Road 13 Vineyards 2013 VRM - 90pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2013 VRM (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Contact winery here for more information
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 145 cases
Date Tasted: January 21st, 2016

Tasting Notes: A blend of white, Rhone Valley varieties, Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne, the VRM is delightfully feminine and textured with an aromatic nose of orchard, citrus and tropical fruit, blossoms and French vanilla cream. The palate starts full and fruity with consistent flavours matching the nose, then a wave of citrus acidity livens things up without washing away any of the body. Finishes long with lingering lemon curds notes and a touch of spice. Delicious. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Road 13 Vineyards 2013 Syrah Mourvedre - 90pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2013 Syrah Mourvedre (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. Contact winery here for more information
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 120 cases
Date Tasted: December 17th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Intensely peppery and spicy, though, not void of fruit, happily, with ripe, plum and blueberry notes on the dense nose and the richly textured palate. A blend of 85.3% Syrah, 12.1% Mourvedre, and 2.6% Grenache for lovers of big, meaty wines with grippy tannins and a dusty, peppery finish. Calls for a peppercorn encrusted steak. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Road 13 Vineyards 2011 Fifth Element - 90+pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2011 Fifth Element (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $49
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 588 cases
Date Tasted: December 1st, 2015

Tasting Notes: A sensual, robust blend of 6 red varieties with Merlot and Cabernet Franc leading the way and Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon playing a supportive roll (plus splashes of Malbec and Petit Verdot). Exelent ripeness for a cooler vintage, the 2011 offers delightful, sweet berry fruit on the nose with floral and dried herb notes additing depth and femininity. The dry, full-bodied palate follows with dark fruit and meaty, savoury characters that are lifted by mouth-watering, berry acidity. Fine, dusty tannins linger with spices and blueberry puree on the long finish.

Ready to go now, though, has the bones to hold for a few more years with some further development possible. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Road 13 Vineyards 2014 Old Vines Chenin Blanc - 90pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2014 Old Vines Chenin Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $27 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 599 cases
Date Tasted: November 24th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A true cult favourite of the Okanagan Valley and worthy of its 'Old Vines' moniker. Sourced from vines planted in 1968, this Chenin Blanc offers delicate and complex aromas of kiwi fruit, minerals, apricot, lime, ripe peach and raw honey on the subtle nose. The palate is concentrated and full-ish with body and texture from 6.5g/l of residual sugar and succulent, tropical fruit flavours. Achieves balance by virtue of Chenin's natural, bombastic acidity and cool minerality. The finish is long. Oh so long. (Thank you 47 year old vines!) Drink now-2018+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca 

Road 13 Vineyards 2014 Marsanne - 85pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2014 Marsanne (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 114 cases
Date Tasted: November 27th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Opens with an intriguing, subtle nose of equal parts herbs, citrus rind and ripe orchard fruit, creating a balanced bouquet worth quaffing. Unfortunately, the same balance is not achieved on the honeydew-infused, overtly 'hot' palate where an unctuous texture is unfettered by the light citrus zest on the spicy finish. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca 

Road 13 Vineyards 2012 Seventy-Four K - 88pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2012 Seventy-Four K (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: BCLDB stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.00 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 4878 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2015

Tasting Notes: This blend of Merlot, Syrah, Viognier and Malbec is impressive in its concentration, from the deep-ruby colour to the dense, brooding nose through to the mouth-watering, dark fruit and spice infused palate. Opens with aromas of dark berries, cherry-cola, spearmint, anise and light peppercorn. The full-ish palate is ripe and well-supported by its medium-plus tannins and wild berry acidity. 

There's enough going on to stand alone, though, a fine cut of beef would enhance the experience. At four years of age this blend is ready to go now. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure to help retain its natural freshness and fruit-forward appeal. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca 

Road 13 Vineyards 2011 Stemwinder - 87pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2011 Stemwinder (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: BCVQA and BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: January 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: For the 2011 vintage the blend switches from a Chard-Sauv Blanc mix to a Chard-Viognier concoction with plump, orchard fruit flavours on the easy-drinking palate and lovely white peach and orange blossom aromas on the round, pleasing nose. Not quite as complex or powerful as its 2010 predecessor, yet, perhaps, possesses more broader appeal with a nice mellow tang while maintaining its fat, creamy texture. Its balance of juicy melon, pear and peach fruit paired with mannered citrus acidity makes it a true.... well, let's just call it "dangerously easy-drinking" rather than using the cruder reference to removing female undergarments.

Enjoy this well-priced wine in its youth. Drink 2013-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2010 Stemwinder - 88pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2010 Stemwinder (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC


Availability: BCVQA and BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 12.8%
Date Tasted: October 13th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A blend of 66% Chardonnay, 26% Sauvignon Blanc and 8% Chardonnay Musqué, this pale gold hued wine offers a lovely bouquet of pears, apples, honeydew melon, vanilla and light citrus aromas. The palate is a mouthful with juxtaposed chewy body and green-apple acid characters nicely framed by a creamy texture and a fresh finish. All for only $14.99!

Originally this wine was released at $22, several dollars more than the firm's popular Honest John's Blends. Seen, at the time, as a step-up in complexity and part of their plan to focus more on proprietary blends than on a large portfolio of single varietal wines. The price drop to just under $15 seems to indicate the wine never quite found its audience and may not be in the winery's future plans. Thus, snatch it up at $15 and make it your house white until supplies last. Enjoy this wine over the next 2 years. Drink 2012-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca
  On a side note: The name "Stemwinder" refers to the type of soil found in some of the winery's vineyards.

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2005 Fifth Element - 91pts

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2005 Fifth Element (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out
Cost: $35-40
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: December 14th, 2010

Tasting Notes: From the cellar... Originally released under the Black Arts banner from Golden Mile Cellars (now Road 13 Winery and Vineyards) this unique blend of 65% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc has an appealing, fragrant bouquet of dark berries, cherry, rich oak and spice aromas. The dry palate has aged effortlessly and shows no signs of peaking soon. The silky texture of juicy, ripe berry flavours gives way to fine tannins and strong acidity that propels a lingering finish of spice and savoury oak. This is both a delicate and meaty, fruit-forward red blend that is drinking beautifully now and will last for some time to come. Drink 2011-2014.

A quick comment on the labeling. Though I love the re-branding that Golden Mile Cellars went through to become Road 13, I do miss the old Black Arts printed bottles branding that the winery used on their top-end wines. The graphics were very attractive and properly separated the wines from the lower-level varietal releases and blends. Maybe Road 13 will go back to something similar one day.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 IconWines.ca

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Jackpot Riesling - 91pts

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Jackpot Riesling (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. VQA and private wine shops
Cost: $29.99 (Direct)
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 362 half-cases (6X750ml)
Date Tasted: October , 2010

Tasting Notes: Bottled in an Alsatian flute, suggestive of its style, this new Riesling from Road 13 is an outstanding wine with a lovely, aromatic nose of orange blossoms, pralines, river rocks, lime rind, peach skins and stone fruit. This bone-dry Riesling with strong, citrus acidity, never feels harsh on the palate due to the presence of lush tropical fruit flavours complimenting the stone fruit character. Supremely well balanced, with a moderate-plus, tart finish. Pair with pan-seared scallops or enjoy on its own. Drink now or cellar for further development. Drink 2010-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Viognier Riesling Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Viognier Riesling Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. VQA and private wine shops
Cost: $22.99 (Direct)
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 350 cases
Date Tasted: October 1st, 2010

Tasting Notes: This new Viognier-heavy blend from Road 13 replaces their fantastic Viognier-Roussanne-Marsanne blend released in 2008. The follow-up wine, consisting of 61% Viognier, 30% Riesling and 9% Sauvignon Blanc, is a result of the winery working with what the vintage delivered and the grapes obtained. The dominant tropical fruit flavours and aromas in the 2008 blend become more of a supporting component in the 2009 with bigger citrus, candied-fruit and savory-nut characters coming to the fore. The texture is richer and creamier, full-bodied to be sure. With acidity from the Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc that I marked as "high" in my notes, yet the mouth feel remains dominated by the lushness from the creamy Viognier of 2009.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Honest John's White - 88pts

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Honest John's White (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Widely. Direct from winery. BCLDB stores. VQA stores
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 3767 cases
Date Tasted: July 25th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Year-in, year-out the full line-up of Road 13's entry wines called Honest John's shows well. This year the stand-out of the bunch is the HJ White, a tasty blend of mostly Riesling (67% - some botrytis affected) with Kerner (14%), Gewurztraminer (12%), Schonenberger (3%), Muller Thurgau (2%) and Pinot Gris (2%). Compared to the 2008, which was Sauvignon Blanc heavy (51%), the new vintage is lighter in body and posses a different flavour profile but continues the trend of well-balanced, refreshing white wines. Kind-of like taking a different, yet equally effective route home from work.

Medium-plus intense aromas of tropical fruits, honey nectar, slate and ripe apples with fragrant, floral notes on the nose. The dry palate has just a touch of residual sugar which contrasts nicely with the high acidity making this an excellent wine to refresh you (and your guests) on a hot summer day. Flavours of citrus fruits, ripe pears and tropical fruits dominate. A moderate, balanced finish completes the experience. Lovely. Drink now through 2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Road 13 Vineyards and Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - 87pts

Road 13 Vineyards and Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. BCLDB stores. VQA stores.
Cost: $24-27
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: March 18th, 2010

Tasting Notes: The 2007 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from Road 13 will be its last (at least for now). The winery has chosen to drop several of their popular single varietal wines, including this solid Cab Sauv, in favour of focusing on a tasty new red blend called Rockpile. Fans of this pleasing wine with intense aromas of cassis, dark cherries, pencil shavings and bell peppers, will have to stock up as it may be several years before they see it again, if ever (likely depending on the success of the Rockpile blend).

Like many BC Cab Sauvs, green aromas and flavours have crept into the mix here, but the wine has a lot going for it with a silky-smooth texture, solid fruit flavours, fine tannins and a long, balanced finish. Drink now through 2013.
 - Liam Carrier

Road 13 Vineyards and Winery 2008 Viognier Roussanne Marsanne - 89pts

Road 13 Vineyards and Winery 2008 Viognier Roussanne Marsanne (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availablity: Direct from winery. VQA stores like Kensington Square.
Cost: $23.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: April 22nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: Grown in the winery's holdings on Black Sage Bench, this blend of Viognier, Rousanne and Marsanne (46%, 44% and 10% respectively) captures the essence of a warm, tropical island complete with fresh pineapple and sweet mellon aromas.

The aromas of the delicate nose continue through to the creamy palate with added flavours of grapefruit, slate and a touch of clove spice on the long finish. Strong citrus acidity has the affect of a cool breeze refreshing your face on a hot beach - a nice balance.
 - Liam Carrier

Golden Mile Cellars 2006 Sauvignon Blanc - 86pts

Golden Mile Cellars 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. BCLDB stores

Cost: $13.99-19.99

Alcohol: 12.7%

Date Tasted: December 23rd, 2009

Tasting Notes: The "Golden Mile Cellars" transformation into "Road 13 Winery and Vineyards" will one day be studied by marketing students across North America as a near-perfect example of a successful re-branding. The old label (pictured above) was completely adequate but far from memorable. The new Road 13 labels and colours pop and get your attention.

This Sauvignon Blanc was managed by the same winemaker, Michael Bartier, as the Road 13 flight of wines. Nice minerality and aromas of gooseberries and lemon-grass on the nose if not served too chilled. The light-bodied palate offers developing flavours of slate, grapefruit and a hint of orchard fruits.

Sealed with a stelvin cap, this 2006 vintage has peaked and is ready to drink. Drink 2009-2010. - LC

Road 13 Vineyards 2006 Black Arts Pinot Noir - 89pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2006 Black Arts Pinot Noir (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Select BCLDS stores

Cost: $34.90

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: November 10th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This single-vineyard reserve Pinot Noir still displays the old company name and logo, Golden Mile Cellars, yet the juice inside is familiarly Road 13. Meant as a step-up from their standard Pinot Noir, this medium-dark, purple-ruby coloured wine offers medium-plus intensity aromas of plums, nibs and dark cherry with slight oak notes.

On the medium-bodied palate the aromas carry through adding flavours of bitter chocolate and dark fruits with medium-plus acidity and medium tannins. A long, balanced finish complete the very satisfying experience. Let this wine decant for 2 hours and sip slowly for further development in the glass.

As good as this Pinot Noir is, it mostly serves to remind us how good the standard Road 13 Pinot is at only $23 failing to make a distinctive and lasting impression justifying its $35 price tag. Drink now through 2012.  - Liam Carrier

Road 13 Vineyards 2008 Honest John's White - 88pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2008 Honest John's White (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: 1,526 cases produced. Widely available in BC. BCLDB stores. VQA stores

Cost: $16.99

Alcohol: 12.7%

Date Tasted: October 23rd, 2009

Tasting Notes: A blend of 51% Sauvignon Blanc, 18 % Muller Thurgau, 11% Orange Muscat, 7% Schoenberger, 7% Kerner and 6% Chardonnay, this pale-gold coloured wine is an affordable treat. The Sauvignon Blanc takes center-stage on the nose presenting aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruit. The Muscat and Schoenberger add a touch of sweet notes to the aromas.

The citrus and sweet aromas carry through to the palate showing flavours of grapefruit, lime zest and candied apricots. With (relatively) low alcohol and good acidity, this is a very refreshing wine but not just for a hot summer afternoon. Pair with a tangy salad topped with prosciutto ham and dried cranberries as a first course to jump-start your Fall/Winter dinner party. Drink 2009-2010. CSPC: 601070
 - Liam Carrier

Road 13 Vineyards 2008 Honest John's Red - 88pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2008 Honest John's Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan valley - BC

Availability: 2125 cases produced. Widely available in BC. BCLDB stores. VQA stores

Cost: $18.99

Alcohol: 14.1%

Date Tasted: November 1st, 2009

Tasting Notes: Road 13 produces an extensive line of wines and I have yet to find one that has disappointed. The "Honest John's" brand is the winery's take on an affordable house Red, White and Rosé and as usual, they have delivered a fine product.

This dark-ruby coloured wine is a blend of 41% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Pinot Noir and 6% Cinsault. The Pinot Noir portion is small, but it adds a bit of refinement to the final blend, softening the tannins. Bold fruit aromas of raspberry, strawberry and nibs on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate with flavours of field berries and smooth, medium-plus acid and tannins.

I hope Road 13 is considering the small but growing trend of BC wineries producing wine boxes (3 liter bag-in-a-box style). Both the Honest John's Red and White seem to be perfect candidates. Until that time, you'll find the HJW and HJR in 750ml bottles at BCLDB and VQA stores all over the province. Drink 2009-2011. CSPC: 290684
- Liam Carrier