Blasted Church Vineyards 2018 Hatfield's Fuse - 86pts

Blasted Church Vineyards 2018 Hatfield's Fuse (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here. BCLDB stores
Cost: $16-20 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 7025 cases
Date Tasted: October 28th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A white blend of Germanic and French aromatic varietals (a whopping 11 grape varieties in total) with a pleasant, bright offering of orchard and citrus fruit supported by layers of spice and fleshy, grapiness. Very snack-food friendly. Drink now-2022.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2016 The Aristocrat - 92pts

Cassini Cellars 2016 The Aristocrat (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 15.2%
Production: 300 cases
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2018

Re-Tasted: November 4th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Another stellar vintage of the complex, long-lasting, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon known as The Aristocrat. Balanced and ripe, the 2016 shows excellent typicity for the label with telltale notes of mint and Fig Newton nicely integrated into the dark fruit and oak influence layers on the masculine, invigorating nose and the full-bodied, beautifully structured palate.

Would benefit from another 1-2 years in bottle to mature further. With more prominent tannins than its Collector's Series cousin, this Cab is ready to take on more marbled cuts of beef like a fine, charred, rib eye steak. Drink 2020-2026.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Re-Tasting Notes: Coming into its own just as its drinking window opens. Tannins have mellowed and integrated beautifully. Mint notes are still deliciously prominent with a touch of licorice and charcoal now showing on the finish.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Gold Hill Winery 2014 Grand Vin - 90pts

Gold Hill Winery 2014 Grand Vin (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $64.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15.9%
Date Tasted: November 3rd, 2020

Tasting Notes: An intense, mature, Meritage blend featuring fully integrated, black and blue fruits, pretty aromatics and smooth, savoury notes. There is impressive, long-lived, lively acid on the lightly tannic palate which offers similar flavours as the nose. At already 6 years old and sealed with a synthetic cork, this wine won't likely develop further and should be enjoyed over the next 12-18 months. Drink now-2021.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2017 Quattro - 90+pts

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

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34
Alcohol: 14.7%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: November 2nd, 2020

Tasting Notes: What was once an entry-level blend for the Cassini portfolio, the Quattro has evolved into a robust, powerhouse of a wine; full-bodied, intense and dense. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot opens with concentrated dark fruit and berry liqueur aromas with a susurrus of licorice and anise notes. The seductive nose precedes an equally dense and food-friendly palate which showcases similar flavours and additional layers of savoury goodness; charred oak, black cherry and dark spices. Ready to go now or hold for further development. Drink 2021-2026+

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2016 Altitude - 90pts

Upper Bench Estate Winery 2016 Altitude (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%

Production: 320 cases
Date Tasted: October 4th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, Upper Bench's Altitude open with an elegant, refined nose of well-integrated, blue and dark fruits, sweet vanilla, oak spice and a hint of blood orange peel. The palate is bright and alert with prominent, blackberry acidity, medium tannins and, again, nicely integrated, ripe, dark fruits and savoury oak characters. Ready to go now and pair with a lean cut of beef of a vegetarian lasagna. Drink 2020-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca