Meyer Family Vineyards 2015 McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir - 90-91pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2015 McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private stores
Cost: $40 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 13th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Sourced from the winery's home vineyard in Okanagan Falls, this is a rich and hedonistic Pinot Noir with harmonious dark fruit, sensual herbs and rustic earth aromas on the nose. The dark fruit and earth theme continues through to the medium-plus bodied palate, nicely balanced with fresh blackberry acidity and supported by silky, fine tannins. Finishes long and elegant. Drink now or hold for further integration and development. Drink 2017-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Micro Cuvée Chardonnay - 93+pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Micro Cuvée Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $60-70 est
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 105 cases
Date Tasted: June 24th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Each year the winemaking team at Meyer Family Vineyards carefully tastes and evaluates each barrel of Chardonnay over and over through the wine's fermentation and early élevage. Should a few barrels stand-out they will be considered for a special Micro Cuvée release which has only happened a handful of times since the winery as founded in 2006. For the 2011 vintage the stars aligned and the cool Fall and late harvest created a rich and textured Chardonnay with 5% botrytis infected fruit contributing notes of honeydew and apricots.

This remarkable Chardonnay combines raw power with amazing refinement while finding harmony between the unique terroir and oak treatment elements - a hallmark of the world's best Chardonnay. Both intense and restrained on the baked caramelized apple nose and leesy, orchard fruit and smoky palate. Boasting excellent acidity and a long, never-ending finish with lingering mineral and citrus flavours.

Many Icon Wines have the ability to drink well early and promise further development and the Micro Cuvée is no different. Certainly a special occasion wine based on the expected price, but not necessary one that you have to earmark for an event a long time in the future. Open it on your next birthday or anytime over the next 5-7 years. Drink 2013-2018+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 McLean Creek Vineyard Chardonnay - 90pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 McLean Creek Vineyard Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 340 cases
Date Tasted: May 9th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Stylistically consistent year-to-year, the McLean Creek Vineyard Chardonnay is a pleasant combination of light Oak charm and Chablis-like focus with apple, lemon/lime, mineral, pineapple, bay leaf, clove and bread characters on the delicate nose and boisterous palate. Crisp acidity, concentrated fruit flavours and a long, balanced finish denote the quality of this Okanagan Falls Chardonnay which will be at home in your cellar for 3-4 more years though is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2013-2016+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Tribute Series Chardonnay - 91pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Tribute Series Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 430 cases
Date Tasted: May 1st, 2013

Tasting Notes: A golden-hued Chardonnay from Naramata Bench which offers delightful pear, apple, vanilla and lightly toasted oak aromas on the pleasant nose but this wine is really all about the engaging palate which playfully attacks your mouth from multiple angles. There's the great leesy-fullness and MLF flavours to satisfy your craving for richness and there's the cool mineral and citrus acidity characters that satisfy the your craving for refreshment. Drink 2013-2016+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir - 91pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 340 cases
Date Tasted: April 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Quality lives in the details of a wine and the Mclean Creek Pinot Noir fulfills this promise admirably. Impressively round and ripe with concentrated raspberry and plum fruit aromas supported by rich cedar, cooking spice and mineral notes. The palate is equally rich with an initial bright red fruit entry followed by silky-smooth, light tannins and an intense, long finish of raspberry puree and toasted French oak flavours.

Though drinking beautifully now, another 6-9 months will only help the palate integrate further. Drink late-2013-2017+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Reimer Vineyard Pinot Noir - 89-91pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Reimer Vineyard Pinot Noir (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 222 cases
Date Tasted: April 26th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The intensity of the nose of this Pinot, produced with fruit sourced from an East Kelowna vineyard, can be appreciated from across a room. Bold, bright aromas of cherry, plum, raspberry seeds, vanilla, dried flowers and hints of oak spice and cracked earth mingle beautifully. Classic Pinot texture and tannin structure follows on the dry, equally intense palate, though, the flavour profile shifts to a more savoury tone with bright red fruit playing a supporting role. Finishes long and a bit bitter with mouth watering tartness and lingering notes of oak and raspberry seeds.

Give this intriguing wine another year or 2 to mature and soften and you'll be glad you did when your patience is rewarded with improved acid integration. Drink late 2014-2017.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir - 90pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) Okanagan Falls - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 930 cases
Date Tasted: April 19h, 2013

Tasting Notes: A gorgeous, complex array of cherry-cola, raspberry, sweet oak, vanilla, forest floor and warm earth aromas greet you on the nose of this blend of Pinot Noir batches from numerous locations all over the Okanagan Valley. Followed by a dry, nicely textured palate with medium tannins and a flavour profile that mimics some of the complexity of the expressive nose, though, with less fruit and more mineral notes making it a great match for classic pairings like roasted duck or salmon.

This entry-level Pinot Noir makes for an excellent introduction to the Meyer Family Vineyards line-up. Enjoy it in its youth as you wait for the winery's premium, single vineyard Pinots to mature. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Mclean Creek Road Chardonnay - 91pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Mclean Creek Road Chardonnay (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 216 cases
Date Tasted: November 7th, 2011

Tasting Notes: As the vines of the Mclean Creek Road Vineyard in Okanagan Falls mature and develop, the Chardonnay produced there is fast becoming the winery's hallmark - its unique addition to the crowded market of high-end BC Chardonnay. Miles from the winery's roots in Naramata Bench, both geographically and stylistically, its combination of light Oak charm and Chablis-like focus make the Mclean Creek Road Vineyard offering one of the more interesting of its class.

On the heels of the very tasty 2009 vintage, the 2010, with its abundant minerality and crisp mouth feel seems to have dialed-in the balance of oak-to-freshness even more acutely. Despite the late ripening in 2010, the grapes managed to retain their acidity and developed more complex character: green apple, lemon, pineapple, spice, hay, butter, lees and oak are all on offer. The wine finishes long with lingering green apple peel and bay leaf flavours. The wine has the acid and concentration to hold nicely over the next 3-4 years but may not evolve much. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Tribute Series Chardonnay - 90+pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Tribute Series Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 660 cases
Date Tasted: November 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: Year-in, year-out the Tribute Series from Meyer Family Vineyards captures the essence of Naramata Bench Chardonnay: an intense and juicy orchard fruit profile with crisp stonefruit notes. The acid is higher in the 2010 release than that of the sublime 2009 vintage, but the oak treatment and malo-lactic fermentation has balanced the tartness with a welcomed creamy texture. Lemon zest and vanilla are perceptible through the long, long finish.

This Chardonnay is an excellent example of a white wine that should not be served too cold. When given a chance to breath and warm-up slightly, the nose will blossom revealing a developing bouquet of pear, brioche and lees. Tasting lovely now and may develop further over the next 2 years as Meyer wines have, thus far, proven to be cellar worthy. Drink 2011-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

On a side note: This year's tribute honours Sonia Gaudet, an amazing paralypian who's Wikipedia page (see here) lists her many international wins for Canada in the challenging sport of wheelchair curling.

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Reimer Vineyard Pinot Noir - 91pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Reimer Vineyard Pinot Noir (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 196 cases
Date Tasted: October 30th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This delightful purple-ruby hued Pinot Noir begins with a gorgeous nose worth taking the time to enjoy before moving on to the concentrated, tart palate. Rich, round aromas of dark cherry, raspberry seeds, ripe plum, vanilla, dried flowers and a hint of oak mingle nicely in the glass creating a pleasing bouquet that will make you smile.

Similar flavours follow on the palate which starts juicy with the perception of sweetness and finishes very dry with lingering, mouth watering tartness and savoury notes of oak and dusty rocks. Medium-minus tannins compliment and add structure but never take center stage. This is a classic Pinot Noir presentation where the intrigue is provided by the subtle nuances of the components. Enjoy this lovely wine on its own. Drink 2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir - 88-89pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 490 cases
Date Tasted: October 29th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This is the second vintage (see 2009) of Meyer's entry-level Pinot Noir and it remains consistent in its delivery of approachable red fruit, cured meat and baking spice aromas. A credit to the blending skills of the winemaking team that despite the cooler 2010 vintage they have pieced together a warm and hearty palate of upfront, juicy red fruit flavours and forest floor notes from grapes sourced throughout the valley. A touch of spice accompanies a lingering and prominent sharpness. If paired with food, the extra tartness will perform its purpose as an excellent palate refresher. Enjoy this wine over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Re-tasted on November 29th - Points adjusted.
Not 100% sure if the "improved" appreciation of this wine is due to the second bottle being from an earlier bottling session than the first or if it's more of a slight change in perspective. Whatever the case, this is a very well put together Pinot with more classic Burgundian flavours than first perceived. A fine mineral vein runs through the flavour profile adding depth and intrigue. Very tasty!

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir - 90pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: To be released in the Spring of 2012. Contact winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 48 cases
Date Tasted: November 12th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Robust, concentrated and refreshing. The 2009 vintage of the Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir yielded just 48 cases but every bottle packs a punch. The nose is fresh and very ripe with aromas of cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice, fennel, cedar, cooking spice and minerality. The dry palate offers great continuity with a similar flavour profile livened-up by mouth-watering acidity and medium tannins. The finish is long with lingering white pepper spice. The winery is wise to delay the release to allow more time in bottle to mellow and meld. Drink late-2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir - 89pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Mclean Creek Road Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 168 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The style of the 2010 Mclean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir reflects the vintage truthfully: lean, mean and very flavourful. Strong minerality and plenty of acid makes your mouth stand-up and take notice, en guard even, but then the intense red fruit flavours arrive and calm the precedings through to the long, refreshing finish with lingering tartness.

Perhaps not the classic profile of the 2008 or the ripe intensity of the 2009, but this honest wine makes the most of a difficult growing season (saved by a late Indian Summer) and does what all good Pinot should - speaks of its terroir admirably.

Given time, the nose opens up beautifully in the glass. At first the developing bouquet is tense and timid, but with proper decanting and patience it evolves to reveal a lovely array of sweet cherry and plum aromas. However, I would still recommend cellaring this youthful wine another 6-9 months before opening. Drink mid-2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Micro Cuvée Chardonnay - 92-93pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Micro Cuvée Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $70
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 72 cases
Date Tasted: November 14th, 2010

Tasting Notes: The Meyer Family Vineyards' 2009 Micro Cuvée Chardonnay comes from the same Old Main Road Vineyard on Naramata Bench that yields their excellent Tribute Series release. To make the grade as the Micro Cuvée, a small lot release of 72 cases, the winery selects the barrels which offer the best balance and greatest expression of terroir. The result is a Chardonnay that exudes character and pushes the quality benchmark for BC Chardonnay. In short, it's an "experience" wine.

The balance of fruit-to-acid-to-minerality is exquisite. Orchard fruits mingle with savoury oak notes and meld with citrus and melon characters. Highly concentrated on the palate with good continuity of flavours from the refined nose. The texture reminds one of a great cigar in the way it envelopes your mouth while never being overbearing.
This Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay strives for the same thing that the Grand Cru wines of Burgundy do - be the ultimate expression of terroir - that French term to describe everything that encompasses a wine's sense of place. That is not to say that the wines are doppelgangers, as comparing BC's youthful and varied vineyards to the thousand year old agricultural knowledge and meticulously planted landscape of Burgundy is irresolvable, but the attention to detail and the pursuit of excellent is - at the fraction of the price.

Enjoy this Chardonnay on its own with friends as a showcase. As with other 2009 releases, it is drinking well in its youth and has the finesse and pedigree to last a long time. Drink 2011-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Meyer Family Vineyards 2008 McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir - 90-91pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2008 McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 150 cases
Date Tasted: November, 2010

Tasting Notes: The McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir is tasty, complex and well mannered. It's the Pinot you bring home to mom. That is not to imply boring in any way, but rather to indicate that it is neat, tidy and won't speak out of turn. Ok, it's a tad predictable with a classic dark red fruits and earthy-notes profile, but when the more flashy Pinots leave you hanging, this is the one you'll turn to for dependable quality and Pinotranquility.

Refined aromas of dark cherry, plum, warm gravel, toasted oak, vanilla and a hint of spice are followed by an intense palate of similar flavours with added raspberry flavours and a smoky texture. The moderate-plus finish is well balanced with medium tannins and acid.

I recommend you give this wine some more time in the bottle to settle and gel. It should reward patient cellaring with its excellent structure. Pair with classic Pinot Noir friendly dishes like baked salmon or beef stew. Drink 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Meyer Family Vineyards 2008 Central Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir - 88-89pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2008 Central Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 150 cases
Date Tasted: November 9th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Complex layers of cured meats, dark cherry, vanilla, licorice, toasted oak aromas and barnyard notes greet you on the nose of this Central Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir from Meyer Family Vineyards. The bone-dry, savoury palate follows with prominent oak, plum, pine sap, mineral and vegemite flavours. The continuity from the nose to the palate is a bit askew due to the astringent bitterness character to the palate. A waxy textured wine with a moderate finish. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 620 cases
Date Tasted: November 6th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A varietal release from Meyer Family Vineyards made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced through-out the Okanagan Valley. For an entry-level Pinot Noir this wine delivers a surprisingly complex nose of raspberry, plum, mushroom, forest floor and oak spice, highlighted by aromatic jasmine notes. The palate offers good continuity from the nose with added mineral characters.

The hot 2009 growing season has contributed a bit more tannin than normal for Pinot Noir, but it doesn't over-power the palate in any way. Flavours are both juicy and earthy. The texture is tart and dusty making this an excellent wine to accompany food. Pair with heartier fare than your normal Pinot Noir, it can handle it. Ready to enjoy now, but will keep fresh for years with its quality fruit and screw top enclosure. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 McLean Creek Road Vineyard Chardonnay - 90+pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 McLean Creek Road Vineyard Chardonnay (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 216 cases
Date Tasted: November 7th, 2010

Tasting Notes: If the Meyer Family Vineyards Tribute Series Chardonnay can be likened to the wines of the Côte de Beaune then their McLean Creek Road Vineyard Chardonnay could be described as Chablis-like. The Okanagan Falls site has produced a crisp, focused and steely wine with loads of biting citrus, green apple and mineral characters that make you think of the wonderfully tart Chardonnay from Chablis. However, the added oak aromas and flavours and its silky texture make the wine a uniquely Okanagan product.

The dry palate bursts with lemon zest and mouth-watering acidity. The presence of savory flavours from the oak pair beautifully with the tart citrus notes. The finish is long and balanced with lingering spiced-lemon tang making you salivate for more. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Tribute Series Chardonnay - 91+pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2009 Tribute Series Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select private and VQA stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 292 cases
Date Tasted: November, 2010

Tasting Notes: Meyer Family Vineyards produces single vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines that follow the Burgundian code: make wines that express the terroir. The Tribute Series Chardonnay comes from their Naramata Bench property and exudes stonefruit minerality and juicy, fruit aromas and flavours. The key word for this wine, however, is "balance". It is so well balanced that in its presence your TV won't switch channels to Fox News.

The supreme balance comes from the medley of tart, green apple acidity paired with concentrated orchard and tropical fruit flavours all enveloped in layers of subtle, French oak. Acid, the perception of sweetness and savoury characters create a near-perfect trifecta of balance.

The 2009 vintage has produced a wine that is both approachable in its youth and cellar worthy. For such a youthful wine, it possesses a long, long finish. Excellent. Drink 2010-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Meyer Family Vineyards 2007 Tribute Series Chardonnay - 89+pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2007 Tribute Series Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. VQA stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 399 cases
Date Tasted: November 1st, 2010

Tasting Notes: With three years of aging, the 2007 vintage Chardonnay has developed a lovely golden hue and bouquet of caramel apple, Bosc pear, vanilla fudge, smoke and clove spice. The palate has evolved nicely as well, but feels a bit chunky. Intense flavours of orchard fruit, savoury toasted oak, toffee and cloves sit well in the mouth with a green apple tartness of high-minus acidity adding a nice kick.

A full-bodied Chardonnay to be sure with a balanced, long finish. Certainly a quality wine that can be enjoyed on its own. Still developing with another 3-4 years left before it peaks but is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010