Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2021 Chardonnay - 89pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2021 Chardonnay (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here upon release
Cost: $34 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 3rd, 2023

@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: True to the house style, delivering an oaked, ripe Chardonnay with a pleasing juxtaposition of plump, popcorn-melon, malolactic fermentation notes and vibrant, citrus'n'stonefruit tangy characters that keep the nose fresh and the palate crisp. Oak influence is deliciously employed throughout this food-friendly, full-yet-refreshing Chardonnay which should be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2026.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2019 Corner Stone - 92pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2019 Corner Stone (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here

Cost: $46.90

Alcohol: 13.8%

Date Tasted: July 28th, 2023

@drinkriverstone

Tasting Notes: At four years of age this Bordeaux-style blend is coming into its own with developing aromas of dark fruit, licorice, menthol and smooth spices creating a lovely, masculine bouquet worth the time spent on enjoying it. The palate offers a similar flavour profile but comes across as still youthful and untamed, needing more time in your cellar or, at minimum, a very long decant before serving. Best to wait, if you can. Drink 2025-2029.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon - 91+pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Website here
Cost: $43 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: July 5th, 2023
@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: An elegant and smooth Cabernet Sauvignon with a sensual nose of both dark berry fruits and savoury spices and a delicate susón of cedar planks and olives. The similarly flavoured, dry palate offers a heightened presence of its fruit component and beautiful, silky tannins. The finish is long and effortlessly acidic. Pair with a modestly seasoned filet mignon. Ready to go now or hold for another 3-4 years for some continued development. Drink 2023-2027+.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca

Wild Goose Vineyards 2020 Red Horizon - 89pts

Wild Goose Vineyards 2020 Red Horizon (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $31.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: July 5th, 2023

Tasting Notes: An engaging, proprietary blend of Merlot (58%), Petite Verdot (13%), Cabernet Sauvignon (13%) and lesser parts of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and German cross called Dunkelfelder. The nose is rich and joyful with ripe red and black fruit, vanilla bean and sweet incense. The palate takes a dramatic turn towards smoky-dusty-tarry land by way of the most delicious of routes with the fruit along for the ride, but playing quietly in the backseat. 

A pleasantly complex and unique blend that is ready to be enjoyed in its youth while your big, tannin-heavy reds mellow in your cellar (or closet). Drink now-2025.

  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca

SpearHead Winery 2021 Saddle Block Pinot Noir - 90pts

SpearHead Winery 2021 Saddle Block Pinot Noir (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $38 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 410 cases
Date Tasted: June 23rd, 2023

Tasting Notes: A beautifully earthy Pinot Noir from Pinot specialists, SpearHead Winery in East Kelowna. Look for savoury and forest notes to be well supported by vibrant red fruit and sour cherry skins on both the boisterous nose and the dry palate. Lots of texture to enjoy with both supple and energetic elements in the mouth and through to the long finish which offers lingering vanilla and spice. Ready to go now or hold for 3-4 more years. Drink 2023-2026.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2023 IconWines.ca