SpearHead Winery 2020 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir - 89pts

SpearHead Winery 2020 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $38 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 506 cases
Date Tasted: September 23rd, 2022

Tasting Notes: Sourced from a vineyard in Summerland, the Golden Retreat Pinot Noir is the art-school attending cousin to the classically training Saddle Block label. More quirky and outspoken but perhaps with a little less depth for this 2020 release. Sour plum and cherry notes throughout with brambly acidity, dusty tannins and earthy chocolate and spices in supporting rolls on the feminine nose and boisterous palate. Ready to go now or hold for 2-3 years. Drink 2022-2025.

- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Bartier Bros. 2021 Rosé - 86pts

Bartier Bros. 2021 Rosé (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: BCLDB stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 3402 cases
Date Tasted: May 4th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A dry, refreshing, blended blush produced by combining Gewurztraminer (41%), Chardonnay (30%) and Pinot Gris (25%) with a touch of Syrah (4%) to contribute the needed colour and tannins. Clean and crisp with only 12.5% alcohol, this rosé offers excellent value and plenty of food-pairing possibilities for your Summer, patio parties. Drink now-2014.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2019 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir - 91pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $36 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 440 cases
Date Tasted: July 15th, 2021

Tasting Notes: SpearHead's Golden Retreat Vineyard is located in Summerland and produces the most feminine of their three site-specific bottlings of Pinot Noir. Elegant and complex on the nose with aromas of ripe plum, sour cherry, crème de cassis and a variety of warm, dusty spices. Opulent on the equally complex palate where there is a lovely balance between bright, brambly acid, savoury flavours and round, juicy fruit. Ready to go now or hold for 4-5 years. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure. Drink 2021-2025.

- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2019 Pinot Gris - 88pts

SpearHead Winery 2019 Pinot Gris (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $18.99-19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1362 cases
Date Tasted: August 27th, 2020

Tasting Notes: An aromatic, partially oaked (10% in 2 year old barrels) Pinot Gris with white blossom notes prettying-up the white peach-scented nose. Crisp and refreshing on the nearly-dry, medium bodied palate with citrus and orchard fruit flavours. To be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2022.

  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2018 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir - 89-90+pts

SpearHead Winery 2018 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $35 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 440 cases
Date Tasted: May 3rd, 2020

Tasting Notes: Keeping true to its feminine profile roots, the 2018 edition of SpearHead's Summerland-sourced Pinot Noir also offers a beautiful array of warm, savoury spices on the aromatic nose and on the brambly fruit and sun-kissed, earthy palate. Though the alcohol levels are actually a tad less than the previous vintage, the 2018's slightly more svelte body leaves more heat in the mouth without affecting the long, smoked-spice finish.

Currently, this youthful wine is better on the second night suggesting more time in the bottle should yield more further development and integration. Drink 2021-2024+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2017 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir - 90pts

SpearHead Winery 2017 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $33 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 300 cases
Date Tasted: May 15th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Certainly a Pinot to appreciate in the glass, absorbing the layered, developing bouquet, prior to taking a sip. Possibly the most aromatic of the winery's single-vineyard Pinots with both feminine and frisky characters on the brambly berry, sweet earth and fizzy-cola candy scented nose. There's good continuity between the nose and balanced, full-ish palate with similar flavours supported by playful, black raspberry acidity, savoury spices and fine, mannered tannins. Finish is long with lingering spices. Drink now-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2018 Pinot Gris - 87pts

SpearHead Winery 2018 Pinot Gris (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $20 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1500 cases
Date Tasted: April 23rd, 2019

Tasting Notes: A change in style from previous versions of this Summerland-sourced Pinot Gris which sees more intensity in both the residual sugar and acidity, creating a balanced wine, but one that tastes more like a ruckus Riesling, than a pleasant Pinot. 

Citrus, green apple and pear fruit dominate the mineral-flavoured palate with a touch of aromatic, white blossoms on the nose. To be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2020.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Winemaker's Cut Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Winemaker's Cut Sauvignon Blanc (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 270 cases
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A beautifully crisp and pungent Sauvignon Blanc with ample exotic and citrus fruit, lemon grass and celery on the mineral-kissed nose and palate. Sourced from an Osoyoos vineyard and partially aged (20%) in Slovakian oak for 5 months prior to blending. Finish is long with citrus rind and a touch of spice lingering. Lip-smacking good! Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat - 89pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 11.5%
Production: 660 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Once again a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon, though, the 2016 edition is decidedly more delicate and sweeter than the 2015 vintage with dainty, sugar-dusted peach candies and dried apricot aromas on the nose and with Muscat's pure grapey-ness dominating the slightly effervescent, off-dry palate. The finish is long and lined with minerals and grapefruit rind notes.

Enjoy this wine, in its youth, with a spicy, Red Curry Thai Soup or hard cheese plate - Gruyere would be divine. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Crescendo - 90-91pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Crescendo (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: October 29th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A well-balanced, New World Meritage-styled wine combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec (percentages withheld) sourced from the Southern Okanagan. Opens with refined blue fruit, vanilla and light coffee grind aromas on the nose followed by similar flavours on the smooth, fine tannin palate with an added kick of boysenberry acidity and peppery spice that leads to a long finish. Drink now or hold for some further development over the next 3-4 years. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon - 88pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: August 13th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A youthful Cabernet sourced from southern Okanagan vineyards from the fire-heavy, 2015 vintage with cassis fruit and blackberry seed aromas on the sweet spice-infused nose and with fleshly, blue fruit flavours on the mouth-watering palate. Prominent, brambly berry acidity lacks the smooth, toasted oak notes the 2014 vintage enjoyed skewing the balance a little sharp and lean through to a short finish. Yet, there is impressive intensity for a cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2016 Pinot Gris - 89pts

SpierHead Winery 2016 Pinot Gris (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1117 cases
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2017

Tasting Notes: This well-made, mouth-watering Pinot Gris offers both clean, orchard fruit and rich, leesy-brioche aromas and flavours, combining nicely to deliver good complexity and texture on the intense nose and the tart, touch-of-RS* palate. 

Finish is long and balanced with lingering citrus peel and light spice notes. A very consistent wine, vintage-to-vintage. To be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2019.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

*RS = Residual Sugar

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Pinot Blanc Oraniensteiner - 88pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Pinot Blanc Oraniensteiner (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: October 16th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A fully off-dry, candied-fruit infused blend of late harvest Pinot Blanc and a little-know German grape called Oraniensteiner (a cross of Riesling and Silvaner). Mott's fruit cup and apricot aromas grace the subtle nose and the boisterous palate which also boasts added stonefruit and citrus notes and a nice wave of fresh peach acidity that helps keep the sweetness balanced. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat - 87pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Visit website here 
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 330 cases
Date Tasted: October 6th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Though only Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat make the front label, this fruit-forward blend also includes small amounts of Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon. Lifted on the nose with candied fruit notes and sweet orchard aromas of apricots, peaches and nectarines followed by a juicy and plump, off-dry palate with similar fruit flavours and a nice wave of fresh peach acidity and a touch of mineral and clove on the moderate finish. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Sauvignon Blanc - 85pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at winery. Visit website here 
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 58 cases
Date Tasted: September 24th, 2016

Tasting Notes: This Sauvignon Blanc opens with a muted nose with traces of hay, peach skin and apple. The medium intense palate follows with a touch of residual sugar matched by equal amounts of citrus and pineapple acidity. Look for light, honeydew, gooseberry, apple and stonefruit flavours. The finish is mouth-watering, but short-lived. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Rosé - 85pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Sold out at winery. Visit website here 
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: September 25th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A juicy, fruit-forward, off-dry rosé comprised of 70% Osoyoos-sourced Cabernet Franc and 30% Naramata Pinot Noir grapes. Some of the residual sugar is offset by cran-apple acidity, but not enough to keep the palate balanced and fluid. Prune and earth notes add depth on the long, dried-cranberry infused finish. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon - 90pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 330 cases
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon with a firm, spicy structure and a vibrant, wild berry, acidic edge, balanced nicely by infatuating layers of fleshy, blue fruit and smooth, toasty-warm oak. Ready to go now or enjoy of the next 2 years. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Merlot - 90pts

Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2014 Merlot (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 200 cases
Date Tasted: July 21st, 2016

Tasting Notes: Super concentrated blackberry puree opens the brooding nose of the Lunessence Merlot with layers of spice, mint, vanilla and pencil shavings following close behind. The palate has a pleasing combination of intense, juicy dark fruit and enterprising, fine tannins which seem to effortlessly meld with the residual sweetness and nicely frame the spice and savoury notes through to the moderate-plus finish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2015 Pinot Gris - 89pts

SpierHead Winery 2015 Pinot Gris (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $19
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 1110 cases
Date Tasted: July 20th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Whenever you take all oak contact (fermentation or élevage) out of the equation, as SpierHead has chosen to do with this excellent Pinot Gris, the winemaker must look for other ways to replace the lost benefits of oak ageing: texture and complimentary flavours. Sourced from the Golden Retreat Vineyard in Summerland, this Pinot Gris shows the affect of extended lees contact contributing brioche notes to the apple, citrus and mineral aromas on the nose and roundness to the otherwise, tart and crisp, apple'n'spice infused palate. To be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2016.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2014 Viognier - 92pts

JoieFarm 2014 Viognier (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $27.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 143 cases
Date Tasted: March 2nd, 2016

Tasting Notes: A new edition to the JoieFarm portfolio and affixed with a shiny, new label, this is a supple and supremely well-balanced Viognier loaded with apple, honeydew, ripe peach, apricot and citrus flavours. On the nose are similar melon and orchard fruit aromas enhanced by sweet, floral notes and hints of exotic, tropical fruits.

About 85% of the wine was barrel fermented in neutral French oak with the remaining juice fermented in stainless steel. None of the barrels went through a secondary, malolactic fermentation, which softens the acidity, leaving a firm acidic component to the otherwise, richly textured, (mostly) off-dry palate. The finish is long and thirst-quenching with a touch of lingering citrus peel and fuzzy peach candy notes. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca