Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Pinot Blanc - 85pts

Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Pinot Blanc (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Available direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1417 cases
Date Tasted: April 8th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2009 Pinot Blanc from Nk'Mip Cellars is of the rich and creamy variety but is a touch short on acidity to fully balance the richness of the palate leaving the wine a bit flabby. The nose opens with medium intense aromas of pears and tropical fruits which continue through to the dry palate that enjoys a long finish. The 2009 vintage was a tricky one for some white wines where acidity to balance the natural fullness of the flavour profile was occasionally hard to come due to warmer than normal nights. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Merlot - 87+pts

Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Merlot (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Available direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 2211 cases
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: It's a bold move to ferment your Merlot to zero residual sugar producing a whopping 14.5% alcohol. You need to have confidence that the flavour profile and concentration will support the hotness from the alcohol leaving a balanced wine. That confidence pays off for Nk'Mip (pronounced "Inka-meep") from the Osoyoos region of the southern Okanagan Valley, resulting in a quality Merlot that over-delivers for the price.

A masculine wine with strong savoury characters of mocha, oak, tobacco and mint on the nose and palate while offering a welcomed vein of dark fruit tang and lingering spice on the long finish. Pair with a dry-rub steak or a plate of fine, dark chocolate for dessert. Drink 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca