JoieFarm 2014 "En Famille" Reserve Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $39.90
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 299 cases
Date Tasted: October 10th, 2016
Tasting Notes: A fantastic, barrel select, Pinot Noir sourced from Naramata and Summerland vineyards and true to its cool-climate roots with an only-in-BC blend of vibrant red fruit, silky-smooth sweet herbs and flowers, cedar plank, fine tannins and spicy earthy notes. The finish is long and mouth-watering with lingering, savoury and tangy raspberry seed notes. Drink 2017-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Lunessence Winery and Vineyard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Muscat (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Visit website here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 13%Production: 330 cases
Date Tasted: October 6th, 2016
Tasting Notes: Though only Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat make the front label, this fruit-forward blend also includes small amounts of Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon. Lifted on the nose with candied fruit notes and sweet orchard aromas of apricots, peaches and nectarines followed by a juicy and plump, off-dry palate with similar fruit flavours and a nice wave of fresh peach acidity and a touch of mineral and clove on the moderate finish. Drink this wine in its youth. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 3916 cases
Date Tasted: October 6th, 2016
Tasting Notes: A brooding Cabernet Franc from the excellent 2014 vintage, full of dark berry fruit, intense earthy-herbs and meaty-metallic aromas and flavours but not without a few feminine touches like candied fruit, mocha and floral notes on the otherwise masculine nose and palate. Well structured with dusty tannins and fleshy, berry acidity. Length is moderate, but well balanced.
Enjoy now or over the next 3-4 years with some further development likely. Drink 2016-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1687 cases
Date Tasted: October 4th, 2016
Tasting Notes: An aromatic Aligoté with floral and apricot notes on the nose followed by a medium-bodied, slightly-sharp, dry palate with lemon/lime, grapefruit and ripe apple flavours. A touch of spicy lemon zest and mineral notes linger on the finish. A wine to be enjoyed with hard cheeses and in its youth. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Fall release. Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.49
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: October 2nd, 2016
@TinhornCreek
Tasting Notes: Tropical and melon fruit aromas spill out of the glass of this tasty, full-bodied Chardonnay from Tinhorn Creek. Though weighted on the palate, tangy citrus and cooling mineral notes keep the finish crisp and refreshing, balancing the generous and juicy flavours of honeydew, papaya, cantaloupe, pineapple, apple, peach and spicy-vanilla. Enjoy this Chardonnay on its own or with seafood pasta dishes. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
