JoieFarm 2020 A Noble Blend - 89pts

JoieFarm 2020 A Noble Blend (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB stores and VQA stores
Cost: $24 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.6%
Date Tasted: August 24th, 2022
@JoieFarm

Tasting Notes: Though best served chilled to highlight its crispness and texture, this is a wine that can sit in your glass and evolve. The pleasant aromatics work at any temperature but the palate grows more exotic as it warms, mixing stone fruit and citrus characters with lush, Tropical fruit. Spice lingers on the lemon peel-kissed finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2022-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2018 A Noble Blend - 90pts

JoieFarm 2018 A Noble Blend (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB stores and VQA stores
Cost: $22.52 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 4780 cases
Date Tasted: August 13th, 2019
@JoieFarm

Tasting Notes: The 2018 edition of A Noble Blend stays pretty consistent with recent vintages of the (lightly) off-dry, food-friendly wine, though, last year Pinot Blanc was missing and it has now been returned to the fold. The final blend is 47% Gewurztraminer, 31% Riesling, 9% Pinot Auxerrois, 8% Pinot Blanc and 4% Muscat sourced from Naramata Bench, Summerland and East Kelowna vineyards, as per usual.

Though best served chilled to highlight its crispness and texture, this is a wine that can sit in your glass and evolve. The pleasant aromatics work at any temperature but the palate grows more exotic as it warms, mixing stone fruit and citrus characters with lush, Tropical fruit. Spice lingers on the lemon peel-kissed finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2018 "En Famille" Reserve Muscat - 89pts

JoieFarm 2018 "En Famille" Reserve Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.1%
Production: 401 cases
Date Tasted: August 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Continuing the dryer trajectory of the reserve muscat from last year, the 2018 is lean and focused on the palate with delicate, peach and mineral flavours and supported with crisp acidity over a touch of oily mouthfeel. Perfumed and aromatic on the equally delicate nose, this wine should be allowed to warm-up and open-up in order to be coiffed properly when served with a slow, relaxed brunch. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Riesling - 90-91pts

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Riesling (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.4%
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2018
Re-tasted: August 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Sourced from a block of Riesling planted in the St. Hubertus vineyard in 1978, the En Famille is both concentrated and delicate with a lovely, rich-yet-fluid texture thanks to off-dry residual sugar, effortless citrus acidity and fresh, pitted fruit flavours. Ginger, peach, mineral and dessert-friendly herbs notes add complexity to the nose and palate. Ready to go now or hold for another 2-4 years to wait for honeycomb characters to develop. Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Re-Tasting Notes: A year-on from its release, Joie's reserve Riesling is showing development of kerosene notes and enhanced minerality on the nose. The palate has integrated further and the balance has shifted dryer. Though evolved some, there is more to come, so keep to the original, suggested drinking window: 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 "En Famille" Reserve Chardonnay - 90-91pts

JoieFarm 2017 "En Famille" Reserve Chardonnay (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $30.35 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 387 cases
Date Tasted: July 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A fully oaked (30% new, 15% 2nd fill and 55% neutral), melon and citrus fruit flavoured Chardonnay sourced from two central Okanagan vineyards that went through a spontaneous, secondary, or 'malolactic' fermentation during élevage, softening the naturally high level of acid and constructing a balanced wine with omnipresent, yet, subtle oak structure and complimentary buttered scone notes.

Length is a bit short, today, though should lengthen with more time in the cellar which will also allow the background, savoury notes time to blossom and integrate with the fruit. Come back in 2 years. Drink 2021-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2018 Un-Oaked Chardonnay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2018 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Private wine shops 
Cost: $24-26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 438 cases, 21 kegs
Date Tasted: July 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Produced with fruit sourced from, predominantly, vineyards on the Skaha Bench with addition grapes coming from the Oliver Twist vineyard in Oliver. This un-oaked Chardonnay is both bright and weighted with a refreshing combination of citrus and tropical fruit on the lifted nose and the vibrant, medium-plus bodied palate. The finish is long and balanced with a touch of spice accompanying the lingering lemon/lime zest flavours. Ready to go now. Drink-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 Chic Fille Pinot Blanc - 86pts

JoieFarm 2017 Chic Fille Pinot Blanc (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $30.35 + taxes
Alcohol: 11%
Production: 45 cases
Date Tasted: November 4th, 2018

Tasting Notes: 'Chic Fille' is a new side label from JoieFarm's proprietor and winemaker, Heidi Noble, with a goal to make fun wines using experimental techniques. The 2nd release under this label is a golden hued, herbaceous and dry Pinot Blanc with a savoury, salty-mineral-citrus flavour profile and loads of texture. What it doesn't have is a sense of whimsy or effortless consumption due to a lack of ripe'n'round orchard fruit and too much astringency. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir - 92pts

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $34.70 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: October 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: An intense Pinot Noir, in terms of complexity and power on the spiced-raspberry nose and the smoked, dark chocolate'n'cherry palate, not in terms of over-reduction or weight. The finish is long and elegant with savoury oak and a touch of forest floor notes making this beauty a great match for game or lean meats like Venison.

Certainly a stand-out BC Pinot for the 2016 vintage to be enjoyed today or over the next 3-4 years. Drink 2019-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer - 91pts

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery; VQA stores
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 404 cases
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Can you have an explosion of delicate fruit? The En Famille Gewurztraminer puts that seemingly contradictory statement to the test with its intense nose and pulsating, (lightly) off-dry palate of subtle aromas and flavours of lychee, fresh peach, orange blossoms, yellow capsicum, unpasteurized honey, spice and lemon rind. Absolutely delicious and ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Chardonnay - 91+pts

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Chardonnay (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 279 cases
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Chardonnay Musqué grapes sourced from Skaha Bluff and Naramata Bench vineyards were used for JoieFarm's reserve release of the Burgundian variety. A complex barrel program has contributed a subtle, French oak presence on the rich, yet, vibrant nose and the bright, yet, layered palate. Melon and pear fruit mingle with Brazil nut and cold butter aromas on the burgeoning bouquet, followed by flavours of Asian pear, white peach and tangy grapefruit. There is texture to spare and length on the finish. 

Ready to go now, or hold for another 4-5 years with some potential for further development. Drink 2018-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 PTG - 89pts

JoieFarm 2016 PTG (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 714 cases
Date Tasted: September 5th, 2018

Tasting Notes: 2016 is another Pinot Noir leading vintage with 40% Gamay making up the blend of the Burgundy inspired duo. This year's PTG is warm, feminine and graceful with a seductive, sugar'n'spice profile of ripe berries, plums, dried flowers, and hints of Christmas cake. Sits beautifully in the mouth with just the right weight and acidity for this medium-intense, food-friendly, effortless blend. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 Pinot Noir - 89pts

JoieFarm 2016 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 670 cases
Date Tasted: September 9th, 2018
@JoieFarm

Tasting Notes: Offers a classic BC Pinot Noir profile and structure with a nice balance between its brambly fruit veneer and its savoury, herbs'n'spice core. Medium-everything; intensity, tannins, acidity and body, with a lovely, vibrant texture and a long, balanced finish where touches of spice, oak and tangy huckleberry linger. Pair this Pinot with grilled BC salmon - delish! Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 Gamay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2016 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 615 cases
Date Tasted: September 7th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A very consistent Gamay from JoieFarm's contracted Deep Roots vineyard alone the Naramata Bench. Slightly off-dry, but with a focus on pairing the candied, berry and cherry fruit with savoury notes of herbs, earthy seeds and a touch of iron, resulting in a pleasantly complex, medium-bodied, food-friendly wine.

Some may default to turkey dishes for Gamay but with this label one can look to lean, bloody cuts of beef as well. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 Quotidien Brut - 88pts

JoieFarm 2016 Quotidien Brut (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. 2017 vintage available direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.7%
Date Tasted: July 24th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A Charmat method Brut produced from Riesling and Chardonnay grapes with persistent, fine bubbles, showcasing a nice balance between bright, under-ripe stone fruit acidity, metallic mineral notes and flavours of sweet'n'tangy citrus and tropical fruit. A dry finish starts yeasty, then transitions to a spicy-lemon drop final note. Refreshing and lively, this bubble is ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 Chic Fille Pinot Meunier Rosé - 86pts

JoieFarm 2017 Chic Fille Pinot Meunier Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $30.35 + taxes
Alcohol: 10.5%
Date Tasted: May 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: 'Chic Fille' is a new side label from JoieFarm's proprietor and winemaker, Heidi Noble, and this first release, a rosé, falls into the 'for better, for worse' category of ultra-natural wines which showcase the raw, un-manipulated characters of their fermented variety, in this case, the seldom non-sparkling, Champagne workhorse, Pinot Meunier; and 'raw' it is.

This deep pink hued, dry, low-alcohol, high acid rosé tastes of Pinot Meunier grapes right off the vine complete with the tannin and savoury notes of the crushed seeds and skins. Look for a touch of spice on the bitter, citrus-rind flavoured finish after the confected fruit and smoky grapefruit characters fade. 

Shares only a little DNA with the more polished and approachable, "Think Pink" flagship rosé under the house label, therefore, consider the Chic Fille blush the unkempt, slightly smelly, distant hippy cousin of the family. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 Un-Oaked Chardonnay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2017 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 655 cases
Date Tasted: May 2nd, 2018

Tasting Notes: Sourced from vineyards along the Skaha and Naramata benches, this un-manipulated Chardonnay offers plenty of Tropical fruit  aromas on the nose with baked lemon notes and a touch of kerosene in the background. The palate has a nice weight to it without any oak influence; just pure orchard and citrus fruit flavours with good acidity and a bit of lingering spice and lemon zest on the moderate-plus finish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 A Noble Blend - 89pts

JoieFarm 2017 A Noble Blend (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB stores and VQA stores
Cost: $25.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 5779 cases
Date Tasted: May 1st, 2018
@JoieFarm

Tasting Notes: JoieFarm's flagship blend of 49% Gewurztraminer, 32% Riesling, 9% Pinot Auxerrois and 4% Muscat sourced from Naramata Bench, Summerland and East Kelowna vineyards is decidedly dryer for the 2017 vintage with a refreshing and aromatic nose giving way to citrus-infused, mouth-watering palate. 

There is good complexity and texture on offer with layers of spices and herbs and exotic fruits beyond the upfront grapefruit and stonefruit aromas and flavours. Further development is possible, though, the lack of residual sugar may limit its potential (and its effectiveness at taming sun-drenched decks). Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 Pinot Blanc - 87pts

JoieFarm 2017 Pinot Blanc (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $24.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 11.7%
Production: 376 cases
Date Tasted: April 30th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A leaner and crisper edition of this East Kelowna sourced Pinot Blanc. For 2017 the emphasis is on mineral-infused orchard fruit with less aromatic notes on the Northern Italian, Grigio-esk nose with citrus zest, apple flesh and kiwi flavours on the vibrant palate. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 "En Famille" Reserve Muscat - 89pts

JoieFarm 2017 "En Famille" Reserve Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $27.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 11.4%
Production: 401 cases
Date Tasted: April 28th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Sourced solely from the winery's home vineyard along the Naramata Bench and new for the 2017 vintage, this Muscat has been elevated to the firm's reserve, "En Famille" tier. Opens with an intensely perfumed and aromatic, yet, delicate nose of orange blossom, nectarine, peach skin, lemon and mineral aromas. Decidedly dryer than previous incarnations of this wine with grape skin, stone fruit, mineral and citrus flavours on the bright palate where a hint pf white pepper lingers on a moderate finish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 Rosé - 88pts

JoieFarm 2017 Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $23.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 3573 cases
Date Tasted: April 26th, 2018

Tasting Notes: With its distinctive deep pink colour, the JoieFarm rosé is a consistently refreshing, Summer sipper with beautiful, savoury herb characters to compliment the classic, sweet'n'tart, red berry notes on the complex nose and the textured, tannin-kissed palate. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir from Skaha Bench and 20% Gamay Noir from East Kelowna, this blush can stand on its own or pair with a wide range of foods; from lobster to burger and fries. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca