Cassini Cellars 2017 The Aristocrat - 92+pts

Cassini Cellars 2018 The Aristocrat (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40 + taxes (est.)
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 275 cases
Date Tasted: October 27th, 2021

Tasting Notes: An excellent expression of The Aristocrat from Oliver's Cassini Cellars which has long been a source of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon in the Okanagan Valley. The 2018 is true to its roots and to its vintage with plenty of its signature mint and Fig Newton cookie aromas and flavours and with a slightly harder, masculine edge. The oak influence is near perfect and supports the ripe fruit, creating a firm, yet, refined structure and adding plenty of texture. 

Pair this beauty with a lean, mean tenderloin of beef and decant for several hours. Drink now or hold for further integration and development. Drink 2023-2028.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2016 The Aristocrat - 92pts

Cassini Cellars 2016 The Aristocrat (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 15.2%
Production: 300 cases
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2018

Re-Tasted: November 4th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Another stellar vintage of the complex, long-lasting, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon known as The Aristocrat. Balanced and ripe, the 2016 shows excellent typicity for the label with telltale notes of mint and Fig Newton nicely integrated into the dark fruit and oak influence layers on the masculine, invigorating nose and the full-bodied, beautifully structured palate.

Would benefit from another 1-2 years in bottle to mature further. With more prominent tannins than its Collector's Series cousin, this Cab is ready to take on more marbled cuts of beef like a fine, charred, rib eye steak. Drink 2020-2026.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Re-Tasting Notes: Coming into its own just as its drinking window opens. Tannins have mellowed and integrated beautifully. Mint notes are still deliciously prominent with a touch of licorice and charcoal now showing on the finish.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2013 The Aristocrat - 93pts

Cassini Cellars 2013 The Aristocrat (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 290 cases
Date Tasted: December 1st, 2016

Tasting Notes: This is a world class, single-vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Southern Okanagan showing excellent typicity for the variety and aged in 95% French oak and 5% American barrels. Look for ripe cassis and elegant vanilla aromas on the nose with some added spicy-savoury notes providing more layers to explore. As with the 2012 vintage, the distinct, (and memory-triggering) aroma of warm Fig Newton cookies is again present.

The dry palate that follows is both uber-refined and rich in texture with a similar flavour profile and silky-smooth, yet, grippy tannins. The finish is long and expertly balanced. Though the residual alcohol clocks in at a whopping 15% it is so seamlessly integrated, it goes unnoticed, as it should.

Ready to go now with 2-3hrs of decanting or age it for a decade. Drink now-2023+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca