Bodegas Luzon 2020 Las Hermanas Monastrell - 88pts

Bodegas Luzon 2020 Las Hermanas Monastrell (Jumilla DO) Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores and private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $13-16
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: July 24th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Ripe and fruity on the nose with characters of dried, candied fruit, spicy, toasted oak and intense florals. Palate is a little rough in the tannin department, but overall, absolutely incredible value with excellent balance and intensity. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Luzon 2018 Finca Luzon - 88pts

Bodegas Luzon 2018 Finca Luzon (Jumilla D.O.) Spain

Availability: Private stores like Everything Wine
Cost: $22-25
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: November 9th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Structured as an Old World, dry, savoury-first, wine made from Monastrell (Mourvedre) grapes sourced from vineyards in the Jumilla region of Spain, the overall profile, happily, isn't desolate of fruit, offering nice blue fruits on the pruny nose and the plum sauce-flavoured palate. Yet, it is the savoury, earthy notes of leather, oak, spice and sun-drenched rocks which linger and feature most prominently. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Anciano 2015 Old Vines Garnacha - 89pts

Anciano 2015 Old Vines Garnacha (Calatayud DO) Aragon - Spain

Availability: Private wine shops and BCLDB stores
Cost: $23.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: December 8th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A modern-ish bottling of Garnacha sourced from 35 year old vines and spending far less time in oak when compared to the winery's other wines which are aged for 7 and 10 years. Though textured and moderately intense, this Garnacha sits beautifully in the mouth with just a touch of 'hot' alcohol notes. Look for a pleasant combination of dusty red fruit, subtle prunes and plenty of spicy, sweet earth aromas and flavours. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Palacios Remondo 2014 La Montesa - 91pts

Bodegas Palacios Remondo 2014 La Montesa (Rioja D.O.) Spain

Availability: Limited.
Cost: $20-25
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An uber-smooth, concentrated blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Tempranillo, La Montesa is fermented in stainless steel vessels with natural yeasts and sees only one year in oak, imparting nearly no influence, leaving a fresh and rich, fruit-driven medley of ripe and dried red berries with toasty spices and earth notes supporting. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Castillo de Maetierra 2017 Atlantis Albariño - 89pts

Castillo de Maetierra 2017 Atlantis Albariño (Rueda DO) Spain

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: September 19th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A beautifully textured Albariño with evenly matched tangy and oily layers on the dry, mouth-watering palate and a fresh and fruity nose with light aromas of apricot, peach, melon and lemon/lime. Pair with seafood, salads or All-Dressed Ruffles. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez 2017 Basa Blanco - 89pts

Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez 2017 Basa Blanco (Rueda DO) Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores and private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: September 18th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A delightfully crisp'n'fruity blend of Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc vinified to near dryness, leaving a touch of residual sugar to add to the body and texture which, otherwise, offers layers of tangy acidity and light, flinty minerality. Look for lemon drop, honeydew and orchard fruit aromas and flavours and pair with your favourite bag of crisps/chips. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Familia Bastida 2015 Alceo - 87-88pts

Familia Bastida 2015 Alceo (La Mancha DO) Spain

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $15-18 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 28th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Not your typical "cheap Spanish Tempranillo" with a lovely, feminine nose of ripe berry fruit and complimentary, light, pipe tobacco and anise aromas. The palate is quite Californian on the entry with a front-loaded, sweet, black and red fruit followed by a wave of earthy spice, leather and American oak flavours which balance the sweetness nicely. 

Needs a long decant to come together in the glass. Hold for another 2 years for further balancing between the fruit and the savoury characters. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rolland Galarreta 2010 Tempranillo - 90+pts

Rolland Galarreta 2010 Tempranillo (Rioja DO) Spain

Availability: Limited.
Cost: $35-45 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: September 30th, 2017

Tasting Notes: From the cellar: A co-production from uber-Bordeaux consultant Michel Rolland and Rioja royalty Javier Galarreta, this is a big, maturing, tannin-drenched wine made from 100% Tempranillo grapes, offering concentrated, red and dark fruit with layers of scorched earth, leather, vanilla, light bacon grease and a plethora of spices on the nose and palate.

At 7 years of age, this wine is ready to go now, though, I'm inclined to let the remaining bottle age until 2020 to see how further ageing affects the still prominent tannins. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Garcia 2011 'Señorío de los Baldíos' Roble - 88pts

Bodegas Garcia 2011 'Señorío de los Baldíos' Roble (Ribera Del Duero DO) Spain

Availability: Limited. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 11th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A lovely, juicy, 100% Tempranillo (Tinta del Pais) from the Ribera Del Duero region of Spain that acts as an excellent conduit for the aromas and flavours of the American oak barrels it was aged in for 4 months. The nose offers red fruit supported by layers of spices and in-your-face, sweetened vanilla extract aromas. The rounded palate is medium-bodied and intense, yet, quite playful and approachable, with a similar blend of red fruit and spice and added notes of cola, oak, tobacco and citrus acidity. The finish is long with lingering, cocoa-powdery tannins. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Vega Sicilia 2008 Pintia - 94-95pts

Bodegas Vega Sicilia 2008 Pintia (Toro DO) Spain

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $60-70
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: August 2nd, 2014

Tasting Notes: At 6 years of age, the Pintia is still quite youthful and requires a long decant for its savoury and fruity elements to come together in the glass. But boy, when they do, look out! Vega Sicilia's "affordable" wine is sourced from the Toro region of North-Western Spain and sees 12-15 months in French and American oak (usually a 70/30 split). This 100% Tempranillo wine yields a complex nose of espresso, minerals, red fruit, sweet tobacco, leather, toasted oak, dried grass and subtle spices.

The palate is packed with red fruit flavours which seem to float about the more subtle savoury backbone of dry herbs and anise spice. Though concentrated and loaded with tannins, the Pintia doesn't overwhelm your palate and feels refined and elegant in the mouth. More time will ensure further development and depth, lessening the grip of the tannins. Drink 2018-2024+
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Muga 2009 Selección Especial - 93-94pts

Bodegas Muga 2009 Selección Especial (Rioja DO) Spain

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $50.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 25th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This beautiful, spicy, femme-fatale from Rioja is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo and 3% Graciano and oozes sex appeal on the nose with powerful, layered aromas of pot-pourri, raspberry, cherry, anise, cardamom, vanilla, dusty rocks and toasted oak. The palate is a little more restrained, yet, equally complex and layered, with silky-smooth tannins and the weight and finesse of a Brunello. Look for cherry-cola, menthol, vanilla, mineral, spice and red fruit purée flavours. The constant theme of spice continues through to the long, balanced finish.

Ready to go now, with a long decant, though, another 2-3 years of bottle age should foster further development. Drink 2016-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca (with notes from Jordan Carrier)

Les Vins Bonhomme 2012 El Petit Bonhomme Blanco - 87pts

Les Vins Bonhomme 2012 El Petit Bonhomme Blanco (Rueda DO) Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores and private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $14
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 2600 cases
Date Tasted: February 25th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A crisp, fruity and vibrant wine made from 100% Verdejo sourced from the Northwest Spanish region of Rueda offering nectarine, peach pit and passion-fruit aromas on the nose and tangy citrus and ripe melon flavours on the mineral-infused palate. Finishes a bit 'hot', though the lingering spicy notes are memorable and help this 'fresh white' stand-out from the crowd. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Les Vins Bonhomme 2012 El Petit Bonhomme Tinto - 88pts

Les Vins Bonhomme 2012 El Petit Bonhomme Tinto (Jumilla DO) Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores and private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $15
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 5000 cases
Date Tasted: February 15th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A co-production by Spain's renowned Juan Gil family and Canadian-born winemaker Natalie Bonhomme, El Petit Bonhomme is a well-made, easy-drinking, North American-palate friendly blend of 55% Monastrell, 30% Garnacha and 15% Syrah sourced from mature vineyards in the Jumilla region of Spain. Fruity on the nose with aromas of cherry and blackcurrant supported by savoury notes like pipe tobacco, menthol, anise, oak and spices. The palate offers similar flavours and rounded tannins and tangy, citrus acidity. Would pair beautifully with grilled, sweet'n'spicy ham dishes. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Bodegas San Pedro Regalado 2010 Embocadero - 88pts

Bodegas San Pedro Regalado 2010 Embocadero (Ribera Del Duero DO) Castilla y León - Spain

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 12th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Classically structured Tempranillo with loads of dark cherry, dried herbs and mineral characters on the warm, earth-infused nose and full-bodied, well-balanced palate that offers an excellent acid-to-fruit-to-tannin ratio, keeping the wine both fresh and fruity with an appropriate level of grilled-meat pairing bite.

Raised in a combination of American and French oak, the palate finishes dry and a tad short, though some nice spicy cassis and vanilla notes linger. Tasting beautifully now and will hold well for another 3-4 years. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Atalaya 2012 Laya - 89pts

Bodegas Atalaya 2012 Laya (Almansa DO) Albacete - Spain

Availability: Private wine shops and BCLDB stores
Cost: $14
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: February 5th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A blend of 70% Garnacha and 30% Monastrell with bold, dark cherry and Christmas cake aromas on the expressive nose. Tangy and mouth watering, the palate packs a punch with dark fruit, cured meat and French oak flavours. Though the entry is juicy and smooth through the mid-palate, the overall balance is a touch bitter on the moderate finish, but there's a lot to love with this budget blend from Spain's Almansa DO. Drink 2014-2016+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Breca 2010 Old Vines Garnacha - 92+pts

Bodegas Breca 2010 Old Vines Garnacha (Calatayud DO) Aragon - Spain

Availability: Private wine shops and BCLDB stores
Cost: $24
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: January 31st, 2014

Tasting Notes: At first sniff, you might think you're about to dive into a fine Port due to the intense and matured, spicy-plum, sweet-incense and anise aromas seeping from the glass. This 100% Garnacha (Grenache) is sourced from vineyards ranging from 70-100 years old and offers an equally intense palate where the spicy-plum profile continues supported by cherry-cola, vanilla-bean and mineral notes. 

Though powerful and layered with meaty tannins and savoury flavours, the body doesn't feel weighted down or thick thanks to well-balanced acidity and a refined texture. Tasting beautifully now, yet, should develop further in the bottle over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2014-2018+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Celler De Capcanes 2010 Mas Donis Barrica - 90pts

Celler De Capcanes 2010 Mas Donis Barrica (D.O. Montsant) Spain

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 8000 cases
Date Tasting: September 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: A fantastic BBQ wine with loads of character on the warm, fruity and perfumed nose and on the layered, fresh and vibrant palate. A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah, red fruit and herbs mix well to create a modern, Old World vibe with a refined/rustic dichotomy. A long finish with lingering spice and oak notes will carry through to your next bite of grilled Picanha. Drinking well now, but would benefit from further aging to reveal another layer on the palate of more mature fruit flavours. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Resalte de Penafiel 2005 'Resalte' Crianza - 92pts

Bodegas Resalte de Penafiel 2005  'Resalte' Crianza (Ribera Del Duero DO) Spain

Availability: Limited. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $45-50
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 5000 cases
Date Tasted: January 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: Everything seems to fit just right in this gorgeous 100% Tempranillo wine from Spain's Ribera Del Duero region. The right amount of smoke, the right amount of spice, the right amount of red fruit and just the right amount of spicy oak is balanced effortlessly on the juicy and silky-smooth textured palate and on the seductive, cola-infused nose. Good acidity keeps your mouth refreshed while the mature, yet, grippy fine tannins structure the complex flavour profile to near perfection.

At the grand age of 8 years old this Crianza has peaked but will hold for another year or two if you aren't yet ready to take the plunge, just don't wait too long or you will miss the sweet spot. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cellar Can Blau 2008 Montsant - 90pts

Cellar Can Blau 2008 Montsant (Montsant DO) Tarragona - Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $22-24
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 1st, 2012

Tasting Notes: A round, gentle and developed bouquet of dried cherries, bruised plum, smoked meats, lightly toasted oak and spice box aromas. Mature, to be sure, yet still fruity and vibrant - on the similarly flavoured palate as well. Fine, smooth tannins have mellowed nicely leaving a well structured, medium-bodied wine that showcases its natural balance of fruit and savoury characters. Mouth watering acidity keeps the moderate finish refreshing

A blend of 40% Mazuelo (Carrignan), 40% Syrah and 20% Garnacha (Grenache), this wine is ready to be enjoyed now and should hold for another 2-3 years. As with its tasty cousin from Cellar Besllum, pair it with your Sunday roast or enjoy it on its own. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Rafael Cambra 2010 El Bon Homme - 87pts

Bodegas Rafael Cambra 2010 El Bon Homme (Valencia) Spain

Availability: Limited in BC
Cost: $15-20
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 2083 cases
Date Tasted: May 2nd, 2012

Tasting Notes: This playful and cheerful blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Monastrel is paired well with its equally playful marketing and branding. Released with three different labels, this wine is presented as a nicely balanced combination of fruit-forward aromas and flavours with light earth and mineral notes adding complexity. Blackberry, stewed plum, peat, menthol and dried rock characters galore framed by strong, rough tannins. Good weight and length add a welcomed counterpoint of refinement to the in-your-face, ultra-ripe fruit. Mouth-watering acidity keeps the dry palate fresh and helps make the wine very food-friendly. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca