Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon - 90pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 700 cases
Date Tasted: June 17th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Here's a simple formula to remember. Sauvignon Blanc blended with Sémillon = better Sauvignon Blanc. Now, this isn't a scientific law or mathematical certainty, but it generally holds true, especially with Okanagan Sauvignon Blanc where many in the valley have adhered to the practise for years, yet, most mention it in passing on the back label or in small print in forgettable marketing material. Howling Bluff, however, boldly announces it right on the front label and invites all to ask, am I pronouncing Sémillon correctly?

Even small amounts of Sé·mil·lon can go a long way in a blend some call "White Meritage", an ode to 300+ years of trial and error in Bordeaux where these now traditional blending partners were deemed to make for pleasant bed fellows. Even Sauvignon Blanc blended with only minuscule amounts of Sémillon (like Fairview Cellars' perennial favourite) benefits from the added candied fruit and sweet honeydew complexity which compliment the raw citrus and grassy twang of Sauvignon Blanc perfectly. The Howling Bluff version uses a whopping 15% Sémillon resulting in added textural elements as well since Sémillon has a natural fuller body.

Clean, crisp, complex and long, the Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon will delight as a stand-alone Summer Sipper. Pair with a fading sunset and flourishing conversation for the full effect. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $18.90
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 300  cases
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A well-made, crisp and juicy Sauvignon Blanc with pungent aromas of gooseberry, hay, green apples and pears on the pleasing nose followed by a mouth-watering, well-balanced palate boasting similar flavours with additional citrus fruit characters and a nice acidic kick at the finish. Lively texture suggests some welcomed extended lees contact during fermentation creating a compelling mouth feel and added structure.

Part of the newly expanded Howling Bluff portfolio meant to help build brand awareness beyond the mailing list faithful who sell-out the Naramata Bench winery's Pinot Noir, White Meritage and Red Blend labels every year. As irony would have it, you'll be hard pressed to find this wine just the same. If you do, however, pick-up a bottle and discover the under-appreciated world of BC Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2011 Summa Quies Vineyard Pinot Noir - 90pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2011 Summa Quies Vineyard Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 12.2%
Production: 411 cases
Date Tasted: May 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The cooler than average 2011 growing season has dialed back the intensity of this terroir transmitting Pinot Noir though the complexity and charm remain intact thanks to extended hang-time on the vines. The nose intrigues with layers of baked raspberry, plum, cherry and cedar aromas accompanied by light floral notes of potpourri and herbs. The dry palate is true to the vintage with a leaner presentation, less fruit, moderate fine tannins and more savoury and earthy elements. Food-friendly acidity will make this Pinot a popular entry on the wine lists of BC's top restaurants and while the production has risen over the years, it will still be hard to find unless you're already on the winery's mailing list. Your fellow Pinot Noir connoisseurs are, so what are you waiting for?

If you do seek it out and find a bottle, I would recommend waiting another 1-2 years before opening the 2011 to make the most of your investment (in money and in effort of tracking down the wine). As the wine is sealed with a screwcap, the extra bottle age will have no detrimental effect on the fruit components yet will allow the oak, acid and earthy notes to meld nicely. Drink 2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Gris - 87pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Pinot Gris (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 400  cases
Date Tasted: May 24th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A large piece of Howling Bluff's new expanded portfolio is this clean, crisp and aromatic Pinot Gris that employs a let-the-fruit-speak approach resulting in a fruit-forward wine with ripe orchard fruit on the pleasant nose and tangy palate supported by light tropical and citrus fruit notes and a faint susurrus of minerality. Intensity, balance and length are all well executed. Enjoy this Pinot Gris chilled while you're soaking in sunlight or pair it with a cold salmon and goats cheese spinach salad. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2010 Summa Quies Sin Cera - 91pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2010 Summa Quies Vineyard Sin Cera (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28.90
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 575 cases
Date Tasted: May 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A blend of all five Bordeaux varietals and aged in French oak for 18 months, the Sin Cera is an irresistible femme fatale that jumps out of the glass with potent, yet graceful, feminine aromas of baked cherry and blackberry fruit, plum preserve, cooking spice, sweet licorice, vanilla, toasted oak and holds your attention through to the equally seductive, fine tannin and similarly flavoured palate. Warm, round and rich, this gorgeous blend sits beautifully in the mouth and never feels heavy or overstays its welcome thanks to lingering acidity which keeps the palate fresh and focused. Ready to be enjoyed today or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2009 Summa Quies Pinot Noir - 91pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2009 Summa Quies Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Sold out at winery
Cost: $32
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 120 cases
Date Tasted: January 2nd, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is a hard wine to get a hold of, sadly. With just 120 cases produced and an avid following, you'll be hard pressed to track one down. But for Pinot Noir fans, it's worth the effort.

This medium-plum hued beauty is 3 parts charm and one part serious Pinot. Add a sprinkle of happy-go-lucky fruity high notes and you have the makings of one heck of a Naramata Bench Pinot Noir. Think of it as a lovely Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot turned up to "11" - with a little less minerality and earthiness. Ripe and concentrated, raspberry, cherry and plum fruit characters are sublimely balanced on the nose and dry palate by the (mostly) new French oak treatment and mouth watering acidity. Fine tannins and an elegant mouth feel precede the long finish with lingering spice and vanilla flavours. Yum.

Screw-cap enclosure will keep this wine drinking fresh and bright for another 3-4 years. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff 2007 Sin Cera - 87pts

Howling Bluff 2007 Sin Cera (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC Wine

Availability: October 2nd, 2009 (Available for online orders now)

Cost: $33.40 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: A meritage blend of 72% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 13% Malbec that shows black cherry and earthy notes on the nose. On the palate there was cassis, plum, and vanilla. Well balanced acids and tannins make for a smooth, long finish. At $33, this is blend offers decent value and should age well. A nice representation of an Okanagan meritage blend. - IW

Howling Bluff 2007 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Howling Bluff 2007 Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: October 2nd, 2009 (Available for online orders now)

Cost: $29.90 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: On the heels of the Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence winning 2006 vintage comes this lovely Pinot Noir from Naramata producer Howling Bluff. Youthful aromas of coffee, chocolate and orange peel with flavours of cherries and berries on the palate. Smooth tannins pair well with subtle yet present acidity to form a very well balanced wine.

As an aside, the new labeling is a major step forward in elegance for this wine. It doesn't affect the taste, obviously, but it does influence the overall presentation of this fine Pinot Noir, especially for collectors. - LC