Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Pinot Noir - 91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: (not yet released) Direct from winery here
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: February 11th, 2019
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: Entering its 5th year, this newly released Pinot Noir is showing signs of its age with an unmistakable, pale garnet hue in the quarter rim and showing signs of well-earned development with a beautifully integrated bouquet of rich, red fruits and sensual, savoury herbs on the vanilla scented nose and on the full, yet, restrained, earthy-spicy palate. 

This multi-dimensional Pinot is both hedonistic and down-to-earth, a rare feat to achieve. Its only real blemish is a touch of 'hotness' on the otherwise, long and spicy finish, though, this is easily masked by enjoying this wine with food. Try maple-glazed, BBQ salmon or medium-intense, dark chocolate. Ready to go now as Tinhorn have done all the bottle ageing for you ("Thank you Tinhorn!"). Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Oldfield Reserve Rosé - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Oldfield Reserve Rosé (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1121 cases
Date Tasted: July 8th, 2018

Tasting Notes: This delicious, orange-salmon hued rosé is produced from Cabernet Franc grapes sourced from the winery's Diamondback Vineyard along the Black Sage Bench and showcases a gentle, yet, powerful medley of peach skin, huckleberry, newly-picked herbs and rhubard aromas and flavours. Vinified to an off-dry level of residual sugar, the overall balance is spot-on with plenty of delicate, white peach acidity to off-set the sweetness making this garden-fresh blush perfect for a hot patio. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Syrah - 89+pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Syrah (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here
Cost: $31.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 859 cases
Date Tasted: September 4th, 2017
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: A powerful, masculine expression of Syrah with oodles of rustic pepper and Chai spices; cloves, cinnamon bark and cardamon. Black cherry plays a supporting role on both the intense, Northern Rhone-ish nose and the dry, raw-tannin palate where layers of savoury flavours like coffee grinds, licorice and vanilla linger through to a long, spicy finish. Would benefit from one more year in bottle prior to opening. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here 
Cost: $31.99 + taxes (est)
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 850 cases
Date Tasted: August 23rd, 2017
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: A ripe, decently complex, big boned Pinot Noir with a nice balance between its fruit and savoury/earthy characters and plenty of body and texture fortified by its 14% of residual alcohol. Pair with a crispy duck breast dressed with a spicy, black cherry and fig tea sauce to accentuate similar aromas and flavours found in the wine. Fine, smoky tannins frame the moderate-plus finish where spice and dried cranberry flavours linger. Ready to go now. At 4 years of age, this Pinot is ready to go upon release. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Oldfield Reserve 2Bench White - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Oldfield Reserve 2Bench White (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2017
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: The make-up of this beautiful blend changes, year-to-year, reflecting what the vineyard yields, season-to-season, making the 2Bench White, a new, yet, stylistically familiar discovery each vintage. 

The 2016 is comprised of 47% Sauvignon Blanc, 17%Semillon, 16% Viognier, 14% Chardonnay and 6% Muscat delivering a nice combination of refreshing, citrus and opulent, melon fruit on the pleasant, lightly aromatic nose and on the refreshing, lightly sweetened palate where spicy notes linger on the moderate finish and fresh, peach acidity heightens your anticipation of the next sip. Yummy! Drink now- 2019.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Cabernet Franc - 92pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here when it is
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: July 22nd, 2017

Tasting Notes: Now a few years into their reserve program for Cabernet Franc, Tinhorn has produced their best vintage yet. The elegance and concentration has reached new heights in 2014 with a complex nose of wild berry, flowers, spice-box, cola, black plum and tobacco aromas and a smooth'n'spicy palate of similar flavours and lightly smoked tannins. The finish is very long with lingering spice and berry notes lasted a minute-plus. Thanks to the heightened concentration, the 14.5% alcohol is masked and integrated nicely.

As with all of the Oldfield Reserve wines, this Cabernet Franc has been released when it is ready to be enjoyed but will also feel at home in your cellar for another 2-3 years. Drink 2017-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

On a side note: This Cabernet Franc is blended with 15% Merlot which may account for added roundness mid-palate and more prominent berry notes.

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series 2Bench Red - 91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series 2Bench Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA wine shops
Cost: $30.49 including taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1684 cases
Date Tasted: November 11th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels and then for a further 12 months in bottle prior to release, the 2Bench Red is a drink-now delight with lightly-smoked, mannered tannins and a dark fruit'n'herb-infused profile on the expressive nose and lively palate. The final blend for the 2013 vintage is comprised of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and for the first time in recent memory. 6% of Malbec was included. Together the varieties create a complete wine with good complexity and length, perfect for holiday entertaining or Sunday roasts. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series Merlot - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 2076
Date Tasted: November 6th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A super consistent, from year-to-year, feminine Merlot with an expressive, berry and incense-infused nose and a refined, smooth palate with creamy-berry flavours and notes of toasted-caramel, vanilla and spice. The finish is long and smooth with mannered tannins and a touch of lingering menthol. Delish! Ready to go now, though, will hold for many years in your cellar with the possibility of further development. Drink 2016-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series Syrah - 90-91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series Syrah (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $31.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 762 cases
Date Tasted: September 30th, 2016
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: The Oldfield Series Syrah returns from a two vintage hiatus to 
deliver a dense, masculine expression of the Rhone variety with a compelling nose of dark cherry, dried blueberry, vanilla-cola, clove, star anise, pepper and a hint of cured meats. Fine, dusty tannins and bright, wild berry acidity add structure and frame the palate, which offers plenty of pepper and other spices mixed with ripe, cherry and black plum flavours and savoury notes like coffee grinds, raspberry seeds and licorice. Ready to go now, thanks to 18+ months of bottle age prior to release, though, further development is likely. Drink now- 2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Series 2Bench White - 91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Series 2Bench White (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1500 cases
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2016
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: Always complex and intriguing, the 2015 edition of the Oldfield Series 2Bench White is a richly textured blend of 29% Chardonnay, 27% Sauvignon Blanc, 26% Viognier, 13% Semillon, 5% Muscat. Opens with ripe peach, Bosc pear, dried apricot and stonefruit aromas with light lees, sweet straw and floral notes rounding out the romantic nose. 

Palate has excellent balance, successfully combining equal parts opulence, refreshment and structure. Tropical, orchard and melon fruit provide sweet fruit flavours and tangy acidity with medium-plus body and cool, river stone, lemon zest and light, spicy vanilla notes on the long, satisfying finish. Drink now- 2019.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Soon to be released. Direct from winery here 
Cost: $31.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: cases
Date Tasted: June 7th, 2016
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: A big, developed nose of scorched earth, dried herbs and maturing, red fruit aromas precede a concentrated, dry palate with a similar profile of flavours highlighted by chocolate-covered cherry and tart raspberry notes. Fine, smoky tannins frame the moderate finish where spice and dried cranberry flavours linger. Ready to go now. Drink 2016-2010.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Series Rosé - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Series Rosé (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 810 cases
Date Tasted: May 21st, 2016

Tasting Notes: 2015 was another stellar vintage for this Provence styled, salmon-pink rosé made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes sourced from the winery's Diamondback Vineyard along the Black Sage Bench in the Southern Okanagan Valley. Its balance of sweet and savoury characters on the joyful nose and on the off-dry, mouth-watering palate is spot on. Look for berry and melon fruit, sweet floral, cool mineral, juicy citrus, tangy rhubarb and dried herbs aromas and flavours to pair with just about anything you can throw at it. Truly excellent complexity for a blush. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Series Chardonnay - 91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Series Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 339 cases
Date Tasted: May 16th, 2016
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: Sourced from the winery's Golden Mile Bench vineyard from youthful vines, the juice was barrel fermented in French oak then aged for 16 months in a 50/50 split of oak and stainless steel vessels where the wine underwent a softening of the acids via a secondary, malolactice fermentation. 

The result of all this work is a beautifully constructed Chardonnay with ample, peach, caramel-golden delicious apple, lemon rind and sweet nutty-brioche notes on the pleasing nose. The palate's rich fruit and baked-goods flavours, crisp citrus acidity and mineral components are well proportioned creating a balanced and memorable, stand-alone sipper. Drink now- 2018.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series Cabernet Franc - 90+pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $30.49 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 770 cases
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Happily offers the same wild berry, sagebrush and pipe tobacco medley of aromas and flavours of the uber-popular 'regular' label (2012) just with a more polished structure of ripe, smoky tannins and a richer, fuller palate with fleshy plum and smooth cocoa notes thanks to additional ageing on lees in oak barrels (18 months) and a full year in the bottle prior to release. Though round mid-palate, the wine finishes with gnarly, wild berry acidity and lingering oak and spice flavours.

As with all of the Oldfield Series wines, this Cabernet Franc has been released when it is ready to be enjoyed but will also feel at home in your cellar for another 4-5 years. Drink 2015-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series 2Bench Red - 91-92pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series 2Bench Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA wine shops
Cost: $26.99
Alcohol: 14.7%
Production: 1683 cases
Date Tasted: September 29th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A consistently excellent wine that tends to peak in warmer vintages where higher percentages of fully ripened Cabernet Sauvignon are included in the final blend. Following a Left Bank recipe of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2012 edition flexes its Cab Sauv backbone on the cassis and dry herbs-infused nose and the well-structured, dry palate that boasts fine, smoky tannins, effortless, firm acidity, sexy, dark fruit flavours and sensual, savoury notes like mocha, tobacco and spices. 

18 months spent in French barrels, prior to bottling, has contributed welcomed slashes of vanilla cream and toasted oak to both the nose and palate. The finish is long and satisfying with lingering mint and spice flavours.

Has the balance and core attributes to cellar well with further development likely, though, 15 months of bottle age has already done wonders making the wine ready to go now. Should you choose to be patient, look for a magical peak around the 7th or 8th year  Drink now, or 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series Merlot - 90-91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Oldfield Series Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.99
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 2076
Date Tasted: September 8th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A feminine, expressive example of Merlot, sourced from Tinhorn's sandy, Diamondback Vineyard along the Black Sage Bench, offering a silky-smooth approach to delivering the berry fruit and herb characters we've come to love and expect from the grape. Aged for 18 months in new and 2nd-fill French oak barrels prior to bottling, imparting toasty-caramel, vanilla and spice notes on the nose and enhancing the fine tannins on the well-balanced, refined, palate. Ready to go now, though, will hold for many years in your cellar with some further development. Drink 2015-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Series 2Bench White - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Series 2Bench White (Okanagan Valley BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.3%
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2015
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: A blend of 30% Semillon, 25% Chardonnay, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Viognier and 10% Muscat sourced from Tinhorn's Southern Okanagan Valley vineyards on the Golden Mile and Black Sage benches. 

Opens with a burst of Chardonnay and Semillon characters on the nose; rich orchard fruit and ripe honeydew aromas. Sweet apricot, soft floral and fresh lemon notes follow, adding depth. The palate is well balanced with round, ripe orchard and tropical fruit flavours and refreshing, citrus acidity which keeps the finish refreshing and dry. Spice and citrus zest linger through to the next sip. Drink now- 2017.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $30.49 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 835 cases
Date Tasted: July 26th, 2015
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: The Oldfield Series Pinot Noir is sourced from the winery's Black Sage Bench vineyard and spends 18 months in French oak barrels and then another 2 years in the bottle to ensure the wine is peaking when released - a successful program. 

The 2011 vintage had its ups and downs with a cooler than average growing season, yet, the finished wine shows ripeness in its tasty, New World blend of both juicy and tangy red fruit and light, earthy-herbal notes. The flavour profile is further enhance with a savoury blend of spices like anise, spearmint and cloves and is neatly wrapped in a blanket of mouth-watering acid and ever-so-slightly greenish tannins. Tomato stock and spice linger on the long, toasted-oak finish. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Series Rosé - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Series Rosé (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 829 cases
Date Tasted: June 1st, 2015

Tasting Notes: Though consistently good over the years, this year's Oldfield Series rosé is a notch above the others and delivers memorable balance between its delicate, Provence inspired, aromas and flavours and the acid and mineral counterbalance that resolves the sweetness into a dry, mouth-watering finish. 

Produced from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes and sourced from Tinhorn's Black Sage Bench vineyard. Look for red berry, melon, flower, rhubarb, spice and river stone notes. Pair with... just about everything. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Oldfield Series 2Bench Red - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Oldfield Series 2Bench Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA wine shops
Cost: $29.99
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 1446 cases
Date Tasted: October 30th, 2014

Tasting Notes: An always pleasing blend of Bordeaux varietals with the new edition consisting of 39% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot, delivering the winery's signature sweet tobacco and blackberry aromas complimented by lifted floral and light spice notes on the nose.

The (technically) dry palate has just a whisper of residual sugar adding a little weight to the juicy, mixed berry fruit, herbs and spicy plum flavours, while mouth watering wild berry acidity and fine, smoky tannins add texture.

The long, cool growing season of 2011, paired with Tinhorn's patient élevage program, (barrel fermented and aged in French oak for 18 months and then aged a further 16 months in bottle prior to release) has produce a complex, yet, approachable, drink-now style of Meritage that should appeal to wine veterans and newbies alike. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca