Le Vieux Pin 2014 Équinoxe Syrah (Osoyoos Lake) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $79.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 242 cases
Date Tasted: August 20th, 2017
Tasting Notes: Always in the debate for BC's best Syrah, this year's Équinoxe benefited from the near-perfect 2014 vintage (for big reds) creating a stunning wine of refinement and powerful elegance. Densely packed, yet approachable with layers of black cherry, ripe blackberry, white pepper, red plum, pipe tobacco, nectar, mild licorice and violet notes on the enchanting nose and the spicy, cola'n'cocoa nibs infused palate where ultra-fine, slightly smoky tannins and smooth, berry acidity add structure and length. Drink 2017-2024+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2015 "Cuvée Violette" Syrah (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $28.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 1293 cases
Date Tasted: May 29th, 2017
Tasting Notes: Sourced from multiple, distinct Southern Okanagan Valley sub-appellations and blended together with 1% Roussanne to create a feminine Syrah with cherry and black raspberry fruit, aromatic, floral notes and a layer of sensual, savoury characters: white pepper, vanilla, green olives and sweet incense throughout. Medium bodied, yet, intense in its purity of flavour with a long, mouth-watering finish of spice, oak and wild berry acidity. Ready to be enjoyed now or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink now-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2014 Retouche (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Not Yet released. Winery website here
Cost: $59.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 117 cases
Date Tasted: May 18th, 2017
Tasting Notes: Le Vieux Pin's Retouche is an ode to the long-abandoned practice of spiking Bordeaux wines with Syrah from the Rhone Valley when the native fruit was lacking in depth and intensity. The 2014 blend is a departure from recent vintages with a final assemblage of 43% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 15% Syrah creating a round, feminine wine with both red and blue fruit, light herbs and spice, menthol and subtle, toasted oak aromas and flavours.
Appropriate for mid-term cellaring, though, this beautiful, full-bodied wine is very approachable in its youth, with good complexity and length. Drink 2017-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2016 Vaila (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: VQA stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $23.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 909 cases
Date Tasted: April 15th, 2017
Tasting Notes: Le Vieux Pin's Vaila rosé is t
he answer to the question, "How could one cool down on a hot day without loads of residual sugar?" This blend of 100% Pinot Noir grapes, sourced from the multiple Okanagan Valley regions, is dry and refreshing with excellent texture and a delicious profile of rhubarb, kiwi, cranberry, raspberry seed and layers of citrus fruit. The finish is long and mouth-watering. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2013 Équinoxe Syrah (Osoyoos Lake) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $79.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 267 cases
Date Tasted: September 2nd, 2016
Tasting Notes: A feminine and moody Syrah with densely packed layers of ripe black cherries, peppercorn, spiced plums, licorice, sweet pipe tobacco aromas and lovely floral notes of potpourri, nectar and violets. The palate is equally dense and concentrated, bursting with mouth-watering, cherry-cola and smoky, black pepper flavours with fine tannins and red berry acidity contributing structure and balance. The finish is long with lingering dark berry notes and smoky goodness. Drink 2017-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2015 Petit Blanc (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18.49 +taxes
Alcohol: 12,7%
Production: 790 cases
Date Tasted: June 4th, 2016
Tasting Notes: An expressive blend of (mostly) Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris with splashes of Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat Blanc contributing some added dimension to this approachable, food-friendly wine. Aromas of ripe orchard and fresh citrus fruit patrol the rounded nose followed by similar flavours on the well-balanced, full-ish palate with citrus and Jazz apple acidity keeping the finish lively and refreshing where a hint of mineral and spice notes linger. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2013 Retouche (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Limited. Exclusive to wine club members only. Winery website here
Cost: $59.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 125 cases
Date Tasted: June 4th, 2016
Tasting Notes: Le Vieux Pin's 2013 Retouche is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Syrah sourced from Southern Okanagan vineyards along the Golden Mile and Black Sage benches. The wine spends 18 months in older, French oak barrels prior to bottling and showcases the effortless compatibility of the Cab-Merlot combination with Syrah contributing some rich spice notes on the nose and palate. The rest of the flavour profile consists of creamy blackberry and cassis fruit, lifted menthol, cherry-cola and dried herbs. Finish is long and rounded with fine, chalky tannins and spice lingering.
Ready to go now with 2-3 hours of decanting, though, future development is likely if given time to incubate in the bottle. Drink 2018-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2014 "Cuvée Classique" Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $44.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 327 cases
Date Tasted: May 13th, 2016
Tasting Notes: Like its baby sister, the 2014 "Cuvée Violette", this is feminine Syrah at its flowery, perfumed best. Though, big sister is a complex and often times moody enchantress with a powerful undercurrent of iron and peppercorn beneath layers of inviting, sweetened black cherry, black raspberry, dried flowers, incense, RC Cola, vanilla and dark chocolate aromas.
The palate is dense and solidly structured with levity coming from blood orange acidity. Good continuity from the nose carries through to the flavour profile with more emphasis put on berry fruit on the entry and peppery spice on the long finish. Ready to go now with more development to come over the next 5-6 years. Drink now-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Multi Regional) - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 415 cases
Date Tasted: April 25th, 2016
Tasting Notes: The devil is in the details and this excellent Sauvignon Blanc is sinfully good. Each vintage is an exploration of the art of blending with the 2015 being sourced from vineyards in both the Southern Okangan and Similkameen valleys and separate lots using a range of fermentation vessels from stainless steel vats to neutral, oak barrels and even a kiss of new French oak.
The result of this effort is a complex, finely tuned, rich-yet-refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with ample layers of tropical fruit, herbals, minerals and lees on the delicate nose and medium-bodied palate. The finish is long and richly textured with lingering citrus peel and level, spice notes. Drink 2016-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2014 Petit Rouge (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 460 cases
Date Tasted: April 24th, 2016
Tasting Notes: Predominantly a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend with a splash of Syrah, sourced from multiple vineyards in the Southern Okanagan Valley. The Petit Rouge is a social wine. It has the right combination of approachability, by way of ripe, berry and dark fruit and complexity, thanks to underlining savoury-earthy herbs and dusty tannins, making it a perfect match for both a busy dinner party or amongst your close, wine-savvy friends, Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2014 "Cuvée Violette" Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $26.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 850 cases
Date Tasted: April 17th, 2016
Tasting Notes: The antiquated saying "Sugar and spice and everything nice" comes to mind when tasting this uber-feminine Syrah loaded with gentle aromas of ripe black cherry, raspberry-chocolate, crushed flowers, vanilla, white pepper, sweet tea and tapenade. The middleweight palate offers good continuity from the nose with similar flavours, youthful, yet, finely-tuned tannins and a pronounced layer of spice, especially on the mouth-watering finish where wild berry acidity and pepper notes linger. Ready to be enjoyed now but should hold over the next 2-4 years. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2013 Ava (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.90 (includimg taxes)
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 690 cases
Date Tasted: August 22nd, 2015
Tasting Notes: A Southern Rhone-inspired blend of Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne (50-41-9%, respectively), that welcomes your appreciation with exotic tropical fruit, juicy white peach and crisp lemon characters on the delicate, floral-infused nose and on the rich, long-lasting palate where added layers of minerals, spice and lime rind await. Excellent depth and texture here. Drink 2015-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2012 Équinoxe Syrah (Osoyoos Lake) Okanagan Valley - BCAvailability: Direct from the winery hereCost: $89.90 (including taxes)Alcohol: 13.9%Production: 334 casesDate Tasted: July 24th, 2015Tasting Notes: A beast of a Syrah, yet, still feminine and floral in style. A true femme fatale with both mass and levity, opening with a gorgeous blend of black cherry, crushed violets, vanilla-mocha, white pepper, spicy plum sauce and sweet pipe tobacco aromas on the memorable nose. The intense, brooding palate follows with concentrated dark red fruit and smooth pepper flavours, effortless acidity and ripe, fine-grained tannins. The finish is balanced and oh-so long.
Produced in the Northern Rhone method which blends in Viognier (3.5%) during fermentation, then aged in French oak for 19 months before bottling. Still youthful at 3 years of age with further development to come over the next 4+ years, though, it may hold for 10 years or more. Drink 2018-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2014 Petit Blanc (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.04 ($21.90 including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 308 cases
Date Tasted: June 11th, 2015
Tasting Notes: A well balanced blend of mostly Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc (with other, unlisted, aromatic varieties) that plays the natural body and fullness of Pinot Gris off the inherent crispness and raciness of the Sauvignon Blanc. Yum.
Melon, apple, pear, hay, lemon-grass, spice, mineral and lemon-lime aromas and flavours, delivered via a seductive and comforting nose and a pleasantly textured and mouth-watering palate. Seafood salad and Spanish tapas come to mind for food pairing options, though, this wine will manage well on its own. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2013 Petit Rouge (Osoyoos Lake District) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20.78 ($23.90 including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 600 cases
Date Tasted: June 9th, 2015
Tasting Notes: This Merlot-dominant blend (with a small amount of Syrah) is loaded with fresh and dried herbs on the otherwise, mixed berry infused nose. The bright, mild tannin palate offers a similar theme of sweet berry fruit playing off the earthiness and spiciness of the herbs - a wine for a savoury, beef stew if ever there was one. Both the fruit and spice bow to the tangy wild berry acidity on the finish, though, a touch of pepper lingers. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2013 "Cuvée Violette" Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $26 ($29.90 including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 891 cases
Date Tasted: May 28th, 2015
Tasting Notes: Sticking to its mandate, delivering a Syrah focused on the aromatic and feminine qualities of the grape, the 2013 vintage of Le Vieux Pin's Cuvée Violette delights with warm, soothing and complex aromas of raspberry, violets, vanilla, white chocolate, white pepper and tapenade. The medium-bodied palate offers a nice balance of elegant tannins, a spicy mouth-feel, bright dark cherry and creamy oak flavours. Ready to be enjoyed now but should hold over the next 2-4 years. Drink now-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2014 Vaila (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: VQA stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $21.90 ($24.90 including taxes)
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 768 cases
Date Tasted: May 27th, 2015
Tasting Notes: A lovely, aromatic and zesty rosé produced from a blend of 100% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from Okangan Falls and Westbank vineyards that were purpose-grown for this label (not created as a by-product of "bleeding" pressed grapes destined for a red wine to increase that wine's concentration.)
The Vaila opens with an exotic mix of kiwi, rhubarb, cranberry, raspberry seed and alpine strawberry aromas followed by a vibrant, mouth watering palate with similar flavours, added citrus and mineral notes and a touch of body that lasts through the long finish. Drink now (it's a rosé).
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2012 "Cuvée Classique" Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $45
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 393 cases
Date Tasted: January 30th, 2015
Tasting Notes: A denser, more masculine Syrah than its vintage cousin, the "Cuvée Violette", with concentrated cool berry and menthol aromas supported by handsome cherry-cola, vanilla-spice and light incense notes. This is a nose you can appreciate for hours.
The palate is equally impressive with a concentrated, yet, elegant medley of cherry, white pepper and savoury flavours supported by fine tannins and a great kick of acid before the long, balanced finish takes over.
Ready to go now, though, will age comfortably in your cellar for another 5-6 years. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2012 "Cuvée Violette" Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 616 cases
Date Tasted: December 30th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Over the past 4-5 years, Le Vieux Pin has established itself as one of the best producers of Rhone Valley varietal wines in the Okanagan. Most of their Syrah releases have been designed to be cellar-worthy time capsules. With the "Cuvée Violette" we get a wine focused more on 'the now' rather than on future development.
Beautifully layered, feminine aromas of flowers (yes, violets, as the name suggests), raspberry, vanilla, white pepper, pot-pourri, pink grapefruit, cherry dust and warm fuzzies. The medium-bodied palate offers a nice balance of elegant, smooth spices and clean, red fruit flavours supported by bright acidity and moderate, fine tannins. Ready to be enjoyed now but should hold over the next 2-4 years if you want to wait it out (why?). Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Le Vieux Pin 2011 Retouche (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Sold out. Winery website here
Cost: $65
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 62 cases
Date Tasted: December 14th, 2014
Tasting Notes: The name for Le Vieux Pin's Retouche is a clever historical reference to a long forgotten practice when Bordeaux producers would secretly augment their Cabernet Sauvignon blends with Syrah from the Rhone Valley for much needed tannin structure, colour and depth. Essentially, it's a 80-20 split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, (a blend now commonplace thanks to Aussie imports), but it's much more fun to reference sneaky Bordelais of centuries-past.
I found tasting the 2009 vintage of the Retouche to be less intriguing than the clever name, thankfully, for the 2011 vintage, the wine in the bottle measures up.
The nose showcases creamy dark fruit aromas spiked with lifted menthol notes while hints of cherry-cola and spice lie in weight. The palate will seem tight unless properly decanted (or bottle aged for a further 1-2 years), once it opens up, you'll enjoy classic Cabernet blackberry and cassis flavours with Syrah and oak barrel influences adding depth and a pleasant roundness to the wine. The long finish is chalk
full of smooth spices. Drink late-2015-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
