Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Winemaker's Cut Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Winemaker's Cut Sauvignon Blanc (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 270 cases
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A beautifully crisp and pungent Sauvignon Blanc with ample exotic and citrus fruit, lemon grass and celery on the mineral-kissed nose and palate. Sourced from an Osoyoos vineyard and partially aged (20%) in Slovakian oak for 5 months prior to blending. Finish is long with citrus rind and a touch of spice lingering. Lip-smacking good! Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Winemaker's Cut Syrah - 91pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Winemaker's Cut Syrah (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Details here
Cost: $??
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 150 cases
Date Tasted: November 21st, 2017

Tasting Notes: Sadly, only 150 cases of this beautiful Syrah were produced and they're sold-out at the winery. If you find one, snatch it up immediately. If you open it right away, you'll be met by a wall of intense, dark cherry, pepper and cola aromas with a sexy susurrus of mint and licorice notes adding impressive depth on the nose. The youthful palate offers excellent continuity from the nose with similar flavours supported by toasted oak, fine tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is oh so long and spicy - lip smacking and satisfying. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat - 89pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 11.5%
Production: 660 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Once again a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon, though, the 2016 edition is decidedly more delicate and sweeter than the 2015 vintage with dainty, sugar-dusted peach candies and dried apricot aromas on the nose and with Muscat's pure grapey-ness dominating the slightly effervescent, off-dry palate. The finish is long and lined with minerals and grapefruit rind notes.

Enjoy this wine, in its youth, with a spicy, Red Curry Thai Soup or hard cheese plate - Gruyere would be divine. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Crescendo - 90-91pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Crescendo (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: October 29th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A well-balanced, New World Meritage-styled wine combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec (percentages withheld) sourced from the Southern Okanagan. Opens with refined blue fruit, vanilla and light coffee grind aromas on the nose followed by similar flavours on the smooth, fine tannin palate with an added kick of boysenberry acidity and peppery spice that leads to a long finish. Drink now or hold for some further development over the next 3-4 years. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Blanc De Noirs - 86pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Blanc De Noirs (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 11.5%
Production: 270 cases
Date Tasted: August 20th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A curious, pale-salmon hued rosé made from a blend of lightly pressed, 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Pinot Noir grapes with no skin contact, fermented to off-dry residual sugar in stainless steel tanks producing a low-alcohol, fragrant, vibrantly acidic, citrus and cran-strawberry fruit-infused wine for sipping on a hot deck or pairing with Isle of Man Cheddar. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Merlot - 89pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Merlot (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 300 cases
Date Tasted: August 15th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The ultra ripe 2015 edition of this Merlot from Lunessence squeezed every once of concentration out of that fire-riddled Okanagan Valley vintage. Elegance has suffered, but only slightly, with powerful blackberry, mint and toasted oak more dominant than integrated with the rest of the spicy, chocolate-raspberry and dusty tannin characters. Pair with sweet'n'spicy BBQ ribs. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon - 88pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: August 13th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A youthful Cabernet sourced from southern Okanagan vineyards from the fire-heavy, 2015 vintage with cassis fruit and blackberry seed aromas on the sweet spice-infused nose and with fleshly, blue fruit flavours on the mouth-watering palate. Prominent, brambly berry acidity lacks the smooth, toasted oak notes the 2014 vintage enjoyed skewing the balance a little sharp and lean through to a short finish. Yet, there is impressive intensity for a cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Pinot Blanc Oraniensteiner - 89pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Pinot Blanc Oraniensteiner (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 270 cases
Date Tasted: July 27th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A blend of opulent, sun-kissed Pinot Blanc and tangy, acidic Oraniensteiner, sourced from the Naramata Bench, producing a rich and refreshing, off-dry wine with Mott's fruit cup, melon and stone fruit characters on the appealing nose and on the mouth-watering, spicy palate. Long finish is nicely concentrated, though, a tad hot with lingering citrus rind notes. Drink this wine in its youth, there will be another tasty vintage next year. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Pinot Blanc Oraniensteiner - 88pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Pinot Blanc Oraniensteiner (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: October 16th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A fully off-dry, candied-fruit infused blend of late harvest Pinot Blanc and a little-know German grape called Oraniensteiner (a cross of Riesling and Silvaner). Mott's fruit cup and apricot aromas grace the subtle nose and the boisterous palate which also boasts added stonefruit and citrus notes and a nice wave of fresh peach acidity that helps keep the sweetness balanced. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat - 87pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 330 cases
Date Tasted: October 6th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Though only Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat make the front label, this fruit-forward blend also includes small amounts of Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon. Lifted on the nose with candied fruit notes and sweet orchard aromas of apricots, peaches and nectarines followed by a juicy and plump, off-dry palate with similar fruit flavours and a nice wave of fresh peach acidity and a touch of mineral and clove on the moderate finish. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Sauvignon Blanc - 85pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at winery. Visit website here 
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 58 cases
Date Tasted: September 24th, 2016

Tasting Notes: This Sauvignon Blanc opens with a muted nose with traces of hay, peach skin and apple. The medium intense palate follows with a touch of residual sugar matched by equal amounts of citrus and pineapple acidity. Look for light, honeydew, gooseberry, apple and stonefruit flavours. The finish is mouth-watering, but short-lived. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Rosé - 85pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Sold out at winery. Visit website here 
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: September 25th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A juicy, fruit-forward, off-dry rosé comprised of 70% Osoyoos-sourced Cabernet Franc and 30% Naramata Pinot Noir grapes. Some of the residual sugar is offset by cran-apple acidity, but not enough to keep the palate balanced and fluid. Prune and earth notes add depth on the long, dried-cranberry infused finish. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon - 90pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 330 cases
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon with a firm, spicy structure and a vibrant, wild berry, acidic edge, balanced nicely by infatuating layers of fleshy, blue fruit and smooth, toasty-warm oak. Ready to go now or enjoy of the next 2 years. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Merlot - 90pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Merlot (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 200 cases
Date Tasted: July 21st, 2016

Tasting Notes: Super concentrated blackberry puree opens the brooding nose of the Lunessence Merlot with layers of spice, mint, vanilla and pencil shavings following close behind. The palate has a pleasing combination of intense, juicy dark fruit and enterprising, fine tannins which seem to effortlessly meld with the residual sweetness and nicely frame the spice and savoury notes through to the moderate-plus finish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca