Stoneleigh Vineyards 2018 Sauvignon Blanc - 86pts

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB and private stores
Cost: $16-18 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: November 28th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A citrus fruit and Asian pear dominant nose with a supporting layer of mineral and pungent aromatic notes. Palate opens with some residual sugar and plump orchard fruit upfront, then finishes crisp and refreshing with a touch of spice and citrus peel lingering. ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2017 Pinot Noir - 86pts

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2017 Pinot Noir (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB and private stores
Cost: $17-20 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: November 28th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A straight-forward Pinot Noir with a classic Marlborough nose of funk-meets-fragrance. Look for vibrant, raspberry seed and cherry aromas supported by earthy notes and a touch of cedar sap and green olive. Palate is a bit thin on complexity, depth and texture, though, the lively acid does provide some lift on the moderate finish. Simple, entry-level New Zealand Pinot for a Tuesday night. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2018 Pinot Noir Rosé - 87pts

Stoneleigh Vineyards 2018 Pinot Noir Rosé (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB and private stores
Cost: $14-18 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: November 22nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Subtle on the nose, this rosé, produced from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Marlborough region, comes alive on the (slightly) effervescent and (mostly) dry palate which offers refreshing, food-friendly acidity and flavours of tart berries, citrus peel, minerals and juicy Asian pear. Ready to be enjoyed now with your favourite snack foods. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Oyster Bay Wines 2016 Chardonnay - 87pts

Oyster Bay Wines 2016 Chardonnay (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB and private stores
Cost: $16-20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 24th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Subtle, on the nose, with light, apple and lemon tart aromas peaking through. This well-priced, Marlborough Chardonnay is all about the salad and seafood friendly palate which nicely balances a kiss of residual sugar with mouth-watering, citrus acidity and tangy orchard fruit flavours. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Yealands Family Wines 2016 Peter Yealands Pinot Noir - 89pts

Yealands Family Wines 2016 Peter Yealands Pinot Noir (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Costco
Cost: $16-20 USD + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 27th, 2018

Tasting Notes: As Marlborough Pinot Noir goes, the Peter Yealands ticks all the right boxes: earthiness-check, dark red berries-check, spicy plum-check, lingering smoky aftertaste-check. It's all there and it tastes good. Is it super distinctive from other Marlborough Pinot Noir? Maybe a skosh, in that this 2016 vintage integrates all the ticked boxes nicely and a hint of residual sugar adds welcomed texture lacking in other more straight-forward and more masculine Marlborough Pinots. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Sileni Estates 2016 Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Sileni Estates 2016 Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $18.49
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: January 15th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The 2016 Sileni Sauvignon Blanc offers greater balance than recent vintages thanks to a more perceptible layer of lees and baked orchard fruit notes beneath the prominent citrus and mineral characters on the stonefruit-infused nose and textured palate. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Sileni Estates Winery 2015 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir - 87pts

Sileni Estates Winery 2015 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir (Hawke's Bay) New Zealand

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 11th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A vibrant, refreshing Pinot Noir with hints of savoury-earthy notes beneath the bright, brambly red fruit aromas and flavours which adorn the expressive nose and the mouth-watering palate. Medium everything, making for a well-balanced, food-friendly Pinot that will pair perfectly with lamb, turkey or beef stews. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Oyster Bay Wines 2015 Pinot Noir - 87pts

Oyster Bay Wines 2015 Pinot Noir (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Widely available in BC
Cost: $17-20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 3rd, 2017

Tasting Notes: A middle-of-the-road, even-keel, Marlborough Pinot Noir with mannered acidity and tannins and a nice balance between savoury and fruit characters on its mineral-cherry scented nose and its smoky-raspberry seed and vanilla-cherry flavoured palate. Enjoy this Pinot in its youth. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Sileni Estates 2013 Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Sileni Estates 2013 Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.79
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: April 2nd, 2015

Tasting Notes: A tart and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with a strong mineral and citrus backbone and light layers of lees and peaches on the nose. Sits like a still, ultra-dry, Champagne, on the palate. Yet, this wine is very food-friendly and pro-sunny-deck. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Jackson Estate 2011 "Stich" Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

Jackson Estate 2011 "Stich" Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: February 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This wine wins with its excellent balance of citrus acidity and light residual sugar on the rich, concentrated palate of gooseberry, kiwi fruit and mineral flavours. The finish is impressively long for this price point with lingering, mouth-watering lemon-lime peel notes and just a hint of spice. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Sileni Estates Winery 2011 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir - 88pts

Sileni Estates Winery 2011 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir (Hawke's Bay) New Zealand

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: February 1st, 2013

Tasting Notes: A consistantly well-made, vibrant Pinot Noir that admirably delivers New Zealand's balance of subtle barnyard, candied cherries, stewed berries and meaty components on the charming nose and the lightly effervescent, mild-tannin, easy-drinking palate. Light-to-medium bodied wine that will pair perfectly with lamb, turkey or beef stews.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

The People's Wine Co 2010 Pinot Noir - 86pts

The People's Wine Co 2010 Pinot Noir (Alexandra) Central Otago - New Zealand

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $16-18
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: May 20th, 2012

Tasting Notes: For a taste of Central Otago Pinot Noir that delivers a nice balance between the classic mushroom/forest floor and red fruit characters we've come to love from New Zealand, it's had to beet The People's Co offering for value.

The fruit on the nose is a tad sharp and unfocused and the palate lacks structure yet this is a tasty and enjoyable Pinot Noir, well-priced for those just discovering one of the world's classic red grapes. Drink now-2013.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2012

Oyster Bay Wines 2010 Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Oyster Bay Wines 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB and private stores
Cost: $17-20
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: February 26th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with loads of gooseberry, green apple, sweet grass and lemon drop aromas and flavours without pungent cat's pee notes. Dry, with a touch of residual sugar to offset the mouth watering acid. Light oily texture adds body to the mouth feel. Refreshing tartness and lemon linger on the moderate finish. A tasty, crisp treat. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Nobilo 2008 Icon Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

Nobilo 2008 Icon Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $22.99
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: A tart, but not bombastic, fresh Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region that offers classic gooseberry and grass characaters as well as lush tropical fruits and a touch of lime zest. Excellent quality and complexity with a refined texture.
Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Stone Paddock 2008 Chardonnay - 87pts

Stone Paddock 2008 Chardonnay (Hawkes Bay) New Zealand

Availability: Limited. Spec order in BC and Ont
Cost: $13-17
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 949 cases
Date Tasted: August 26th, 2010

Tasting Notes: "Hey, how about a Chardonnay tonight?" "Sounds good. From where?" "New Zealand." (a long pause with empty sounds of crickets and a faint cough) "New Zealand makes Chardonnay?"

Yes they do, and it can very good! The points for this wine won't turn heads, but the value should. Plus, Chardonnay lovers will enjoy discovering a new and unique region producing world class Chardonnay. The Stone Paddock offering is an entry-level wine for sure but does give a hint of greater things to come. Key points to this wine are the prominent stone fruit and mineral characters with orchard fruits, MLF notes and a very restraint, but apparent, use of oak. A touch of residual sugar on the juicy-textured palate. A lovely Chard for mid-week sipping. Drink 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Winegrowers of Ara 2008 Pathway Pinot Noir - 88pts

Winegrowers of Ara 2008 Pathway Pinot Noir (Marlborough) New Zealand

Availability: Limited. Spec order in BC
Cost: $17-25
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: August 25th, 2010

Tasting Notes: This dark ruby-garnet coloured wine is quintessential Marlborough Pinot Noir. Halfway between the earthy Burgundy and fruity Californian wines we're more familiar with. The oak treatment presents itself on the nose and palate but never dominates the red fruit, mineral and forest floor characters. A smoky texture leads to a moderate finish with medium body, tannins and acid. Very nice, but hard to find. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Otuwhero Estates 2009 Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Otuwhero Estates 2009 Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Awatere Valley) Marlborough - New Zealand

Availability: Limited (Canada)
Cost: $15-20
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: September 6th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A bright and energetic Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough chalk full of minerality and citrus fruits. A palate cleanser like no other without the battery acid harshness of some other over-reaching Sauvignon Blanc. The single vineyard fruit gives the wine an identity and sense of place. Much appreciated as many New Zealand wines, produced by the bid domaines, can sometimes feel like paint-by-numbers offerings. Enjoy now, while the wine is youthful and fresh. 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier

Sileni 2008 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir - 88 pts

Sileni 2008 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir (Hawke's Bay) New Zealand


Availability:  BCLDB
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: January 2010

Tasting Notes:  Elegant and fun to drink.  The pinot noir of New Zealand are exciting and can express tremendous complexity with new world charm.  Hawke's Bay expresses desirable conditions for the heartbreak grape that rival some of the better growing conditions in the world.

This pinot had a garnet appearance and the nose was complex with candied cherries, stewed berries, meatiness, and undertones of light barnyard (so new world pinot).  The palate was smooth with prominent cherry, a touch of tannin, and medium acid.  A medium plus finish that added some violet notes.  Overall, a good wine with fun complexity on the nose.
- Hugh Carter

Stone Paddock 2008 Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Stone Paddock 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (Hawkes Bay) New Zealand

Availability: Limited.

Cost: $15-19

Alcohol: 12.5%

Date Tasted: June 19th, 2010

Tasting Notes: I first tasted this delicious and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc at the Vancouver International Wine Festival in April where the full line-up of Stone Paddock wines impressed. It's a good example of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at a good price with classic gooseberry and grapefruit aromas and flavours. The high acid on the palate adds a welcomed refreshing element to the wine and is never overbearing as it is nicely balanced by the concentration of flavours which include a strong minerality component.

Only a few BCLDB stores have the wine in stock today. This may have to be ordered special until it finds local distribution. Drink now through 2012.
 - Liam Carrier

Coopers Creek Vineyard 2008 Cat's Pee on a Gooseberry Bush - 86pts

Coopers Creek Vineyard 2008 Cat's Pee on a Gooseberry Bush - New Zealand

Availability: Widely available. BCLDB stores.

Cost: $14-17

Alcohol: 12.5%

Date Tasted: May 4th, 2010

Tasting Notes: As an entry-level New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc this wine ticks all the right boxes and is very easy to drink. Not overly complex, but utterly enjoyable, capturing the classic aromas, as the name suggests, of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Aromas of cat's pee and gooseberries with some nice citrus fruit and minerality. Crisp grapefruit and tart apple with a touch of river stones make for a refreshing sensation on the palate. A medium finish completes the experience.

Many other complex and exciting New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc await you (and will cost you), but this example is a solid start and well priced.
 - Liam Carrier