Cassini Cellars 2010 Moscato - 90pts

Cassini Cellars 2010 Moscato (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24 (375ml)
Alcohol: 19.6%
Production: 110 cases
Date Tasted: September 3rd, 2012

Tasting Notes: The success of this dessert wine is in its ability to stay rather fresh and relatively light in the mouth despite the nearly 20% alcohol and substantial residual sugar - a tall order. This charming, honeydew and spicy peach flavoured wine opens with a lovely nose of pecans, tangerines and violets and will compliment your favourite nutty pie or crème brûlée rather than compete with it. Ready to be enjoyed now and though it will hold for many years I'd recommend early consumption while the wine is still youthful and fresh with well-balanced acidity. Drink 2012-2014+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2010 PTG - 90+pts

JoieFarm 2010 PTG (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here upon release
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 843 cases
Date Tasted: September 3rd, 2012

Tasting Notes: This year's PTG sees the Gamay Noir rise to 52% of the traditional Burgundian "Passe-Tout-Grains" blend with Pinot Noir. A welcomed rise which infuses more tangy and spicy red fruit on to the concentrated nose and lush palate. Aged in French oak for 10 months with only 15% new allowing the natural characters of the Pinot Noir and Gamay fruit to dominate the profile while contributing only secondary aromas and flavours of toasted oak. Supported by a nice backbone of mouth-watering, but not sharp, acid and fine, medium tannins. The long finish will add a pleasing dose of spice to accompanying food (think traditional Burgundian fare like Coq au Vin). Ready to be enjoyed now or hold for another 5-6 years with potential improvement. Drink 2012-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Cakebread Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - 90-92pts

Cakebread Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) - California

Availability: BCLDB Signature Stores
Cost: $100
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: August 26th, 2012

Tasting Notes: At five years of age this Cabernet is still quite youthful in appearance, a dark ruby hue, and in its development. Concentrated, sweet cassis and blackberry pie fruit aromas blend nicely with French vanilla, mocha, licorice and toasted oak notes on the intense nose. The concentration and youthful flavour profile continues on the dry palate with added spice and an iron backbone. Tannins are fine but moderate with bright acidity that leans the overall balance a bit towards tart. Best served by waiting another 1-2 years before opening to make the most of your investment. Drink 2014-2020+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2006 Reserve Chardonnay - 90pts

JoieFarm 2006 Reserve Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out
Cost: $35 (est)
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: August 24th, 2012

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. At 6 years of age this Chardonnay, by BC wine standards, is a senior citizen enjoying the twilight of its life... or is it? Aromas of butter, pear, apple and minerals have evolved into a lovely bouquet filled with honeydew and smoky stonefruit notes. The palate's green apple tang has mellowed, yet the lively acid is still present and still grounding the lush fruit and rich oak flavours. It shows no signs of being in decline and should remain a perfect match for mushroom risotto for another few years. Delicious! Drink now-2015+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir - 88pts

JoieFarm 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $39.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 189 cases
Date Tasted: August 27th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The first single varietal release of Pinot Noir for JoieFarm whose previous relationship with the heartbreak grape was limited to their popular PTG blend of Pinot and Gamay. Part of the winery's new expanded list of Reserve tier wines, this is a fruit-forward and fresh expression of the thin-skinned grape offering lively aromas of cherry, baking spice, light oak and raisin. The dry palate has good continuity from the nose with a similar flavour profile of red fruits wrapped in moderate tannins and acidity then capped by an easy-drinking mouth feel. Not an overly complex Pinot but a well executed one. Ready to be enjoyed now with duck or other game-y meets. Drink 2012-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca