Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah - 90pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $37 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 21st, 2020

Tasting Notes: Sourced from the winery's Cawston vineyard in the Similkameen Valley, this is one of three Syrahs the winery makes and it's their most playful with uber-ripe, cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, Christmas Cake spices and candied fruits showing throughout. Palate's balance is just a tad sweet with the medium tannins and acidity unable to fully off-set the super-concentrated berry flavours. A touch of toasted oak and wild spice add depth and more food pairing options like game served with a fruit sauce. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah - 91pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $37 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2020

Tasting Notes: One of three Syrahs that Rust Wine Co. produces, this one, sourced from the Golden Mile Bench, is the most masculine of the group with a nice balance between its dark fruit and savoury characters. 'Medium-plus' on all fronts; body, tannins, length and mouthfeel. Yet, there's amble generosity without weighting down your palate. Plenty of complexity on offer with aromas and flavours of baking spices, cured meats, dried rocks and salty tapenade. Ready to go now or hold for several more years. Drink 2020-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah - 92pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Syrah (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $37 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2020

Tasting Notes: This Syrah, sourced from the Black Sage Bench, is the most well-rounded and impressive of the three Rust Wine Co. produce. A little more intense than its Golden Mile Bench cousin and more refined than its Similkameen Valley kin. It all seems to come together in this beautiful Syrah with excellent concentration on the ripe berry and potpourri scented nose and the long-lived, elegant, yet, bold palate. Classic Syrah characters are on offer here: dark and red fruits, white pepper and hints of mint and cola. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2017 Maximus - 91+pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $44 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 15.3%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: November 18th, 2020

Tasting Notes: The 2017 edition of the Maximus is a compilation of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 8% Malbec. As a wine built to last, at only 3 years of age its showing a youthful, brooding nose today which needs plenty of time to open up. Look for concentrated, ripe dark fruit like cassis, black cherry and sun-soaked blackberry aromas to be supported by subtle, toasted oak and blackened vanilla notes. Spices and oak show more prominently on the, otherwise, similarly-flavoured palate where youthful, grippy tannins and fresh acidity add plenty of structure and texture. Best to wait another year or two. Drink 2022-2027.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2016 Maximus - 91-92pts

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

Availability: Sold out. Look for the 2017 vintage direct from winery here 
Cost: $44 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 15.4%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2020

Tasting Notes: Both beautiful and brooding, the 2016 Maximus is now a year on from its release and still showing youthful vitality. Robust, minty Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead here, with supporting roles played by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec which add juicy, ripe, dark berry flavours and aromatic notes of incense, spa spice and a hint of cola. 14 months in 2 year old barrels (both French and American) have nicely fused the fruit and savoury elements while refining the tannins and mouthfeel to silky levels. This blend should last for many years in your cellar with some further refinement to come. Or, enjoy now with a long decant. Drink 2021-2026.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca