Kris 2020 Pinot Grigio - 87pts

Kris 2020 Pinot Grigio (Delle Venezie IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $15-19 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: June 20th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A consistently well-produced, easy-drinking Pinot Grigio with a joyful nose packed with beautiful floral aromas supported by Bosc pear and citrus. Palate is both crisp and a little creamy with some leesy notes beneath the tangy, lemon/lime and apple flavours. Pair with hard, white cheeses or your favourite salads. Drink now-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Tenuta Il Poggione 2020 Lo Sbrancato Rosé - 89pts

Tenuta Il Poggione 2020 Lo Sbrancato Rosé (Montalcino) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Marquis Wine Cellars in Vancouver
Cost: $21-28 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: May 15th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A juicier, fuller blush when compared to the light and lean, minimalist style which dominates most restaurant menus. Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this is robust rosé without ever feeling heavy and one that can pair with fresh pasta and white meats. Typical blush characters of red fruit, floral and citrus throughout, with just a hint of Sangiovese' unique tomato stock on the nose and a touch of fleshy, cumquat on the palate. Drink now-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Altesino 2018 Rosso di Montalcino - 90+pts

Altesino 2018 Rosso di Montalcino (Montalcino) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $28-30 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 26thh, 2021

Tasting Notes: This Rosso di Montalcino is a blend of roughly 80% Sangiovese with the remaining 20% a mixture of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes producing a robust nose and complex palate of earthy fruit and meaty veggie notes. Look for light cured meats, tomato stock, mushrooms, bell pepper, smoke, red berries and a touch of tart cranberry. A well balanced wine with rounded tannins and good acidity. Pair this wine with braised meat dished like Osso Buco. Drinking beautifully now or cellar for further development. Drink 2021-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

Villa Cafaggio 2010 Basilica Solatio Chianti Classico Riserva - 93pts

Villa Cafaggio 2010 Basilica Solatio Chianti Classico Riserva (Chianti Classico DOCG) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $50-60 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 18th, 2020

Tasting Notes: At 10 years of age, this single-vineyard, Chianti Classico Reserva has matured beautifully and has started to peak, delivering nicely integrated, elegant and feminine, layers of smoke-kissed, dried red fruit and delicate, crushed flowers with a susarrus of rustic pine floating in the background. The structure is smooth and supple and finishes long. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2022.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Poggio al Tesoro 2014 Il Seggio - 92pts

Poggio al Tesoro 2014 Il Seggio (Bolgheri DDOC) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Limited
Cost: $40-50 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2019

Tasting Notes: A blend of 40% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot, the Il Seggio sits effortlessly on the palate with no more than medium weight, yet, endless layers of beautifully balanced, savoury and fruit flavours. There is an overall elegance on display with silky tannins and a fragrant femininity. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2024+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Carpineto 2013 Riserva - 93-94pts

Carpineto 2013 Riserva (Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano DOCG) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Private wine stores
Cost: $45-50
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 2nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: This is the ultimate steak wine. Now, if you are not steak (or meat of any kind) inclined than you might consider imagining a beautifully grilled, olive-oil kissed, portobello mushroom as you proceed with this review;)

What is pepper to salt? What is charred carbon to grease? Perfect companions? Brothers in arms? If the battle is to win 'taste', than let me put forth my twin-headed champion: the Carpineto Riserva and a lean, mean, beef tenderloin machine. 

The silky-smooth, Sangiovese blend, Carpineto is well-suited to grilled foods of all kinds with a balanced and complex profile which perfectly marries its red fruit and floral characters with layers of spice, worn leather and prominent iron notes like it had once been used to quench a burning blade of steel. Already 6 years of age, yet, still years from peaking with further development very likely. Drink now-2023.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Masi 2016 Mas'Est - 87pts

Masi 2016 Mas'Est (Vigneti Delle Dolomiti IGT) Trentino-Alto Adige - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $22.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 24th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Made with the Teroldego grape, native to the Northeastern region of Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, the Mas'Est is a blue fruit and toasted vanilla scented, (mostly) full-bodied wine with a mineral and spice dominant palate. Food-friendly acidity drives the finish. Ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Poggio Bonelli 2012 Poggiassai - 93pts

Poggio Bonelli 2012 Poggiassai (Toscana IGT) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $50-60
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A 75-25 split of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, respectively, this Toscana IGT, sourced from a vineyard in Castelnuovo Berardenga, is a sexy, smoke-infused gem, featuring a harmonious blend of red fruit and earthy, forest floor aromas and flavours. Velvety, in texture, with fine, smooth tannins and a long, spiced-cocoa and tobacco flavoured finish. 

Already 6 years of age, yet, still years from peaking, though, further development may be limited. Drink now-2025.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Marchesi Antinori 2016 Bramito Chardonnay - 91pts

Marchesi Antinori 2016 Bramito Chardonnay (Umbria IGT) Italy

Availability: Costco, Specialty stores
Cost: $16.99-19.99 USD + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: February 27th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Far from a 'showy' or bombastic Chardonnay, Antinori's Bramito, meaning the call of a deer in Italian, is subtle on the pitaya and Meyer lemon scented nose and on the well-balanced, citrus'n'spice kissed, medium-bodied palate where oak and melon flavours play only a supporting role to the leading spice and acidity layers. The finish is long with lingering spice and lemon/lime rind tingling your tongue through to the next sip. Both refreshing and food-friendly. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Kris 2015 Pinot Grigio - 88pts

Kris 2015 Pinot Grigio (Delle Venezie IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $18.49 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: September 11th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A light and refreshing Pinot Grigio with a subtle nose packed with beautiful floral aromas supported by light mineral, pear skin and sweet apple notes. Palate is both crisp and a little creamy with some leesy notes beneath the tangy, citrus and green apple fruit flavours. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Marchesi Antinori 2010 Villa Antinori - 91+pts

Marchesi Antinori 2010 Villa Antinori (Tuscana IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 6th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This 'Tuscana IGT' designated blend of 55% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Syrah from Italy's famed Marchesi Antinori is a seductive, over-achiever that effortlessly blends, plump, red and blue fruit with sweet herbs and dusty, savoury flavours of cured meats, cocoa powder and leather. oak influence is generous, but well integrated, contributing to the fine, supple tannins and smooth palate. Absolutely fantastic value for money

This is a wine to enjoy now or put away for 5-7 years for further development. Drink 2014-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Marchesi de Frescobaldi 2008 CastelGiocondo - 92pts

Marchesi de Frescobaldi 2008 CastelGiocondo (Brunello di Montalcino DOCG) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $55
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: March 3rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: A warm, sweet scented, perfumed nose with berry, prune and spice notes. The palate is both silky and powerful with fantastic balance of fruit, herb, savoury and spice characters. Tannins are fine and dusty. The finish is long and memorable.

If the quality is there, as it is with the CastelGiocondo, then 8-10 years is the sweet spot for folks looking to maximize their investment but don't want a 20 or 30 year old 'aged' Brunello (a rather different beast). After 8-10 years, everything is coming together nicely and the fruit elements are still fresh. Drink 2016-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Castello di Bossi 2008 Chianti Classico - 89pts

Castello di Bossi 2008 Chianti Classico (Chianti Classico DOCG) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $20-30
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Gorgeous, feminine nose of sweet licorice, violets, cherry, warm earth and spiced plum aromas. The round, berry and tobacco-infused palate has aged well but may have peaked showing signs of frailty on the short finish. Drink 2013-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tenuta Sette Ponti 2010 Crognolo - 90-92pts

Tenuta Sette Ponti 2010 Crognolo (Toscana IGT) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This is a Super Tuscan perfect for the North American market; fruit forward, dense and steak friendly. It's not all power and extraction though, offering layers of warm earth, licorice, mint and spices on the intense nose and generous, full-bodied palate.

The tannins could use another year to mellow if you have the patience, otherwise, be sure to decant for 2+ hours. Will make a fantastic pairing for grilled red meats. Drink 2014-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tolaini 2007 Valdisanti - 92-93pts

Tolaini 2007 Valdisanti (Toscana IGT) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $40-47
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Warm rocks, toasted oak and sweet prune notes resonate from the feminine and floral nose of this supremely enjoyable and lovably complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Added potpourri, blackberry, vanilla and anise aromas make the quietly intense, developed bouquet irresistible.

The palate is a beast, though, 5 years in the bottle has helped reign in the horns some, with meaty, powerful tannins showing signs of releasing their tight grip on the elegant dark fruit and hot rock flavours. The effects of French oak aging lingers on the long, balanced finish. For the quality and depth on offer, this vintage has epic value and compares well to Super Tuscans priced 2X or 3X as much.

You'll find the sweet spot for this beauty after another 2 years of aging. Drink 2015-2020.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Antinori 2009 Tignarello - 93pts

Antinori 2009 Tignarello (Toscano IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature Stores
Cost: $100
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc delivers elegance in a glass with red fruit, cedar, spice box and anise aromas and flavours. Shows great restraint in its intensity on the smooth-textured palate delivering finesse and depth without the in-your-face concentration of its over-extracted peers.

This gorgeous wine calls for meety stews or roasts - although the thought of a $100 "food-wine" may be laughable to some. Tasting rather youthful today needing another 1-2 years of bottle age in a loving cellar to reach its full potential. Drink 2015-2021+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Antinori 2010 Cervaro Della Sala - 91+pts

Antinori 2010 Cervaro Della Sala (Umbria IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Spec Listing
Cost: $60
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A curious selection from a country that mostly produces short-lived and spicy white wines. This is an age-worthy wine with gorgeous almond, crispy bread, orchard fruit and mineral characters aged in 100% new French oak that challenges where we expect top-notch Chardonnay to originate from. A blend of French cloned Chardonnay (90%) and Umbria's native white grape Grechetto (10%). Has the pedigree to cellar for 15-20 years though is ready to be enjoyed today with proper decanting. Drink 2013-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

MezzoMondo 2010 Negroamaro - 87pts

MezzoMondo 2010 Negroamaro (Salento IGT) Puglia - Italy

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $9.99
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: September 30th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A very consistent bargain red from the South East of Italy using the Negroamaro grape native to the region, which year-after-year delivers excellent value for money with an expressive nose of black cherry, dried cranberry, prune, toasted oak and Christmas spice aromas. The bright, light-to-medium bodied palate follows with red fruit, spice rack and cigar box flavours, soft tannins and a degree of acid just a tad sharp. Try it with smoked Gouda or another full flavoured cheese. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mezzacorona 2011 Pinot Grigio - 84pts

Mezzacorona 2011 Pinot Grigio (Vigneti Delle Dolomiti) Trentino-Alto Adige - Italy

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $10-12
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: May 17th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Pinot Grigio has found a home in Italy's most northern wine producing region and many of the world's best valued examples of the variety (same grape as Pinot Gris) originate from there. To be sure, there is nothing complex or terribly unique about this wine but is it a good drink with some decent typicity for the variety that will make for a happy addition to any sunny deck? Yes. Clean, crisp and loaded with citrus fruit zest and light mineral notes- well worth the ten $ it will cost to open. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now- 2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Brancaia 2008 Tre - 90pts

Brancaia 2008 Tre (Rosso) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $32
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 26th, 2011

Tasting Notes: For Tuscany powerhouse Brancaia, the name of the winery's third label is actually a reference to the trio of grapes used for this elegant, New World leaning charmer. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were blended to create a complex wine that that evokes both serious, cellar-dwelling savers and laid-back, food-friendly sippers.

The nose offers a wide spectrum of aromas from candied raspberry to savoury earth and seductive smoke. The palate is dry but an abundance of ripe fruit flavours hovering above classic Italian vegetal notes creates the perception of sweetness at first sip. Strong mineral and scorched earth flavours are also present.

Ready to drink now and will hold for another 3-5 years due to the mouth watering acidity and medium, soft tannins. Drink 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca