Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Noir - 87pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Noir (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.4%
Date Tasted: June 17th, 2021

Tasting Notes: A leaner, meaner vintage of Pinot Noir for 2019, but not without some joyful elements like the aromatic nose offering spiced plum and herbs. A textured, light-bodied palate follows with light tannins, racy, yet, food-friendly acidity and a medley of fruit flavours; plum, black raspberry and pomegranate. Light oak, herbs'n'spice and a hint of smoke add depth, especially on the finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2021-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca 

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2020 Modest Wines Pinot Noir Rosé - 87pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2020 Modest Wines Pinot Noir Rosé (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.2%
Date Tasted: May 10th, 2021

Tasting Notes: An orangey-pink hued blush produced with Pinot Noir grapes sourced from Cawston in the Similkameen Valley offering a medley of delicate red fruit, blossom and white peach aromas and flavours. Marketed as a "dry rosé" despite its listed 8.2g/p of residual sugar and mostly lives up to this billing due to the balance of refined, peach and strawberry acidity. But you can taste the sweetness behind acid, and that is a good thing. Drink now-2022.

- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 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

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2018 Pinot Noir (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: June 29th, 2020

Tasting Notes: The 2018 edition of Mt. Boucherie's Pinot Noir is a mouthful! Showcases a classic, BC Pinot profile of nicely integrated, spiced fruit and earth characters on the pretty, expressive nose and the robust, slightly 'hot' palate. Sourced from a single vineyard near Cawston in the Similkameen Valley, this is a BBQ-friendly Pinot that will match West Coast cuisine, especially, smoked salmon dishes. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca 

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2019 Riesling - 87pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2019 Riesling (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $17.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.8%
Date Tasted: June 25th, 2020

Tasting Notes: An off-dry Riesling sourced from the winery's Lazy River vineyard near Cawston. It opens with a subtle nose of white peach, Bosc pear, raw honey and candied lime aromas followed by a light-ish bodied, yet, lengthy palate of mineral-y orchard fruit and sweetened citrus flavours. Pair with roasted chicken or pork. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2022.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Gris (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.3%
Date Tasted: June 18th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Despite being one of the Province's oldest wineries, Mt. Boucherie is still looking at new ways of producing old favourites and striving to deliver better and better wines. This 2019 edition does just that and thanks to an evolved Pinot Gris program which includes more skin contact after the crush imparting a light, pinky-brass hue and, more importantly, adding texture and tension that was missing from the 2018 vintage. There is also added depth and length to the new release which widens its food pairing option beyond salads and snacks. Roasted turkey and pork are on the table

Look for approachable, orchard fruit and a hint of cherry on the nose with pear, peach, stainless steel and spice flavours following on the mouth-watering, tangerine-acidity palate. 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

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Blaufrankisch - 91pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Blaufrankisch (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $27.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: October 29th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Blaufrankisch is a late-ripening, rarely seen grape of Central European origins which produces a spicy, medium-plus bodied wine and, commenting frankly, will never catch on in North America unless it is disguised as part of a proprietary blend thanks to its hard-to-say, unfamiliar name. A shame, really, since it can match the complexity of a G-S-M blend by itself and makes the most out of minimal oak contact.

This old vines example from Mt. Boucherie offers deep layers of spices, dark fruit and smooth, dense tannins and long, smoke-kissed finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca 

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Pinot Noir (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: September  12th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A simply structured, fresh and lively Pinot Noir with a satisfying balance between red fruit and spicy-earthy characters. Sourced from a single vineyard near Cawston in the Similkameen Valley, this is a food-friendly Pinot that will match BC, West Coast cuisine. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca 

Kettle Valley Winery 2014 Great Northern Vineyard Syrah - 88pts

Kettle Valley Winery 2014 Great Northern Vineyard Syrah (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private stores
Cost: $21-25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: July 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes:  A complex and masculine Syrah with layers of dark fruit, black pepper, sweet tar, black licorice and, in contrast, some elegant crushed violet and pipe tobacco notes. A touch 'green' on the medium-bodied palate with a hint of green pepper, though, the charred, mannered tannins have fully integrated leaving an overall sense of cohesion. Excellent value on offer for this Similkameen sourced Syrah. Ready to go now at 5 years of age. Drink 2019-2020.
 - 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 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

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2016 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2016 Pinot Noir (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: September  9th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A robust and meaty Pinot Noir from the winery's Lazy River Vineyard just South of Cawston that was fermented on Syrah skins in stainless steel tanks and then aged in French oak for 14 months (25% new) prior to bottling. Look for a fruit-first nose with raspberry and cherry aromas upfront followed by a wave of more savoury notes; peppercorn seeds, light cocoa and a hint of vanilla. An intense, medium-plus bodied palate follows with similar fruit and pepper notes and an extra touch of oak, mocha, exotic spice and dried cranberries on the moderate, mouth-watering finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
 - 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

Liber Farm and Winery 2015 Let Me Be Frank - 87pts

Liber Farm and Winery 2015 Let Me Be Frank (Similkameen Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: April 9th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A continuation of the smokey-floral profile of the winery's Signature Red, though, this 100% Cabernet Franc release, sourced from organic, Similkameen-grown grapes, offers a little more fineness and length. Look for violet, cherry-cola and potpourri aromas on the nose with the dry, medium-bodied palate offering similar flavours and more pronounced, earth'n'spice savoury notes. A touch of sweetened, vape-smoke lingers on the moderate-plus finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Liber Farm and Winery 2015 Signature Red - 86pts

Liber Farm and Winery 2015 Signature Red (Similkameen Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.3%
Date Tasted: April 8th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A medium-bodied blend of organic Cabernet and Merlot grapes from the Similkameen Valley (specifics withheld). More floral than fruity, on the nose, with blossom and herb aromas and the distinct note of a dusty bar of potpourri-scented soap. Palate is dry and slightly bitter on the finish with a veil of smoke over the black cherry, spice, herbs and oak flavours. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Liber Farm and Winery 2016 Everyday Chardonnay - 87pts

Liber Farm and Winery 2016 Everyday Chardonnay (Similkameen Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: January 17th, 2018

Tasting Notes: An unoaked Chardonnay with plenty of acidic zip but far from a one-note wine with a lovely floral layer on the otherwise orchard fruit-scented nose and plenty of acid-grounding body on the citrus'n'apple infused palate. A touch 'hot' on the moderate finish where lemon rind and spice lingers briefly. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Liber Farm and Winery 2016 Rosé - 88pts

Liber Farm and Winery 2016 Rosé (Similkameen Valley) BC

Availability: Sold out. Details here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: October 27th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A salmon orange-hued, Provence-styled rosé produced from 100% Similkameen Merlot grapes, offering a pleasant, floral-scented nose with fresh cranberry, melon and strawberry aromas. Palate is crisp with a touch of initial, berry sweetness which is quickly flooded with citrus rind and rhubarb acidity, light herb notes and strawberry-citrus flavours. A food-friendly rosé with a dry finish. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2016 Riesling - 85pts

Calliope Wines 2016 Riesling (Similkameen Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $14-17
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: October 9th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This pale gold Riesling is sourced from Keremeos vineyards and delivers a pleasant mix of baked orchard fruit and zesty citrus fruit aromas on the nose with a watery, yet, acidic palate to follow with hints of stone fruit, lime margarita and spice on the dry finish. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca