Kettle Valley Winery 2014 Great Northern Vineyard Syrah - 88pts

Kettle Valley Winery 2014 Great Northern Vineyard Syrah (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private stores
Cost: $21-25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: July 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes:  A complex and masculine Syrah with layers of dark fruit, black pepper, sweet tar, black licorice and, in contrast, some elegant crushed violet and pipe tobacco notes. A touch 'green' on the medium-bodied palate with a hint of green pepper, though, the charred, mannered tannins have fully integrated leaving an overall sense of cohesion. Excellent value on offer for this Similkameen sourced Syrah. Ready to go now at 5 years of age. Drink 2019-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Kettle Valley Winery 2006 Old Main Red - 90pts

Kettle Valley Winery 2006 Old Main Red (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery.

Cost: $34.90

Alcohol: 14.5%

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: The Old Main Red from Naramata producer Kettle Valley is the winery's take on a Bordeaux-style blend and it is a winner. The deep garnet coloured charmer is elegant on the nose and palate and has a long, balanced finish.

On the nose this Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc heavy blend shows dark fruit, tomato stalk, barnyard and some floral notes. On the palate you will taste developing flavours of cassis, leather, pencil shavings, some light vanilla highlights. Aged for 20 months in French Oak, the tannins and acids are well-structured; present yet integrated. Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes, grown on the winery's "Old Main" and "King Drive" vineyards, complete the final blend.

You will find this wine on the lists of many top BC restaurants and wine bars but to purchase a bottle you will have to contact the winery directly. The Old Main Red is showing well now but will develop further in the bottle over the next 2-3 years. - LC

Kettle Valley Winery 2006 Merlot - 91+pts

Kettle Valley Winery 2006 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Decanted: 1hr

Cost: $13 - 375ml (Direct from winery)

Date: September 2nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: Kettle Valley Winery opened in 1996 selling wine out of their garage. 13 years and countless awards later nothing has changed and that's just how the owners (the Watts and Ferguson families) like it. No pretension at this winery's tasting room where the wines on offer change depending on what they feel like pouring at any given time.

One of their standout wines currently available is the 2006 Merlot. This is a well structured and balanced wine with the acidity and tannins to age nicely over the next 5-7 years. However, it is very approachable now so if you can't wait to age it open a bottle when serving a medium-weight dish or enjoy it alone or for desert with dark chocolate.

On the nose this wine has classic cassis, black cherry notes with hints of licorice and white pepper. On the palate this wine shows layers and layers of dark fruits, leather, subtle spice and chocolate flavours. This is a very smooth wine that you will want to savour and keep in your mouth as long as you can. - LC