Wild Goose Vineyards 2022 Autumn Gold - 88pts

Wild Goose Vineyards 2022 Autumn Gold (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: VQA stores and direct from winery here
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: June 8th, 2023

Tasting Notes: Wild Goose's Autumn Gold is an off-dry blend of Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Blanc which, despite the name, makes you think of hot, Summer nights thanks to its juicy and chewy notes of Tropical fruit and orchard favourites like ripe peach, Asian pear and apricot. A nice wave of citrus acidity keeps the palate fresh and lively. Ready to go now. Pair with your favourite appies or late-night snack foods. Drink 2023-2025.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca

Wild Goose Vineyards 2020 Riesling - 87pts

Wild Goose Vineyards 2020 Riesling (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.6%
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Sourced from winery's 37-year-old Riesling vines on their Okanagan Falls vineyard, this wine offers a subtle expression of the variety on the nose with a combination of peach pit and other stone fruit aromas and light, joyful aromatic notes. The star here is the slightly, off-dry palate with lots to enjoy from tangy, fresh peach acidity to playful, lemony-spices and a touch of herbs. Ready to go now. Drink 2022-2024.

  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Liquidity Wines 2019 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Liquidity Wines 2019 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $30 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: May 7th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A beautifully fragrant BC Pinot Noir with a robust nose of mellow blue fruit, savoury wild sage and sweet cedar. The medium-everything palate that follows offers more prominent fruit notes with a welcomed dash of spice adding complexity to the layers of plum, toasted earth, dried cranberries and vanilla-kissed oak. Drink now-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Cabernet Franc - 89pts

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $28 including taxes
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: April 26th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Rust Wine Co. does an amazing job at offering a few single-vineyard releases at reasonable prices. This Okanagan Falls grown Cabernet Franc is a great example. Sourced from the Lost Horn Vineyard, this wine showcases its intriguing qualities within the Bordeaux family with a unique combination of blackened berry fruit, refined spices and feminine floral notes. Add-in the flavours of the local terroir, smoky sagebrush, mint and sweet, cured meats and you have a real winner. Ready to go now. Drink 2022-2025.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Blasted Church Vineyards 2016 Nectar Of The Gods - 89-90pts

Blasted Church Vineyards 2016 Nectar Of The Gods (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $55 + taxes
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 1073 cases
Date Tasted: July 12th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A fleshy, masculine blend of 49% Petit Verdot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cot Noir (Malbec), offering a robust, developed bouquet and maturing palate of black cherry, kirsch, pipe tobacco, saddle and peppery, charred oak spice. Full-bodied with leathery tannins and a long, black pepper-infused finish, this cellar worthy wine spent 20 months in oak (3 months in varietal lots and 17 months post-blend) prior to bottling. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure, it should continue to evolve over the next 2-3 years. Ready to go now with a lengthy decant (and watch for plenty of sediment). Drink 2020-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Chardonnay - 86pts

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Chardonnay (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.6%
Date Tasted: April 11th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Though stainless steel ferented, this Chardonnay is fairly rich with a nice combination of orchard and citrus fruit characters and some rounded edges (likely) due to a partial, malolactic fermentation which softens the natural acidity and contributes a touch of melon and tropical fruit into the final profile. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Cabernet Franc - 89+pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: August 3rd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Packs quite a punch for a medium-bodied wine with good intensity and a layered profile of concentrated, fresh mixed berries and dried fruit'n'herbs, a touch of vanilla-kissed oak and some dusty tannins. Sealed with a Stelvin cap to lock in the freshness, but I would love to see how this wine ages as there's potential for more development. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: July 27th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A delightful, mostly dry and partially oak-aged Pinot Blanc, well-executed with a focus on clean, crisp, fruit and complimentary layers of texture enhanced by the complex élevage program. Look for aromas and flavours of Asian pear, lemon/lime, apricots, spent lees and peach pits. Pair with seafood, salads or hard cheeses. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: July 17th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Opens with a subtle, Loire-esque scented nose with a focus more on fresh, fleshy fruit and rounded savoury aromas than the more in-your-face, pungent, New Zealand style of Sauvignon Blanc. This subtlety is juxtaposed by a bracing wave of Champagne-worthy acidity on the otherwise, similarly flavoured palate where added  notes of herbs, spice, minerals and lemon zest add complexity. Pair with Scallops or Oysters and enjoy this wine in its youth or over the next few years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2018 Pinot Gris (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: July 3rd, 2019

Tasting Notes: A Pinot Gris fermented with native yeast and one that touches a lot of oak (15% in stainless steel) but mostly older barrels and casks with only a kiss of new oak intermixed in the ever-evolving élevage program. The use of native yeast yields a more 'raw' wine, with plenty of texture and character, less composed refinement from foreign yeasts (less manipulation). 

Look for classic, stone and citrus fruit notes and rustic minerality throughout. Herbs and light spice show on the long, river stone flavoured finish. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Chardonnay - 88pts

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Chardonnay (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $21 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 625 cases
Date Tasted: June 22nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: An un-oaked, yet, rounded, well-balanced Chardonnay sourced from the winery's Okanagan Falls vineyard showing solid orchard and citrus fruit throughout with a susurrus of aromatics and offering nice tension on the palate through to a crisp finish. Ready to go now and sealed with aStelvin cap to lock-in the freshness of the fruit and acidity. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Tragically Vidal - 89pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Tragically Vidal (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $17 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: June 13th, 2019
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: An off-dry, delicate, delight of a Summer Sipper, Stag's Hollow's Tragically Vidal is as playful and joyous as its colourful label suggests. Look for subtle, aromatic notes of blossoms and pitted fruits; nectarines, peaches and apricots supported by a touch of herbs and some light citrus notes.

Recent vintages of this wine have included Muscat but for the 2017 edition the winery has experimented, adding Rhone varietals with a final blend of 85.2% Vidal, 11.8% Orange Muscat, 2.6% Viognier and 0.5% Marsanne heightening the lusciousness of the lychee-kissed palate. Finish is moderately long and well balanced with tingling, citrus peel and spice flavours lingering briefly. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Dolcetto - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Dolcetto (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: May 26th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A bright, light and fruity wine with brambly, huckleberry and red currant characters throughout. A gentle susarrus of warming spice filters through the dominant, wild fruit notes on the peaty nose and the finish of the slightly, effervescent, light-bodied palate. Think tomato-driven dishes when pairing this wine; red sauce pastas and pizzas or a simple, Caprese salad. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Albariño - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Albariño (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: April 3rd, 2019
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: Opens with an exotic nose of papaya, candied peach, kiwi, melon and citrus aromas followed by a textural palate with a juicy, melon fruit-driven entry and a mineral-kissed, mouth-watering, crisp finish. Coming into its own with maturing vines and a maturing fermentation/elevage program in the winery. Can stand alone, enhance your favourute salty snacks or pair harmoniously with any white fish recipe. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: November 17th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A medium-everything Pinot with even parts fruit and savoury on the black raspberry and spicy-earthy nose and on the rustic, yet, juicy, slightly 'hot' palate where red fruit and bright huckleberry flavours are complimented by layers of spice, leather, herbs and dusty rock notes. 

Imagine a New Zealand Pinot Noir and a Gigondas Grenache blend having a baby and you'll be prepared for this unique wine. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Albariño - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Albariño (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2018
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: Still priced at under $20 and fulfilling that inner desire for something a little different, the Stag's Hollow Albariño is the wine you need tonight. A textural pleasure, this wine is both fleshy and firm with mouth-watering citrus and chubby melon characters coexisting beautifully. Sprinkle in some spice and exotic fruit notes and you have one complex, long-lasting white, perfect on its own or with your favourite white fish dish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Cabernet Franc - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A rustic, fruit-forward Cabernet Franc with brambly, wild berry aromas and flavours supported by gritty spice and tannins, added depth from oak exposure (13 months, 20% new) and finishing with a kick of feral acidity and lingering, smoky spicebox. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure to corral the fresh character of this well-price Franc. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Semillon - 86pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Semillon (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $18 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: August 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A rounded and full-ish version of the Bordeaux variety with ripe orchard fruit on the gentle nose and an RS-kissed palate with sweet nectarine, peach and citrus flavours. Finish is balanced but rather short with only a faint hint of mineral. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca 

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Gamay Noir - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Gamay Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: March 22nd, 2018

Tasting Notes: A beautiful nose of potpourri, Christmas spice and wild berries opens this quaffable, Okanagan Falls Gamay. A slightly plumpy, front-loaded palate follows with rich, juicy red fruit, dried cloves and light, earthy tannins. Tart, huckleberry acidity shows on the spiced finish to (mostly) counter-balance the ripe'n'sweet elements. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Liquidity Wines 2016 Pinot Noir - 87pts

Liquidity Wines 2016 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: March 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: The 2016 edition of Liquidity's estate Pinot Noir drifts away from center towards the over-extracted end of the viscosity spectrum with thick, pruny notes embedded in the menthol and oaky-blackberry scented nose and on the black cherry and vanilla-cola flavoured palate. Ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca