Bodega Norton 2010 Privada - 90pts

Bodega Norton 2010 Privada (Luján de Cuyo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $23-25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: October 25th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The 'Privada' is a blend of 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon offering a smooth, rounded nose of sweet mixed berry and dark plum aromas with oak aging influenced notes adding depth and complexity. The palate that follows is equally round and smooth with unctuous, blackberry, blueberry and cassis flavours supported by fine, mannered tannins and enough acid to balance the intense blue fruit nicely. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2011 Nota Bene - 91pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2011 Nota Bene (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Some VQA and private wine shops have it in stock
Cost: $54-60
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: October 26th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Even in cold, difficult vintages, the Black Hills team deliver a Nota Bene worthy of the on-going intrigue and exclusivity the brand has earned through years of sold-out wines and effective marketing. Some years are better than others, but, I've yet to be disappointed with the released wine.

The 2011 is no exception. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, all sourced from their famed Black Sage Bench estate vineyard which imparts an herbal quality to the wine augmenting the classic Meritage profile of black currant, blackberry, fresh tobacco leaf and dark plum aromas and flavours. Along with the potent fruit and fine tannins, the 2011 boasts a smoky texture, layers of savoury flavours and the right amount of acid to keep the medium-plus bodied palate vibrant.

As with all Nota Bene releases, lay a few down in your cellar for further development, though the 2011 may not evolve as much the past few vintages. Drink 2014-2018+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Cellar Hand 2012 Free Run White - 87pts

Cellar Hand 2012 Free Run White (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores and private wine shops
Cost: $16
Alcohol: 13.2%
Date Tasted: October 22nd, 2013

Tasting Notes: Fun, accessible and balanced. This blend of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay (59%-27%, respectively) with a splattering of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Muscat and Pinot Gris mixed in, delivers a smooth and decently complex nose of orchard and tropical fruit aromas followed by a similarly flavoured, fruit-forward palate with green apple acidity keeping the texture vibrant and the finish crisp.

The Free Run White offers amazing value for the price, with a food-friendly profile making it a sure thing for any dinner party due to its food-pairing diversity and supreme drinkability. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Bodega Norton 2010 Reserva Malbec - 90+pts

Bodega Norton 2010 Reserva Malbec (Luján de Cuyo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $18-20
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Warm, inviting and layered, the Reserva from Bodegas Norton is the Malbec for lovers of red wines with character, a sense of place and bold fruit but without the residual sweetness all too common among red wines these days. Smooth, ripe blue fruit aromas mingle on the nose with lightly toasted oak, vanilla and soothing spice notes. The palate begins with a nice hit of berry fruit transitioning to savoury-oak flavours through to the long, well balanced and mouth-watering finish where mineral and spice linger. Ready to go now, but should improve some over the next 2-3 years. Drink now-2017.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Bodega Norton 2010 Barrel Select Malbec - 87pts

Bodega Norton 2010 Barrel Select Malbec (Luján de Cuyo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $15-16
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: October 19th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This inky-purple hued Malbec from Mendoza bursts with ripe, sweet plum and blackberry pie aromas on the otherwise earthy nose where scorched dirt and spicy, toasted oak notes play second fiddle to the bold fruit. Impressive concentration of blue fruit flavours and loads of cooking spice dress up the full palate which oozes glycerol texture through to a sweet'n'tart wild berry and toasted oak finish where a touch of citrus acidity lingers. Enjoy this well made, entry-level Malbec in its youth. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca