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

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Estate Bottled Gamay Noir - 86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Estate Bottled Gamay Noir (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $15.95
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 3010 cases
Date Tasted:  March 30th, 2018

Tasting Notes: An easy-drinking, low tannin and food friendly Gamay, perfect for your next turkey or pork tenderloin roast, with aromas and flavours of spiced-up blueberries, pomegranate, black plum and sweet earth notes. Acid is pleasantly perceptible but never over-powering or bright. Finish is a bit short. Drink now-2019.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Gamay Noir - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Gamay Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: March 22nd, 2018

Tasting Notes: A beautiful nose of potpourri, Christmas spice and wild berries opens this quaffable, Okanagan Falls Gamay. A slightly plumpy, front-loaded palate follows with rich, juicy red fruit, dried cloves and light, earthy tannins. Tart, huckleberry acidity shows on the spiced finish to (mostly) counter-balance the ripe'n'sweet elements. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau - 87pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: December 12th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Fans of Beaujolais Nouveau will not be disappointed in this Okanagan tribute to the quirky, quickly fermented, 100% Gamay Noir wine. Classic Kirsch and candied fruit'n'nut aromas and flavours with a susurrus of Okanagan wild sage in the background. 

This dry, low tannin wine with a lingering finish of spice and dried cherries, should make an intriguing companion to holiday party appetizers or sharing plates. Enjoy this wine in its youth and slightly chilled. 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

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Gamay Noir 'Droit' - 89pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Gamay Noir 'Droit' (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $16.95
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 21st, 2015

Tasting Notes: An excellent Gamay with a rich nose of black cherry, cola, mineral and warm, spicy earth aromas. On the palate, despite the 3.5g/l of residual sugar (adding texture and body), a thin vein of citrus acidity runs through to the Christmas Cake and oak-infused finish, contrasting the ripe, spicy raspberry flavours. A fabulous pairing for Christmas turkey. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 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

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Gamay Noir - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Gamay Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Contact winery here for the next release
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 26th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Needs a good long decant to open-up and settle, revealing a pleasant nose of wild berry and mixed dried fruit aromas with soft notes of mocha and light caramel. The palate is Beaujolaise-Village-like with a nice balance of texture between bright, red fruit and fleshy, gamey flavours and finishes long with lingering spice. Drink mid-2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Winery 2012 Family Reserve Gamay Noir - 87pts

Mt. Boucherie Winery 2012 Family Reserve Gamay Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: VQA stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 1338 casesDate Tasted: January 23rd, 2015

Tasting Notes: Vanilla-Cherry Coke and Christmas Cake spice aromas greet you on the nose of this funky Gamay Noir from Mt. Boucherie. The palate offers a medley of tastes from sweet, juicy red fruit, to tangy cranberry acidity to earthy herbs'n'spice. Tannins are mild and play second fiddle to the texture provided from the lively acidity and rustic notes. Drink 2015-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Gamay Noir - 86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Gamay Noir (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $13.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1991 cases
Date Tasted:  January 21st, 2015

Tasting Notes: A raw, in-your-face Gamay Noir that smells and tastes (rather specifically) like a handful of crushed, slightly under-ripe, black cherries soaked in POM Wonderful juice. Beyond the fruit lies layers of earthy flavours and sweet'n'spicy liqueur notes. Tannins are mild - it is the bright acidity that frames this wine. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 Gamay Noir 'Droit' - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 Gamay Noir 'Droit' (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 2051 cases
Date Tasted:  July 5th, 2013

Tasting Notes: As the story goes, this Gamay Noir is the result of experimentation. Chateau des Charmes founder, Paul Bosc Sr., planted multiple Gamay clones and later discovered a particularly successful and upright ("droit") vine in his St. David's Bench Vineyard. The unique plant was propagated and an entire block of vines thrive today having been born from this one happy mutation.

This singular history flows through into the resulting wine which sees the 2010 edition especially shine on the nose where intense black cherry, cola and warm earth aromas blend nicely with clove and mineral notes. On the palate, despite the 3.5g/l of residual sugar (adding texture and body), a thin vein of sharp acidity runs through to the Christmas Cake-infused finish, contrasting the ripe, spicy raspberry flavours along the way.

With its profile of flavours and at just under $15, this Gamay makes the perfect Summer BBQ companion. As the winery itself suggests, think ribs with a touch of sweetness in the sauce. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Oak Bay Vineyard 2011 Gamay Noir - 85pts

Oak Bay Vineyard 2011 Gamay Noir (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $15.75
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: October 2nd, 2012

Tasting Notes: Bright, spicy and tangy, this Gamay Noir, with its light tannins, high acid and rustic red fruit profile, makes a food-friendly addition to your dinner table when paired with roasted meats of the lean variety; turkey, chicken and pork tenderloin. On its own you may find the acid overwhelms the fruit and body on the palate, diminishing the length of the finish. Pleasant aromas of sweet black cherry, raspberry skins, licorice, dried cranberry and peppermint will delight no matter how it's served. Enjoy this well priced Gamay in its youth. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2009 Gamay Noir - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2009 Gamay Noir (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $12.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1829 cases
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2012

Tasting Notes: For their straight varietal release of Gamey Noir, Chateau Des Charmes let's the fruit speak for itself with minimal intervention and no oak. The result is a fruit-forward wine with more complexity than you might expect from Gamay proving that the grape does very well on the Niagara Peninsula. A traditional nose of bright and spicy red fruit is nicely supported by light, earthy aromas and floral notes. The palate shares a similar flavour profile with added cherry cola and light citrus fruit. Tannins are soft playing second fiddle to the prominent acid which leaves your mouth refreshed after each sip.

This is the perfect wine for a Thanksgiving feast of roasted turkey, especially the succulent dark meat. At this price you can afford a few bottles to make sure the whole table gets a glass or two! Drink now-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Haywire Winery 2010 Gamay Noir Rosé - 88pts

Haywire Winery 2010 Gamay Noir Rosé (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 1078 cases
Date Tasted: July 17th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Wild raspberry, rhubarb, Bosc pear, light brioche and floral aromas make for a lovely nose on this salmon-meets-brick coloured Gamay Noir rosé from Summerland. The mostly dry, nicely textured palate follows with a kick of tart, watery red fruit and refreshing acidity that balances the residual sugar admirably. The finish is long with lingering mild tannins and mouth-watering lemon/lime rind flavours.

Pair with a raspberry cream sauce covered salmon fillet or your favourite hot deck. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2009 Gamay - 84pts

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2009 Gamay (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: VQA stores
Cost: $13 (Taylorwood Wines)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Longtime grape-growers turned vintners, the Gidda family, based in West Kelowna, have released their first vintage of wines with the help of veteran BC winemaker Elias Phiniotis. This Gamay, produced from grapes that benefited from the fabulously hot 2009 growing season, is surprisingly light and mild on the palate suggesting a high-ish tonnage-per-acre diluting the concentration. Skin contact was light resulting in a wine nearer to a rosé in both colour and tannin. Think of it as a deeply coloured rosé with similar food-friendly qualities that yearns to be a Beaujolais-Nouveau, and nearly succeeds. An easy-drinking table wine with a wide array of food-pairing options. Well priced at $13.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Château des Charmes 2008 Gamay Droit - 87pts

Château des Charmes 2008 Gamay Droit (Niagara-on-the-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 2584 cases
Date Tasted: July 31st, 2010

Tasting Notes: The story behind this "Gamay Droit" is one of persistence and patience. In short, Chateau des Charmes founder has long been experimenting with varietal clones, crosses and hybrids in his Niagara-on-the-Lake winery. In 1982 he discovered a particularly successful, and upright ("droit"), Gamay Noir plant in his St. David's bench vineyard. The plant was propagated and an entire block of vines thrive today having been born from this one mutated plant all those years ago. The unique, and patented, vine produces an equally unique wine. A spicy-Gamay-meets-mineral-Pinot Noir sort of combo.

Bright cherry and spicy pepper aromas will remind you of youthful Beaujolais wines. The dry, medium-bodied palate follows with good continuity of flavours with added mineral and earthy notes. This is a quality, easy-drinking wine that will be a great match for roasted turkey dinners. Drink 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Desert Hills Estate Winery 2008 Gamay - 87pts

Desert Hills Estate Winery 2008 Gamay (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Wine Emporium, Langley VQA

Cost: $17.99

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: December 19th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Winner of a Bronze medal at the 2009 Canadian Wine Awards, this Gamay is a light and spicy charmer perfect for the holiday season. Light, warm pepper-spice on the nose with dark cherry and vanilla notes. The medium-minus bodied palate offers flavours of dark fruits, white and black pepper with a medium-length finish and a pleasant, lingering spice sensation on the tongue.

Produced by Black Sage Bench producer Desert hills Estate Winery in the Southern Okanagan, this versatile wine will go with many holiday-inspired foods including turkey, lamb and ham. Also enjoy as a stand-alone sipper as you are curling up in front of the fire with a loved-one or a good book. Excellent wine at a great price. - LC