Nichol Vineyard Estate Winery 2009 Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Nichol Vineyard Estate Winery 2009 Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Available direct from the winery here
Cost: $16.90
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: April 28th, 2011

Tasting Notes: In a hotter-than-average vintage like 2009, it's impressive to see a full and juicy Gewurztraminer that isn't too "hot" or too sweet. The alcohol is surprisingly low at 12.9% for a Gewurz that only has a hint of residual sugar on the palate. A healthy perception of sweetness due to concentrated flavours of lychee, ripe white peach and Bartlet pears is balanced nicely with a medium acidic kick of lemon. Savoury spices linger on the moderate-plus finish. Enjoy this wine on its own or with some spicy Asian fare. Drink 2011-2013.

Small side note: While the Nichol 2009 whites are enclosed with traditional cork, the winery will be switching to Stelvin cap enclosures for the 2010 whites. A smart move that will lock in the tart freshness of the 2010 vintage and avoid needless cork-taint casualties.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Noir - 90pts

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 565 cases
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: All of Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery's wines are made from 100% Naramata Bench grown fruit. Essentially, they'd be terroir-driven by default as all of the fruit comes from the same place. However, winery practices can certainly affect the end result and mask nuanced earth and mineral aromas and flavours - the classic example being over-oaking the wine to impart familiar tannin flavours. Winemaker and proprietor Ross Hackworth allows the raw character of the grapes to show through with a minimalist approach to the elevage - 6 months in oak and then back into stainless steel for 3 months before bottling.

The nose offers earthy aromas first followed by red fruits. Medium-to-light weight in the mouth with classic cherry and plum fruit flavours with good minerality on the dry palate. Cooking spice lingers on the moderate finish. Very well balanced with round, ripe medium tannins. Drink 2010-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Syrah - 90-91pts

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Syrah (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $29.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 470 cases
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: What makes this wine unique is that Nichol Vineyard combines the earthy, barnyard qualities one expects from a top terroir-driven Pinot Noir with the power and boldness of a juicy Syrah. The resulting wine is the closest thing I've tasted from BC that reminds me of a Northern Rhone Syrah. Perhaps this is due to the 100% estate grown fruit or perhaps it's due to the 20 year old vines. Likely, it is a combination of all that with the limited oak treatment (6 months) winemaker Ross Hackworth employs which allows the wine to showcase both its earth and fruit characters.

Dark cherry is prominent on the nose and dry palate. Pepper spice is present but plays a supporting role in this Syrah, mostly showing in the long and balanced finish. Round tannins add structure with good natural acidity which will keep the wine fresh and evolving for some time. Drink 2010-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 9 Mile Red - 88pts

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 9 Mile Red (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 215 cases
Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: The 9 Mile Red, who's light-coloured appearance would predispose you to think it a lightweight, really packs a punch. Intense vanilla-cherry aromas and earthy notes great you on the nose followed by a crisp and bright medium-bodied palate with good continuity of flavours; cherry, vanilla, plum and warm gravel. A blend of 57% St. Laurent and 43% Pinot Noir with 6 months in French oak. The high natural acidity and flavour profile makes the wine a great pairing for savory fish dishes like grilled salmon or sea bass. Drink now. 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier

Nichol Vineyard Estate Winery 2006 Cabernet Franc - 89pts

Nichol Vineyard Estate Winery 2006 Cabernet Franc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Direct from winery or select private shops
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 12.7%
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2010

Tasting Notes: The small boutique winery on Naramata bench makes some great wines including a lovely Pinot Noir, but  the Cabernet Franc steals the show. The fruit is expressed beautifully wrapped nicely in round, slightly green tannins. Aromas of dark fruit, coffee grinds, vanilla, anise, oak and barnyard notes on the nose are followed by similar flavours on the dry palate with good concentration and weight. Drink now. 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier