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

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Tragically Vidal - 89pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Tragically Vidal (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $17 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: June 13th, 2019
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: An off-dry, delicate, delight of a Summer Sipper, Stag's Hollow's Tragically Vidal is as playful and joyous as its colourful label suggests. Look for subtle, aromatic notes of blossoms and pitted fruits; nectarines, peaches and apricots supported by a touch of herbs and some light citrus notes.

Recent vintages of this wine have included Muscat but for the 2017 edition the winery has experimented, adding Rhone varietals with a final blend of 85.2% Vidal, 11.8% Orange Muscat, 2.6% Viognier and 0.5% Marsanne heightening the lusciousness of the lychee-kissed palate. Finish is moderately long and well balanced with tingling, citrus peel and spice flavours lingering briefly. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Dolcetto - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Dolcetto (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: May 26th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A bright, light and fruity wine with brambly, huckleberry and red currant characters throughout. A gentle susarrus of warming spice filters through the dominant, wild fruit notes on the peaty nose and the finish of the slightly, effervescent, light-bodied palate. Think tomato-driven dishes when pairing this wine; red sauce pastas and pizzas or a simple, Caprese salad. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Blanc de Noirs - 89pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Blanc de Noirs (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: April 16th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A new-ish trend in the Okanagan Valley is the experimentation with blanc de noir wines, which are white wines made from red skinned grapes. Pressed quickly after harvest with minimal skin contact leaving a (mostly) clear, 'white' juice to the fermented. 

The Stag's Hollow version is an off-dry blend of 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Gamay Noir with medium-plus body, texture to spare and a clean, crisp finish. A flavour profile of fresh-off-the-tree peaches and hot apple crumble show on the delicate nose and the well-balanced palate. Delish! 
Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Albariño - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: April 3rd, 2019
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: Opens with an exotic nose of papaya, candied peach, kiwi, melon and citrus aromas followed by a textural palate with a juicy, melon fruit-driven entry and a mineral-kissed, mouth-watering, crisp finish. Coming into its own with maturing vines and a maturing fermentation/elevage program in the winery. Can stand alone, enhance your favourute salty snacks or pair harmoniously with any white fish recipe. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Syrah Rosé - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Syrah Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: March 26th, 2019

Tasting Notes: The Stag's Hollow rosé is a blend of two lots of Syrah, one grown specifically for this blush, crushed and then allowed only minimal skin contact and another lot used in the production of the winery's Syrah label, blended with Viognier then bled in the traditional saignée method to drain off lightly tinted juice.

The result of all of this effort is a beautifully delicate, yet, expressive rosé with a hint of residual sugar nicely balanced by fresh, but never overwhelming acid. Flavour profile will remind you of Provence with lifted, red fruit, a touch of minerals and a supporting, savoury backbone. Finish is a tad short compared to previous, stellar years - more of a reflection of their high standards. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: November 17th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A medium-everything Pinot with even parts fruit and savoury on the black raspberry and spicy-earthy nose and on the rustic, yet, juicy, slightly 'hot' palate where red fruit and bright huckleberry flavours are complimented by layers of spice, leather, herbs and dusty rock notes. 

Imagine a New Zealand Pinot Noir and a Gigondas Grenache blend having a baby and you'll be prepared for this unique wine. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Albariño - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2017 Albariño (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2018
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: Still priced at under $20 and fulfilling that inner desire for something a little different, the Stag's Hollow Albariño is the wine you need tonight. A textural pleasure, this wine is both fleshy and firm with mouth-watering citrus and chubby melon characters coexisting beautifully. Sprinkle in some spice and exotic fruit notes and you have one complex, long-lasting white, perfect on its own or with your favourite white fish dish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Syrah - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Syrah (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $25.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A feminine, single-vineyard Syrah, proudly aromatic and spicy, though, not without a solid layer of red and black berry fruits on the herb-encrusted nose and the plump, yet, mouth-watering palate. Not a powerhouse Syrah, like some of its Southern Okanagan cousins, but nothing out of place and very food-friendly. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Renaissance Meritage - 91-92pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Renaissance Meritage (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $43.50
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: February 16th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A youthful, feminine Meritage blend of 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc all sourced from the Okanagan Falls winery's home vineyard. The nose is delightfully fruity and sultry with ripe, red and black berry aromas supported by sweet and savoury licorice, vanilla, oak and a plethora of spice notes. 

The dry, medium-plus bodied palate is bursting with sweet, blackberry and red cherry fruit, dusty, fine tannins and a medley of oaky-spicy flavours and subtle notes of smoky chocolate and herbs through to the long finish. Ready to go now with a long decant, but at this price it would be best to wait until the wine begins to peak in another two years. Drink 2020-2026.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Renaissance Syrah - 89pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Renaissance Syrah (Osoyoos East Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

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

Tasting Notes: Feminine in style with a generous, aromatic nose of violets, cherry, strawberry chiffon, spice and a touch of cola and licorice. This Osoyoos-sourced Syrah offers a lively palate with plenty of wild berry acidity and flavours of black cherry, sun-kissed blackberry and blood orange with persistent pepper spice through to the moderate-plus finish. Ready to go now and will hold for 3-4 more years. Drink 2018-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Renaissance Merlot - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Renaissance Merlot (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here, VQA stores
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: February 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Great concentration of ripe berry fruit opens the appealing nose of this home vineyard-sourced, reserve Merlot from the Okanagan Falls winery. The sweet fruit is followed by waves of sweet herbs, oak and mocha aromas. The dark fruit and dark chocolate mint flavoured palate is refreshingly well-balanced with lively, wild berry acidity offsetting the full-ish weight. 

Drinking well now, but to maximize your investment I recommend waiting another 2 years, if you have the patience. Drink 2020-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Muscat Frizzante - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Muscat Frizzante (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.9%
Date Tasted: November 18th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The 2015 vintage Muscat Frizzante is refreshingly vibrant and dry (or Brut) very Prosecco, in style, with a lifted profile of citrus and stone fruit, minerals and a hint of lees. Bitter lime rind and a touch of spice linger  on the effervescent finish. A great holiday party aperitif. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Grenache - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Grenache (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.99
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: November 17th, 2017
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: It's rare that such a young wine can be so engaging and balanced. The Stag's Hollow Grenache is released the Autumn following its harvest year after spending 6 months ageing on lees in large, 500l French oak puncheons and blended with 10% Syrah. Upon release, the youthful wine is a veritable spice box, bursting with pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg and nicely integrated floral and berry notes. Tannins are light and smooth on the medium-bodied palate with fresh, wild berry acidity and lingering spice on the moderate finish. 

Ready to be enjoyed this holiday season with traditional social dishes like Roasted Turkey and Pork Tenderloin. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here  and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 12th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This medium ruby coloured Pinot Noir is sourced from a single vineyard in the Okanagan Falls sub-region planted to a number of the Dijon clones of the finicky, Burgundian grape. An intense Pinot, on a whole, with a Central Otago-esque nose of black raspberry blended with sweet'n'spicy earth aromas and hints of Teriyaki and mineral notes. The palate is not quite as complex as the nose with more of a juicy feel to it, though, never flabby, with fine, dusty tannins and mouth-watering, huckleberry and raspberry acidity keeping the finish lifted. Ready to go now. Drink 2017-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Syrah - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2015 Syrah (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here  and VQA stores
Cost: $25.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: October 27th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Both aromatic and dark, fruity and smoky, smooth and rustic. Goddess Dichotomy! I have found thy drink! 

These contrasting, juxtaposed, sometimes competing characters won't work for everyone (personally, I'm on the fence). Those that like a challenge will take pleasure in deconstructing the floral/cassis/toasted pepper nose and the plumy/minty/Middle Eastern Bazaar palate. While others will simply marvel, as I do, that so many aromas and flavours can be crammed into one wine. This may be the most memorable wine you taste all year. But will you enjoy it? Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Albariño - 90pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Albariño (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: August 15th, 2017
@Stagshollow

Tasting Notes: Stag's Hollow is showing it has its Albariño program dialed-in, balancing the tart and fleshy elements of this Spanish variety, memorable for its sensual textures in the mouth including citrus-induced puckering, oily fruit and a touch of tannin on the herbs-infused finish. A real bargain at the >$20 price-point. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2014 Merlot - 87pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2014 Merlot (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: August 3rd, 2017

Tasting Notes: A rip-roarin', well-priced Merlot and Petit Verdot blend (95-5 split) with loads of ripe, black berry and plum fruit aromas and flavours throughout. Intense on the spice and vanilla-infused nose and palate with mannered tannins and a touch of residual sugar and 14.2% alcohol contributing body and creamy texture. An excellent companion for BBQ Chicken or Pork Ribs. Drink now-2018.
 - 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

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: July 12th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Beautifully stinky. Not quite a full New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, but there's some nice pungent notes mixed in to the aromatics, the citrus and Tropical fruit and the mineral aromas. A dry, vibrant palate follows with mouth-watering, citrus acidity, tangy, Tropical fruit flavours and plenty of texture, ideal for your casual Summer Sipping. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca