Chateau Des Charmes N/V Brut Sparkling Wine - 89pts

Chateau Des Charmes N/V Brut Sparkling Wine (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.95 (750ml) or $15.95 (375ml)
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A traditional method Brut with fine, persistent beads, produced from Chardonnay and Pinto Noir grapes sourced from vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula by Chateau Des Charmes. Offers a nice balance between its tangy citrus and ripe, orchard fruit characters on the peaches'n'cream nose and the yeasty, biscuit-infused, slightly off-dry palate. Finish is lively and refreshing with lingering, steely minerality and crisp citrus. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Muscat Frizzante - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Muscat Frizzante (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.1%
Date Tasted: July 11th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A focused, lightly bubbly, Prosecco-styled blend of 47% Orange Muscat, 46% Muscat Ottonel and 7% Riesling sourced from multiple Okanagan Falls vineyards. Opens with a subtle, delicate nose of peach, lemon/lime and grape aromas followed by an effervescent, well-balanced palate offering flavours of nectarine, peach, pear and a touch of minerality. Everything neat and tidy and quite refreshing. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2016 Sparkling White Merlot - 89pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2016 Sparkling White Merlot (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. 2017 vintage available direct from winery here
Cost: $23.90 (including tax)
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: July 25th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A lovely, sparkling rosé made of Merlot grapes (with a splash of Malbec) seeing minimal skin contact creating a pale, salmon-orange hue. Produced using the Charmat method (pressurized tank) with a flinty, flirty, fruity nose of strawberry shortcake, peach pit, kiwi and light mineral aromas. The effervescent, off-dry, cream'n'fruit, palate is nicely balanced with pink grapefruit acidity and a mineral kiss, leading to a (mostly) dry finish. Very refreshing and joyful. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 Quotidien Brut - 88pts

JoieFarm 2016 Quotidien Brut (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. 2017 vintage available direct from winery here 
Cost: $24.26 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.7%
Date Tasted: July 24th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A Charmat method Brut produced from Riesling and Chardonnay grapes with persistent, fine bubbles, showcasing a nice balance between bright, under-ripe stone fruit acidity, metallic mineral notes and flavours of sweet'n'tangy citrus and tropical fruit. A dry finish starts yeasty, then transitions to a spicy-lemon drop final note. Refreshing and lively, this bubble is ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Sperling Vineyards 2011 Brut Reserve - 90pts

Sperling Vineyards 2011 Brut Reserve (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $50 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: March 25th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A classic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from the winery's biodynamically farmed home vineyard in East Kelowna, this traditional method Brut is choke full yeasty-goodness, taut citrus fruit and fleshy McIntosh apples on the warm, cuddly nose and on the bright, grippy palate. Finish is long and effervescent. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2012 The One - 90pts

Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2012 The One (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $47.88
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 234 cases
Date Tasted: December 30th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A traditional method, Champagne-inspired, sparkling wine, roughly an 80/20 split of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and aged sur lees for 41 months. Now 5 years old, this Brut is ageing beautifully with savoury lees and lemon meringue aromas making for a refreshing bouquet. The dry, elegant palate shares these notes with plenty of shellfish-loving mineral and grapefruit flavours leading the way.

Ready to be enjoyed now with your special occasion celebration. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Bench 1775 Winery N/V Brut Rosé - 86pts

Bench 1775 Winery N/V Brut Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Mixed case purchase only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: TBA
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: December 30th, 2017
@Bench1775

Tasting Notes: A 50/50 spit of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with an effervescent, light mouse, this non-vintage sparkling wine derives its brassy-orange colour from some skin contact with the Pinot Noir grapes during crush. A touch of mineral and lemon zest show on the dry finish with a pleasant, straight-forward blend of strawberry, cranberry and kiwi fruit on the nose and palate. Would make for a fine Sunday brunch aperitif. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $27.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Disgorged: March 2017
Date Tasted: December 16th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Fine, persistent bubbles sparkle in the light-copper hue of the latest release of Blue Mountain's always-excellent, non-vintage brut; a blend of 58% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 4% Pinot Gris produced in the traditional method and disgorged in March of this year. 

A lovely wine with plenty of texture and a nice balance between vibrant notes of zesty citrus, cool mineral and green apple and warm'n'cozy notes of toffee, apricot and unpasteurised honey. 

No longer an under $25 steel, but still offers exceptional value at its new price of $28. Drink now or hold for 5-7 more years.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blasted Church Vineyards 2012 OMG - 87pts

Blasted Church Vineyards 2012 OMG (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here. BCLDB stores
Cost: $27
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 800 cases
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The playfully labeled OMG is a blend of 67% Pinot Noir, 22% Chardonnay and 11% Pinot Blanc and produced with the traditional, in-bottle second fermentation method. This process imparts yeasty-goodness into the bouquet and texture of the wine from the long exposure to its spent lees and the Blasted Church OMG offers these characters in spades. What it might be lacking is a touch more fruit and residual sugar with a racy profile focused more on mineral and nut flavours and plenty of raw acidity. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Brut Rosé - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2013 Brut Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $32.90
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: November 25th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This elegant, pink-amber hued Brut Rosé is made in the traditional method and delivers exceptional quality for its $32.90 price tag, making it an absolute steal and a legitimate contender to the over-priced Champagne you're considering for New Year's Eve celebrations.

A gorgeous nose of honey-kissed scones, grape seeds, raspberries and lees gives way to the dry palate, loaded with strawberry shortcake and light cinnamon applesauce flavours and texture to spare. Drink now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink 2017-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2016 Plein De Vie Brut - 88pts

JoieFarm 2016 Plein De Vie Brut (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 11%
Production: 769 cases
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Originally conceived as a tasting room-only label to help visitors beat the heat during the hot Okanagan Summer touring season, this 2nd vintage of the easy-going bubbly is now available on the winery's website. A blend of 45% Pinot Meunier, 36% Chardonnay and 18% Pinot Noir with fresh cranberry and raspberry seed aromas on the subtle nose and a unique combination of strawberry spongecake, herb and mineral flavours on the dry palate. Finish is refreshing with some lingering savoury notes. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 Rosé Sparkling Wine - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 Rosé Sparkling Wine (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $32.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 750 cases
Date Tasted: November 5th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Delicate raspberry, raw honey and Angle Food cake aromas grace the nose of this traditional method, rosé Brut. Following is a (mostly) dry palate with medium bubbles, delicate strawberry and covert, spicy plum flavours. Finish is a bit short, but well balanced and refreshing. Drink now-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Elle - 91pts

Maverick Estate Winery 2013 Elle (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: 2013 vintage sold out. Visit winery here for next vintage
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: August 18th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A traditional method sparkling wine with a beautiful, bronze hue made from a 80/20 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, respectively, sourced from the winery's home vineyard along the Golden Mile Bench. A very French, yeasty bubbly with a kiss of candied fruit followed swiftly by mouthwatering, grapefruit acidity and a touch of spice and mineral notes. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery N/V Muscat Frizzante - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery N/V Muscat Frizzante (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 11%
Date Tasted: July 27th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A blend of grapes from multiple sites and vintages; 57% Muscat Ottonel and 5% Orange Muscat from 2016  and 38% Riesling from 2015 which received extended lees contact post-fermentation. Made Frizzante by forced carbonation prior to bottling, this sparkling wine is mostly, a light and fizzy Summertime treat with soft, floral notes and tangy citrus and orchard fruit aromas and flavours. Though, with time in the glass, layers of lees and richer fruit like melons and peaches appear. A light and fruity alternative to Traditional Method sparkling wines to be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes N/V Brut Sparkling Wine - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes N/V Brut Sparkling Wine (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $23.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: March 5th, 2017

Tasting Notes: New label, same consistent execution. A traditional method Brut with fine, persistent beads, produced from Chardonnay and Pinto Noir grapes sourced from vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula by Chateau Des Charmes. Offers a nice balance between its tangy citrus and ripe fruit characters on the peaches'n'cream nose and the yeasty, brioche-infused, off-dry palate. Finish is lively and refreshing with lingering minerality and citrus rind notes. 

Lacks the depth and refinement of the more revered sparkling wines of the Peninsula, yet, at $24, you won't find better value in the market. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $23.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: December 15th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Produced in the traditional method and constructed like Champagne with finished wines from multiple vintages combined to create a consistent house style. This blend of 56% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Gris is the latest edition of their flagship Brut, disgorged in 2013 and now with a further 3 years of development in the bottle. All of which can be appreciated on the engaging nose and the bubbling, mouth-watering palate.

Look for fresh apple pie, lemon meringue and seashell aromas followed by a crisp, mineral-infused mouthfeel with flavours of lemon/lime, unpasteurised honey, peaches, stainless steel and light herbs. Finishes dry with lingering lemon rind and mineral notes. An absolute steal at under $25. Drink now or hold for 5-7 more years.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2012 Brut Rosé - 91pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2012 Brut Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $32.90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2016

Tasting Notes: An elegant and silky smooth Brut Rosé made in the traditional method with compelling aromas of honey-dipped scones, grapes, sweet lees and prune fruit. A pale, bronzed-salmon colour, this dry, zesty sparkling wine with loads of texture and creamy, strawberry notes, is to be enjoyed with savoury appetisers or on its own where it can comfortably hold your attention. Drink now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Rosé Sparkling Wine - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Rosé Sparkling Wine (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $29.95
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: October 19th, 2016

Tasting Notes: This sparkling rosé, made in the traditional method, is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next celebration with its delicious combination of red berry fruit, honeycomb, melon, vanilla-icing and baked brioche aromas and flavours. Palate is both lively and smooth with some residual sugar, mineral and plump, yeasty notes. The finish is crisp and satisfying. Drink now-2018+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2008 Blanc de Noir - 89pts

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2008 Blanc de Noir (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $34.90
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: April 1st, 2015

Tasting Notes: Produced from Pinot Noir grapes in the traditional Champagne method, this lightly bronze-hued sparkling wine is delightfully dry and nicely textured with medium, persistent bubbles and a sophisticated combination of lees and peach skin aromas and flavours. Finish is mineral-y and refreshing, though, a little short. Drink 2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Henkell and Co N/V Rosé - 85pts

Henkell and Co N/V Rosé (Wiesbaden) Germany

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: March 25th, 2015


Tasting Notes: Completing our trilogy of Henkell bubbles (see Trocken and the Dry Riesling), this rosé is an easy-going, mousse-y, sparkling wine with a lively mix of peach skin and strawberry aromas and flavours. A versatile wine that successfully brightens the room and won't put a dent in the pocket book. Finish is short, but pair it with spicy appetizers or tapas and you won't even notice. Drink now.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca