Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Gewurztraminer - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Gewurztraminer (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $18.49
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 4825 cases
Date Tasted: April 15th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Leaner and meaner than your average plump "Goo", delivering more acid and minerality than often seen in the Okanagan Valley - the perfect option for those who find BC Gewurztraminer too "fat" for their liking. There's also a fair share of spice on the dry palate where Asian pear, apple and lychee fruit characters are framed by mouth-watering citrus notes. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2012 A Noble Blend - 92pts

JoieFarm 2012 A Noble Blend (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $23.90
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 4236 cases, 486 magnums, 90 double magnums
Date Tasted: April 12th, 2013

Tasting Notes: After two cooler vintages JoieFarm's flagship wine returns to its opulent roots with the release of the 2012 edition. Delivering rich, complex flavours of tropical fruit, apples, lime rind and clove spice on the off-dry, vibrant palate and delicate aromas of kiwi fruit, lychee and peaches on the delightful nose. The art of assemblage is on display with this blend of 35% Gewurztraminer, 29% Riesling, 17% Pinot Blanc, 12% Pinot Auxerrois, 4% Schoenberger and 3% Muscat with each component contributing its own coloured tile to the larger mosaic, creating a complete and rewarding experience. This may be a vintage to hold on to for further development, but not for too long. Another 2-3 years tops. Drink now-2016.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Pinot Gris - 89pts

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2012 Pinot Gris (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Released on May 1st. Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 4490 cases
Date Tasted: April 13th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Lush and juicy on the nose with ripe pear, apple and tangerine aromas and a hint of tropical fruit notes in the background. The palate is fuller and more intense than the 2011 with good balance between the rich orchard fruit flavours, light residual sugar and acid, yet the palate remains fresh and crisp with only %15 of the wine allowed to go through malolactic fermentation (a process that softens the acid adding body and a cream-like texture). Light mineral and green apple notes also help contrast the rich fruit making for a refreshing and compelling Summer sipper. Drink now-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2007 Merlot - 92pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2007 Merlot (Skaha Lake) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Select private wine shops and VQA stores.
Cost: $39.90
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: May 28th, 2010
Re-tasted: April 5th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This inky-ruby charmer from the winner of the Okanagan Valley's "Best New Winery" award for 2009 is a fantastic, cellar-worthy wine. Full of concentrated, dark cherry and ripe plum flavours on the palate with intense aromas of bright berries on the nose.

Adding to the attraction of this Merlot is the 18 months of aging in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. The vanilla, mocha and toasted oak spice characters combine artfully with the concentrated fruit on the nose and palate creating a wine that oozes charisma and passion.

A sensual, feminine texture with silky-smooth tannins and a long finish complete the experience. The fine, integrated tannins and structure will help this wine age sublimely with further development over the next 3 years. Drink now through 2017. http://www.paintedrock.ca/
 - Liam Carrier

Re-tasting Notes: This Merlot has aged beautifully showing gorgeous violet aromas gracing the developed nose. Palate shows lots of life left with sweet black licorice flavours now prominent. Original drinking window projection is holding true, though why wait? 6 years seems to be the sweet spot for this Merlot.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Silverback Vineyards 2010 Syrah - 95pts



Silverback Vineyards 2010 Syrah (Columbia Valley AVA)  - Washington State

Availability: Not yet available in BC. Contact winery direct here
Cost: $80 (USD)
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 200 cases
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2012
Re-tasted: March 31st, 2013

Tasting Notes: From a barrel sample. A dark, intense, ruby-coloured Syrah with a medium purple rim and a lovely sheen. Pulls you into its web at first sniff with layers of dark fruit, violets, tar, licorice, vanilla, subtle allspice and vibrant citrus notes. An excellent prelude to the concentrated palate that offers superb acidity and balance with fine tannins and long-lasting, spicy dark fruit flavours that roll around your mouth with youthful abandon.

Fruit was cropped down to 2.5 tonnes per acre, cold fermented and then aged in 100%, 2nd fill French oak. Will be approachable upon its release in early 2013, but the patient among you will reap the benefits of 2-3 more years of bottle age. Drink 2014-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: On par with the Columbia Valley's premium Syrah labels like Long Shadows' "Sequel". Intense and bold with fabulous concentration and length. Still youthful, though the extra 7 months of age has helped integrate the French oak and fine tannins.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca