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

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

Viña Los Vascos - Le Dix - 92pts

Viña Los Vascos 2012 Le Dix (Colchagua Valley) Chile

Availability: Limited. BC Liquor Stores (newer vintages)
Cost: $63.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: April 20th, 2019

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Primarily a Cabernet Sauvignon, with a splattering of Carmenere and Syrah added (about 10 and 5%, respectively), Le Dix is the 'icon wine' of Viña Los Vascos, the Barons De Rothschild owned Chilean firm which aims to deliver exceptional, Bordeaux-inspired Cabernet with a touch of local charm. This wine fulfills the criteria with its rabbit-hole like depth on the sensual nose and uber-refined palate. 

Built to age, seven years in this beauty is just starting to think about peaking with ripe, fine tannins holding strong and no sign of the dark fruit fading. Sweet and sensual at first sniff, the developed bouquet deserves time in your glass to seduce you before you sip it down between bites of a medium-rare tenderloin steak. Drink now-2022.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Teusner Wines 2009 Righteous Grenache - 91pts

Teusner Wines 2009 Righteous Grenache (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Limited
Cost: $95 (Aus), $130 (Can)
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: February 14th, 2019

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. At 10 years of age the nose has fully matured with a developed, enchanting bouquet of black plum, prune, incense, sage, lavender and black raspberry seeds. The similarly flavoured, silky palate is beginning to grow thin with a fading finish of earthy spices and a touch of fleshy plum fruit. 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

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

Rolland Galarreta 2010 Tempranillo - 90+pts

Rolland Galarreta 2010 Tempranillo (Rioja DO) Spain

Availability: Limited.
Cost: $35-45 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: September 30th, 2017

Tasting Notes: From the cellar: A co-production from uber-Bordeaux consultant Michel Rolland and Rioja royalty Javier Galarreta, this is a big, maturing, tannin-drenched wine made from 100% Tempranillo grapes, offering concentrated, red and dark fruit with layers of scorched earth, leather, vanilla, light bacon grease and a plethora of spices on the nose and palate.

At 7 years of age, this wine is ready to go now, though, I'm inclined to let the remaining bottle age until 2020 to see how further ageing affects the still prominent tannins. Drink now-2020.
 - 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

2006 Château Pontet-Canet - 93-95pts

2006 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: October 30th, 2016

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Following the much heralded 2005 vintage, the 2006 Pauillacs may be under the radar for many. This was an exquisite vintage for Pontet-Canet and for a (relatively speaking) bargain price. At 10 years of age, this blend of 62%, Merlot 33%, Cabernet Franc 3% and Petit-Verdot 2% is still youthful but headed in the right direction with burgeoning graphite and iron notes integrating seamlessly with the pure black fruit profile and silky smooth tannins. So elegant and long with lingering spice on the finish.

As good as it was, we opened this beauty too early and I would look for a 2020-2024 window to sip this one in its prime. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Domaine Saint-Damien 2010 La Louisiane - 92pts

Domaine Saint-Damien 2010 La Louisiane (Gigondas) Rhône Valley - France

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine stores.
Cost: $35-38
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: May 20th, 2016

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. A superb Gigondas sourced from the Domaine's red alluvial soil plots in the appellation nicknamed "La Louisiane". Reliably a blend of 80% Grenache and 15% Mourvedre with the remaining 5% a split of Syrah and Cinsault, offering a robust, developed bouquet of ripe, spicy-blueberry, clove, anise, dried cherry, sweet coffee, cooking spice and stinky cheese aromas. 

The dry palate is formidable with great, flavour intensity and a rich, glycerol-infused body. The finish is long with pepper, herbs, cocoa powder and dried blackberry flavours lingering. 

Just starting to mature. Give it another 2 years in the cellar to begin to peak. Drink 2018-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Wolf Blass Wines 2008 Grey Label Shiraz - 90pts

Wolf Blass Wines 2008 Grey Label Shiraz (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $30-35
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: February 14th, 2014

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Intense, dark cherry, dark cocoa, cardamon and peppercorn aromas pounce on your nose when you bring it to within a few inches from the glass. With time to breath, more layers of cedar and light eucalyptus notes appear and add depth. The equally intense palate follows with sharp acidity, mannered fine tannins, peppercorn puree and powerful, dark cherry extract flavours. The finish is mouth-watering and oaky with residual cherry puree and anise notes lingering moderately.

Having been sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure, there are many years left for this intense Shiraz to mature further and mellow. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Le Grand Clos - 93+pts

Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir (Jordan Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Limited. Jackson-Triggs Niagara
Cost: $70
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 409 cases
Date Tasted: August 5th, 2012

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Sometimes it pays to splurge a bit more for an experience you won't soon forget. Yes, it's Canada's most expensive Pinot Noir, but is it Canada's best? There's an argument for 'yes' with its sublime nose of cherry, plum, pepper, cinnamon and popcorn kernel aromas and with its memorable, well balanced and fine tannin filled palate of kirsch, cherry and magic marker flavours. Of course, you'll decide for yourself if it is or isn't "the best" and either 'yah' or 'nay' you'll enjoy the debate. Still youthful after 5 years with easily another 5 to go, if not more. Drink 2013-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2003 Merlot-Cabernet - 91pts

Fairview Cellars 2003 Merlot-Cabernet (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Contact winery for library release info here
Cost: $50-60
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: July 7th, 2012

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. More recent admirers of Fairview Cellars will know this wine better as "Madcap Red", winemaker and proprietor Bill Eggert's ode to a Merlot-leading blend, but back in 2003, prior to receiving marketing advice, the label simply read Merlot-Cabernet. 2003 was a particularly hot year with intense heat waves made infamous by the terrible wildfires that raged throughout the Province during the Summer. The wine smells of intensely ripe dark berry fruit, dried herbs, light mint, anise, caramelized oak and a hint of scorched earth. The palate is equally intense and surprisingly fresh and vibrant with layers of ripe berry fruit and mouth-watering acidity. Tannins have mellowed seductively and flavours have matured resulting in the perfect cellared wine experience: palpable evolution.

This wine has aged extremely well and shows great promise for Fairview fans who have been diligently holding onto Bill's blends. Next year would see this beauty turn ten, a significant milestone for BC red wines that few achieve, yet it feels like it has yet to begin its inevitable decline and will drink well through 2013 and beyond. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2001 Oldfield Series Merlot - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2001 Oldfield Series Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Winery direct
Price: n/a
Alcohol: 14.8%
Data Tasted: March 14th, 2012

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. It's not often that one gets to try a BC wine that has aged for 11 years - even less so when the wine has aged as well as this Merlot. Dark garnet in colour with a watery rim, the wine doesn't hide its age - it wears it like a trophy and offers a lovely, developed bouquet of raspberry-mocha, graphite and Christmas cake spices on the nose. The palate has remained lively with dark berry fruit and spicy oak flavours floating above fine, mellowed tannins, mouth watering acidity and subtle earthy notes. The finish is moderate, if not a tad short, but well balanced.

This wine has peaked and may not last more than another year or two - especially if your bottle was sealed with cork as opposed to a Stelvin screw cap which may add extra time. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Also see:
Of Stelvin and Corks

1999 Château Potensac - 88pts

1999 Château Potensac (Médoc) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Limited
Cost: $40 (BC)
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: February 18th, 2012

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. At 13 years of age this Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel classed blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the Médoc region of Bordeaux has matured gracefully and is still going strong. A round, blooming bouquet of lush blackberry fruit, cinnamon and clove aromas offers a smoky character on the nose that carries through to the dry, mellowed and well balanced palate.

Lighter in body than many wines from the Médoc, the Potensac delivers impressive age-related complexity and development for the classification. Proving that it is worth putting away some of your Cru Bourgeois wines to experience the unique characters that can only develop with a controlled and patient environment. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Clos Du Val 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - 90pts

Clos Du Val 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) California

Availability: BCLDB Signature Stores and Private Wine Shops
Cost: $38
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 36,000 cases
Date Tasted: February 11th, 2012

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Not a Napa Cab that immediately floors you with intensely ripe fruit or exquisite smoothness, rather, a subtle charmer with hidden depth for the patient who take their time to quaff the many layers of cassis, spice and toasted oak on offer. Tart acidity helps keep the dry palate fresh and composed with well structured tannins and juicy dark fruit completed by a lengthy finish of plums and oak spice. Drinking well now, but to get the most of this beauty I recommend you squirrel it away for another year. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Long Shadows Vintners Collection 2005 Sequel - 93pts

Long Shadows Vintners Collection 2005 Sequel (Walla Walla) Columbia Valley - Washington State

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $80
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: January 14th, 2012

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. This stunning Syrah from the 2005 vintage is still tasting fresh and youthful. Intense, dense cherry liqueur aromas mingle with hints of french oak and cinnamon creating a gorgeous, sweet and light spice developing bouquet. The intensity and concentration continues through to the dry palate. The entry is fruity with licorice, oak and mineral notes which transitions to a serious, terroir-driven expression of the Rhone varietal. Has the tannins, acidity and pedigree to last another 3-4 years. Drink Now-2015+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mission Hill Estate Winery 2005 Oculus - 91pts

Mission Hill Estate Winery 2005 Oculus (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Contact winery direct for library release
Cost: $70-90 est
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 16th, 2011

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. A blend of 42% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvigno, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot, the Mission Hill Oculus has lofty goals. Priced like a mid-range Bordeaux import, this dense, concentrated wine should knock your socks off with bold fruit, sublime French oak and effortless elegance. But a focus on longevity, with seemingly unnaturally high tannins, makes for a wine whose purpose is unclear. A cellar-dweller for sure, but eventually it must be opened and when it is the wine struggles in the glass, pleading to be returned to a cool, dark room where it may return to its hibernation. Three-plus hours of decanting helps to reveal the brooding, intense and worldly nose but the palate never fully awakens from its slumber and remains tight, closed off.

The nose alone is worth the effort and perhaps another year or two in the cellar will allow the palate to "finish", but I wouldn't bet on it. Best to enjoy it for what is now. Drink now-2015
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe 2006 "La Crau" Châteauneuf-du-Pape - 93+pts

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe 2006 "La Crau" (Châteauneuf-du-Pape) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: BCLDB
Cost: $75
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: November 27th, 2011

Tasting Notes: If you wanted to see what all the fuss was about and try a top-end Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" is the wine for you. It's not the most exotic or cutting edge example from the trendy Southern Rhone region, but it may be the wine that best delivers a textbook rendition of the garrique and warm stone infused blend balanced with juicy dark fruit characters.

Quite fruit-forward and assessable in its presentation, diminishing no degree of elegance and complexity. Massive concentration on both the nose and dry palate offering prune, celery, licorice, lavender and tobacco leaf characters. Built for the long haul with strong, yet, fine tannins and perfect acidity. Best enjoyed after another 1-2 years in bottle. Drink 2013-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2003 The Bear's Meritage - 91pts

Fairview Cellars 2003 The Bear's Meritage (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Contact winery for possible library release
Cost: N/A
Alcohol: 14.6%
Date Tasted: February 27th, 2011

Tasting Notes: From the Cellar. 2003 was the year of the devastating forest fires in the Okanagan Valley which destroyed houses and vineyards and overtly represents a reminder of an incredibly hot and dry vintage. Many of the wines of this vintage, to which The Bear is no exception, are higher in alcohol than in a more temperate year. It's a challenge to any winemaker to overcome a super hot and dry vintage especially with problems like over-heating which fall into the "not much we can do about it" category as vines will simply shut-down in extreme heat limiting flavour development.

The Bear fares well with good concentration on the nose and palate of abundant red fruit, plum, licorice, blackberry and cassis characters. Full-bodied from both the rich fruit and alcohol, the balance is a touch "hot" but does not affect the enjoyment of the wine which has aged very well (perhaps better than the 2004 vintage). A long, long finish with smooth, integrated tannins and good complexity. Close to peaking, enjoy this wine over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2011-14+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca