Antinori 2009 Tignarello - 93pts

Antinori 2009 Tignarello (Toscano IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature Stores
Cost: $100
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc delivers elegance in a glass with red fruit, cedar, spice box and anise aromas and flavours. Shows great restraint in its intensity on the smooth-textured palate delivering finesse and depth without the in-your-face concentration of its over-extracted peers.

This gorgeous wine calls for meety stews or roasts - although the thought of a $100 "food-wine" may be laughable to some. Tasting rather youthful today needing another 1-2 years of bottle age in a loving cellar to reach its full potential. Drink 2015-2021+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Mission Hill Perpetua 2010 Chardonnay - 90pts

Mission Hill Estate Winery 2010 Perpetua (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: BCLDB stores

Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

 

Tasting Notes: A crowd-pleasing wine for when you want something very entertaining and well executed but perhaps not overly challenging - the Dan Brown novel of BC's top Chardonnay. The winemaking team allowed 50% of the blend to go through malolactic fermentation and used 25% new French oak to create the texture and body they were after and succeeded beautifully. Orchard fruit galore on the nose and palate with the oak treatment providing structure and the acid keeping you wanting more. Delicious. Drink now-2015.

- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Paul Hobbs Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon - 92-93pts

Paul Hobbs Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) California - USA

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $109.99
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The blend changes slightly year-to-year, but the final product consistently delivers the uber-concentration and refinement we love in top-end Napa Valley Cabernets. The 2010 vintage sees 6% Cabernet Franc added which contributes light floral notes to the gorgeous nose and creates an overall more feminine profile. Mint & licorice flavours add depth to the layers of cassis and blackberry fruit supported by powerful, yet, fine tannins. Drinking well now, with proper decanting, but should develop further with patient cellaring. Drink now-2020+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Antinori 2010 Cervaro Della Sala - 91+pts

Antinori 2010 Cervaro Della Sala (Umbria IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Spec Listing
Cost: $60
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A curious selection from a country that mostly produces short-lived and spicy white wines. This is an age-worthy wine with gorgeous almond, crispy bread, orchard fruit and mineral characters aged in 100% new French oak that challenges where we expect top-notch Chardonnay to originate from. A blend of French cloned Chardonnay (90%) and Umbria's native white grape Grechetto (10%). Has the pedigree to cellar for 15-20 years though is ready to be enjoyed today with proper decanting. Drink 2013-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Champagne Lanson N/V Extra Age Blanc de Blanc - 92pts

Champagne Lanson N/V Extra Age Blanc de Blanc (Champagne) France

Availability: Limited
Cost: $114
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Disgorged in 2010. A stunning Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced exclusively from Grand and 1er cru vineyards from the 2003-05 vintages offering sweet brioche, floral and mineral characters. Fresh, clean and crisp, the house style avoids all secondary Malolactic fermentation leaving the natural acidity high yet completely balanced. Ultra delicate on the pleasing fine-bubbled palate. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca