IconScores.ca: Golden Mile Bench

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Rainmaker Wines 2018 Malbec - 91pts

Rainmaker Wines 2018 Malbec (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: June 25th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A Malbec with something to say. At 4 years of age, the Rainmaker Malbec is both intense and elegant with a densely layered nose and an extracted, supremely well-balanced palate. Classic Malbec, blackened berries are supported by savoury notes of earth, sweet tar and plenty of spice. Intensely flavourful and tannic on the ripe palate with plenty of refreshing, berry acidity on the long finish. Ready to go now or hold for the potential of further development. Drink 2022-2027.

Fairview Cellars 2016 Premier Series Cabernet Sauvignon - 92pts

Fairview Cellars 2016 Premier Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Contact winery directly here
Cost: $55 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 200 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Uber-smooth and gaining femininity as it ages, the 2016 Premier Series Cabernet Sauvignon from Fairview is coming into its own at 6-years-old, showing both delicate and powerful aromas on the elegant nose and integrated flavours on the refined, long-lasting palate. Look for a profile of mellowed, ripe dark fruit infused with sagebrush, supportive oak and sensual notes of menthol and cola. Drink now-2025.

Cassini Cellars 2018 Godfather Red - 93pts

Cassini Cellars 2018 Godfather Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Contact the winery direct here
Cost: $80
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 145 cases
Date Tasted: November 24th, 2021

Tasting Notes: "The Godfather" is Cassini Cellars' uber-refined, Icon-level red showcasing the best the Golden Mile Bench winery has to offer in any given year. For 2018, it takes the form of a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend (67% and 33%, respectively) and presents a pretty, sophisticated expression of the varietals as grown and managed by the winery's winemaking team. Expect a silky-smooth, feminine wine with depth and balance; both on the aromatic nose and the fruit'n'savoury. Ready to go now at (nearly) 4 years of age, or, hold for another 3-5 years. Drink 2022-2027+.

Gold Hill Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here
Cost: $TBD
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: June 21st, 2021

Tasting Notes: At five years of age, this dense, aromatic Cabernet Franc is showing signs of peaking. The developed bouquet is offers prominent brandy aromas which envelope the more delicate floral and spice notes. Less robust on the berry'n'spice flavoured palate than the hedonistic 2015 vintage with more viscosity and a shorter finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2021-2022.

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Cabernet Franc Rosé - 87pts

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Cabernet Franc Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: June 11th, 2021

Tasting Notes: An intriguing, off-dry, medium-copper hued rosé, made from Cabernet Franc grapes sourced from multiple sites in the Okanagan Valley. Offers a delicate nose of peach skin, orange blossom and nectarine aromas, followed by a plump palate of orchard fruit flavours and enough tannin and citrus acidity to finish balanced where a touch of spice lingers. Ready to go now as most blush wines are. Drink 2021-2022.

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 10th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Opens with a nice nose of blossoms, white currant berries and a little of that attractive, Sauvignon Blanc stink. Palate is light, mineraly and refreshing with good acidity and a medley of apple, citrus and peach flavours. Overall, a subtle, delicate expression of the Loire Valley grape that might be best suited as a companion to a hot deck. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.

La Frenz Winery 2018 Malbec - 88-89pts

La Frenz Winery 2018 Malbec (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: May 20th, 2021

Tasting Notes: This Malbec (blended with 12% Syrah) is a full-bodied, juicy feast of lovely spice, black plum, sun-ripe blackberry and sweet earth characters on both the approachable nose and well-balanced palate whose ratio of fruit-to-savoury notes is spot on. Give this one a rest until the Summer of 2022, if you can wait, to allow for further integration. Drink 2022-2024.

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah - 91pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $37 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2020

Tasting Notes: One of three Syrahs that Rust Wine Co. produces, this one, sourced from the Golden Mile Bench, is the most masculine of the group with a nice balance between its dark fruit and savoury characters. 'Medium-plus' on all fronts; body, tannins, length and mouthfeel. Yet, there's amble generosity without weighting down your palate. Plenty of complexity on offer with aromas and flavours of baking spices, cured meats, dried rocks and salty tapenade. Ready to go now or hold for several more years. Drink 2020-2024.

Cassini Cellars 2017 Maximus - 91+pts

Cassini Cellars 2017 Maximus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $44 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 15.3%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: November 18th, 2020

Tasting Notes: The 2017 edition of the Maximus is a compilation of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 8% Malbec. As a wine built to last, at only 3 years of age its showing a youthful, brooding nose today which needs plenty of time to open up. Look for concentrated, ripe dark fruit like cassis, black cherry and sun-soaked blackberry aromas to be supported by subtle, toasted oak and blackened vanilla notes. Spices and oak show more prominently on the, otherwise, similarly-flavoured palate where youthful, grippy tannins and fresh acidity add plenty of structure and texture. Best to wait another year or two. Drink 2022-2027.

Cassini Cellars 2016 Maximus - 91-92pts

Cassini Cellars 2016 Maximus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Look for the 2017 vintage direct from winery here
Cost: $44 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 15.4%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Both beautiful and brooding, the 2016 Maximus is now a year on from its release and still showing youthful vitality. Robust, minty Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead here, with supporting roles played by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec which add juicy, ripe, dark berry flavours and aromatic notes of incense, spa spice and a hint of cola. 14 months in 2 year old barrels (both French and American) have nicely fused the fruit and savoury elements while refining the tannins and mouthfeel to silky levels. This blend should last for many years in your cellar with some further refinement to come. Or, enjoy now with a long decant. Drink 2021-2026.

Cassini Cellars 2016 The Aristocrat - 92pts

Cassini Cellars 2016 The Aristocrat (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 15.2%
Production: 300 cases
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2018

Re-Tasted: November 4th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Another stellar vintage of the complex, long-lasting, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon known as The Aristocrat. Balanced and ripe, the 2016 shows excellent typicity for the label with telltale notes of mint and Fig Newton nicely integrated into the dark fruit and oak influence layers on the masculine, invigorating nose and the full-bodied, beautifully structured palate.

Would benefit from another 1-2 years in bottle to mature further. With more prominent tannins than its Collector's Series cousin, this Cab is ready to take on more marbled cuts of beef like a fine, charred, rib eye steak. Drink 2020-2026.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Re-Tasting Notes: Coming into its own just as its drinking window opens. Tannins have mellowed and integrated beautifully. Mint notes are still deliciously prominent with a touch of licorice and charcoal now showing on the finish.

Gold Hill Winery 2014 Grand Vin - 90pts

Gold Hill Winery 2014 Grand Vin (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $64.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15.9%
Date Tasted: November 3rd, 2020

Tasting Notes: An intense, mature, Meritage blend featuring fully integrated, black and blue fruits, pretty aromatics and smooth, savoury notes. There is impressive, long-lived, lively acid on the lightly tannic palate which offers similar flavours as the nose. At already 6 years old and sealed with a synthetic cork, this wine won't likely develop further and should be enjoyed over the next 12-18 months. Drink now-2021.

Cassini Cellars 2017 Quattro - 90+pts

Cassini Cellars 2017 Quattro (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34
Alcohol: 14.7%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: November 2nd, 2020

Tasting Notes: What was once an entry-level blend for the Cassini portfolio, the Quattro has evolved into a robust, powerhouse of a wine; full-bodied, intense and dense. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot opens with concentrated dark fruit and berry liqueur aromas with a susurrus of licorice and anise notes. The seductive nose precedes an equally dense and food-friendly palate which showcases similar flavours and additional layers of savoury goodness; charred oak, black cherry and dark spices. Ready to go now or hold for further development. Drink 2021-2026+

Gold Hill Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc - 91pts

Gold Hill Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15.9%
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A supremely intense, hedonistic Cabernet Franc with loads of floral, spice and sweet earth notes on the nose and densely layered, concentrated red and blue fruit on the tobacco-flavoured, full-bodied palate. Slight, California Primitivo vibe without all the sweetness; just the right amount of extreme extraction to off-set the whopping, 15.9% alcohol. Smoky, cigar box and toasted spice notes linger on the long finish.

Unlike any other BC Cabernet Franc you're likely to find. Despite the bottle shot attached, the wine is sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure. Ready to go now, but should hold for a few more years. Drink 2020-2023.

Gold Hill Winery 2014 Syrah - 90pts

Gold Hill Winery 2014 Syrah (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15.6%
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2020

Tasting Notes: This 2014 vintage Syrah from Gold Hill has aged nicely, still showing some years of service ahead with some potential for further development. Using a Stelvin enclosure on this robust, masculine wine has proven to be a wise decision. Look for spices, cured meats, olives and cherry cola aromas on the intense, dense nose. The equally dense palate that follows offers similar flavours with additional layers of vanilla, toasted oak and more prominent fruit; black raspberries, black cherries and red currant. Finish is long and uber spicy. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2024.

Gold Hill Winery 2019 Rosé - 84pts

Gold Hill Winery 2019 Rosé (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: September 10th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A rosé produced using the traditional, saignée method from Cabernet Franc grapes which has produced a red fruit scented nose and similarly flavoured palate. Off-dry with orchard fruit acidity and a hint of minerals balancing the sweetness, but the overall profile is dominated by the lingering taste of alcohol. Pair with something spicy to cut the residual alcohol. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.

La Frenz Winery 2017 Malbec - 88-89pts

La Frenz Winery 2017 Malbec (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: May 7th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Blended with 14% Syrah, this is a full bodied Malbec with a lovely run of spice through the black plum, sun-ripe blackberry and sweet earth scented nose and the similarly flavoured palate. Finish is a touch hot and short, but the overall balance of fruit-to-savoury characters is spot on. Give this one a rest until the Summer of 2021 to allow for further integration. Drink 2021-2024.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Rosé - 89pts

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Rosé (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: April 8th, 2020

Tasting Notes: The Rust Wine Co. rosé jumps to the Okanagan Valley for the 2019 edition, using Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the winery's young, South Rock Vineyard along the Golden Mile Bench. Though likely destined for red wine production when it comes of age, this new vineyard is producing a delicious blush in the meantime.

Off-dry, overall, yet beautifully balanced to finish near-dry with plenty of lip-smacking, bright raspberry and tangy, wild berry acidity. Red fruit flavours, a touch of tannin and a smattering of herbs and spice make this wine a perfect companion to complex salads or poke rice bowls. Drink now-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2009 The Wrath - 93pts

Fairview Cellars 2009 The Wrath (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here. Private wine shops
Cost: $65
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: November 23rd, 2011
Re-Tasted: December 8th, 2019

Tasting Notes: This single vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine comes from a Golden Mile Bench property separate from the Fairview Cellars home vineyard. Intense, brooding and fantastically complex, this wonderful wine offers loads of dark fruit and French oak at the core of its flavour profile. Big tannins, big mouth feel, big nose, big presence... big everything! Yet, amazingly the wine remains refined and very smooth. Well balanced and beautifully long. For fun story behind the name and label is covered here.

Enjoy this wine after a couple of years of bottle aging. Drink late-2013-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Re-Tasting Notes: At tens years of age this beautiful, one-off release is still going strong with several years of peak drinking ahead. Today, seductive aromas and flavours of menthol and eucalyptus have developed adding more complexity to the already brooding profile. Anyone who thinks Cabernet Sauvignon can't be ripened or built to age in BC must be poured a taste of this special wine. But just a small pour - save the rest for us. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2018 Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

Fairview Cellars 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 14.3%
Date Tasted: July 15th, 2019
@FairviewCellars

Tasting Notes: A pleasantly pungent and boisterous vintage of Sauvignon Blanc with aromas and flavours of gooseberries, grapefruit, crab apple, stone fruit, and grass. This Sauvignon Blanc has body and a corpulent, complex texture with layers of fruit peaking through tart tinges of citrus acidity and crisp, mineral notes. Drink 2019-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

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