Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $39.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: approx 1100 cases
Date Tasted: March 31st, 2019
Tasting Notes: Oh so elegant and smooth, this French oak kissed Chardonnay is both rich and focused with a full-ish body, juicy peach and nectarine aromas and flavours supported by concentrated minerality on the nose and palate which elevate the balance and structure. A long-lasting finish offers lingering citrus zest, signature macadamia nuts and a hint of exotic spices.
A versatile Chardonnay that will pair with classic, white pasta and seafood dishes, hard cheeses and be comfortably served alone. Ready to go now or hold for further development over the next 3-4 years. Drink 2019-2024.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Bodegas Escorihuela 2017 '1884' Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $17.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2018
Date Re-Tasted: March 31st, 2019
Tasting Notes: Keeps to the house style of a feminine and spicy Malbec with concentrated, blue fruit and sweet pipe tobacco characters and smoky tannins, yet the mouthfeel is slightly watered-down for the 2017 vintage which tends to heighten the spiciness without enough body to fully even the overall balance. Still, for the price, we're nitpicking here and this Malbec offers excellent value. Drink now-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Chardonnay (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 10,600 cases
Date Tasted: March 28th, 2019
Tasting Notes: An elegant, cool-climate Chardonnay with integrated mineral and stonefruit aromas and flavours supporting the clean, crisp, apple and pear fruit on the lemon scone-scented nose and the well balanced, citrus-leaning palate. Oh so drinkable and well-priced for the under $25 market. Drink now-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Syrah Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: March 26th, 2019
Tasting Notes: The Stag's Hollow rosé is a blend of two lots of Syrah, one grown specifically for this blush, crushed and then allowed only minimal skin contact and another lot used in the production of the winery's Syrah label, blended with Viognier then bled in the traditional saignée method to drain off lightly tinted juice.
The result of all of this effort is a beautifully delicate, yet, expressive rosé with a hint of residual sugar nicely balanced by fresh, but never overwhelming acid. Flavour profile will remind you of Provence with lifted, red fruit, a touch of minerals and a supporting, savoury backbone. Finish is a tad short compared to previous, stellar years - more of a reflection of their high standards. Drink now-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Wine club exclusive. See winery for details here
Cost: $39.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: March 27th, 2019
Tasting Notes: A new edition to the portfolio, this playful, rounded Pinot Noir is exclusive to wine club members and sourced from Naramata Bench vineyards offering a youthful nose of black cherry ice cream and raspberry seed aromas followed by a smooth, medium-bodied palate where some classic, earthy Pinot characters support its red fruit components. A touch of toasted herbs notes linger on the moderate finish. Drink 2019-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
