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