Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Reserve Merlot - 91pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2015 Oldfield Reserve Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: (Not yet released) Direct from winery here
Cost: $28.99 + taxes (Est.)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: January 26th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An engaging, full-bodied, Okanagan Merlot with layers of sweet blossoms, savoury cured meats, roasted chestnuts, brambly berries, vanilla and a touch of mint and the dusty, rustic-tannin palate and the floral-steeped nose. Spice and cocoa show on the moderate-plus finish.

Supports its 14.5% alcohol beautifully and at nearly 4 years of age, this wine is ready to go now with Tinhorn having done all of the bottle ageing on your behalf. Enjoy on its own or pair with a Blue Cheese topped Rib-eye steak. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Chardonnay - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2017 Chardonnay (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $20.99
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 3022 cases
Date Tasted: January 25th, 2019
@TinhornCreek

Tasting Notes: The 2017 edition of this Black Sage Bench sourced Chardonnay is more subtle and a touch more elegant than recent releases with a lovely, stonefruit'n'mineral leading profile framed by plump, Tropical and orchard fruit aromas and flavours with brioche, honeycomb and canned peach notes. The oak treatment pokes its head up and says 'hi' on the moderate finish, in a polite, matter-of-fact way. Enjoy this Chardonnay on its own, with medium cheeses or with seafood pasta dishes. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Domaines Ott 2016 Chateau De Salle - 92pts

Domaines Ott 2016 Chateau De Salle (Côtes De Provence) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $50-55 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: January 17th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Fineness and effortless balance drive this blend of 57% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 5% Mourvedre, 2% Syrah and 6% other regional grapes from the famed, and still family-run, Domaines Ott. The Chateau De Salle rosé, though muted and subtle on the strawberry skin and fresh pineapple scented nose, the dry-ish, lively palate is both vivid and restrained, which sounds like posh, mumbo-jumbo wine-ponce jargon, yet, once you take a sip, you'll know exactly what is meant; intensely satisfying and at the same time, harmoniously mellow. Finishes long with texture to spare. Drink now-2020. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Domaines Ott 2017 BY.OTT - 90pts

Domaines Ott 2017 BY.OTT (Côtes De Provence) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $30-35 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 16th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An elegant, understated, pale-pink hued blush that sits effortlessly in the mouth with a touch of tannin, a hint of RS and a kiss of effervescence. Well-balanced and decently complex, yet, leaves room to reach for the top-end, Château de Selle cuvée, should you want to take the experience up a notch. Look for both exotic and familiar, orchard fruit throughout and pair with just about anything. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Château Cap De Faugeres 2015 Castillon Cotes De Bordeaux - 88pts

Château Cap De Faugeres 2015 (Castillon Cotes De Bordeaux) Bordeaux - France

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $35-40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: January 16th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A rustic-ish Bordeaux with brambly berry fruit and raw spice'n'herbs on the licorice-tinged nose and the full-bodied, powerful palate where youthful, prickly tannins meets blood orange acidity and a touch of bitterness on the long, spicy finish. A (relatively speaking) inexpensive Bordeaux which announces its presence proudly. Drink now-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca