JoieFarm 2012 Un-Oaked Chardonnay - 90pts

JoieFarm 2012 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 729 cases
Date Tasted: April 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: There's un-oaked Chardonnay and then there's JoieFarm's un-oaked Chardonnay. The Naramata Bench winery packs so much into the nose and palate that the oak influence isn't missed. Thanks to a warm autumn, the 2012 version sees a return to a rich and concentrated expression of Chardonnay bursting with orchard and tropical fruit grounded by green apple acidity and crisp mineral notes resulting in a lovely texture in the mouth and a long, mouth watering finish. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir - 90pts

Meyer Family Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley) Okanagan Falls - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here. VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 930 cases
Date Tasted: April 19h, 2013

Tasting Notes: A gorgeous, complex array of cherry-cola, raspberry, sweet oak, vanilla, forest floor and warm earth aromas greet you on the nose of this blend of Pinot Noir batches from numerous locations all over the Okanagan Valley. Followed by a dry, nicely textured palate with medium tannins and a flavour profile that mimics some of the complexity of the expressive nose, though, with less fruit and more mineral notes making it a great match for classic pairings like roasted duck or salmon.

This entry-level Pinot Noir makes for an excellent introduction to the Meyer Family Vineyards line-up. Enjoy it in its youth as you wait for the winery's premium, single vineyard Pinots to mature. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2012 Riesling - 91pts

JoieFarm 2012 Riesling (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 11.4%
Production: 864 cases
Date Tasted: April 18th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A very consistent Riesling in style vintage to vintage and with its flavour profile from the nose through to the palate. Always a juxtaposition of acid and residual sugar, this rich, concentrated wine offers with a pleasing combination of citrus, honeydew, minerals, pineapple and green apple. What sets this Riesling above many contemporaries is the impressive length - the finish seems to go on and on - and the presence of intricate herbal and floral notes that appreciative noses can spend hours contemplating. The less inclined will simply love the refreshing and tasty balance between the crisp and sweet elements. Something for everyone. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Viña Los Vascos 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon - 86pts

Viña Los Vascos 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley) Chile

Availability: Everything Wine
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 250,000 cases
Date Tasted: April 17th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Produced by famed Bordeaux institution Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in Chile's Colchagua Valley, this deep-ruby coloured Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a nice blend of juicy cassis and allsorts licorice candy aromas. The medium-plus bodied, mostly-dry palate follows with bright, in-your-face juicy dark fruit flavours supported by oak spice, light tannins and gentle acid. The finish is short, though a pairing with a tasty, after-dinner plate of dark chocolate would help overcome this nicely. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

JoieFarm 2012 Gewurztraminer - 90pts

JoieFarm 2012 Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 222 cases
Date Tasted: April 14th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The youthful and expressive bouquet, driven by ripe lychee fruit and aromatic flowers, captures your attention before you even get the glass to your nose. The palate is lush without being heavy and tangy enough to balance the off-dry residual sugar. The concentrated finish is very long and satisfying with lingering lychee, papaya and light spice. This Gewurztraminer is pure joy. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca