La Frenz Winery 2021 Alexandria - 88pts

La Frenz Winery 2021 Alexandria (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.6%
Date Tasted: May 31st, 2022

Tasting Notes: An off-dry, rich blend of 50% Muscat and 50% Schonburger sourced from the winery's Naramata Bench vineyards. Uber-ripe and creamy on the exotic fruit and melon scented nose with a touch of candied fruit on the well balanced palate which offers relief from the residual sugar by way of a refreshing wave of fresh peach acidity. Enjoy on a sunny patio with friends (and be prepared to open a 2nd bottle). Drink now-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Winemaker's Cut 2019 Muscat Canelli - 88pts

Winemaker's Cut 2019 Muscat Canelli (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 11.5%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: May 10th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Sourced from vineyards in Naramata and North of Oliver, this well-balanced Muscat offers a delicate and effervescent profile with a harmonious blend of orchard and Tropical fruit on the graceful, subtle nose and on the lemon drop-kissed, slightly, off-dry palate. This low alcohol wine makes an elegant addition to any Sunday brunch (or any other meal that you want to emulate a Sunday brunch). Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2018 "En Famille" Reserve Muscat - 89pts

JoieFarm 2018 "En Famille" Reserve Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.1%
Production: 401 cases
Date Tasted: August 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Continuing the dryer trajectory of the reserve muscat from last year, the 2018 is lean and focused on the palate with delicate, peach and mineral flavours and supported with crisp acidity over a touch of oily mouthfeel. Perfumed and aromatic on the equally delicate nose, this wine should be allowed to warm-up and open-up in order to be coiffed properly when served with a slow, relaxed brunch. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Muscat Frizzante - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Muscat Frizzante (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.1%
Date Tasted: July 11th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A focused, lightly bubbly, Prosecco-styled blend of 47% Orange Muscat, 46% Muscat Ottonel and 7% Riesling sourced from multiple Okanagan Falls vineyards. Opens with a subtle, delicate nose of peach, lemon/lime and grape aromas followed by an effervescent, well-balanced palate offering flavours of nectarine, peach, pear and a touch of minerality. Everything neat and tidy and quite refreshing. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 "En Famille" Reserve Muscat - 89pts

JoieFarm 2017 "En Famille" Reserve Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $27.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 11.4%
Production: 401 cases
Date Tasted: April 28th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Sourced solely from the winery's home vineyard along the Naramata Bench and new for the 2017 vintage, this Muscat has been elevated to the firm's reserve, "En Famille" tier. Opens with an intensely perfumed and aromatic, yet, delicate nose of orange blossom, nectarine, peach skin, lemon and mineral aromas. Decidedly dryer than previous incarnations of this wine with grape skin, stone fruit, mineral and citrus flavours on the bright palate where a hint pf white pepper lingers on a moderate finish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Muscat Frizzante - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Muscat Frizzante (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.9%
Date Tasted: November 18th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The 2015 vintage Muscat Frizzante is refreshingly vibrant and dry (or Brut) very Prosecco, in style, with a lifted profile of citrus and stone fruit, minerals and a hint of lees. Bitter lime rind and a touch of spice linger  on the effervescent finish. A great holiday party aperitif. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2016 Moscato d'Osoyoos - 91pts

LaStella Winery 2016 Moscato d'Osoyoos (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and restaurants
Cost: $19.99 + taxes (500ml)
Alcohol: 9.7%
Production: 859 cases
Date Tasted: June 3rd, 2017
@LaStellaWinery

Tasting Notes: An effervescent elixir with delicate, apricot and nectarine aromas and flavours on the elegant nose and fully off-dry palate. Perfume and floral notes add to the opulence, with hints of minerals and peach skins contributing a touch of masculinity to the wine. Marketed as a go-to wine for brunches or spicy fish curries, and it's hard to argue with that. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Muscat - 87pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Muscat (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $16.90
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 480 cases
Date Tasted: May 12th, 2017
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: Actually a 85/15 split of Muscat and Riesling, respectively, sourced from vineyards in Naramata and from the Golden Mile, this wine is billed as a non-traditional Muscat and that's pretty honest and accurate. The nose is Sauvignon Blanc-ish with citrus, gooseberry, fresh herbs and blossom aromas and even a light hint of Oyster shells. The palate has some body and a nice texture to it with similar flavours (minus the seashells) but with more than a hint of spice and smoke. Definitely unique and offered at a great price. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 Muscat - 88pts

JoieFarm 2016 Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $22.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 10.8%
Production: 443 cases
Date Tasted: May 12th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The delicate, nuanced nose returns, with aromas of nectarine, peach skin, lemon-lime and light spice, though, the 2016 edition of the JoieFarm Muscat is noticeably more watery and acidic on the mineral'n'citrus adorned palate than recent, superbly balanced vintages of the 100% Moscato Giallo grape (see 2015 & 2014). Enjoy this brunch-friendly wine in its youth. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 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

JoieFarm 2015 Muscat - 90pts

JoieFarm 2015 Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $22.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.1%
Production: 460 cases
Date Tasted: May 12th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Sourced from the winery's home vineyard on the Naramata Bench, this Muscat will brighten the cloudiest of days with its cheerful, feminine profile of peach skin, nectarine, creamy lemon drop, sweetened flowers, grapes and light spice notes on the delicate nose and the slightly off-dry, well-balanced palate. An effortless drink and one ready to be consumed in its youth. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2014 Muscat - 90pts

JoieFarm 2014 Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $22.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 11.4%
Production: 394 cases
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2015

Tasting Notes: An effortless Muscat with feminine, perfumed aromas orange blossoms,  soft spices, ripe, juicy peaches and nectarines and sweet, lemon drop candies. Good continuity follows on the charming, full-ish palate where similar flavours meld with a wave of even, peach acidity and citrus fruit through to the long finish where a hint of tannin lingers amongst light clove and cardamom notes. Sure to put a smile to the face of anyone who takes a sip. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2013 Muscat - 90pts

JoieFarm 2013 Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 11.8%
Production: 483 cases
Date Tasted: May 19th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Instantly pleasing at the first sniff of sweet peach and perfume aromas with lemon drop candy and delicate rose petal notes adding depth. The palate is a jolt to the senses compared to the demure, sensual nose. Imagine a big bite of a freshly picked white peach, right of the tree; acidic, sweet and juicy with notes of stonefruit and citrus peel. Delicious.

Enjoy this wine throughout the Spring and Summer with your favourite brunch or picnic fare. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2012 Alexandria - 89pts

La Frenz Winery 2012 Alexandria (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: August 30th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A bolder version of Muscat when compared to some of its delicate Okanagan Valley peers who focus more on the subtle, pure grape characters VS highlighting its potential for big, juicy orchard fruit flavours like La Frenz has chosen to do. Peach, apple, apricot, citrus and stonefruit aromas and flavours round-out the profile of this joyous, off-dry wine suitable for Sunday brunches or dreary Winter nights when you're dreaming of the warmth of Summer. Not a wine to hold in your cellar for long - best enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2012 Muscat - 90pts

JoieFarm 2012 Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 11.5%
Production: 446 cases
Date Tasted: April 23rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: Delicate and complex, fruity and tangy with a supremely pleasing flavour profile of  perfume, apricots, rose petals, stonefruit, lemon/lime and kiwi fruit. Off-dry levels of residual sugar are well balanced by the citrus acidity on the concentrated, expressive palate. Manages to remain light and fresh despite the impressive body and texture derived from the opulent fruit rather than from any glycerol effect from high alcohol. Enjoy this wine through the Spring and Summer with your favourite brunch or picnic fare. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2011 Alexandria - 88pts

La Frenz Winery 2011 Alexandria (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: March 25th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This Muscat captures the paradox of the Naramata Bench on a hot, yet windy day when the sun would cook your shoulders if not for the cool breeze coming off the cold lake: sweet, ripe tropical fruit juxtaposed with tart, citrus acidity keeping the off-dry palate refreshing and balanced. Muscat wines have the ability to most closely mimic the experience of biting into a bunch of grapes; it's exciting, sweet and fun.

Not a wine to hold in your cellar for long - best enjoyed in its youth, on a hot, sunny porch. Drink Now-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 Muscat - 88pts

JoieFarm 2011 Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 11.1%
Production: 427 cases
Date Tasted: April 2nd, 2012

Tasting Notes: The 2011 edition of Joie's estate grown Muscat is a little more subdued than the expressive 2010, especially on the subtle nose, yet the natural delicate charm remains. 8.5 g/l of residual sugar is, metaphorically speaking, eaten-up by the tangy, but never sharp, acid - a very nice balance that adds body and a refreshing quality to the finish. The palate transmits the essence of biting into a nearly ripe peach - tangy sweetness with a touch of candied fruit and earthy spice. Kiwi and lime fruit flavours are also present. Enjoy this wine through the Spring and Summer with your favourite brunch or picnic fare. Drink now-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

On a side note: The wine's nickname, "The Pure Grape", is a reference to the variety's ability to actually taste, when fermented into the tangy alcohol beverage we all love, like the berries do on the vine. That's rarer than you might think.

JoieFarm 2010 Muscat - 89pts

JoieFarm 2010 Muscat (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $22.90 (direct)
Alcohol: 11.3%
Production: 453 cases
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: If smelling and sipping this wine doesn't make you smile then perhaps your heart is of the "one size too small" variety. The nose pops out of the glass with tangy citrus and candied fruit aromas. On the palate the wine is both biting and delicate. Crisp and fresh, yet gentle in its release of bright, nectarine, peach and lemon flavours. Well balanced with a moderate-plus finish Has the acidity to cut through the greasy texture of cured meats or bacon. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012 (or until the next vintage is available).
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2010 Moscato d'Osoyoos - 88pts

LaStella Winery 2010 Moscato d'Osoyoos (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and restaurants
Cost: $19.99 (500ml)
Alcohol: 9.2%
Production: 635 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The Moscato d'Osoyoos is the ultimate brunch wine: low alcohol, fruity, flowery, fizzy, sweet and, above all else, very tasty. The perfect pairing for the richest of the Sunday brunch dishes: Eggs Benedict. A blend of different Muscat varieties it boasts a long finish, a light fizz and ample residual sugar, true to its inspiration: the Moscato d'Asti wines of Piedmont. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

SummerGate Winery 2009 Muscat Ottonel - 89pts

SummerGate Winery 2009 Muscat Ottonel (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Inquiries can be made direct to the winery here and Liberty Wine Merchants
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 156 cases
Date Tasted: March 13, 2011

Tasting Notes: To truly appreciate the gentle and delicate nose of this Muscat Ottonel from new Summerland producer SummerGate, I recommend 30 mins of decanting to allow the wine to open-up (and warm-up), releasing the intricate aromas of apricots, rose petals, stonefruit, cotton candy and lemon. The dry palate follows with the perception of sweetness from the concentrated flavours of a medley of citrus fruits which manages the tart acid effortlessly. Balance and a long, lingering finish seem to be a trademark of the SummerGate portfolio and is well represented here. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca