Rust Wine Co. 2018 Gamay - 89pts

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Gamay (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1250 cases
Date Tasted: June 26th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A beautifully balanced Gamay with both playful and substantive characters; candied fruits, tangy citrus peel, smoky violets, velvety red fruit, caramelized onions, Christmas cake spices, mild licorice and plenty of body and texture. Should make an excellent companion to Summer social fare, especially sweet'n'smoky ribs or BBQ chicken. Enjoy this beauty in its youth. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2018 Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2018 Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: December 2nd, 2018

Tasting Notes: With a little more perceptible fruit on the nose and palate, this year's Cailleteau is a delightful, well-balanced ode to Beaujolaise Nouveau with a profile of herbs, loose leaf tea and both dried and candied red fruits. 

A fine pairing for most of your holiday season comestibles, from meaty appetizers to roasted birds and even deserts like Christmas cake. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 Gamay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2016 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 615 cases
Date Tasted: September 7th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A very consistent Gamay from JoieFarm's contracted Deep Roots vineyard alone the Naramata Bench. Slightly off-dry, but with a focus on pairing the candied, berry and cherry fruit with savoury notes of herbs, earthy seeds and a touch of iron, resulting in a pleasantly complex, medium-bodied, food-friendly wine.

Some may default to turkey dishes for Gamay but with this label one can look to lean, bloody cuts of beef as well. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Gamay - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Gamay (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: September 6th, 2018

Tasting Notes: On the spectrum of Gamay with sweet'n'tangy, Beaujolais Nouveau at '1' and savoury-gamy, Beaujolais Village at '10', the Rust Wine offering would register somewhere around '3' with an off-dry, unctuous palate and a profile of candied, smoky-sweet fruit and potpourri-spice. It will be too sweet and intense for some, and just right for others looking for a formidable companion to spicy, molasses-glazed, dialed to eleven, BBQ ribs. Not for the faint of heart or those looking for a subtle, savoury red wine to sip. Think loud and social, just like the wine. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2015 Gamay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2015 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.90
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 324 cases
Date Tasted: October 13th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This is classic, full-flavoured BC Gamay (otherwise described as a pungent, spicy Pinot Noir) with plenty of sweet floral, herb and cherry aromas and a tart, robust palate of pomegranate, cherry nibs, raspberry seeds, all-spice and light oak flavours. 

Light tannins and lively acidity make this a great companion to leaner meats like Christmas turkey and pork tenderloin. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau - 86pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.50
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: April 28th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The Cailleteau is modeled after the Beaujolais Nouveau wines of France which are bottled shortly after a whole-berry fermentation and released later in the Fall.  The fermentation method and lack of ageing make for a unique, youthful expression of the Gamay grape with aromas and flavours of candied fruit and nuts, Kirsch brandy and light spices. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Gamay Noir - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Gamay Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 3rd, 2017

Tasting Notes: A layered Gamay with good intensity on the brambly-berry and cinnamon-spice scented nose and on the mouth-watering and fleshy-textured, dark-fruit infused palate. Very subtle oak influence is enjoyed throughout, supporting the fruit and spice characters. Tannins are light and rounded. Finish is moderate-plus, with a touch of spice and earthy notes lingering. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 Gamay Noir 'Droit' - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 Gamay Noir 'Droit' (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Select LCBO stores. 2015 vintage now available direct from the winery here
Cost: $17.95 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 790 cases
Date Tasted: January 31st, 2017

Tasting Notes: An aromatic Gamay Noir with a charming combination of fruity, floral and spicy aromas followed by a well-balanced, easy-going palate with soft tannins, red fruit and spicy-savoury flavours and a touch of citrus acidity. Enjoy this Gamay in its youth. Drink now-2018.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2014 Gamay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2014 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.90
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 400 cases
Date Tasted: November 28th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Sourced from the Deep Roots vineyard along the Naramata Bench, this Gamay is friendly and approachable with a pleasant, herbaceous and earthy nose of sweet sage, bay leaf, cherry nibs, spicy plum and raspberry seed aromas. The palate, which is similarly flavoured with a higher emphasis on its red fruit characters, is juicy upon entry and finishes with a wave of fresh acidity and smoky tannins. Light savoury notes of spice, cured meats and oak linger. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Gamay Noir - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Gamay Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Contact winery here for the next release
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: November 16th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A boisterous Gamay offering funky, cinnamon-rhubarb aromas with Maraschino cherry, dried cranberry, mocha, vanilla and lees-y notes. The medium-plus bodied palate is Beaujolaise-Village-ish with a good balance of texture between bright, red fruit and fleshy-tangy flavours, finishing long with lingering wild berry acidity and spice. Drink mid-2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2013 Gamay - 89pts

JoieFarm 2013 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 450 cases
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2015

Tasting Notes: An expressive and sweetly scented, single-vineyard Gamay offering cherry nib and raspberry tart aromas grounded by savoury notes of cured meats, bay leaf, onion salt and white pepper. The palate is juicy, on the entry, with ripe, wild berry fruit giving way, first, to fresh acidity and mannered tannins and then to a wave of light savoury characters; spice, cured meats and a hint of oak. Possibly the most food-friendly of all the red wines in the JoieFarm portfolio. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Maison Louis Latour 2011 Bourgogne Gamay - 88pts

Maison Louis Latour 2011 Bourgogne Gamay (Burgundy AOC) - France

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: January 28th, 2015

Tasting Notes: This Gamay, sourced from multiple vineyard sites in Burgundy, is fruit-driven on the nose with lovely, raspberry and spicy plum aromas supported by light notes of cola, vanilla and a hint of menthol. The palate is refreshing with acidity that slowly builds, rather than smashing your mouth at first sip. There is equal parts juicy red fruit and bright, tangy berries. A touch more tannin on the finish than its Beaujolais-Village cousins to the South. Enjoy with stews and leaner meats. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2012 Gamay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2012 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 490 cases
Date Tasted: January 21st, 2015

Tasting Notes: This medium-ruby hued Gamay is sourced from a single-vineyard on the Naramata Bench and boasts an engaging, savoury nose of cured meats, bay leaf, warm rocks, onion salt and white pepper aromas with ripe berry notes adding a layer of sweetness to the developing bouquet.

Though the palate is "fruit-forward", it is by no means one-dimensional, offering fresh, wild berry acidity and flavours with added notes of iron and dry herbs and supported by mild, fine tannins. The moderate finish is balanced and palate-cleansing - perfect for food pairing. Enjoy this wine in its youth with Westcoast cusine like cedar-plank, BBQ salmon (skin on and super crispy). Drink 2015-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Generation Seven Wines 2013 Nouveau - 87pts

Generation Seven Wines 2013 Nouveau (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from Chateau Des Charmes here
Cost: $11.95 (Ontario)
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 589 cases
Date Tasted: November 27th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Spicier and a tad smoother than the 2012 edition with will all the raw, fruity, rustic charm of Beaujolais Nouveau. Maraschino cherry, clove and raspberry jam aromas on the vibrant, nose. Fruity and bright on the youthful, low-tannin, satin textured, red fruit-infused palate where spice and earthy notes linger on the moderate finish. Certainly a wine to buy by the case as it will make a great, affordable companion to dinner parties throughout the festive season. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 Gamay - 89pts

JoieFarm 2011 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here

Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 530 cases
Date Tasted: September 9th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A new entry on the winery's growing portfolio, this single-vineyard Gamay completes JoieFarm's exploration of the classic red varieties of Burgundy - though, its decidedly BC New World. Sourced from the Naramata Bench, the wine is a nicely rounded example of the spicy, juicy and funky Gamay grape offering impressive depth on the nose with wild raspberry, white pepper, stewed plum and cherry cola aromas. The palate follows-up with fresh, vibrant acidity, mild, fine tannins and a flavour profile that ranges from wild, alpine fruit to savoury notes like cured meats and smoked cedar. The finish is long, balanced and palate-cleansing.

Sealed with a Stelvin cap to lock in the freshness. Enjoy this wine in its youth with cedar-plank, BBQ salmon (skin on and super crispy). Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Generation Seven Wines 2012 Nouveau - 87pts

Generation Seven Wines 2012 Nouveau (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from Chateau Des Charmes here
Cost: $11.95 (Ontario)
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: November 22nd, 2012

Tasting Notes: Produced as an ode to Beaujolais Nouveau, this charming Gamay Noir from Chateau Des Charmes' 2nd label, Generation Seven, is immediately engaging when you get your first sniff of the vibrant raspberry jam and maraschino cherry aromas on the playful nose. Fruity and bright on the ultra-youthful, low-tannin palate, staying true to the varietal with nice spice and a hint of cured meat flavours beneath the prominent red fruit. A wine to be enjoyed in its youth, by the case throughout the holiday season - incredible value! Drink 2012-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca