SynchroMesh Wines 2014 Stormhaven Vineyard Riesling - 93+pts

SynchroMesh Wines 2014 Stormhaven Vineyard Riesling (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $35 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 9.4%
Date Tasted: June 29th, 2015
@SynchromeshWines

Tasting Notes: Yes, it's a pricey wine, especially for a variety that one usually pays in the range of $15-25 for, but tasting is believing and the Stormhaven Vineyard Riesling is an exceptional example of just how good the Germanic grape can be when it is treated with the admiration it deserves as it has by the winemaking team at Synchromesh.

Riesling can be as complex and as intriguing as any red varietal, and that's without the aid of enhanced flavours and structure from new oak. It transmits terroir and even evolves in the glass like a classic Pinot Noir (when allowed to warm-up a bit). Yet, it can be a hard sell in the Okanagan with some producers moving away from the variety and ripping out their vines. Thankfully, Synchromesh is championing the Riesling grape with 5 unique bottlings available. They are truly, all-in for Riesling.

The Stormhaven Vineyard release is their flagship Riesling, produced from their Okanagan Falls property. It has a whopping, 35gpl of residual sugar, yet, finishes (very nearly) dry thanks to the effortless balance of the natural acidity and flavour profile of stone fruits and minerals - peaches, mangos, nectarines and river stones. Notes of sweet melon and herbs add depth while the long, long finish is kissed by citrus.

This is a Riesling that should age well, but only time will tell (it is a fairly young vineyard, after all). Though, my guess is this wine will evolve in the cellar for another 10+ years. Drink now-2025+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Related Article:
http://www.iconwinesbc.blogspot.ca/2013/05/get-to-know-alan-dickinson.html 

SynchroMesh Wines 2011 Palo Solara Vineyard Pinot Noir - 87pts

SynchroMesh Wines 2011 Palo Solara Vineyard Pinot Noir (East kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 12.6%
Date Tasted: July 25th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Boasts vibrant, raw red fruit aromas mingling with sweet incense on the quaffable nose with similar flavours on the dry, crisp palate with an added touch of earthy barnyard. Without a doubt, a tasty, refreshing and satisfying wine. But classic Pinot Noir? No, but getting there. Extraction is high and the tannins a tad rough. Drink 2013-2016.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2013

SynchroMesh Wines 2012 Thorny Vines Vineyard Riesling - 89pts

SynchroMesh Wines 2012 Thorny Vines Vineyard Riesling (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18.90
Alcohol: 10.4%
Date Tasted: July 9th, 2013

Tasting Notes: 'Thorny Vines' is SynchroMesh's "other Riesling", essentially a nice companion piece to their $30, Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence winning Storm Haven Riesling which is produced from their home vineyard vines in Okanagan Falls. The Thorny Vines Riesling hails from a youthful, 3rd leaf Naramata Bench vineyard and is more assessable to the casual Riesling fan, both in character (a fruity, tangy, off-dry charmer) and price (impressive quality for under $20).

Concentrated kumquat, honeycomb and Asian pear through its floral nose and lightly-mineral-ed palate; finishing a tad short due to the intense acidity needed to balance the 30g/l of residual sugar. Though, it must be stated, a balance that works and allows the wine to stand on its own or as a companion to classic off-dry Riesling dishes like spicy Asian fare - just don't go too spicy or you'll overwhelm this lovely nectar. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2013

SynchroMesh Wines 2011 Pinot Noir Rosé - 89pts

SynchroMesh Wines 2011 Pinot Noir Rosé (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 125 cases
Date Tasted: May 8th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A vibrant, yet, gentle nose of sweet red fruit opens the experience of this tasty Pinot Noir rosé from Okanagan Falls winery SynchroMesh. The fruit was sourced from an East Kelowna vineyard and produced using the traditional saignée method to bleed the juice from the grapes allowing for just enough skin contact to leave a light salmon colour. Ever-so-slightly off-dry on the rhubarb and strawberry infused palate adding texture and body - but not a girlie, sweet rosé and certainly far from being a push-over. This is a well-made, refined rosé worth attentive exploration. Enjoy this wine over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2012