Cassini Cellars 2014 Nobilus - 90pts

Cassini Cellars 2014 Nobilus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 125 cases
Date Tasted: December 9th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A massive Merlot with an uber-full palate thanks to rich'n'ripe berry fruit, a touch of residual sugar and plenty of glycerol texture from the 15% alcohol - reminiscent of Californian Primitivo. Big on the nose too, with aromas of blackberry, plum, menthol, spiced vanilla, cocoa liqueur and oak. Profile is consistent on the intense palate with similar flavours, heightened degree of spice, blueberry acidity and dusty tannins. Ready to go now, yet, should hold nicely for the next few years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2013 Nobilus - 91pts

Cassini Cellars 2013 Nobilus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 187 cases
Date Tasted: December 6th, 2016

Tasting Notes: The Nobilus is a 100% Merlot release that proves the much maligned grape and often overshadowed blending partner to the Cabernets, can stand on its own. The 2013 edition impresses with its complexity, refinement and balance. Aromas of cassis, blackberry, menthol, vanilla, spiced cocoa liqueur and toasted oak are followed by similar flavours on the brooding, dry and full-bodied palate with grippy tannins and mouth-watering acidity adding structure and texture.

Finishes long with lingering iodine, blackberry puree and spice notes making it an excellent pairing for medium-rare steaks or other red meat dishes. Ready to go now, yet, should age nicely over the next few years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2011 Nobilus - 90pts

Cassini Cellars 2011 Nobilus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $39
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 125 cases
Date Tasted: February 3rd, 2015

Tasting Notes: The Cassini "Nobilus", the Southern Okanagan winery's 100% Merlot premier label, spends a full 24 months in new French oak prior to bottling and the effects (benefits) are front and centre on both the charming, dense nose and the lean, mean palate. Look for aromas of cassis, menthol, vanilla, mocha, spice and charred cedar planks followed by intense dark fruit, licorice, cocoa powder and graphite flavours. 

The palate is medium-bodied supported by grippy tannins and mouth-watering acidity and finishes long with lingering iodine and spice notes making it an excellent pairing for lean, red meat dishes cooked to medium-rare (tops), like an herb-crusted rack of lamb. Ready to go now. Drink 2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2008 Nobilus - 91pts

Cassini Cellars 2008 Nobilus (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $39
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 290 cases
Date Tasted: January 14th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Worthy of one's cellar, this 100% Merlot brute from Golden Mile Bench winery Cassini Cellars is a tasty treat full of dark berry, earthy peat, smoky licorice, toasted oak, dark chocolate and cherry-cola candy aromas and flavours. The sublime nose also delights with aromatics notes of rose petals. One of BC's top Merlots.

Although approachable now, to get the most of your investment I recommend another year or two in the cellar before opening. Blessed with excellent tannin structure and mouth-watering acidity, the Nobilus has the right stuff to hold another 6-7 years. Drink 2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca