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SpearHead Winery 2022 Duncan Vineyard Chardonnay - 90pts

SpearHead Winery 2022 Duncan Vineyard Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $30 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%

Production: 490 cases (750ml) + 48 magnums
Date Tasted: July 19th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Offers some of the tropical fruit notes of its East Kelowna-sourced, portfolio cousin, the Saddle Block Chardonnay, but otherwise stands on its own with a unique blend of elegant and party-boat characters. Fruit cup and a medley of ripe and tangy orchard aromas and flavours pair nicely with a touch of minerality, subtle savoury elements and a gentle kiss of oak. Finish is long and well balanced. Drink 2022-2025.

La Frenz Winery 2021 Viognier - 86pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: June 4th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Ripe, candied fruit open the beautiful nose of this melon-scented, off-dry blend of 85% Viognier and 15% Chardonnay. Though the honeydew acidity shows through, the 12g/l of residual sugar and creamy glycerin creates a slightly, unbalanced finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2022-2024.

La Frenz Winery 2021 Chardonnay - 88pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops

Cost: $23.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: May 22nd, 2022
@LAFRENZWINERY

Tasting Notes: Always a crowd-pleaser, except for only the most fervent of the ABC militia, the 2021 La Frenz Chardonnay holds to the winery's "Peaches and Cream" style delivery comfort food in-a-glass. There's a bit more (and very welcomed) stone fruit acidity on the well balanced and approachable palate with juicy, fruit-cup characters throughout and a nice combination of bright, orchard fruit and creamy, baked pear flavours on the satisfying finish. Drink now-2025.

Lake Breeze Vineyards 2019 Alizé Roussanne - 88pts

Lake Breeze Vineyards 2019 Alizé Roussanne (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: May 22nd, 2022

Tasting Notes: Very little Roussanne is grown in the Okanagan Valley and even less is bottled as a standalone varietal. Lake Breeze, with their Alizé release, gives us the rare opportunity to experience how the Rhone grape fares away from its traditional home. This Naramata grown version might be missing the unctuousness of its French brethren, but it succeeds in delivering a complex nose of stone fruit, floral tea and unpasteurized honey with similar flavours on the relatively full-ish and refreshing palate.

The current vintage is already 3 years old and ready to go. Drink now-2024.

La Frenz Winery 2019 Reserve Pinot Noir - 91-pts

La Frenz Winery 2019 Reserve Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.70 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: January 30th, 2022

Tasting Notes:

Opens with a luxurious nose of big, California-ripe, red fruit aromas which instantly grab your attention. Yet, this is a BC Pinot Noir, through and through, with layers of both savoury and fruit notes like dried spices, spiced plum, French vanilla cream, dark chocolate, black cherry and black plum.

The medium-weighted palate offers a similar fruit-to-savoury ratio with prominent, plum'n'cherry flavours leading the way. Fine tannins and effortless, wild berry acidity add structure and frame the long finish leaving your mouth watering and in-anticipation of the next sip. Ready to go now, though, holding for a further 2 years may yield additional development. Drink 2022-2025.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2019 Chardonnay - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $42
Alcohol: 13.5%

Production: 485 cases
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Produced with fruit sourced from a vineyard on the Naramata Bench planted exclusively with the Burgundian, Clone 95, similar to its portfolio cousin, the Saddle Block Chardonnay. This Naramata version is full and generous with both melon and orchard fruit throughout. Balance is attained through the existence of fresh and tangy citrus fruit present on the expressive nose and refreshing palate. Oak treatment is a bit heavy with with lingering wood bitters on the lime rind'n'spice-infused finish. Drink 2021-2024.

La Frenz Winery 2020 Chardonnay - 88pts

La Frenz Winery 2020 Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops

Cost: $20.78 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: May 22nd, 2021
@LAFRENZWINERY

Tasting Notes: The La Frenz, Peaches'n'Cream Chardonnay is comfort food in-a-glass, delivering a likability score of... Yum! Well balanced and approachable with juicy, fruit-cup aromas and flavours and a clean backbone of nectarine acidity to keep the finish crisp. You will finish the bottle after you open it, be warned, and don't age this Chardonnay more than 1-2 years, enjoy it in its youth. Drink now-2023.

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Gris - 87pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Gris (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $20 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.1%
Production: 293 cases
Date Tasted: August 10th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A clean and crisp, unoaked Pinot Gris with a focus on mouth-watering, orchard fruit flavours and aromas. Look for a medley of green and golden apples, citris fruit and plump, fleshy peache on the yeasty nose and the mineral-kissed palate. Refreshing for a hot Summer's day. Drink now-2022.

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2017 Merlot - 88-89pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2017 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $28 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 451 cases
Date Tasted: August 10th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A masculine Merlot with an earthy, iron base and layers of cocoa nibs, black currant, vanilla, licorice and spices on the youthful nose and the uber-dry, dusty-tannin palate. Not quite ready, but nearly. If you can't wait another 1-2 years, then be sure to decant for several hours before enjoying with your lean beef or game dinner. Drink 2022-2025+.

Little Engine Wines 2018 Rosé - 90pts

Little Engine Wines 2018 Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: See winery for details here
Cost: $27 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: September 13th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A beautifully textured blush made of 78% Pinot Noir and 22% Merlot sourced from Naramata Bench vineyards and produced in the saignée method. Bright and tingly with some yeasty characters on the palate, look for a vibrant collection of rhubard, dried cranberry and citrus notes with a touch of herbs and light minerals. Pair with fried rice or noodle dishes, or enjoy on its own when the Sun shines next. Drink 2019-2020.

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

La Frenz Winery 2018 Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

La Frenz Winery 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.91 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.2%
Date Tasted: July 19th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A balanced, well-constructed Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of pungency on the nose but primarily a showcase for how nicely citrus and melon fruit can coexist. The palate is bright and lip-smacking with just a hint of residual sugar on the lightly savoury and effervescent finish. Ready to be enjoyed in its youth. Drink 2019-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Little Engine Wines 2017 Gold Merlot - 93-94pts

Little Engine Wines 2017 Gold Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: See winery for details here
Cost: $55 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: July 2nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Warning: an overuse of the word 'yet' follows (a fitting, yet, fatigued way to structure a sentence attempting to group contrasting, yet, related points).

The Little Engine 'Gold Merlot' is an uber-elegant, yet, concentrated and perfectly ripe expression of the Bordeaux variety reminiscent of blending the styles of high-end Sonoma and Napa Valley Merlot. Full bodied, yet, effortless on the palate and approachable in its youth, yet, possessing the structure and 'bones' to age beautifully. Layers of delicate, sweet red fruit and savoury, baking notes grace the feminine nose and super refined, approachable palate. Enjoy now or hold for further development. Drink 2020-2025.

Poplar Grove Winery 2017 Pinot Gris - 85pts

Poplar Grove Winery 2017 Pinot Gris (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and BCLDB stores
Cost: $18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: March 12th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A refreshing and crisp, though, somewhat light-weight Pinot Gris with a concentrated, Sauvignon Blanc-ish nose followed by a thin, short-lived palate with some nice pear and citrus fruit flavours and acidity, but not quite enough. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Merlot - 90pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1000 cases
Date Tasted: November 18th, 2018
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: An aromatic and feminine, full-bodied Merlot with a creamy entry on the intense, long-lived palate where flavours of black currant and acai berries pair beautifully with coffee, spice and toasted oak notes. Finishes with waves of wild berry acidity and fine, dusty tannins which strips the creamy texture away leaving a lingering perception of charred spice and sweet pipe smoke.

After 4 years of age (12 months in French oak and 2+ years of bottle age) this Merlot is ready to go now and should hold for another few years if cellared appropriately. Drink now-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2017 Estate Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2017 Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.90
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: November 8th, 2018
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: The new Estate Sauvignon Blanc label is 100% sourced from the winery's Naramata Bench vineyard and meticulously vinified in 5 separate lots (2 of which were aged in oak) prior to blending. Care and attention only rarely awarded to Sauv Blanc in BC.

This new release leans more towards the Loire Valley in profile when compared to the multi-site blends of previous vintages. Less pungency and more laser-focused fruit and minerality, though, a touch of exotic fruit shows on the otherwise, stonefruit and citrusy-peach flavoured finish. Enjoy on its own or as a confident companion to seafood dishes. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir - 92pts

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.70 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: October 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: An intense Pinot Noir, in terms of complexity and power on the spiced-raspberry nose and the smoked, dark chocolate'n'cherry palate, not in terms of over-reduction or weight. The finish is long and elegant with savoury oak and a touch of forest floor notes making this beauty a great match for game or lean meats like Venison.

Certainly a stand-out BC Pinot for the 2016 vintage to be enjoyed today or over the next 3-4 years. Drink 2019-2023.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer - 91pts

JoieFarm 2016 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery; VQA stores
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 404 cases
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Can you have an explosion of delicate fruit? The En Famille Gewurztraminer puts that seemingly contradictory statement to the test with its intense nose and pulsating, (lightly) off-dry palate of subtle aromas and flavours of lychee, fresh peach, orange blossoms, yellow capsicum, unpasteurized honey, spice and lemon rind. Absolutely delicious and ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 PTG - 89pts

JoieFarm 2016 PTG (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 714 cases
Date Tasted: September 5th, 2018

Tasting Notes: 2016 is another Pinot Noir leading vintage with 40% Gamay making up the blend of the Burgundy inspired duo. This year's PTG is warm, feminine and graceful with a seductive, sugar'n'spice profile of ripe berries, plums, dried flowers, and hints of Christmas cake. Sits beautifully in the mouth with just the right weight and acidity for this medium-intense, food-friendly, effortless blend. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 Gamay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2016 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 615 cases
Date Tasted: September 7th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A very consistent Gamay from JoieFarm's contracted Deep Roots vineyard alone the Naramata Bench. Slightly off-dry, but with a focus on pairing the candied, berry and cherry fruit with savoury notes of herbs, earthy seeds and a touch of iron, resulting in a pleasantly complex, medium-bodied, food-friendly wine.

Some may default to turkey dishes for Gamay but with this label one can look to lean, bloody cuts of beef as well. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

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