JoieFarm 2018 Un-Oaked Chardonnay - 88pts

JoieFarm 2018 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Private wine shops 
Cost: $24-26 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.3%
Production: 438 cases, 21 kegs
Date Tasted: July 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Produced with fruit sourced from, predominantly, vineyards on the Skaha Bench with addition grapes coming from the Oliver Twist vineyard in Oliver. This un-oaked Chardonnay is both bright and weighted with a refreshing combination of citrus and tropical fruit on the lifted nose and the vibrant, medium-plus bodied palate. The finish is long and balanced with a touch of spice accompanying the lingering lemon/lime zest flavours. Ready to go now. Drink-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Little Engine Wines 2017 Gold Merlot - 93-94pts

Little Engine Wines 2017 Gold Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: See winery for details here
Cost: $55 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: July 2nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Warning: an overuse of the word 'yet' follows (a fitting, yet, fatigued way to structure a sentence attempting to group contrasting, yet, related points). 

The Little Engine 'Gold Merlot' is an uber-elegant, yet, concentrated and perfectly ripe expression of the Bordeaux variety reminiscent of blending the styles of high-end Sonoma and Napa Valley Merlot. Full bodied, yet, effortless on the palate and approachable in its youth, yet, possessing the structure and 'bones' to age beautifully. Layers of delicate, sweet red fruit and savoury, baking notes grace the feminine nose and super refined, approachable palate. Enjoy now or hold for further development. Drink 2020-2025.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Kettle Valley Winery 2014 Great Northern Vineyard Syrah - 88pts

Kettle Valley Winery 2014 Great Northern Vineyard Syrah (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and private stores
Cost: $21-25 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: July 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes:  A complex and masculine Syrah with layers of dark fruit, black pepper, sweet tar, black licorice and, in contrast, some elegant crushed violet and pipe tobacco notes. A touch 'green' on the medium-bodied palate with a hint of green pepper, though, the charred, mannered tannins have fully integrated leaving an overall sense of cohesion. Excellent value on offer for this Similkameen sourced Syrah. Ready to go now at 5 years of age. Drink 2019-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2017 Unoaked Chardonnay - 88pts

Cassini Cellars 2017 Unoaked Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 778 cases
Date Tasted: July 4th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Though unoaked, this is a rich Chardonnay with, at least, partial malolactic fermentation, providing balance the naturally high acid level in the Burgundian grape and supporting the medley of orchard fruit on offer; apples, pears and peaches. Refreshingly crisp, but never harsh, with a touch of RS on the palate, this is an excellent Chardonnay to pair with Greek food like pork souvlaki with all the fixins'. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca 

Winemaker's Cut 2018 Rosé - 88pts

Winemaker's Cut 2018 Rosé (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Look for release details here
Cost: $22 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 11.5%
Production: 220 cases
Date Tasted: July 6th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An elegant rosé, in every way; colour (pale watermelon), bouquet (subtle strawberry shortcake) and mouthfeel (layers of strawberry and fresh peach acidity). Finish is balanced, though, a tad short with just a flash of citrus peel and spice lingering. As with all good rosé, you can pair this with just about anything. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca