Painted Rock Estate Winery 2007 Merlot - 92pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2007 Merlot (Skaha Lake) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Select private wine shops and VQA stores.
Cost: $39.90
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: May 28th, 2010
Re-tasted: April 5th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This inky-ruby charmer from the winner of the Okanagan Valley's "Best New Winery" award for 2009 is a fantastic, cellar-worthy wine. Full of concentrated, dark cherry and ripe plum flavours on the palate with intense aromas of bright berries on the nose.

Adding to the attraction of this Merlot is the 18 months of aging in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. The vanilla, mocha and toasted oak spice characters combine artfully with the concentrated fruit on the nose and palate creating a wine that oozes charisma and passion.

A sensual, feminine texture with silky-smooth tannins and a long finish complete the experience. The fine, integrated tannins and structure will help this wine age sublimely with further development over the next 3 years. Drink now through 2017. http://www.paintedrock.ca/
 - Liam Carrier

Re-tasting Notes: This Merlot has aged beautifully showing gorgeous violet aromas gracing the developed nose. Palate shows lots of life left with sweet black licorice flavours now prominent. Original drinking window projection is holding true, though why wait? 6 years seems to be the sweet spot for this Merlot.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2008 Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

Fairview Cellars 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold-out. Contact winery for library release info
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 29th, 2009
Re-tasted: January 26th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Winemaker Bill Eggert is known for making powerful and elegant red wines at his small Oliver, BC winery. He's developed a cult following for these reds with many enthusiasts and his wines are featured in most of the top restaurants of the province. In 2007 he released his first and only white wine, a blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Semillon. The 2008 vintage shows remarkably well and perhaps may induce Bill to attempt more whites, we can only hope.

This pale-straw coloured wine offers classic Sauvignon Blanc aromas of gooseberries and grapefruit with lemon grass notes. On the palate the high acid kick is mellowed by the abundance of fruit flavours: papaya, grapefruit, lemon, more gooseberries and a hint of unripened mango. The mineral notes and citrus flavours make this light-bodied wine a perfect pairing for oysters. In fact Bill refers to this wine as his "oyster wine" right on the label and he is absolutely right. Drink 2009-2015.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2009 IconWines.ca

Re-tasted Notes: The Stelvin cap enclosure has kept this wine tasting amazingly fresh for a 5 year-old Sauvignon Blanc. The colour has deepened slightly to a light hay hue while the acidic kick is still alive and well. Age has developed a tasty unctuousness that wasn't present in 2009, making the palate more complex, though, the finish has suffered a little, ending sooner, yet still lingers with mouth-watering lime rind notes.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

La Crema 2008 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay - 90-91pts

La Crema 2008 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay (Sonoma Valley) California - USA

Availability: BCLDB stores. Widely available in the US.
Cost: $30 (BC). $14 (Costco in WA State).
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: June 11th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A classic oaked California Chardonnay that never approaches overdone or overbearing. It juggles being complex, meaty and easy-drinking like a court jester wooing the queen. Nice mineral notes throughout with orchard fruits playing the lead on the nose and palate. The buttery-oak characters are balanced nicely with crab-apple acidity. A full-ish palate that remains silky-smooth. Delicious. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 SHV Pinot Noir - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 SHV Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here. VQA stores
Cost: $25.00
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 175 cases
Date Tasted: October 5th, 2010

Tasting Notes: For lovers of single vineyard Pinot Noir and the unique expression of terroir it can impart, you'll not find better value elsewhere. At $25 this wine should be very appealing to restaurants. It balances classic Pinot Noir earth and mushroom notes with easy-drinking fruit characters nicely. A very food-friendly wine with tart acidity and medium tannins.

The Stag's Hollow home vineyard is planted with just two clones of Pinot Noir (667 and 115) which helps focus the flavour profile. The oak program uses 1st and 2nd fill French oak during elevage both prior to and after blending. Oak flavours and aromas are prominent, but never over-power. This is a well-made, New World, cool climate Pinot Noir that is well worth exploring. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2008 Blind Trust Red - 89pts

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2008 Blind Trust Red (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here. Select private wine shops
Cost: $28.25
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 1120 cases
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: The blend of the Blind Trust Red takes a rather dramatic turn in 2008. The Cabernet Sauvignon plummets from 28% down to just 9%. The Cabernet Franc is gone and the Merlot jumps from a "platform" level of 50% to a dominant 78%. The rest of the blend is made up of 13% Malbec. One can only guess that due to lower crop yields in 2008 the winery was forced to reserve all of their best Cabernet for their flagship Bordeaux-inspired wine Portfolio (the 2008 vintage has yet to be released). Regardless, the resulting wine is still a full-bodied, palate-pleaser. A credit to its winemaker David Enns.

The 2008 remains a fruit-forward and powerful wine but it seems more mellow and more restrained than the 2007. Less big tannins and more elegant notes. Dark fruits like plums, blackberry and cassis with vanilla, toasted oak and a just touch of spice. An excellent wine to pair with your favourite grilled meats or hard cheeses. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2008 Syrah - 89pts

Laughing Stock Vineyards 2008 Syrah (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Select private wine shops
Cost: $34
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 302 cases
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: Produced from fruit grown on the Osoyoos East Bench and made in the style of a Northern Rhone blend of Syrah-Viognier (92%,8% respectively) this small lot wine from Laughing Stock Vineyards delivers big, bold fruit flavours that is more in line with a cool-climate Australian offering. Nice aromatics on the nose from the Viognier add complexity to the spectrum of aromas that range from ripe dark cherry to a hint of lush tropical fruit. 40% new French oak was used during elevage. A total of 16 months in barrel has added structure with ripe tannins and a confident, masculine texture. Very tasty. Moderate-plus finish with lingering spice. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Young and Wyse Collection 2008 Merlot - 87pts

Young and Wyse Collection 2008 Merlot (Osoyoos East Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Some VQA stores may still have some
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 1000 cases
Date Tasted: October 3rd, 2010

Tasting Notes: Bottled in October 2009 after 11 months in oak (80% French and 20% American), this lush Merlot made from Osoyoos East Bench fruit was released shortly there after. Far too soon, but likely, out of necessity as the Young and Wyse Collection's first vintage needed to get to market. I decided to hold on to my bottle for an extra year of aging. If you did as well, then you are reaping the rewards of patience as the extra year has settled the wine and allowed it to open up.

Dark ruby in colour with an intense nose of dark berries, mocha, dark chocolate, vanilla and spice. Continuity of flavours follows through to the dry palate with added notes of warm gravel and tart acidity. Ripe tannins frame a chalky-textured mouth feel. Toasted oak and spice box flavours linger on the moderate finish who's balance is just a touch hot. Pair with food like grilled meats or peppered dark chocolate. Drink 2010-2012.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Noir - 90pts

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 565 cases
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: All of Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery's wines are made from 100% Naramata Bench grown fruit. Essentially, they'd be terroir-driven by default as all of the fruit comes from the same place. However, winery practices can certainly affect the end result and mask nuanced earth and mineral aromas and flavours - the classic example being over-oaking the wine to impart familiar tannin flavours. Winemaker and proprietor Ross Hackworth allows the raw character of the grapes to show through with a minimalist approach to the elevage - 6 months in oak and then back into stainless steel for 3 months before bottling.

The nose offers earthy aromas first followed by red fruits. Medium-to-light weight in the mouth with classic cherry and plum fruit flavours with good minerality on the dry palate. Cooking spice lingers on the moderate finish. Very well balanced with round, ripe medium tannins. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Syrah - 90-91pts

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Syrah (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 470 cases
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: What makes this wine unique is that Nichol Vineyard combines the earthy, barnyard qualities one expects from a top terroir-driven Pinot Noir with the power and boldness of a juicy Syrah. The resulting wine is the closest thing I've tasted from BC that reminds me of a Northern Rhone Syrah. Perhaps this is due to the 100% estate grown fruit or perhaps it's due to the 20 year old vines. Likely, it is a combination of all that with the limited oak treatment (6 months) winemaker Ross Hackworth employs which allows the wine to showcase both its earth and fruit characters.

Dark cherry is prominent on the nose and dry palate. Pepper spice is present but plays a supporting role in this Syrah, mostly showing in the long and balanced finish. Round tannins add structure with good natural acidity which will keep the wine fresh and evolving for some time. Drink 2010-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Wild Goose Vineyards 2009 Autumn Gold - 88pts

Wild Goose Vineyards 2009 Autumn Gold (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: VQA stores and direct from winery here
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: September 27th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, this smooth and tasty wine offers subtle citrus, papaya and lychee fruit aromas with slate mineral notes on the nose. The off-dry palate is  luscious in texture with a creamy mouth feel. Crisp acidity keeps the wine balanced and allows the fruit flavours of apple, pear, citrus and Christmas cake spice to shine. Bit of lingering tartness on the moderate finish refreshes the palate. Drink young, on its own or with light salads. 2010-2011.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 9 Mile Red - 88pts

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 9 Mile Red (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 215 cases
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: The 9 Mile Red, who's light-coloured appearance would predispose you to think it a lightweight, really packs a punch. Intense vanilla-cherry aromas and earthy notes great you on the nose followed by a crisp and bright medium-bodied palate with good continuity of flavours; cherry, vanilla, plum and warm gravel. A blend of 57% St. Laurent and 43% Pinot Noir with 6 months in French oak. The high natural acidity and flavour profile makes the wine a great pairing for savory fish dishes like grilled salmon or sea bass. Drink now. 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier

Poplar Grove Winery 2007 Syrah - 90+pts

Poplar Grove Winery 2007 Syrah (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. VQA stores
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: The fruit for this beautiful Syrah came from a Skaha Lake vineyard with excellent sun exposure. The resulting wine, handled expertly by winemaker Ian Sutherland, is fully ripe and bursting with concentrated red and dark fruit flavours and aromas. This is a serious Syrah, dark and brooding, with a good expression of terroir and spicy pepper notes. Oak treatment enhances the nose and palate without overshadowing the fruit characters.

Winner of a 2010 Lieutenant Governor Award of Excellence - well deserved. Enjoy on its own or with grilled meats. Drink now through 2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

La Frenz Winery 2008 Shiraz - 90pts

La Frenz Winery 2008 Shiraz (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: A bright and joyful nose of dark cherries, oak, licorice and pepper on this dark ruby coloured Shiraz from La Frenz Winery. The concentrated fruit aromas and flavours give the impression of sweetness on the intense nose and dry palate, masking any hotness from the alcohol. Supremely well balance with a long finish of lingering spice. Drink 2010-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Two Hands Wines 2008 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz - 90pts

Two Hands Wines 2008 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores, Costco (Washington State)
Cost: $40 (BC), $25 (WA)
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: September 23rd, 2010

Tasting Notes: Tart and tannic at times, but oh so tasty. A sublime nose with layers and layers of complex, highly concentrated aromas ranging from sweet eucalyptus to spicy dark chocolate to savory toasted oak. The tart palate explodes with concentrated flavours of dark fruits and Christmas Cake spice. The tannins are a touch sharp, but fully ripe. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 Syrah - 89pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2008 Syrah (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $27.99
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 310 cases
Date Tasted: September 23rd, 2010

Tasting Notes: Made from fruit grown on the Skaha Bench and near Osoyoos, the Stag's Hollow 2008 Syrah is a Northern Rhone Valley, Cote Rotie inspired blend of Syrah and Viognier. Co-fermented in lots of varying percentages (5, 10, 15% Viognier) with 10 months of oak aging and then blended to produce the final 91%-9% split.

Loads of aromatic perfume notes on the nose from the Viognier. Just a schoch less would be perfect as the Syrah flavours on the palate are powerful and bold and the result is a bit reminiscent of a bodybuilder with flowers in his hair. Otherwise, an excellent Syrah full of big pepper notes, fruit flavours and appropriate levels of oak influence (90% French, 10% American). Approachable now and will keep another 3-4 years due to good tannin structure and natural acidity. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Poplar Grove Winery 2006 The Legacy - 91pts

Poplar Grove Winery 2006 The Legacy (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. VQA stores
Cost: $50
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: September 23rd, 2010

Tasting Notes: A blend of 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon with intense aromas of dark fruits, oak and prunes with aromatic, perfume notes. The dry palate is supremely textured with concentrated flavours - good continuity from the nose. A touch of pepper spice lingers on the long, balanced finish.

The aging of this big red has been done for you at the winery and thus the wine is approachable upon release. Further development with cellaring will be minimal but its excellent tannic structure will allow a long window of enjoyment. Enjoy on its own or with roasted meats. Drink 2010-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

La Frenz Winery 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon - 90-92pts

La Frenz Winery 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: A big winner at the 2010 All Canadian Wine Competition winning the "Best Cabernet Sauvignon over $25" category. Happily, it's only just over $25 and beat out many higher priced wines in the process.

We strongly recommend cellaring this beauty for two years before opening it to truly get the most out of it - you will be rewarded for your patience. However, if you can't wait, you'll get ripe, round tannins and big dark berry flavours on the palate. Intense aromas of cassis and other dark fruits on the nose plus wanted oak notes. Drink 2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

La Frenz Winery 2007 Grand Total Reserve - 92-93pts

La Frenz Winery 2007 Grand Total Reserve (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: The 2007 offering of the La Frenz's big gun is made up of a whopping 52% Cabernet Franc with the four other Bordeaux varietals (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot) filling out the blend. The result is a wine that ultimately doesn't stray far from the house style for their big red, robust-meets-restrain, but does offer more aromatic, perfume-y notes on the nose and a touch of twang on the palate. La Frenz should sell tickets to their yearly blending summit for this wine - it must be a fun exercise.

The 2007 Reserve delivers an intense and powerful nose of dark fruits and toasted oak with a vein of sweetness emanating from the concentrated fruit aromas. The palate is concentrated as well, but the layers of flavours don't bombard your senses, they melt slowly in your mouth like a bar of chocolate in the microwave.

Year-in-year-out this is one of the top Meritage blends in the Province and remains fairly unheralded. Drinking beautifully now, but the fine, ripe tannins and good acidity will allow this wine to age comfortably for some time. Drink 2010-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Fielding Estate Winery 2008 Un-Oaked Chardonnay - 87pts

Fielding Estate Winery 2008 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Niagara Peninsula) Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $15.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: August 8th, 2010

Tasting Notes: For white wine lovers who prefer a crisp expression of fruit flavours rather than an oaked set-piece, the 2008 Un-Oaked Chardonnay from Beamsville Bench producer Fielding Estate Winery is the wine for you. Light, pale straw in colour with aromatic, candied-lemon, mineral and orchard fruit aromas. The palate is subtle with medium acidity (a bit low for a Chardonnay that hasn't been through malolactic fermentation) and medium body. Good continuity of aromas to flavours with the palate also showing a touch of tropical fruit. Enjoy this wine young.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Generation Seven Wines 2009 Red - 86pts

Generation Seven Wines 2009 Red (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Ontario

Availability: LCBO stores. Chateau Des Charmes Niagara
Cost: $13.95 (Ontario)
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: September 15th, 2010

Tasting Notes: This blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Gamay finds its voice by focusing on the fruit characters of each varietal creating a smorgasbord of berry and dark fruit flavours. No lengthy oak program needed for this fun and easy-drinking wine that offers a spectrum of aromas and flavours framed nicely by soft, smooth tannins and a strong acidic kick. Well balanced with a steady finish of lingering spice.

Enjoyable on its own, but the wine really shines when paired with food. I tried it with a tomato-based, spicy meatball pasta sauce (with some of the wine added in) and the acidity and weight stood up beautifully. Drink young. 2010-2011. LCBO #198036
 - Liam Carrier