Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Franc - 90+pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $26.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: April 23rd, 2022

Tasting Notes: Bored with one-note, berry-rich Merlot? Tired of the predictability of heavy-tannin Cabernet Sauvignon? Unsure of the peppery-power of Syrah? Then reach for this Tinhorn Creek label the wine that helped put BC Cabernet Franc on the map.

A blissful nose of both sensual and pungent aromas of broody berries, plums, wild sage, cheese rind, Christmas cake, earthy herbs and meaty spices. Rich and satisfying on the smoky-fruit laden palate which lingers with spices and oak treatment flavours delightfully. Enjoy now or over the next 3-4 years with some further development possible. Drink now-2026.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 The Creek - 92-93pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 The Creek (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $55 +taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 1474 cases
Date Tasted: March 7th, 2019
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: Tinhorn's entry into the Icon Wine market, The Creek, will see its 2nd vintage of this Left Bank inspired, New World Meritage released this year. The 2015 edition is a gorgeous and beautifully layered blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. 

Opening with a perfumed nose of sun-warmed cherries, potpourri, sweet and savoury spices, blueberry compote, hazelnuts and vanilla, this charming, age-worthy wine offers good continuity of flavours with fine, lightly-smoked tannins and tangy, blackberry acidity framing the full-bodied, long-lasting palate. Simply delicious. 

This wine will develop further over the next 2-3 years, however, if you can't wait that long, enjoy a bottle now, but not too quickly as this beauty changes in the glass throughout the night. Drink 2019-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Innovation Series Whole Cluster Cabernet Franc - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Innovation Series Whole Cluster Cabernet Franc (Anarchist Mountain) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $45 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 250 cases
Date Tasted: February 13th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Tinhorn knows Cabernet Franc. They have been instrumental in popularizing the Bordeaux grape in BC as a single varietal wine. They have three Cab Franc based wines, including their excellent Rosé, why not a 4th? This one is sourced from a single vineyard on Anarchist Mountain (above the East bench of Osoyoos) and as the name suggests, the winery employed a whole cluster, natural fermentation which promoted an intense, rustic charm on the earthy, brambly-fruit driven nose and on the spicy, toasted herbs and, again, brambly fruit palate.

Ready to go now or hold for another 2-3 years. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Pinot Noir - 91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: (not yet released) Direct from winery here
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: February 11th, 2019
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: Entering its 5th year, this newly released Pinot Noir is showing signs of its age with an unmistakable, pale garnet hue in the quarter rim and showing signs of well-earned development with a beautifully integrated bouquet of rich, red fruits and sensual, savoury herbs on the vanilla scented nose and on the full, yet, restrained, earthy-spicy palate. 

This multi-dimensional Pinot is both hedonistic and down-to-earth, a rare feat to achieve. Its only real blemish is a touch of 'hotness' on the otherwise, long and spicy finish, though, this is easily masked by enjoying this wine with food. Try maple-glazed, BBQ salmon or medium-intense, dark chocolate. Ready to go now as Tinhorn have done all the bottle ageing for you ("Thank you Tinhorn!"). Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Merlot - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and BCLDB stores
Cost: $23.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 9th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A solid Merlot for all occasions with a pleasing, fruit-forward leaning balance of ripe, dark berry, dark cherry, tobacco, Nutella and sweet oak and spice characters. Dry, full bodied and lively with light, fine tannins and the perception of sweetness thanks to the prominent berry and cherry flavours. Ready to go now with your favourite BBQ dishes. Drink 2019-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Reserve Merlot - 91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Reserve Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: (Not yet released) Direct from winery here
Cost: $28.99 + taxes (Est.)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: January 26th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An engaging, full-bodied, Okanagan Merlot with layers of sweet blossoms, savoury cured meats, roasted chestnuts, brambly berries, vanilla and a touch of mint and the dusty, rustic-tannin palate and the floral-steeped nose. Spice and cocoa show on the moderate-plus finish.

Supports its 14.5% alcohol beautifully and at nearly 4 years of age, this wine is ready to go now with Tinhorn having done all of the bottle ageing on your behalf. Enjoy on its own or pair with a Blue Cheese topped Rib-eye steak. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Chardonnay - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Chardonnay (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $20.99
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 3022 cases
Date Tasted: January 25th, 2019
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: The 2017 edition of this Black Sage Bench sourced Chardonnay is more subtle and a touch more elegant than recent releases with a lovely, stonefruit'n'mineral leading profile framed by plump, Tropical and orchard fruit aromas and flavours with brioche, honeycomb and canned peach notes. The oak treatment pokes its head up and says 'hi' on the moderate finish, in a polite, matter-of-fact way. Enjoy this Chardonnay on its own, with medium cheeses or with seafood pasta dishes. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Oldfield Reserve Chardonnay - 90+pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Oldfield Reserve Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 30th, 2018
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: A Chardonnay that doesn't smack you in the face or beg for your attention, it opens with a subtle nose and follows that with a balanced, mannered palate, yet it lingers, building intrigue with layers of Meyer lemon, white peach, vanilla, papaya, caramel, oak and long, long-lasting, harmonious spice. Drink now-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $23.99 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 1600 cases
Date Tasted: July 29th, 2018
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: Change is afoot once again at Tinhorn Creek with regards to their Pinot Noir program. The varietal Pinot Noir release moves from a 3-year cycle to 2 with less time in barrel and bottle prior to release. To pull this off, the winery has skipped the 2015 vintage release and has moved right to this 2016 edition, a youthful, fruit-forward, medium-everything Pinot that carries its 14% alcohol effortlessly with a nice background of herbs, spice and huckleberry acidity.

Despite the release cycle change and youthful energy, this Pinot is ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Oldfield Reserve Rosé - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Oldfield Reserve Rosé (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1121 cases
Date Tasted: July 8th, 2018

Tasting Notes: This delicious, orange-salmon hued rosé is produced from Cabernet Franc grapes sourced from the winery's Diamondback Vineyard along the Black Sage Bench and showcases a gentle, yet, powerful medley of peach skin, huckleberry, newly-picked herbs and rhubard aromas and flavours. Vinified to an off-dry level of residual sugar, the overall balance is spot-on with plenty of delicate, white peach acidity to off-set the sweetness making this garden-fresh blush perfect for a hot patio. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Pinot Gris - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Pinot Gris (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 8700 cases
Date Tasted: June 28th, 2018
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: The Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris returns to form for the 2017 vintage featuring a near effortless balance of crisp apple and mineral-y citrus notes with more pungent aromas of ripe Tropical fruits. The palate offers a similar contrast with the textures of these fruits playing off one another elegantly, creating a complex mouthfeel, both vibrant and plump, like a perfectly ripe slice of honeydew melon. Baked lemon lingers on the moderate finish. Ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Reserve Cabernet Franc - 92pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Reserve Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $31.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 784 cases
Date Tasted: June 28th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Another stellar vintage for Cabernet Franc, handled with precision and care by Tinhorn Creek who have helped elevate the prestige of the less-planted Cab in the Okanagan Valley. This reserve Franc spends a year in oak before being blended with 15% Merlot sourced from the same Diamond Back Vineyard along the Black Sage Bench, then it's returned to barrel for another 6 months prior to bottling. 

Absolutely seductive on the sweet herbs'n'spice and dark berry scented nose. A dry palate follows with a similar flavour profile, enhanced by cocoa and anise notes and boasting the unique ability to taste both smooth and vibrant with grippy tannins, lifted acidity and a long, silky finish where spice and a touch of blood orange lingers. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca 

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Gewurztraminer - 87pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Gewurztraminer (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: (Upon release) Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $17.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 26th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Expressive and playful on the nose with aromas of lychee, minerals, kiwi skins, apricots and honey crisp apples. Plumpy palate is a bit 'hot' with alcohol notes on the fruit-forward entry and long, spiced and citrus-kissed finish. Drink now-2019.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Chardonnay - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2016 Chardonnay (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.49
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: November 21st, 2017
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: If you're looking for a buttery, boisterous Chardonnay but don't want to spend the exorbitant prices of a California import of similar quality, then this is the wine for you. Buttered popcorn, tropical and melon fruit aromas and flavours are balanced by cooling, mineral and citrus notes on the nose and a refreshing wave of fresh peach acidity on the lightly off-dry palate. Enjoy this Chardonnay on its own, with medium cheeses or with seafood pasta dishes. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 The Creek - 90-91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 The Creek (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $55 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 1474 cases
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2017
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: Tinhorn's new, self-coined "flagship" wine, The Creek, is a well-balanced blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot offering pleasant, ripe aromas and flavours of dark and blue fruits with a warming wave of herbs and sweet spices on the nose and fine, mannered tannins and smooth, berry acidity on the rounded, refined palate. Toasted oak, light spice and black cherry notes linger on the finish through to the next sip.

When I think of Tinhorn Creek's true flagship wine, I think of the winery's pungent, character-to-spare Cabernet Franc. Perhaps this tasty, refined wine can change that Funky Franc association over time, though, since the fruit for the blend is sourced, predominantly, from the winery's Black Sage Bench vineyard, maybe The Bench would have been a better name;). Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $21.49 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 2056 cases
Date Tasted: October 14th, 2017
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: The 2014 edition of the "regular" Tinhorn Pinot Noir offers more fruit upfront than recent vintages of this, otherwise, herb'n'earthy treat. Red currant, raspberry, cola, bay leaf, forest, cedar and clove aromas grace the pleasant nose while similar flavours, gritty tannins and tomato acidity follow on the textured palate. The finish is moderate and palate lifting with lingering spice and acidity. Enjoy with red-sauce, spaghetti dishes. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Cabernet Franc - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 2270 cases
Date Tasted: September 29th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A delightful wine and perfect for when you're in the mood for something a little different. Bored with one-note, berry-rich Merlot? Tired of the predictability of tight tannin Cabernet Sauvignon? Unsure of the peppery-power of Syrah? Then give Cabernet Franc a try - especially, a BC Franc. And if I've convinced you thus far, why not try the wine that helped put BC Cabernet Franc on the map?

Pungent, aromatic and brooding are my favourite three words for this wine. Full of dark berry fruit, intense earthy-herbs and meaty-metallic aromas and flavours with plenty of mellow spice and feminine touches like candied fruit, mocha and floral notes. Enjoy now or over the next 3-4 years with some further development possible. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Syrah - 89+pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Syrah (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here
Cost: $31.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 859 cases
Date Tasted: September 4th, 2017
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: A powerful, masculine expression of Syrah with oodles of rustic pepper and Chai spices; cloves, cinnamon bark and cardamon. Black cherry plays a supporting role on both the intense, Northern Rhone-ish nose and the dry, raw-tannin palate where layers of savoury flavours like coffee grinds, licorice and vanilla linger through to a long, spicy finish. Would benefit from one more year in bottle prior to opening. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir - 90pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2013 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here 
Cost: $31.99 + taxes (est)
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 850 cases
Date Tasted: August 23rd, 2017
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: A ripe, decently complex, big boned Pinot Noir with a nice balance between its fruit and savoury/earthy characters and plenty of body and texture fortified by its 14% of residual alcohol. Pair with a crispy duck breast dressed with a spicy, black cherry and fig tea sauce to accentuate similar aromas and flavours found in the wine. Fine, smoky tannins frame the moderate-plus finish where spice and dried cranberry flavours linger. Ready to go now. At 4 years of age, this Pinot is ready to go upon release. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Merlot - 92pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: (Not yet released) Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.99 + taxes (Est.)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1536
Date Tasted: August 7th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Benefiting from an exceptional Southern Okanagan Valley vintage for Bordeaux varieties and fine craftsmanship, the 2014 edition of the Oldfield Reserve (formally, Oldfield Series) is their best yet. Sourced from their Black Sage Bench vineyard and blended with 15% Cabernet Franc, this already 3 year old Merlot offers an expressive nose of maturing aromas: blue and red fruits, Nutella, black raspberry seeds and caramelized vanilla. 

The feminine notes continue on the fine tannin and brambly, yet, creamy palate where ripe blackberry meets spicy oak in a symbiotic symphony of flavour. The finish is long and smooth with a touch of lingering menthol. Ready to go now. Drink 2017-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca