Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Elle - 91pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Elle (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: 2013 vintage sold out. Visit winery here for next vintage
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: August 18th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A traditional method sparkling wine with a beautiful, bronze hue made from a 80/20 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, respectively, sourced from the winery's home vineyard along the Golden Mile Bench. A very French, yeasty bubbly with a kiss of candied fruit followed swiftly by mouthwatering, grapefruit acidity and a touch of spice and mineral notes. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2014 Chardonnay - 91pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2014 Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.50
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 100 cases
Date Tasted: May 9th, 2016
@MaverickWinery

Tasting Notes: A delicious, single-vineyard Chardonnay with excellent balance on the perfumed, feminine nose and the expressive, orchard'n'citrus infused palate. Sourced from the winery's Golden Mile property, the juice was fermented in French oak and then spent a further 6 months in barrel, on lees, which helped impart some body and texture to the palate and contributed warm, nutty-baked good notes to the nose. The wine saw no malolactic fermentation (a softening of the acids) leaving the finish crisp and refreshing. Nailed it! Drink 2016-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Rubeus - 89pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Rubeus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: January 13th, 2016

Tasting Notes: An intense, fruit-forward blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a rustic, smoky under-current on the dark berry and pipe tobacco-infused nose and on the spicy-plum and blackberry flavoured palate where a touch of residual sugar is whisked away by the bright, wild berry acidity and fine, mannered tannins to finish dry.

Showing well now with proper decanting and should drink well for another 2-3 years. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Syrah - 90pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Syrah (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $32
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 200 cases
Date Tasted: January 8th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A masculine, peppercorn-infused, powerful Syrah with an expressive nose of cherry, raspberry and floral aromas with light, sweet cured meat notes rounding out the developing bouquet. The palate is equally bold and masculine with red fruit supported by loads of pepper, oak and metallic, iron-y flavours.

Ready to go now with ample decanting, though, if you can give it time, you will be rewarded by further integration of flavours on the palate. Drink late-2016-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2014 Pinot Noir - 89-90pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2014 Pinot Noir (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: January 6th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A robust Pinot Noir sourced from the Golden Mile Bench with both juicy and earthy characters on the ripe, inviting nose and the well-balanced palate. Opens with black raspberry and cherry-cola flavours followed by a wave of rich, wood and soil notes and finishes dry with fine tannins and a touch of lingering spice - just enough to know it's there.

Will improve with moderate cellaring; 2-3 more years prior to opening. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2014 Pinot Gris - 90pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2014 Pinot Gris (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: September 25th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A superb wine that expertly walks the line between oaked and unoaked Pinot Gris with portions of the juice aged in stainless steel and French barrels. Full of texture and beautifully balanced with aromas of apples, pears, river stones, hay and yeast followed by a crisp, yet, full-ish palate bursting with flavours of red and green apples, citrus fruit, bread, minerals and cantaloupe. Refreshing lemon/lime acidity keeps the finish lively while a touch of spice and steel notes lingers through to the next sip. Delicious. Drink 2015-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2014 Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: August 2nd, 2015

Tasting Notes: A boisterous, fruit'n'acid driven Sauvignon Blanc with underlying fullness from rich, ripe apple and pear flavours and a touch of residual sugar. Refreshing, tangy citrus, light minerals, savoury wild herb and light lees characters add depth and complexity. The finish is long and well balanced with lingering spice and grapefruit peel notes. Has the structure and balance to hold for several years. Drink 2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2012 Rubicon - 88pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2012 Rubicon (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 360 cases
Date Tasted: October 10th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This medium-bodied, spicy, herbal wine is a blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon all sourced from the Golden Mile Bench in the Southern Okanagan Valley. Deep ruby-purple in colour, the Rubicon is a mild-mannered, feminine expression of Syrah with enhanced aromatics from the Cabernet Franc and an easy-going tannic backbone from the Cabernet Sauvignon.

There's impressive depth on the nose with aromas of white pepper, clove, cola, black cherry, mocha and alpine flowers. A mouth-watering kick of berry acidity on the palate keeps the balance lively while flavours of blackberry, wild herbs, cherry, spices, cured meats and minerals help to broaden the wine's food-pairing possibilities; stews, red meat roasts and even turkey dinner. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Chardonnay - 89pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.50
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 100 cases
Date Tasted: September 28th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A sensual, feminine Chardonnay with a lovely, perfumed nose of orange blossom, apricot, white peach, Golden Delicious apple and vanilla bean aromas. The palate is expressive and juicy with ripe orchard fruit and melon flavours galore. Mix in a touch of spice, light mineral notes, a kick of citrus acidity and the loving embrace of 5 months in 100% new French oak and you have yourself a lush, yet, refreshing Chardonnay. Drink 2013-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Pinot Gris - 89pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Pinot Gris (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 270 cases
Date Tasted: September 5th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A textured and flavourful Pinot Gris which sees a quarter of the wine fermented in oak and the rest in stainless steel, delivering a rich and well balanced version of the grape. After fermentation the Gris is aged on its lees for 3 months and blended with 10% Gewürztraminer to enhance the floral notes on the otherwise orchard fruit and mineral-driven nose and to add a light oily component to the already complex mouth feel. The palate, creamy upon entry, shows good continuity from the nose with added grapefruit flavours and crisp lemon/lime acidity, keeping the finish lively and refreshing. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Origin - 88pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Origin (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 170 cases
Date Tasted: August 26th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This blend of Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc (60/40 respectively) showcases classic characters of both varieties, balancing sweet, tropical fruit notes and unctuous texture from the Gewurz with crisp citrus fruit and cool mineral elements from the Sauv Blanc. Look for ripe lychee, gooseberry, orange blossom, fresh grass, lime rind, papaya and river stone aromas and flavours. Ready to go now for late Summer parties or as a crisp aperitif over the Fall/Winter. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Subtle, round and long. This Sauvignon Blanc from Golden Mile producer Maverick Estate Winery weaves a tale of baked lemons, Bosc pears, wild herbs and grapefruit peel through its inviting, feminine nose and refined, subtlety refreshing, mineral-kissed palate.

Some of the wine's roundness and fullness can be attributed to a quarter of the fermented wine being aged for 3 months in used French oak where it was allowed to stay in contact with its lees (spent yeast), contributing added body, texture and some warm brioche notes on the nose. The finish is long and impeccably well balanced, with lingering spice and citrus twang. Enjoy this Sauvignon Blanc in its youth and over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2014-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 111 cases
Date Tasted: July 27th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Tangy and attention getting, the nose of this Sauvignon Blanc, from new Golden Mile producer Maverick Estate Winery, spills out of the glass with bold aromas of grass, gooseberry, citrus and minerals. The full bodied palate follows with a blend of tangy citrus and juicy tropical fruit flavours. The finish is long with some lingering lemon peel notes and spice. Enjoy this Sauvignon Blanc in its youth and over the next few years. Drink 2013-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Pinot Gris - 89pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Pinot Gris (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 113 cases
Date Tasted: July 26th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A full and flavourful Pinot Gris (with 5% Gewürztraminer added) that generates much of its texture and body from 3 months of lees contact and partial oak fermentation. Boasts apple sauce, Bosc pear and fruity brioche aromas on the reserved, yet, complex nose followed by an equally intricate palate offering similar flavours with added minerality, more citrus influence and a nice balance of creamy texture and mannered acidity. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Origin - 88pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2011 Origin (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 164 cases
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: This new, $16, nicely packaged, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc blend from Maverick Estate Winery makes an impressive introduction to the new Golden Mile Bench venture by Burrowing Owl's departing winemaker Bertus Albertyn. "Origin", as its been named, opens with a vibrant and attention grabbing aromatic nose of sweet mandarin, lychee, orange blossom, fresh grass, lime rind and papaya aromas. A subtle, food-friendly palate follows with a simpler flavour profile focusing on apple and citrus fruit supported by the right amount of acid to keep your mouth fresh and wanting more. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca