Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 Riesling - 90pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 Riesling (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 175 cases
Date Tasted: May 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: At first quaff you know you're in for something unique and something special. This Lillooet produced Riesling offers a range of aromas on the intriguing nose from grapefruit and kiwi fruit to orange blossoms and stonefruit minerality. The delightfully tangy palate starts with sweet, juicy apples and nectarine flavours before quickly resolving into a crisp explosion of mouth-watering, yet balanced, citrus acidity. As with the 2011, lingering spice adds to the uniqueness and mystique of this tasty Riesling from a little-known terroir. Drink 2013-2016+.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Merlot - 86pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2011 Merlot (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 358 cases
Date Tasted: May 13th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Offers some typical Merlot characters of blue fruit and medium tannins with bright acidity on the palate making it a good pairing for tomato-based sauces. Atypical spiciness helps it stand-out from the crowded line-up of bland Merlot from cool vintages, but perhaps not enough to make it as memorable as the 2010. The overall experience is pleasant and improves in the glass over time. Drink 2013-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

SpierHead Winery 2012 Riesling - 89+pts

SpierHead Winery 2012 Riesling (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores

Cost: $22
Alcohol: 11.4%
Production: 350 cases
Date Tasted: May 18th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Flinty with lemon-lime citrus notes aplenty, this well-balanced wine hails from East Kelowna yet adheres to the Niagara Riesling formula of matching sweetness to acid while keeping the alcohol low and maintaining a light and mineral-y texture. No clunky sugar and alcohol influenced palate here. Just clean, crisp fruit and terroir-driven flavours: a refreshingly honest approach. Should develop unctuous nectarine flavours if given time to mature, though tasting great in its youthful state today. Drink 2013-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 23 Camels White - 86pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2012 23 Camels White (Lillooet) Fraser Canyon - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 118 cases
Date Tasted: May 16th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This tangy and playful blend of 60% Pinot Gris, 20% Chardonnay and 20% Riesling is all about its well balanced palate with tart green apple mingling with ripe grapefruit and juicy white peach flavours. The mouth-watering, long finish lingers with herbal notes and lots of green apple and lime peel acidity. Enjoy this wine on its own, on a hot deck or with a nice spinach and goat's cheese salad. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Corner Stone - 90pts

River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Corner Stone (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $28.50
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 415 cases
Date Tasted: May 17th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Round, ripe and robust, this blend of 59% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc offers mixed berry fruit, spicy licorice and light mint aromas enhanced by mild oak and sweet aromatic notes on the soothing and pleasant nose. The refreshing palate follows with mouth-watering acidity, mannered tannins and lots of intense berry fruit supported by oak, sage brush and spice box flavours. Lots to like here with good complexity, balance and ripeness though, a touch of green pepper creeps onto the dry palate. Drink 2013-2017.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca