Backyard Vineyards N/V Blanc De Noir Brut (Okanagan Valley) - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22.99
Alcohol: 11.2%
Date Tasted: December 5th, 2013
Tasting Notes: Backyard Vineyards' Blanc De Noir is a traditional example of a sparkling wine made from 100% Pinot Noir offering a light, yellow-gold hue and fat, persistent bubbles. On the nose you'll find an array of aromas ranging from sweet citrus fruit to fresh brioche with light nutty notes and a touch of brine.
The palate offers good continuity with a creamy, mousse mouth feel and crisp acidity which leaves the finish dry and mineral-y - true to the Brut designation. A solid, no-nonsense bubbly for Holiday entertaining or as a cool refreshment in the height of Summer's heat. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2010 Rosé Sparkling Wine (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $28.95
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 252 cases
Date Tasted: December 3rd, 2013
Tasting Notes: A traditional method rosé, with a brilliant pink hue and fine, persistent bubbles, made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes offering off-dry levels of residual sugar and loads of strawberry, cherry, honeydew and light mineral flavours. Two years of lees contact prior to disgorgement has contributed light yeast and brioche notes helping to balance the prominent red fruit sweetness. The finish is crisp and satisfying. Drink now-2015+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca
Fairview Cellars 2010 The Bear (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Limited. Private wine shops and as a library release from winery
Cost: $34.90
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 300 cases
Date Tasted: December 2nd, 2013
Tasting Notes: A year on from its release in the Fall of 2012, the 2010 edition of Fairview Cellars' signature Meritage blend, The Bear, is already ageing well, rounding its edges with an enriched texture thanks to further integration of its tannins and dark berry characters. Despite its cool vintage pedigree, this blend of all 5 primary Bordeaux varietals boasts ripe blackberry, cassis and plum fruit on both the nose and palate with Fairview's signature oak program influenced notes adding depth and complexity.
Drinking well now, though, another 6 months or more will do nicely. Drink 2014-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca
Cassini Cellars 2010 The Godfather (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Contact the winery direct here
Cost: $55
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 150 cases
Date Tasted: November 30th, 2013
Tasting Notes: The Icon Wine market, generally speaking, represents the very best a winery has to offer by way of fruit and barrel selection and a hefty price tag tends to accompany the finished wine due, in part, to its high expense to produce and to identify its exclusivity. The Godfather marks Cassini Cellars' entry into this price point and performs admirably with an age-worthy, handsomely labelled blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 16% Cabernet France and 15% Syrah delivering a nice combination of New World fruit and Old World charm.
On the nose, intense black cherry, cassis and blackberry fruit aromas are enveloped by toasted French oak, sweet vanilla extract and masculine mineral notes. The mouth watering, (very) dry palate skews Bordeaux with bold, stony tannins framing the dark fruit and savoury flavours where one gets hints of coffee grinds, dark chocolate and, again, French oak. Menthol and a variety of spices linger on the moderate-plus finish.
The Godfather calls for the most manly of dinner companions, a fine cut of barely grilled red meat. Open now with a lengthy decant, though, another year of bottle age is recommended. Drink early-2015-2018+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca
Cassini Cellars 2011 Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 400 casesDate Tasted: November 29th, 2013Tasting Notes: Cassini's Cabernet Franc opens with a perfumed, instantly enjoyable nose of blackberry, black plum, violet and Christmas cake aromas. Deeper, oak ageing influenced notes bloom after a long decant or time in your glass, delivering excellent complexity, complimenting the profile of fruit'n'spice.
The dry palate that follows is medium bodied with similar fruit and savoury flavours offering excellent continuity from the nose. The tannic structure is reserved and fine grained contributing to the fluidity of the texture, though, a nice hit of citrus acid and cooking spices on the finish leave a mouth watering, lasting impression. Ready to go now with several years of enjoyment ahead. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca
