LaStella 2011 La Sophia - 93+pts

LaStella 2011 La Sophia (Osoyoos Lake Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $85
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: November 14th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Early in its development, La Sophia is a little closed today, yet, signs of its future glory are unmistakable when appreciated after a lengthy decant of 4+ hours. This is near, pitch-perfect, cool-climate Cabernet with a lovely balance between its concentrated, dark berry fruit and its complex, vegetal'n'herbs components. The feminine palate is smooth with fine, ripe tannins and hints of graphite, vanilla, coffee grinds and cherry-cola. Herbs and cassis purée linger on the long, long, smoky finish. Will evolve over a decade-plus. Drink 2016-2021+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Bodega Finca Las Moras 2012 Paz - 88pts

Bodega Finca Las Moras 2012 Paz (Valle de Perdernal) San Juan - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: November 12th, 2014

Tasting Notes: An inky-ruby hued, very-nearly-dry Malbec from Argentina's second largest wine growing region, San Juan, which nicely balances its fruit-forward, berry and sweet plum aromas and flavours with more 'serious' notes like intense vanilla bean, licorice, mineral and oak. A light vein of herbs and spice flows through the palate and lingers on the long, mouth-watering finish.

Well worth the price and a good fit for Malbec fans who are weary of the many sweetened, overtly 'plump' examples exported from Argentina. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2012 PTG - 89pts

JoieFarm 2012 PTG (Naramata Bench) Okanagan - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here upon release
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 650 cases
Date Tasted: November 7th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This blend of equal parts Pinot Noir and Gamay, sourced from vineyards along the Naramata Bench and Skaha Bluff, opens with a robust and zesty nose of cherries, plum, wild berries, vanilla, light citrus peel and a euphony of cooking spices. The similarly flavoured, dry and medium-everything palate (body, tannins and acidity) follows with added earthy notes and dry herbs - a great combination of flavours to pair with rustic stews and roasted meats. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Graffigna 2013 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio - 86pts

Graffigna 2013 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio (San Juan) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores

Cost: $14.49

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: November 7th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Oh to have reviewed this wine in Summer! Now that it's winter we'll have to use this wine as a conduit back to that warm, sunny deck that where we sit with a glass of crisp, slightly off-dry white wine and soak in the imaginary rays.

Subtle on the apricot and apple scented nose, this well-priced Grigio is all about its balance of light, orchard fruit flavours, tangy tropical fruit acidity and delicate mineral notes on the palate. The taste of summer in a glass. Drink now-2015.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2012 Syrah - 92pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2012 Syrah (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: November 2nd, 2014

Tasting Notes: Aromas of smoke, cured meats, white pepper and minerals may make you think first of the Northern Rhone, but really, this is pure Okanagan and one of the valley's best examples of how Syrah can thrive in BC when planted in the right areas and handled with tough love, as they do at Painted Rock Estate Winery. 

BC's best Syrah wines, like this estate grown example, showcase the variety's natural floral notes and balance the savoury, Old World characters of the Rhone with crowd-pleasing, New World, dark red fruit - the best of both worlds.

Managing the aggressive Syrah vines in the vineyard is key to unlocking its full potential and Painted Rock's pruning and canopy management program is among the most detailed, vine-by-vine, you're ever likely to come across.

This wine sees 18 months in 50% new oak (an 80-20 split of French and American barrels) which contributes added depth and complexity with nuances of caramel, vanilla, clove and other spices. The palate is dry with very smooth tannins and smokiness to the texture. There's good continuity from the nose on offer with an emphasis on red fruit flavours and a bright, wild berry acidity. Drink 2015-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca