Michel Torino 2016 Cuma Organic Malbec - 84pts

Michel Torino 2016 Cuma Organic Malbec (Cafayate Valley) Salta - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $11.49-12.49 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: March 22nd, 2017

Tasting Notes: Ripe and fruity on the nose, to be sure, but the blueberry and POM juice aromas also tend to veer towards Overdone Street during the initial quaff. The dry palate finishes watery after the plum and cherry-cola flavours fades mid-palate, though, a nice touch of spice and light, dusty tannins linger. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Michel Torino 2013 Cuma Torrontés - 87pts

Michel Torino 2013 Cuma Torrontés (Cafayate Valley) Salta - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $13.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 19th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A straight-forward, yet, impressively balanced Torrontés, sourced from organically farmed vineyards, offering an unctuous entry of plump, peaches and cream flavours leading to a citrus-y, refreshing finish where stonefruit, lemon zest and spice notes linger. Enjoy with spicy, Asian fare like Thai green curry. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Viña Chela 2013 Reserve Malbec - 88pts

Viña Chela 2013 Reserve Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores and Everything Wine
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: January 12th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A supremely smooth and balanced wine for the price point with an unapologetic, easy-going demeanour that focuses on pleasant, juicy and savoury aromas of sweet plums, spiced mocha and fig on the nose and delivers a food-friendly blend of blue fruits, toasted oak and savoury spices on the medium-bodied palate. Wild berry acidity and lingering licorice notes keep the finish refreshing and engaging.

Sourced from high altitude, LETIS certified organic vineyards, this Malbec is an excellent dinner companion for grilled meats and savoury stews or enjoy it on its own as a no-nonsense, easy-drinking "glass of red". Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2013 Organic Riesling - 89pts

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2013 Organic Riesling (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 8.6%
Date Tasted: June 7th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Fans of the "Dr. L" Riesling, and there are many of you, should take note of Summerhill's Organic Riesling as a locally made alternative, made in a similar, opulent, fruity, fully off-dry style (36.5 g/l of residual sugar). At only 8.6% alcohol, this is a refreshing Riesling perfect for mid-day consumption that won't put you to sleep in the afternoon. Though, quite sweet upon entry, with intense apricot, peach and key lime flavours, the palate gets balanced nicely with mineral notes and plenty of green apple and grapefruit acidity. The wine also boast a pleasant bouquet of green apple skins, peach and steel aromas. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2013 Organic Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2013 Organic Gewurztraminer (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 12.8%
Date Tasted: May 31st, 2014

Tasting Notes: Summerhill's certified organic Gewurztraminer has an eye-catching, brassy-golden hue closely reflecting the natural colour of the Germanic varietal on the vine. Off-dry, with a whopping 17.9 g/l of residual sugar, offering juicy peach and ripe lychee fruit on the nose and palate with supporting layers of citrus peel and dry herbs (especially on the moderate finish). Crab apple and kumquat acidity balance the residual sugar nicely, keeping the mouth-feel full, yet, fresh. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Summerhill Pyramid Winery NV Cipes Rosé - 87pts

Summerhill Pyramid Winery NV Cipes Rosé (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $29.95
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: December 29th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A well balanced, fresh and vibrant Rosé sparkler with fine, persistent bubbles that delivers subtle cherry and tart cranberry characters and a touch of sweetness on the otherwise dry palate. Made in the traditional Champagne method with Pinot Noir grapes, the Cipes Rosé offers a nice mixture of fruity fun supported by an underlying richness which adds some depth and complexity. Gorgeous light cranberry hue makes for a lovely splash of colour on any table. Drink 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 IconWines.ca