Upper Bench Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Blanc - 88pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 430 cases
Date Tasted: August 11th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A dry, crisp Pinot Blanc blended with 5% Muscat which shows on the nose as a touch of sweet, grapiness on the, otherwise, pear, apple and citrus dominated nose. Palate is vibrant and mouth-watering with racy, peach and green apple acidity and a hint of mineral flavours. Finishes long with lingering citrus zest and a light spice. Think lemony chicken dishes or hearty, vegetarian stews. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2022.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 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

JoieFarm 2017 Chic Fille Pinot Blanc - 86pts

JoieFarm 2017 Chic Fille Pinot Blanc (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $30.35 + taxes
Alcohol: 11%
Production: 45 cases
Date Tasted: November 4th, 2018

Tasting Notes: 'Chic Fille' is a new side label from JoieFarm's proprietor and winemaker, Heidi Noble, with a goal to make fun wines using experimental techniques. The 2nd release under this label is a golden hued, herbaceous and dry Pinot Blanc with a savoury, salty-mineral-citrus flavour profile and loads of texture. What it doesn't have is a sense of whimsy or effortless consumption due to a lack of ripe'n'round orchard fruit and too much astringency. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2017 Pinot Blanc - 87pts

JoieFarm 2017 Pinot Blanc (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $24.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 11.7%
Production: 376 cases
Date Tasted: April 30th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A leaner and crisper edition of this East Kelowna sourced Pinot Blanc. For 2017 the emphasis is on mineral-infused orchard fruit with less aromatic notes on the Northern Italian, Grigio-esk nose with citrus zest, apple flesh and kiwi flavours on the vibrant palate. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2016 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: July 30th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The 2016 edition stays true to the house style for this Alsatian variety; a near fifty-fifty blend of stainless steel and barrel fermented and aged fruit that produces delicate, whimsical, sweet fruit and fresh-off-the-tree acidity with hints of lees, citrus, minerals and light floral notes. Finish is generous and long. Absolutely fantastic value. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2015 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 13th, 2016

Tasting Notes: The perfect early-Autumn drink with the whimsical, fruity facade of a Summer Sipper and the body and complexity of a Winter, book'n'bath companion. Floral and candied, orchard fruit aromas grace the nose while the palate offers waves of white peach and spicy melon flavours, green apple acidity and stonefruit notes through to a long finish. Enjoy this Pinot Blanc in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2015 Pinot Blanc - 90pts

JoieFarm 2015 Pinot Blanc (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 560 cases
Date Tasted: May 1st, 2016

Tasting Notes: A delicious and aromatic Pinot Blanc sourced from St. Hubertus Winery's vineyard in East Kelowna. Peach and sweet melon aromas grace the layered nose with fresh flowers, apple skin and grape seed notes adding depth. The palate has rounded edges of plump orchard and melon fruit with a tangy core of citrus acidity and steely minerality. Lime zest lingers on the long finish. Drink now-2018.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2014 Pinot Blanc - 87pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2014 Pinot Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.2%
Production: 128 cases
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Sadly, not a lot of Pinot Blanc is produced and released as a single varietal in BC - more should be. It usually makes a leaner, fresher and subtler wine than its more rambunctious cousin, Pinot Gris. And that's exactly what you get with the Upper Bench, stainless-steel fermented version: crisp acidity, fresh, clean orchard fruit flavours, subtle, delicate aromatics and a balanced, refreshing finish with a touch of lingering citrus peel and spice. Drink 2016-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 19th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Opens with delicate, white peach, straw and soft, green apple aromas that sit gently in the glass. An upfront, in-your-face palate follows that takes these delicate notes and explodes them into every corner of your mouth with shards of minerals and citrus acidity happily balanced by a touch of residual sugar and honeydew flavours. A crisp, vibrant Pinot Blanc to be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2014 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

JoieFarm 2014 Pinot Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 313 cases
Date Tasted: September 17th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Makes me happy to see a few BC wineries still investing their time and resources into making single-varietal releases of Pinot Blanc - a hidden gem of a grape. Lighter and more floral on the nose than its widely planted cousin, Pinot Gris, and (at times) more masculine on the palate with clean, citrus fruit characters. Pinot Blanc is also a great transmitter for any minerality found in the vineyard, adding depth and structure. 

Look for aromas of fresh flowers, apple skins and honeydew melon followed by a tangy, potent medley of orchard fruit, grape seeds, minerals and citrus flavours. The 2014, finishes moderately long with lemon/lime zest and light spice notes. Drink now-2017.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Pinot Blanc - 89pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Pinot Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 31st, 2014

Tasting Notes: This Pinot Blanc is all about finding the balance between the juxtaposition of feminine and masculine characters. Both the nose and palate sees the richness of opulent, ripe Golden Delicious apples and white peaches balanced by cool mineral aromas and flavours and a smooth blanket of citrus acidity that keeps the finish fresh and vibrant. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2013 Pinot Blanc - 90pts

JoieFarm 2013 Pinot Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 438 cases
Date Tasted: May 3rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: Keeping with the style established for the 2012 edition, the 2013 gets more traction from its masculine, stonefruit-infused palate than its warmer, feminine nose of fresh flowers, apple peel and honeydew melon. Tangy and potent with a medley of orchard fruit, minerals and citrus flavours, the palate is vibrant, bold and long with lemon/lime zest lingering on the finish.

Keep a bottle at the ready for the first heat-wave of the Summer for a refreshing escape from the heat. Drink now-2016.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2012 Pinot Blanc - 90pts

JoieFarm 2012 Pinot Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 288 cases
Date Tasted: April 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Happily, the Pinot Blanc remains in the JoieFarm line-up for the 2012 vintage, though, at first blush, it's nearly unrecognizable when compared to the opulent 2011 edition. The mineral-infused, bright palate sees a shift from warm and feminine to crisp and masculine, but beyond its acidic facade lies an expressive wine with layers of orchard and citrus fruit, especially on the beautiful, honeydew-drenched nose.

Don't expect this wine to age like the 2011. Employ as an attention getting Summer sipper when you want to jolt your senses or pair it with a complex salad with pecans and goat cheese. Drink 2013-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2011 Pinot Blanc - 92pts

JoieFarm 2011 Pinot Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: April 1st, 2012

Tasting Notes: A fun, light brass colour greets you with this amazing Pinot Blanc from JoieFarm, an indication that you are in for something different, something memorable. The nose is gorgeous, feminine and round with rich orchard fruit and canned peach aromas. The texture is lush and creamy and sits in your mouth like a delicious tropical fruit tart dessert. The finish is very long, balanced and concentrated with lingering spicy apple sauce flavours. Absolutely the hallmark of an exceptional wine.

This Pinot Blanc is rich and sourced from mature vineyards in Kelowna and from the Naramata Bench, thus, the potential is there to develop further over the next few years, but why wait as it is tasting beautifully now. Drink 2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc - 86pts

St. Hubertus Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $14.50
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: May 9th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A rich, full, off-dry styled Pinot Blanc from Kelowna offering candied fruit, ripe pear and tropical fruit characters on the nose and palate. Balance is a bit short on the acid due to the warmer than average vintage. Not overly complex but fun and easy-drinking providing excellent value for money. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Pinot Blanc - 85pts

Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Pinot Blanc (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Available direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1417 cases
Date Tasted: April 8th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2009 Pinot Blanc from Nk'Mip Cellars is of the rich and creamy variety but is a touch short on acidity to fully balance the richness of the palate leaving the wine a bit flabby. The nose opens with medium intense aromas of pears and tropical fruits which continue through to the dry palate that enjoys a long finish. The 2009 vintage was a tricky one for some white wines where acidity to balance the natural fullness of the flavour profile was occasionally hard to come due to warmer than normal nights. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc - 87pts

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: February 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Delicate floral notes greet you on the nose of this lovely and well-priced Pinot Blanc from Hester Creek followed by baked apple, stonefruit and herbaceous aromas. The hot 2009 growing season produced amble sugar in the grapes which for this Pinot Blanc has been mostly fermented, leaving only a touch of residual sugar and loads of juicy, citrus fruit flavours. The balance is slightly hot, lacking a bit of acidity to match the fullness from the alcohol and fruit. However, the wine is supremely tasty and fun to drink - especially on a hot, sunny deck with good company. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hugel et Fils 2008 Classic Pinot Blanc - 88pts

Hugel et Fils 2008 Classic Pinot Blanc (Riquewihr) Alsace - France

Availability: Limited
Cost: $15-20
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: February 20th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A rich and creamy Pinot Blanc from top Alsatian producer Hugel et Fils with strong tropical and orchard fruit flavours and subtle slate minerality. Slightly off-dry with a full mouth feel and lingering lemon zest. A great pairing for salads or a hot afternoon with friends. Drink 2011-13.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Coyote's Run Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc - 87pts

Coyote's Run Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc (Niagara Peninsula) Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery. LCBO stores
Cost: $17.95
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2010

Tasting Notes: This lively and refreshing, pale-gold Pinot Blanc from Niagara Peninsula winery Coyote's Run Estate Winery is a near-perfect summer sipper. Pronounced, lemony acid, citrus and stonefruit flavours are complemented by subtle, green apple and sour pear aromas on the nose. Add a touch of off-dry residual sugar to the mix to balance the acidity and you have a recipe for a very refreshing drink on a hot summer's night in Ontario. Pairs well with humidity (and salads). Drink now. www.coyotesrunwinery.com
 - Liam Carrier

See also:
Coyote's Run Estate Winery 2008 Black Paw Vineyard Cabernet Franc

Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinot Blanc - 88pts

Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinot Blanc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
Cost: $17.90
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 294 cases
Date Tasted: June 26th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Produced from 27 year old vines, the Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Blanc ranks amoung the best in the Province. The residual sugar and concentrated fruit flavours on the palate balance superbly with the natural acidity from the hot 2009 growing season. Aromas of honey, orchard fruit and aromatic flowers on the nose which carry through as intense flavours on the rich palate with added ripe apples and a touch of stonefruit. Lovely! Drink now through 2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010