Rust Wine Co. 2019 Cabernet Franc - 89pts

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $28 including taxes
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: April 26th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Rust Wine Co. does an amazing job at offering a few single-vineyard releases at reasonable prices. This Okanagan Falls grown Cabernet Franc is a great example. Sourced from the Lost Horn Vineyard, this wine showcases its intriguing qualities within the Bordeaux family with a unique combination of blackened berry fruit, refined spices and feminine floral notes. Add-in the flavours of the local terroir, smoky sagebrush, mint and sweet, cured meats and you have a real winner. Ready to go now. Drink 2022-2025.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah - 90pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $37 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 21st, 2020

Tasting Notes: Sourced from the winery's Cawston vineyard in the Similkameen Valley, this is one of three Syrahs the winery makes and it's their most playful with uber-ripe, cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, Christmas Cake spices and candied fruits showing throughout. Palate's balance is just a tad sweet with the medium tannins and acidity unable to fully off-set the super-concentrated berry flavours. A touch of toasted oak and wild spice add depth and more food pairing options like game served with a fruit sauce. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah - 91pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $37 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2020

Tasting Notes: One of three Syrahs that Rust Wine Co. produces, this one, sourced from the Golden Mile Bench, is the most masculine of the group with a nice balance between its dark fruit and savoury characters. 'Medium-plus' on all fronts; body, tannins, length and mouthfeel. Yet, there's amble generosity without weighting down your palate. Plenty of complexity on offer with aromas and flavours of baking spices, cured meats, dried rocks and salty tapenade. Ready to go now or hold for several more years. Drink 2020-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah - 92pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $37 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2020

Tasting Notes: This Syrah, sourced from the Black Sage Bench, is the most well-rounded and impressive of the three Rust Wine Co. produce. A little more intense than its Golden Mile Bench cousin and more refined than its Similkameen Valley kin. It all seems to come together in this beautiful Syrah with excellent concentration on the ripe berry and potpourri scented nose and the long-lived, elegant, yet, bold palate. Classic Syrah characters are on offer here: dark and red fruits, white pepper and hints of mint and cola. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Chardonnay - 86pts

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Chardonnay (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.6%
Date Tasted: April 11th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Though stainless steel ferented, this Chardonnay is fairly rich with a nice combination of orchard and citrus fruit characters and some rounded edges (likely) due to a partial, malolactic fermentation which softens the natural acidity and contributes a touch of melon and tropical fruit into the final profile. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Pinot Grigio - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Pinot Grigio (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $18 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.4%
Date Tasted: April 9th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A light, pinky-brass hued Pinot Gris thanks to extended skin contact during the press and fermentation stages. Though fermented and aged in only stainless steel, no oak, there's lots of texture on offer, contributing added dimension to the orchard and citrus fruit driven, well-balanced palate. Look for a medley of pear, peach, lemon skin and raw nut aromas on the nose. 

Pair with a salty snack and a sunny deck or an Easter roast. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Rosé - 89pts

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Rosé (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: April 8th, 2020

Tasting Notes: The Rust Wine Co. rosé jumps to the Okanagan Valley for the 2019 edition, using Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the winery's young, South Rock Vineyard along the Golden Mile Bench. Though likely destined for red wine production when it comes of age, this new vineyard is producing a delicious blush in the meantime.

Off-dry, overall, yet beautifully balanced to finish near-dry with plenty of lip-smacking, bright raspberry and tangy, wild berry acidity. Red fruit flavours, a touch of tannin and a smattering of herbs and spice make this wine a perfect companion to complex salads or poke rice bowls. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca 

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Cabernet Franc - 89+pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: August 3rd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Packs quite a punch for a medium-bodied wine with good intensity and a layered profile of concentrated, fresh mixed berries and dried fruit'n'herbs, a touch of vanilla-kissed oak and some dusty tannins. Sealed with a Stelvin cap to lock in the freshness, but I would love to see how this wine ages as there's potential for more development. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Rosé - 86pts

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Rosé (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 224 cases (750ml), 120 cases (Magnums)
Date Tasted: June 27th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A blush of Cawston-sourced Merlot producing classic, Summer berry aromas and flavours with cran-apple acidity and texture and a touch of tannin from the skin contact during the crush. Nothing too complex and nothing out-of-place. A fine, versatile rosé for hot decks or a spicy bag of chips. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca 

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Gewurztraminer - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Gewurztraminer (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: June 27th, 2019
@rustwine

Tasting Notes: A rich, off-dry, unctuous Gewurztraminer with hints of both orchard and tropical fruit notes throughout and the mouthfeel of ripe, mouthwatering, fleshy peaches. A touch of spice shows on the slightly short finish. Pair with spicy, Thai or Indian cuisine and enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

On a side note: Rust Wine Co is owned and operated by the Mt. Boucherie winery and shares many of the same vineyards for its wines. Pick-up a bottle of the Mt. Boucheries Gewurztraminer from the same vintage and open both for a fun comparison of how winemaking choices can produce distinct style differences with similarly farmed fruit.

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Gamay - 89pts

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Gamay (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1250 cases
Date Tasted: June 26th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A beautifully balanced Gamay with both playful and substantive characters; candied fruits, tangy citrus peel, smoky violets, velvety red fruit, caramelized onions, Christmas cake spices, mild licorice and plenty of body and texture. Should make an excellent companion to Summer social fare, especially sweet'n'smoky ribs or BBQ chicken. Enjoy this beauty in its youth. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Chardonnay - 88pts

Rust Wine Co. 2018 Chardonnay (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $21 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 625 cases
Date Tasted: June 22nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: An un-oaked, yet, rounded, well-balanced Chardonnay sourced from the winery's Okanagan Falls vineyard showing solid orchard and citrus fruit throughout with a susurrus of aromatics and offering nice tension on the palate through to a crisp finish. Ready to go now and sealed with aStelvin cap to lock-in the freshness of the fruit and acidity. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Syrah - 90-91pts

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $37 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: This youthful Syrah shows excellent potential for further evolution in the bottle with a lovely combination of both masculine and feminine characters on the seductive nose and the layered'n'long, mouth-watering palate. Look for complimentary aromas and flavours of brooding black cherry, salty tapenade, rosemary, violets, potpourri and black raspberry. Ready to go now with a long decant, but best to wait another 18 months for further integration and development. Drink 2020-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Cabernet Franc - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A rustic, fruit-forward Cabernet Franc with brambly, wild berry aromas and flavours supported by gritty spice and tannins, added depth from oak exposure (13 months, 20% new) and finishing with a kick of feral acidity and lingering, smoky spicebox. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure to corral the fresh character of this well-price Franc. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2014 Zinfandel - 91pts

Rust Wine Co. 2014 Zinfandel (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $35 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: October 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Zinfandel doesn't always work in BC, the vintage conditions and handling of the variety in the vineyard have to be just right, but when it does work, its memorable and worth seeking out, like this full-throttle 2014 edition from Rust Wine Co. Big and bold, despite its medium body and tannin structure, with intense, exotic spice, sweet pipe tobacco and red fruit aromas and flavours on the spill-out-of-the-glass nose and the mouth-watering palate. Not for the faint of heart (though, ready to go now). Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Merlot - 89-90pts

Rust Wine Co. 2016 Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $35 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: October 16th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A very spicy Merlot starting with a quiet, vanilla and blackberry-kissed nose followed by a gregarious, spice box palate bursting at the seems with tangy black cherry, white pepper, clove, vanilla and smoky cinnamon flavours. A Syrah-like profile, yet, structured with medium tannins and a juicy/fleshy texture that's classic BC Merlot. Finishes long, holding its spice through to the next sip.

Sealed with a cork under a wax-dipped top, so make sure you're careful with your corkscrew knife as you open it. Give this spiced-up Merlot another year or two in bottle to further integrate. Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Gamay - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Gamay (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: September 6th, 2018

Tasting Notes: On the spectrum of Gamay with sweet'n'tangy, Beaujolais Nouveau at '1' and savoury-gamy, Beaujolais Village at '10', the Rust Wine offering would register somewhere around '3' with an off-dry, unctuous palate and a profile of candied, smoky-sweet fruit and potpourri-spice. It will be too sweet and intense for some, and just right for others looking for a formidable companion to spicy, molasses-glazed, dialed to eleven, BBQ ribs. Not for the faint of heart or those looking for a subtle, savoury red wine to sip. Think loud and social, just like the wine. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Pinot Grigio - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Pinot Grigio (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $20 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: September 3rd, 2018

Tasting Notes: A super ripe, Tropical and orchard fruit-infused Pinot Grigio with some nice body and length. This single-vineyard wine is aged in 90% stainless steel and 10% French oak, fermented to off-dry with green apple acidity and a touch of mineral notes to balance the sweetness. Finishes a tad 'hot', therefore, a pairing with hard cheeses or creamy pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara is a great idea. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca