Monthly Picks: April 2013

The on-set of Spring calls for light wines, both white and red, that don't attack or overly challenge your palate, but rather, express their fruit and terroir gently with refrained charisma. We're looking for effortless balance and an easy-going drinking experience that pairs easily with a wide range of foods.

Sperling Vineyards 2010 The Market White - $16
Billed accurately as a crowd-pleasing, easy-drinking, off-dry, mid-week sipper that combines Pinot Blanc with lesser-known aromatic varieties like Bacchus and makes a food-friendly companion when the night calls for fish or spicy fare.
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Crowsnest Vineyards 2011 Stahltank Chardonnay - $18
"Stahltank" refers to the strict un-oaked, steel tank approach to this crisp, refreshing and very pure Chardonnay from Cawston producer Crowsnest Vineyards that delivers ripe green apple, Asian pear and stonefruit characters on the soft nose and vibrant, mouth-watering palate.
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La Frenz Winery 2011 Alexandria - $20
Muscat wines have the ability to most closely mimic the experience of biting into a bunch of grapes; it's exciting, sweet and fun.
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SpierHead Winery 2010 Pursuit - $22
An assemblage of 57% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc, the Pursuit seems to be after a pleasing balance of juicy, dark berry fruit and meaty, menthol cigarette flavours supported by a savoury spine of charred oak and fresh acidity.
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Upper Bench Estate Winery 2011 Riesling - $22
A well-balanced Riesling with a juicy entry of tangerine, kiwi, honeydew and pear fruit flavours that finishes dry due to the prominent, yet, appropriate level of lemon/lime acid.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2010 Renaissance Pinot Noir - $35
The Renaissance Pinot Noir is produced from 100% Estate Grown fruit from the winery's home vineyard in Okanagan Falls. Both the nose and palate transition nicely from an intense red fruit intro through to a more reflective warm earth finish. Complex, long and very tasty.
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 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca