Doña Paula 2016 Estate Malbec (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: Private stores like Everything Wine
Cost: $15.99-18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 26th, 2018
Date Re-tasted: April 14th, 2019
Tasting Notes: A typical, fruity/juicy/fresh Malbec from the Valle De Uco in the Mendoza, but happily, with some smokey goodness on appealing, blackberry and violet infused nose and with beautifully integrated spice on the lively, black fruit dominant palate. A drink now Malbec, lacking the tannin structure for a long life, but a well balanced, food-friendly wine that would pair nicely with spicy, grilled meats. Drink now-2020.
Re-tasting Notes: Tasted 6 months later as part of the lead up to the 2019 World Malbec day (April 17th). Still believe this is a drink-now Malbec with a tasty, juicy-smoky profile and light tannins. Crazy good value for this quality-to-price ratio.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Langmeil Winery 2015 Valley Floor Shiraz (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia
Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $30-35 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2019
Tasting Notes: The Langmeil Valley Floor is like a meta-critic constructed, amalgamation of an Aussie Shiraz; something to like for all tastes. You like deep, dark fruit in your Shiraz? Check. You like moody, mysterious eucalyptus in your Shiraz? Check. You like added layers of cocoa, savoury spice, sweet peppercorn and cola? Check. You like it full bodied and full flavoured, yet, not over extracted? Check.
If it checks so many boxes, why not a perfect score then? Because it also checks the box for 'a safe bet, something that will please fans of Shiraz but isn't too challenging'. The 'Fluffy' Iglesias of Shiraz. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Mascota Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipú District) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $14.99-16.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: April 9th, 2019
Tasting Notes: The 2017 edition of this entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon from Mascota Vineyards (producers of the divine Unanime) is an, overall, more balanced wine. Especially on the palate where, in previous years, wild berry acidity was relied upon to off-set high levels of residual sugar. For 2017, we see a cut back in the RS and the acidity used to keep the palate vibrant and food friendly, a welcomed change and one that better compliments the ripe, yet, brambly, wild berry and savoury spice flavour profile. Excellent value. Drink 2019-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Albariño (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: April 3rd, 2019
@Stagshollow
Tasting Notes: Opens with an exotic nose of papaya, candied peach, kiwi, melon and citrus aromas followed by a textural palate with a juicy, melon fruit-driven entry and a mineral-kissed, mouth-watering, crisp finish. Coming into its own with maturing vines and a maturing fermentation/elevage program in the winery. Can stand alone, enhance your favourute salty snacks or pair harmoniously with any white fish recipe. Drink now-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Finca Decero 2016 Remolinos Vineyard Malbec (Agrelo) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: Special order, private wine stores
Cost: $23.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 2nd, 2018
Re-tasted: April 3rd, 2019
Tasting Notes: Sourced from a single, high altitude vineyard in the Agrelo appellation of Mendoza and distinguished by a sweet'n'earthy, flower bed note on the feminine, red berry scented nose. Offers good concentration and balance between fruit, savoury, oak and acid components on the full-ish, rounded palate. A lengthy, spice-laced finish lingers pleasantly. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
Re-tasting Notes: This uber-smooth Malbec is ageing nicely with an opulent, lushness to the palate that is instantly enjoyable. The alcohol is starting to be noticeable, just a touch, but enough to think the original drinking window is probably still right. Enjoy this beauty over the next year and a half.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
