La Frenz Winery 2021 Sémillon - 89pts

La Frenz Winery 2021 Sémillon (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.6%
Date Tasted: May 31st, 2022

Tasting Notes: Look for aromas and flavours of grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi, mango skin, lemongrass, and Asian pear on the fragrant nose and the mouth-watering, yet, oily palate of this Naramata Bench sourced Sémillon. Ready to go now of hold for the potential of further evolution. Drink 2022-2026.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Semillon - 86pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Semillon (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $18 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: August 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A rounded and full-ish version of the Bordeaux variety with ripe orchard fruit on the gentle nose and an RS-kissed palate with sweet nectarine, peach and citrus flavours. Finish is balanced but rather short with only a faint hint of mineral. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca 

Bartier Bros. 2013 Semillon - 89pts

Bartier Bros. 2013 Semillon (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 640 cases
Date Tasted: January 5th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A vibrant and exciting Semillon sourced from the Cerqueira Vineyard along the Black Sage Bench, fermented using only wild yeast in concrete and stainless steel tanks which produced an honest, pure tasting wine with both warm, lees and cool, stonefruit aromas on the nose and a mouth-watering blend of citrus peel, minerals and melon fruit on the palate. The finish is long, despite the crispness, with lingering herb and river rock notes. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2013 Sémillon - 89-90pts

La Frenz Winery 2013 Sémillon (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: October 12th, 2014

Tasting Notes: The La Frenz' house style of Sémillon remains a celebration of the Bordeaux variety's unique juxtaposition of mouth-watering, citrus tang and palate-coating, lush melon fruit. Each sip sees both parts of the wine's melody played harmoniously, creating a memorable experience - well-worth the price of admission. 

Look for aromas and flavours of grapefruit, honeydew, mango, lemongrass, hay and Asian pear. Has the bones to age well for another 2-3 years with unctuous, nectar qualities likely to develop, though, the synthetic cork enclosure puts longer cellaring at risk. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Winery 2011 Sémillon - 88pts

Mt. Boucherie Winery 2011 Sémillon (Okanagan Valley) BC


Availability: VQA stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $15.50
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A refreshing and crisp version of the Bordeaux variety that offers a nice blend of tangy citrus, juicy peach and mouth watering green apple flavours after a similarly themed, yet, fuller, citrus and nectarine infused nose. Finishes a tad sharp, though, lingering mineral and lime peel notes add to its inherent liveliness. Great value for money at the $15 price point. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Semillon - 86+pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Semillon (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 11.5%
Production: 230 cases
Date Tasted: October 7th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This 100% Semillon, sourced from the Balwant Vineyard near Osoyoos, opens with a  muted, yet, sultry nose of poached pear, lime rind and fig newton aromas. The palate ramps up the intensity with good texture and continuity from the nose while mineral and light oak notes contribute an added dimension to an otherwise straight-forward, seafood companion wine, though, a very well priced one indeed. May develop more complexity with heightened honey notes if given more time in the bottle, however, the price point lends itself to youthful, curious consumption. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Bartier Bros. 2011 Cerqueira Vineyard Semillon - 86pts

Bartier Bros. 2011 Cerqueira Vineyard Semillon (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Select BCLDB stores
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 11.8%
Date Tasted: January 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: A fresh and vibrant Semillon produced with zero oak contact and fermented using only wild yeast resulting in an honest and uncomplicated wine to pair with tangy or lush seafood dishes. Finishes a bit short after a tart, though, pleasing palate of honeydew, minerals, pear, lime rind and figs. Drink now-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2010 Sémillon - 88pts

La Frenz Winery 2010 Sémillon (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery (here). Search private wine shops like Marquis Wine Cellars
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: August 14th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Possibly the tartest Sémillon you're ever likely to try - a far cry from the lush, chewy, South Australian examples of this white Bordeaux varietal that have become big sellers internationally. Tart, yet never sharp or unruly, with loads of grapefruit, honeydew, lemongrass and hay with rich undertones of tropical fruit which serve to mellow the residual acid. Augmented with 10% barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc, its traditional blending partner, to add an extra layer of complexity and citrus kick. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2008 Semillon - 86 pts

La Frenz Winery 2008 Semillon (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Decanted: 0hr

Cost: $18 (Direct from winery)

Date: August 29th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Naramata's La Frenz Winery don't enter a lot of wine competitions, but they did enter this pale, watery-gold coloured Semillon into the All-Canadian Wine Championships and won best-in-class. High praise for a winery better known for its Viognier and Chardonnay.

At only 12.5% alcohol, this crisp, medium-acidity and medium-bodied wine will pair nicely with a hot, sunny deck. However, this wine truly comes into its own when paired with medium-spicy food (think Ginger-Beef and green beans over a hot red or green curry). The nose offers wet stones and citrus notes. On the palate you will taste grapefruit, gooseberries and the Sauvignon Blanc which has been added to round out the flavour profile. Another solid effort by one of BC's top boutique wineries. - LC