Peachy Canyon 2015 Westside Zinfandel - 90pts

Peachy Canyon 2015 Westside Zinfandel (Paso Robles) California - USA

Availability: Costco
Cost: $15-18 + taxes USD
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: February 20th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Big and fruity with more American V8, straight-forward power than finesse, this blend of 77% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Syrah, 7% Primitivo and 6% Alicante Pouschet is effortless to enjoy with juicy, black cherry and pruny, spiced plum fruit supported nicely by sweet peppercorn, minerals, oak and smoky anise aromas and flavours. The finish is long and spicy with mint and licorice lingering through to the next sip. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Robert Hall Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon - 89pts

Robert Hall Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $14-18 usd
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: March 14th, 2017

Tasting Notes: An intense, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles with body to spare thanks to the concentrated, black fruit characters, oak maturation and (near) off-dry level of residual sugar. Thankfully, the wine finishes dry with lingering, fine tannins and spices. Ready to go now. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

J. Lohr Vineyard and Wines 2008 Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon - 89pts

J. Lohr Vineyard and Wines 2008 Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $21-23
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 11th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The J. Lohr Seven Oaks is one of the top two selling Californian Cabernet Sauvignon yearly in the BC market for good reason. It offers good quality with classic California Cab characters of concentrated dark fruits and sweet, warm aromas at a reasonable price. Not cheap mind you, but very reasonable for what you get.

Blended with small amounts of Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot and Merlot to add complexity and depth, this tasty wine walks the precocious line of elegance and approachability effortlessly. Released when ready, it can be enjoyed immediately. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Paso Creek Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel - 83pts

Paso Creek Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel (Paso Robles) California - USA

Availability: BC liquor stores

Cost: $17.99

Alcohol: 15%

Date Tasted: September 29th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A deep ruby, inky colour, this full-bodied Zin plays a medley of lovely fruity notes, but the song becomes a little repetitive. Youthful aromas of blueberry jam, pepper and cherries on the nose followed by flavours of vanilla, raisins and more pepper and blueberry jam on the palate. There's a whole lot of jam going on here, however, I would still call this wine well-balanced as the sticky fruit characters balance the very high alcohol. Medium acidity and tannins round out the long..., you guessed it, jammy finish.

This wine will need an accompaniment of cheesy, tomato-sauce lasagna to successfully carry a tune. Drink now. - LC