Herder Winery and Vineyards 2009 Estate Pinot Noir - 91+pts

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2009 Estate Pinot Noir (Keremeos Upper Bench) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 68 cases
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This excellent Pinot begins with a warm, concentrated and extremely expressive nose full of ripe cherry, French Vanilla, barnyard and tart cranberry aromas. Similar flavours follow on the dry, harmonious, well-balanced palate with an emphasis on a fruit-forward, refined presentation and fine, integrated medium tannins. Residual medium intense acid is spot on.

This wine follows in the footsteps of the amazing Blackwood Lane example which defies comparison to the famous Pinot Noir producing regions of the world and delivers a uniquely BC product. Enjoy now or cellar for potential development. Drink 2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2009 Estate Chardonnay - 90pts

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2009 Estate Chardonnay (Keremeos Upper Bench) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 109 cases
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This gold-hued Chardonnay enjoys a lovely kiss of French oak from 16 months in upright barrels, custom to the Herder facility. The result is a soft, lush and elegant example of the Burgundian white grape with expressive tropical and orchard fruit on the lightly candied nose and the concentrated palate. A full bodied Chardonnay with just enough acid to add extra dimension to the lush mouth feel and liven up the long finish. A satisfying all-spice taste lingers. Good "bones" and quality fruit should promote a long life with some development. Drink early-2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2008 Josephine - 91-92pts

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2008 Josephine (Keremeos Upper Bench) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $50
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 265 cases
Date Tasted: November 29th, 2011

Tasting Notes: In style and in composition, Herder's "Josephine" confidently conveys the essence of a fruit-forward leaning, Right Bank garagiste wine all the while keeping to its Similkameen roots. A blend of 81% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc, it offers a lovely balance of bold, concentrated dark berry puree characters and savoury, earthy cedar notes with plenty of new French oak tannins and flavours. Lively acidity keeps the mouth-feel fresh and the long finish speaks to the quality of the grapes. An excellent drink.

This wine is built for the long haul and will settle into your cellar nicely, waiting patiently for you to call upon it. But don't make the call for another 2-3 years for best results. Drink 2013-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2010 Three Sisters - 88pts

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2010 Three Sisters (Keremeos Upper Bench) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: November 28th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A lovely blend of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Viognier that may not possess the most expressive nose but who's sumptuous orchard fruit, tangy citrus and lush passion fruit-filled palate more than makes up for the muted first impression. Light gold in colour, the wine is refreshing with just enough acidity to balance the fullness in the mouth. The finish goes on and on. Would make a fine match for rosemary infused roasted turkey at Christmas. Enjoy this wine right away or over the next two years. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Note: Fans of this wine should try the Young and Wyse Collection "Amber" blend of Viognier, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. A similarly rich yet refreshing white blend. See details here

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2008 Meritage - 87pts

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2008 Meritage (Keremeos) Similkameen Valley - BC


Availability: Direct from winery here. Select VQA stores
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 770 cases
Date Tasted: October 14th, 2010


Tasting Notes: Although the blend is reminiscent of Right-Bank Bordeaux (70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot), the style is pure Okanagan. A nice combination of savory, earthy and fruity characters that avoids over-extracted tannins and concentration - an honest wine.


Aged in French and American oak for 16 months this is a great wine for those looking for a food-matching, BC Meritage around the $20 mark - one of the best at this price range. The wine opens with strong oak and savoury notes which are followed (and balanced) by bright, blackberry and cassis aromas. The dry palate offers good continuity from the nose with earthy flavours, medium tannins and food-friendly acidity. The overall balance is a touch tart and a touch hot which contributes to a greater perception of fullness in the mouth. That said, I must stress that for a "second" label (the winery also produces a top-end Meritage blend called Josephine) this is a quality wine at a good price. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010


Also see:
Herder Winery and Vineyards 2007 Twin Benches Chardonnay

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2007 Twin Benches Chardonnay - 89-90pts

Herder Winery and Vineyards 2007 Twin Benches Chardonnay (Keremeos Upper Bench) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery
Cost: $34
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 104 cases
Date Tasted: September 2nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: A powerful, intense Chardonnay that avoids over-the-top, hit-you-in-the-face buttery oak flavours. The nose is subtle, smoky and refined with a good amount of tropical and orchard fruit aromas shining through. Lees and mineral characters are also present.

The intensity is scaled-up a bit on the palate with pear, apple, citrus fruit aromas blending nicely with the French oak vanilla and spice. A bit of tanginess lingers on the moderate-plus finish. The balance is spot on.

This is an excellent Chardonnay that has aged beautifully in the three years since harvest and will continue to for another few. Pair with lobster or crab or with a creamy white pasta. Enjoy now through 2013. http://www.herder.ca/
 - Liam Carrier