Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Modest Wines The Green Red - 87pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Modest Wines Little Green Red (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Modest Wines' Little Green Red is anything but little, with a bold, spicy nose and bright, racy acidity on the equally spicy palate. But, it is a tad green, with under-ripe, rustic tannins and flavours of green pepper and raw peppercorn mingling amongst the juicy black fruit notes. A touch of lovely aromatics on the developing bouquet add an element of class to this meat-friendly, dinner companion. Drink 2021-2023.

- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca 

Gold Hill Winery 2017 Cabernet Merlot - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2017 Cabernet Merlot (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: November 8th, 2020

Tasting Notes: This Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend offers a lively nose and palate of bright, blackberry, cherry and plum fruit with some dark, broody characters and light, floral notes adding some depth to the fruit-forward profile. Light tannins and lip-smacking acidity keeps the mouthfeel fresh and fluid, though, the finish looses its intensity quickly. Pair with a range of BBQ fare, but nothing too fatty or smoky. Drink now-2022.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 The Allison - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 The Allison (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 1700 cases
Date Tasted: November 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A new addition to the Quails' Gate portfolio named for the restored heritage house on the winery's estate. This approachable, easy-to-like blend of 61% Syrah and 39% Cabernet Franc is warm and aromatic on the floral and spice-infused nose which is followed by a well-balanced, fruit-forward palate with dusty tannins and loads of feminine spice. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Winemaker's Cut 2018 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Winemaker's Cut 2018 Pinot Noir (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Visit winery website here
Cost: $38 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 50 cases
Date Tasted: September 10th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An elegant Pinot Noir with some texture and body, a touch of tartness from brambly fruit and pleasant layers of herbs, crushed flowers, red currants and light oak. Not particularly long or earthy. Pair with BBQ salmon (especially the bits of caramelized skin). Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Syrah - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Syrah (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A feminine, single-vineyard Syrah, proudly aromatic and spicy, though, not without a solid layer of red and black berry fruits on the herb-encrusted nose and the plump, yet, mouth-watering palate. Not a powerhouse Syrah, like some of its Southern Okanagan cousins, but nothing out of place and very food-friendly. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah - 87pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2018
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46.5% Syrah (with a 5.5% addition of Merlot) sourced from the Osoyoos area and producing port-like intensity on the nose with pruney blue fruits, molasses and caramel aromas. The dusty-tannin palate is more savoury, with less intense dark fruits supported by layers of black pepper, clove, vanilla and toasted oak. Finishes long and dry with a touch of smoke lingering. 

Sealed with a Stelvin cap and ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Mission Hill Estate Winery 2014 Perpetua - 91-92pts

Mission Hill Estate Winery 2014 Perpetua (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: BCLDB stores

Cost: $55 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2017

Tasting Notes: With the Perpetua shooting up in price over the past few years and its lavish presentation (the pewter, embossed label is a particularly rich touch) it's tempting to look only for faults to write about and jump to the conclusion that its not worth the hefty price tag. But 'worth' and 'value' are relative terms and this is one heck of a great Chardonnay. Damn it!

Sourced from the winery's most Southern vineyard near Osoyoos, this Chardonnay admirably showcases the flavours and aromas the grape can offer in BC. Pale gold, in colour, with a joyful blend of flowers, honey, orchard and citrus fruit aromas on the beautiful bouquet which carry through with excellent consistency to the ever-so-slightly off-dry and (nearly) full-bodied palate where added mineral and spice notes linger on the long, balanced finish.

Ready to go now or hold for further development. Drink now-2021.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2016 Viognier - 87pts

Calliope Wines 2016 Viognier (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Made from grapes sourced from Osoyoos and Oliver vineyards, this 'budget' Viognier opens with ripe pear and candied orchard fruit aromas and a hint of oak and lees notes from 35% of the juice fermenting in oak barrels. The palate is ever-so-slightly off-dry with both rounded apricot and nectarine fruit and edgy, citrus and hard white peach flavours; a contrast of textures that mostly works. Mineral, citrus peel and herb notes linger on the moderate, slightly sharp finish. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2016 Moscato d'Osoyoos - 91pts

LaStella Winery 2016 Moscato d'Osoyoos (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and restaurants
Cost: $19.99 + taxes (500ml)
Alcohol: 9.7%
Production: 859 cases
Date Tasted: June 3rd, 2017
@LaStellaWinery

Tasting Notes: An effervescent elixir with delicate, apricot and nectarine aromas and flavours on the elegant nose and fully off-dry palate. Perfume and floral notes add to the opulence, with hints of minerals and peach skins contributing a touch of masculinity to the wine. Marketed as a go-to wine for brunches or spicy fish curries, and it's hard to argue with that. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2016 Vivace Pinot Grigio - 90pts

LaStella Winery 2016 Vivace Pinot Grigio (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine stores
Cost: $22.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 1301 cases
Date Tasted: May 6th, 2017
@LaStellaWinery

Tasting Notes: A lip-smacking Pinot Grigio with impressive, restrained intensity, excellent length and acute balance of its fruit, acid and (minute) residual sugar. Plenty of apple, pear, lime peel, honeydew, white peach and river stone, aromas and flavours to pick out and pair with or go for the no-brainer default: a sun-drenched deck with or without accompanying seafood dished of scallops or sable fish. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Bordertown Vineyards and Estate Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc - 85pts

Bordertown Vineyards and Estate Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: January 26th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Dives into the deep end of the smoky-spicy pool with reckless abandon taking only the faintest aromas and flavours of dark fruit, mint and herbs with it as an insufficient life preserver, drowning in layers of wet tobacco, essence of pine cone, aimless spice, coffee grinds and charred oak. Finishes long and uber-spicy with impressive concentration but little in the way of balance. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot - 89pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 740 cases
Date Tasted: January 24th, 2017
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A fruit-forward, flavourful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a splash of Syrah (percentages not published) with a smoky, black fruit nose highlighted by bright, cherry-cola notes. The palate offers smooth, light tannins, mouth-watering, berry acidity and a nice blend of dark berry and lightly-spiced, savoury flavours. Ready to go now. Drink 2017-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Groove - 87pts

Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Groove (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: January 19th, 2017
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A well-priced, entry-level blend of 87% Merlot, 11.5% Malbec and a splash of Cabernet Franc (1.5%) which produced a vibrant red wine with fresh, dark fruit and soft, dry herbs on the lightly perfumed nose and on the mouth-watering, dry palate. A pleasant wave of spice follows the meaty, grape-seedy tannins on the moderate finish. A BBQ/peppercorn steak wine to be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2015 Vivace Pinot Grigio - 89pts

LaStella Winery 2015 Vivace Pinot Grigio (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine stores
Cost: $21.65 ($24.90 taxes included)
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 1240 cases
Date Tasted: June 23rd, 2016
@LaStellaWinery

Tasting Notes: Always a clean and crisp expression of the Pinot Gris grape, the 2015 Vivace is a tad dryer than recent vintages of the fan-favourite, Pinot Grigio styled wine. Look for more prominent stonefruit and mineral notes this year on the subtle nose and medium-bodied palate with apple, pear, lime rind, herbs, lees and melon notes rounding out the profile. The finish is long and refreshing. Enjoy this wine in its youth and serve with light seafood dishes. Drink 2016-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

LaStella 2015 LaStellina Rosato - 88pts

LaStella 2015 LaStellina Rosato (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: VQA stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 715 cases
Date Tasted: April 16th, 2016
@LaStellaWinery

Tasting Notes: Produced in the saignée method which "bleeds" juice from newly crushed red grapes imparting a pale strawberry colour and just a touch of tannin texture, the LaStellina is a blend of 62.6% Cabernet Franc, 29.9% Merlot and 7.6% Sangiovese with a fruity, joyful flavour profile of strawberry, rhubarb, cherry and mouth-watering tropical fruit. The balance between the sweet fruit and the acidic elements leans towards off-dry, but not fully. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2014 Gewurztraminer - 86pts

Calliope Wines 2014 Gewurztraminer (Southern Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $13.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 11th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A well-balanced, middle-of-the-road Gewurztraminer that isn't too lean or too 'gooey' on the lightly, off-dry palate. Opens with a ripe, juicy nose of sticky orchard fruit and mild spice aromas with additional citrus peel and mineral notes. Palate follows with some texture and decent intensity of ripe, nectarines and apricots contrasted by steely-lemon/lime flavours. Finish is a bit short, but nothing tastes out-of-place. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2014 Vivace Pinot Grigio - 89pts

LaStella Winery 2014 Vivace Pinot Grigio (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine stores
Cost: $21.65 ($24.90 taxes included)
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 771 cases
Date Tasted: July 7th, 2015
@LaStellaWinery

Tasting Notes: The Vivace is produced in the Italian, Pinot Grigio style which focuses on a clean, crisp expression of the Pinot Gris grape. Offering ripe, orchard fruit, wild herbs, citrus peel and stonefruit on the nose and palate, and supported on the palate by citrus acidity and just enough residual sugar to mask the alcohol and create a joyful and full-ish texture in your mouth.. This wine should be enjoyed in its youth and paired with a fruity, summer salad or with friends on a sun-filled deck. Drink 2015-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Aces Okanagan Estate Winery 2009 Seven Deuce Red - 88pts

Aces Okanagan Estate Winery 2009 Seven Deuce (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: November 11th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A solid follow-up to the 2008 vintage with a little more complexity on the nose and slightly rounder tannins on the palate. Listed as a Merlot-Shiraz-Cabernet blend, without the percentages of each, the wine exudes the dark berry and cherry characters of Merlot and Shiraz while cool-climate Cabernet grapes contribute notes of dark chocolate and mixed herbs. The overall flavour profile is well supported by its oak treatment (16 months in barrel) and 3 years of age has mellowed the tannins nicely leaving an easy-drinking, red-meat loving blend for any occasion. Drink 2012-2014.
 -  Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Montaigne 2011 Old Vines Chardonnay - 90+pts

Montaigne 2011 Old Vines Chardonnay (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Everything Wine. Direct from winery here
Cost: $40-45
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: November 5th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Up front disclosure, this is not a Chardonnay for everyone. It is vastly different from anything else being made in BC today with more in common with still Champagne than a traditional oaked Chardonnay. Bright, dry, but not sharp, with prominent, yeast-y brioche aromas and flavours that one normally associates with the famous French export. Buttery with mountains of melon, pear and mineral characters with a susarrus of controlled oxidation notes - there is a lot going on here.

Produced from single-vineyard sourced fruit from an Osoyoos vineyard by one of the partners in The Alto Wine Group custom crush facility in Okanagan Falls. This micro-label Chardonnay will likely show-up on restaurant wine lists around BC who are always seeking something unique and food friendly - this wine checks both boxes. Drink 2012-2016+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

LaStella 2009 La Sophia - 93+pts

LaStella 2009 La Sophia (Osoyoos Lake Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $75
Alcohol: 15.1%
Production: 48 cases
Date Tasted: October 16th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A stunning Cabernet Sauvignon that grips your attention from the first sniff of sweet, concentrated dark berry fruit and deep licorice aromas. The truly gorgeous palate follows with a near perfect balance between the ripe, silky tannins, elegant texture and smooth acidity.

Complex, captivating and feminine this beautiful Cabernet should last and evolve over a decade yet is tasting very well today. Drink 2012-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca