Anciano 2002 Gran Reserva 10yrs - 88pts

Anciano 2002 Gran Reserva 10yrs (Valdepeñas) Spain

Availability: BCLDB Speciality listing
Cost: $14-16
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: Nov 6th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Having been oak aged for 2 years and then spent a further 8 years in bottle prior to release, this Tempranillo offers overt signs of the influence of both practices. All of the 'edges' have been rounded and the texture is smooth and mellowed. Keeping the wine alive and well is the nice vein of acidity that helps keep the prune-y, red fruit and spicy plum aromas and flavours from appearing tired and warn-out. Tobacco, leather and coffee grind notes add complexity and help make this wine a great match for stews and peppercorn encrusted cuts of beef.

Ready to go now, and don't doddle, the end is nigh. Drink 2013-2015
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Bonamici Cellars 2012 Sauvignon Blanc-Viognier - 88pts

Bonamici Cellars 2012 Sauvignon Blanc-Viognier (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $23.50
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 480 cases
Date Tasted: November 3rd, 2013
@BonamiciCellars

Tasting Notes: This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier (with lesser amounts of Marsanne and Rousanne) is an exploration of how crisp, tangy flavours contrasted by richer, tropical fruit-infused ones can result in a harmonious and more complete wine than its individual parts. This is mostly achieved by the Bonamici team with intense grapefruit, papaya, Bosc pear, herbs, green pepper and light French oak flavours on the complex palate where crisp acidity meets a lush texture, though, the intersection of the juxtaposed characters cancel-out one another on the muted nose. Finish is long and satisfying. Drink now-2016+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Bonamici Cellars 2012 Merlot-Cabernet Franc - 88pts

Bonamici Cellars 2012 Merlot-Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: November 1st, 2013
@BonamiciCellars

Tasting Notes: Big, raw aromas of wild berry fruit and earthy sage brush patrol the nose of this Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend from new 'virtual winery', Bonamici Cellars. Sourced from Oliver and Osoyoos vineyards, the palate is structured with fine, light tannins and loaded with bright, mixed-berry and spice box flavours complimented by cocoa powder and French oak notes. The finish is moderate and mouth watering. Drink 2014-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

On a side note: The term virtual winery refers to a winery lacking a brick and mortar tasting room open to the public whose wines are produced at another winery's facility. Bonamici plan on having their own tasting room and winery down the line, but for now, are content to operate as a small, micro label focusing on a handful of quality wines.

Anciano 2005 Gran Reserva 7yrs - 87pts

Anciano 2005 Gran Reserva 7yrs (Valdepeñas D.O.) Spain

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $12-13
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: Oct 30th, 2013

Tasting Notes: There's a whole lot to like and pick-out on the nose of this Spanish gem that was aged for 7 years prior to its release. At first sniff, the spice and herb qualities are dominant, though, with a long decant, sweet plum, raspberry seed and scorched earth aromas appeal and round out the nose. The palate offers a nice balance of oak influenced spice and toasted flavours complimenting bright, red fruit characters through to a moderate finish with both lingering savoury tannins and mouth watering acid. Ready to go now. Drink 2013-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2011 Two Hoots - 89pts

Fairview Cellars 2011 Two Hoots (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Contact winery directly here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 600 cases
Date Tasted: November 1st, 2013

Tasting Notes: Similar in style to the 2010 edition with an incense-infused nose, a medium-bodied palate and bright fruit throughout. Despite its middleweight make-up, this wine packs a flavourful punch offering cassis, pomegranate, boysenberry, cran-apple and blackberry on the fragrant nose and fluid, smoky palate. Light tannins and vibrant acidity make this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot assessable early, though, another 6-9 months of bottle age should do nicely. Drink mid-2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca