Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2016 Summit - 92pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2016 Summit - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $54.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: September 24th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Mt. Boucherie owns 200 acres of vineyards distributed amongst the sub-regions in the central and south Okanagan Valley and near Cawston of the Similkameen Valley. The Summit is a proprietary blend of 51% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 3% Syrah sourced from all of the winery's vineyards. What it may be lacking in its expression of 
specific terroir, it makes up in its quality and tuned construction. This is an impressive wine to open for visiting family or friends who are suspicious of the potential ripeness of the fruit in British Columbia, a relatively northerly situated wine region, especially for 'big reds'.

Bold, ripe and concentrated with both fine texture and weight to pair with lean, grilled meats, but not too much body, staying fairly fluid and graceful. 'Big', yes, but 'balanced', mostly. Look for classic New World Meritage flavours of dark fruits, pipe tobacco and spices supported by toasted oak, a touch of graphite and other mineraly notes. Ready to go now or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca 

Bodegas Palacios Remondo 2014 La Montesa - 91pts

Bodegas Palacios Remondo 2014 La Montesa (Rioja D.O.) Spain

Availability
: Limited.
Cost: $20-25
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An uber-smooth, concentrated blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Tempranillo, La Montesa is fermented in stainless steel vessels with natural yeasts and sees only one year in oak, imparting nearly no influence, leaving a fresh and rich, fruit-driven medley of ripe and dried red berries with toasty spices and earth notes supporting. Ready to go now. 
Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Castillo de Maetierra 2017 Atlantis Albariño - 89pts

Castillo de Maetierra 2017 Atlantis Albariño (Rueda DO) Spain

Availability
: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%

Date Tasted: September 19th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A beautifully textured 
Albariño with evenly matched tangy and oily layers on the dry, mouth-watering palate and a fresh and fruity nose with light aromas of apricot, peach, melon and lemon/lime. Pair with seafood, salads or All-Dressed Ruffles. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez 2017 Basa Blanco - 89pts

Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez 2017 Basa Blanco (Rueda DO) Spain

Availability
: BCLDB stores and private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%

Date Tasted: September 18th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A delightfully crisp'n'fruity blend of V
erdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc vinified to near dryness, leaving a touch of residual sugar to add to the body and texture which, otherwise, offers layers of tangy acidity and light, flinty minerality. Look for lemon drop, honeydew and orchard fruit aromas and flavours and pair with your favourite bag of crisps/chips. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Little Engine Wines 2018 Rosé - 90pts

Little Engine Wines 2018 Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: See winery for details here
Cost: $27 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: September 13th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A beautifully textured blush made of 78% Pinot Noir and 22% Merlot sourced from Naramata Bench vineyards and produced in the 
saignée method. Bright and tingly with some yeasty characters on the palate, look for a vibrant collection of rhubard, dried cranberry and citrus notes with a touch of herbs and light minerals. Pair with fried rice or noodle dishes, or enjoy on its own when the Sun shines next. Drink 2019-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Pinot Noir - 89pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Pinot Noir (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: September  12th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A simply structured, fresh and lively Pinot Noir with a satisfying balance between red fruit and spicy-earthy characters. Sourced from a single vineyard near Cawston in the Similkameen Valley, this is a food-friendly Pinot that will match BC, West Coast cuisine. 
Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca 

Winemaker's Cut 2018 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Winemaker's Cut 2018 Pinot Noir (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability
: Sold out. Visit winery website here
Cost: $38 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%

Production: 50 cases
Date Tasted: September 10th, 2019


Tasting Notes: An elegant Pinot Noir with some texture and body, a touch of tartness from brambly fruit and pleasant layers of herbs, crushed flowers, red currants and light oak. Not particularly long or earthy. Pair with BBQ salmon (especially the bits of caramelized skin). Drink now-2022.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - 90pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.95
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 488 cases
Date Tasted: September 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Opens with a touch of menthol on the, otherwise, blackcurrant and woody-graphite scented nose. An opulent, New World Cabernet Sauvignon with ripe, black fruit flavours providing the perception of sweetness while savoury notes of cedar, licorice and light spice add depth and blackberry acidity and dusty/smoky tannins contribute the needed structure for such a concentrated palate. Readu to go now or hold for another 2-3 years. Drink now-2022.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca