end, Château de Selle cuvée, should you want to take the experience up a notch. Look for both exotic and familiar, orchard fruit throughout and pair with just about anything. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Château Cap De Faugeres 2015 Castillon Cotes De Bordeaux - 88pts

Château Cap De Faugeres 2015 (Castillon Cotes De Bordeaux) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $35-40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: January 16th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A rustic-ish Bordeaux with brambly berry fruit and raw spice'n'herbs on the licorice-tinged nose and the full-bodied, powerful palate where youthful, prickly tannins meets blood orange acidity and a touch of bitterness on the long, spicy finish. A (relatively speaking) inexpensive Bordeaux which announces its presence proudly. Drink now-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Domaine Rossignol-Trapet 2014 Bourgogne - 88pts

Domaine Rossignol-Trapet 2014 Bourgogne (Bourgogne AOC) Burgundy - France

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $35 est
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: January 14th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Opens with muted nose of both fruit and savoury notes (black cherry, mineral-y earth notes, spices and vanilla) followed by a bright, refreshing palate, layered with a slightly effervescent, medium bodied texture. Blended from multiple vineyards and sites in Burgundy and thus labeled with the more generic and entry-level designation of Burgundy AOC. Ready to go now with a long-ish palate. - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Pierre Lamolte 2014 Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes De Beaune - 85pts

Pierre Lamolte 2014 Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes De Beaune (Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes De Beaune AOC) Burgundy - France

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $25 est
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: January 13th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An effervescent, youthful Pinot Noir, despite its 5 years of age, with a rustic, earth'n'herbs nose and palate. A touch of tangy raspberry flavour and acidity lingers on the moderate, spice laden finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Bouchard Pere et Fils 2014 Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes De Beaune - 87pts

Bouchard Pere et Fils 2014 Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes De Beaune "Cuvee Les Versants" (Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes De Beaune AOC) Burgundy - France

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $25 est
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: January 12th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An entry-level Pinot Noir from a lesser Burgundy AOC with a fruit-to-savoury balance skewed firmly towards earthy-meaty thanks to layers of forrest floor, spice, minerals and herbs and just a touch of brambly red fruit on the nose and palate. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

J. Hauller et Fils 2007 Vendanges Tardives Riesling - 89pts

J. Hauller et Fils 2007 Vendanges Tardives Riesling (Alsace) France

Availability: Limited. Specialty import
Cost: N/A
Alcohol: 12.1%
Date Tasted: January 13th, 2019

Tasting Notes: From the cellar... At 12 years old, the hue of this late harvest Riesling is decidedly golden and the bouquet, though muted, is showing lovely signs of age: lanolin, beeswax and apricot pits. Off-dry, yet, mostly stonefruit driven, rather than the Mott's fruit cup appeal of other late harvest Rieslings. Unctuousness grows as the wine rests and lowers to room temperature. Finish has shortened, but, remains long. Ready to go now or hold for a further 3-4 years. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Château Paloumey 2009 Cru Bourgeois - 91pts

Château Paloumey 2009 Cru Bourgeois (Haut-Medoc) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Limited
Cost: $30-40
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: March 30th, 2018

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. From the Haut-Medoc, the Chateau Paloumey is nearly an even split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (51-49%) and is reaching its peak in its 9th year, opening with a mature, fully-integrated nose of spiced plum, light menthol, coffee, oak and vanilla. The palate is equally integrated and similarly flavoured with an elegant weight and feel. Finish is starting to fade with the regressing tannins. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Bouscasse 2012 Grand Vin - 92pts

Chateau Bouscasse 2012 Grand Vin (Madiran AOC) Occitanie - France

Availability: Costco
Cost: $18.99-23.99 + taxes USD
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: February 23rd, 2018

Tasting Notes: Hailing from the Madiran AOC in South-West France, this blend of 60% Tannat, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc makes one imagine a mash-up of a youthful, Right Bank Bordeaux with an aged, rustic Rioja; both raw and refined with floral-meaty-pruny characters and tannin to spare. Best to give this eclectic wine more time in the bottle to age and integrate further. Drink 2020-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau de Camarsac 2014 Cuvée Prestige - 88pts

Chateau de Camarsac 2014 Cuvée Prestige (Bordeaux Superieur) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Costco
Cost: $15.99-19.99 USD
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 21st, 2018

Tasting Notes: A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, the Cuvée Prestige is a mellow, refined wine with a masculine-leaning flavour profile of spices, licorice, toasted oak, iodine, graphite and a black fruit. Perfect for lean cuts of beef. Drink now-2023.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Château De Myrat 2007 - 94pts

Château De Myrat 2007 Grand Cru Classe (Sauternes) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Limited
Cost: ??
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2017

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. At 10 years of age this elegant Sauternes has turned a brilliant, medium amber hue and offers developed aromas of canned peaches, dried apricots and orange liqueur on the sublime, medium-plus intense nose. The finish has shortened a tad, but the grace and depth remain in bloom with flavours of nutty-honey, peach nectar, candied ginger and a touch of smoky toffee.

Has another 5 years to go in its prime. Drink now-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Rahoul 2013 Blanc - 86+pts

Chateau Rahoul 2013 Blanc (Graves) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Limited
Cost: $25-30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: December 16th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A golden-hued, pungent blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc with baked lemon, white flowers, apricot, lemon grass and a touch of mint on the nose and palate. Missing an acidic kick on the long finish to balance the oily texture. Ready to go now or cellar for another 5-6 years to bring out the unctuous qualities of the Semillon further. Drink now-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Le Vieux Donjon 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape - 95pts

Le Vieux Donjon 2010 (Chateauneuf-du-Pape) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $57.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 8000 cases
Date Tasted: May 1st, 2017

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Complex, on the graceful nose and the refined palate with layers of dark berries, spiced plums, kirsch, black olives, bay leaf, incense and floral notes. Though still youthful in 2017, the tannins have mellowed, enhancing its exceptional smoothness and calming texture. The seemingly, never-ending finish resolves to lingering, cracked pepper and dried black currant flavours. 

Delicious today, but, to make the most of your investment, wait another 1-2 years. Drink 2018-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Trinchero Family Estates 2012 Shatter Grenache - 91pts

Trinchero Family Estates 2012 Shatter Grenache (Vin De Pays Des Cotes Catalanes) Languedoc-Roussillon - France

Availability: Available at private wine shops
Cost: $17-25 usd
Alcohol: 15.6%
Date Tasted: March 15th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A powerhouse Grenache; full-bodied and concentrated with intense, smoky, black and red fruit and layers of savoury goodness: cocoa nibs, kirsch liqueur, garrique, toasted vanilla and charred oak. At 5 years of age, this beauty is ready to go now. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Domaine La Barroche 2006 Pure - 95pts

Domaine La Barroche 2006 Pure (Chateauneuf-du-Pape) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: Limited
Cost: $62.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: November 12th, 2016

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Marketed as a 100% Grenache, "Pure", cuvée from the Domaine's Chateauneuf-du-Pape designated vineyards (though, at a tasting event a winery rep whispered to me that there were some small traces of other grapes in the final blend) which delivers immense intensity on the complex nose and ultra-smooth palate.

Harmonious from all angles with a profile of ripe red berries, black fruit, cola, mint and a medley of cooking spices. Framed by silky-smooth, elegant tannins and effortless acidity. 

Ready to go now with plenty of decanting, and a second decade of ageing is not out of the question. Drink now-2022+.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca