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

SpearHead Winery 2017 Chardonnay "Clone 95" - 89pts

SpearHead Winery 2017 Chardonnay "Clone 95" (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 

Cost: $30 + taxes

Alcohol: 14.5%

Production: 550 cases + 50 magnums

Date Tasted: February 9th, 2019

Tasting Notes: With grapes sourced from a vineyard on the Naramata Bench and from their home vineyard in East Kelowna, this Chardonnay, compiled of 100% clone 95 vines, offers a sensual and vibrant nose with rich, stone and citrus fruit aromas and a susurrus of macadamia nuts and green pineapple. A mouth-watering and RS-kissed, full-ish palate follows with a similar combination of bright and juicy fruit flavours and a wave of mineral and spice notes on the long finish.

Should hold for 2-3 more years, if desired, but ready to go now. Sealed with a Stelvin cap to lock-in freshness. Drink now-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

Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Chardonnay - 90pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Chardonnay (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 2nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: A nicely balanced, cool-climate Chardonnay with expressive, orchard and stone fruit characters happily married to a touch of oak and MLF aromas and flavours. The palate is generous and round with fresh white peach and lime rind acidity forming a vibrant finish where a hint of spice, clove mostly, lingers with mineral notes. Drink 2019-2021+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca