Fort Berens Estate Winery 2013 Meritage - 90pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2013 Meritage (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1246 cases
Date Tasted: November 28th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A blend of Bordeaux grapes sourced from the winery's home vintage in Lillooet and from the Sundial vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. The 2013 is made up of 
60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, creating a masculine Meritage with classic red berry and dark fruit aromas and flavours plus intriguing notes of smoky, cured meats, coffee beans and charred oak. Dusty tannins and wild berry acidity frame the palate nicely. The finish is long with lingering spice, minerals and a touch of orange peel. Ready to be enjoyed now with a spicy, Korean BBQ dishes. Drink 2015-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2012 Meritage - 92+pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2012 Meritage (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: November 25th, 2015
@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: The style of the 2012 edition of Burrowing Owl's flagship wine is a product of the hot growing conditions of the season. It's a warm, inviting, aromatic blend following a Right-Bank recipe of 43% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot. Layered and complex, but innately accessible with ripeness in the red and dark fruit aromas on the sensual nose and in similar flavours on the dry, full-bodied palate. Licorice, vanilla, dried-herbs, saddle leather and toasted oak notes add depth while fine tannins and well-balanced, berry acidity add structure.

Ready to go now after 18 months in oak and a year in the bottle prior to release, though, this beauty is built for the cellar and should age gracefully for another 4-5 years with further development likely. Drink now-2020+. (Sweet spot: 2018)

 Drink now-2022.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Road 13 Vineyards 2014 Old Vines Chenin Blanc - 90pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2014 Old Vines Chenin Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $27 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 599 cases
Date Tasted: November 24th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A true cult favourite of the Okanagan Valley and worthy of its 'Old Vines' moniker. Sourced from vines planted in 1968, this Chenin Blanc offers delicate and complex aromas of kiwi fruit, minerals, apricot, lime, ripe peach and raw honey on the subtle nose. The palate is concentrated and full-ish with body and texture from 6.5g/l of residual sugar and succulent, tropical fruit flavours. Achieves balance by virtue of Chenin's natural, bombastic acidity and cool minerality. The finish is long. Oh so long. (Thank you 47 year old vines!) Drink now-2018+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca 

Road 13 Vineyards 2014 Marsanne - 85pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2014 Marsanne (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 114 cases
Date Tasted: November 27th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Opens with an intriguing, subtle nose of equal parts herbs, citrus rind and ripe orchard fruit, creating a balanced bouquet worth quaffing. Unfortunately, the same balance is not achieved on the honeydew-infused, overtly 'hot' palate where an unctuous texture is unfettered by the light citrus zest on the spicy finish. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca 

Dominio Del Plata 2014 Crios Torrontés - 87pts

Dominio Del Plata 2014 Crios Torrontés  - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $15.49 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: November 22nd, 2015

Tasting Notes: An aromatic, well-balanced Torrontés with floral and fresh orchard fruit aromas on the nose followed by a medium-bodied, mineral-infused palate with Asian pear, apple and white peach flavours. A nice kick of citrus acidity and spice lingers on the moderate finish. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - 91-92pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: November 22nd, 2015
@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: Seemingly, the Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon trapped every ounce of sunlight of the warm 2012 growing season to produce this ripe, charming elixir now released after 20 months ageing in barrel and a further year in the bottle. Rich and refined, this Cab is bursting with black and red currant fruit and sagey-herbal goodness on the feminine nose.

Full-bodied with dark fruit purée flavours lifted by a hint of fresh mint and grounded by a medley of savoury notes: toasted oak, licorice, vanilla, coffee grinds, spices and herbs. Acidity and tannins are smooth and help balance the wine nicely through to the long finish.

Both ready to go now and cellar-worthy with future development a sure bet. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Cassini Cellars 2012 The Aristocrat - 92pts

Cassini Cellars 2012 The Aristocrat (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $42 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.7%
Production: 190 cases
Date Tasted: November 21st, 2015

Tasting Notes: A stellar, full-bodied, BC Cabernet Sauvignon with concentrated, ripe dark fruit and savoury characters on the dense nose and the silky, well-balanced palate. Opens with aromas of sweet cassis, spiced-plum, rich mocha, vanilla fudge and the subtle, warm comfort of Fig Newton cookie notes. Similar flavours follow with an emphasis on mouth-watering, dark berry fruit, French oak and fine, lightly-dusted tannins. Spice and vanilla linger on the long finish.

Enjoyable now, with a long decant, though ideally this Cab should be put away for another 2-3 years for further development. Drink 2017-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Michel Torino 2014 Cuma Torrontés - 86pts

Michel Torino 2014 Cuma Torrontés (Cafayate Valley) Salta - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $13.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A clean, crisp, organically produced Torrontés with an attention-getting jolt of equal parts zesty, citrus peel and zingy spice on the palate. This is (mostly) balanced by a peach-infused, creamy texture. Finishes crisp and mouth-watering with lingering citrus notes. Enjoy with spicy, Asian fare like Thai green curry. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2012 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer - 92+pts

JoieFarm 2012 "En Famille" Reserve Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery but still available at VQA stores
Cost: $27.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: November 17th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A one-of-a-kind. The only true Reserve Gewurztraminer produced in BC today with unparalleled intensity and unctuousness. Classic lychee, raw honey and floral characters, dialled-up to '11', on the uber crowd-pleasing, tropical fruit-infused nose and on the lip-smacking, off-dry, juicy palate where generous citrus acidity keeps the long, spicy finish clean and balanced.

At three years of age, the maturation process has already advanced nicely. Ready to be devoured now, though, may hold for further development over the next 2-3 years. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Gamay Noir - 88pts

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2014 Gamay Noir (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Contact winery here for the next release
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: November 16th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A boisterous Gamay offering funky, cinnamon-rhubarb aromas with Maraschino cherry, dried cranberry, mocha, vanilla and lees-y notes. The medium-plus bodied palate is Beaujolaise-Village-ish with a good balance of texture between bright, red fruit and fleshy-tangy flavours, finishing long with lingering wild berry acidity and spice. Drink mid-2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2013 Gamay - 89pts

JoieFarm 2013 Gamay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 450 cases
Date Tasted: November 15th, 2015

Tasting Notes: An expressive and sweetly scented, single-vineyard Gamay offering cherry nib and raspberry tart aromas grounded by savoury notes of cured meats, bay leaf, onion salt and white pepper. The palate is juicy, on the entry, with ripe, wild berry fruit giving way, first, to fresh acidity and mannered tannins and then to a wave of light savoury characters; spice, cured meats and a hint of oak. Possibly the most food-friendly of all the red wines in the JoieFarm portfolio. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2013 Pinot Noir - 88pts

JoieFarm 2013 Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 718 cases
Date Tasted: November 12th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A blend of Pinot Noir clones from vineyards in Summerland and Naramata, this wine opens with a generous nose of both juicy and dried red fruit aromas with layers of spice and cured meat notes adding depth. 

Good continuity continues through to the vibrant palate where a similar profile of flavours are lifted by youthful, berry acidity and supported by light, dusty tannins. Enjoy this Pinot in about 6 months and then over the next 2-3 years. Drink mid-2016-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Road 13 Vineyards 2012 Seventy-Four K - 88pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2012 Seventy-Four K (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: BCLDB stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.00 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 4878 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2015

Tasting Notes: This blend of Merlot, Syrah, Viognier and Malbec is impressive in its concentration, from the deep-ruby colour to the dense, brooding nose through to the mouth-watering, dark fruit and spice infused palate. Opens with aromas of dark berries, cherry-cola, spearmint, anise and light peppercorn. The full-ish palate is ripe and well-supported by its medium-plus tannins and wild berry acidity. 

There's enough going on to stand alone, though, a fine cut of beef would enhance the experience. At four years of age this blend is ready to go now. Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure to help retain its natural freshness and fruit-forward appeal. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca 

JoieFarm 2013 PTG - 88pts

JoieFarm 2013 PTG (Naramata Bench) Okanagan - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here upon release
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 12.8%
Date Tasted: November 9th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir grapes (55/45% respectively) sourced from Naramata and Summerland vineyards which, together, cook-up a tasty, lively wine with an intriguing combination of candied red fruit, minerals, wild berries, Christmas spices, earthy dry herbs and light oak aromas and flavours. Makes a great pairing for rustic stews and roasted game. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Stag's Hollow Winery 2014 Albariño - 88pts

Stag's Hollow Winery 2014 Albariño (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 12.8%
Date Tasted: November 6th, 2015

Tasting Notes: As Monty Python would say, "And now for something completely different." This single-varietal release of Albariño, one of only two in the Province, is both familiar and unlike anything else you have ever tasted before. Though, structurally similar to blend of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Hunter Valley Semillon with its bracing acidity, a strong mineral backbone, citrus fruit profile and pungent aromatics, this wine is uniquely Okanagan thanks to tell-tale wild herbs notes throughout.

A welcomed break from the norm. Release dates and prices are not yet known. Contact the winery directly to find-out how to get hold of a bottle. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Flagstone 2012 Longitude - 86pts

Flagstone 2012 Longitude (Western Cape) South Africa

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $13.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 6th, 2014
Re-tasted: November 5th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Vibrant, intense, dark and red fruit aromas and fresh, mint-chocolate notes greet you on the nose of this well-priced, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend (50%, 30% and 20%, respectively) from the Western Cape. The palate is both juicy and bright with sweet, spicy plum, blackberry and cherry cola flavours balancing the mouth-watering, wild berry acidity. Finishes a bit short and residual sugar levels may make protein pairing a challenge, but a solid, easy-drinking wine, worth a flyer. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca 

Cassini Cellars 2012 Quattro - 88-89pts

Cassini Cellars 2012 Quattro (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 1500 cases
Date Tasted: November 6th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Still youthful, the Quattro needs time to open-up in the glass to reveal its impressive finesse on the nose. Gentle and feminine with layers of ripe, blue and red berry fruits, scented brush and vanilla-mocha aromas. A dry palate follows with similar, juicy berries on the entry and a mineral'n'spice mid-palate. The finish is ultra-dry with lingering, grippy tannins, spice and mouth-watering acidity.

A blend 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 26% Syrah and 3% Cabernet Franc with some characteristics from all four varieties. Has some ageing and development possibilities but don't let that keep you from opening up a bottle today to pair with savoury, peppercorn infused steaks or other grilled meats. Drink late-2016-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2013 Carmenere - 91pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2013 Carmenere (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Sold out at winery.
Cost: $50-55
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: October 28th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Imagine soaking peppercorns in boysenberry juice and adding slivers of a pepperoni stick, a sprinkling of coffee grinds and a dollop of earthy, stewed tomatoes. That's the unique and memorable flavour profile of Black Hills' other cult favourite, their single-varietal release of Carmenere.

This medium-plus bodied wine delivers excellent continuity from the spicy nose to the dry palate and through to the long, balanced finish where more traces of peppercorn await. Drinking well now, though, could do with another 6 months to a year of bottle ageing for further integration. Drink mid-2016-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca 

Fairview Cellars 2013 Premier Series Hailing A Cab - 89pts

Fairview Cellars 2013 Premier Series Hailing A Cab (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Contact winery here
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 14.6%
Date Tasted: November 3rd, 2015

Tasting Notes: As the story goes, the Fairview Cellars home vineyard was hit by a nasty hail storm that damaged bunches on one side of the rows of vines. The grapes from either side of the rows were harvested separately and blended into this one-off release. The wine's composition is a reflection of the varietal make-up of the vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon leading the way and Merlot and Cabernet Franc rounding out the blend. 

The result is one of the juiciest and earliest-drinking red wines ever released by Fairview with approachable tannins and sweet berry, dark cherry and cassis fruit aromas and flavours supported by layers of savoury herbs, vanilla bean, licorice, toasted oak and coffee grind notes. Finishes dry and refreshing thanks to some well-proportioned citrus acidity. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc - 89pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.99 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.7%
Production: 743 cases
Date Tasted: November 2nd, 2015

Tasting Notes: A consistent flavour and aroma profile, year-to-year, yields a masculine Cabernet Franc with a nice blend of blue fruit purée and savoury herbs characters on the expressive nose and the uber-dry and mineral'n'oak-infused palate. Wild berry acidity and firm tannins frame the long finish where tongue-tingling bitter-spice and toasted oak notes linger.

Produced from a 70-30 split of grapes sourced, respectively, from the winery's home vineyard in Lillooet and from the famed Sundial vineyard along Black Sage Road in the Southern Okanagan. This Franc spends 10 months in barrel prior to bottling and then a further 9 months in bottle prior to release. This results in a ready-to-be-enjoyed-now wine, though, it should hold nicely for a few years as well. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca