2015 Icon Wine of the Year

Though the most expensive Icon Wine of the Year to date and one of the rarest at only 334 cases produced, Le Vieux Pin's 2012 Équinoxe Syrah could not be denied the top prize for 2015; well-earned recognition for its ability to proclaim to the wine glitterati "Yes, we can make world-class Syrah in BC!" The Équinoxe demonstrates the extraordinary complexity and refinement the variety can achieve in the Okanagan Valley when the yield and vigour are managed appropriately and the right oak program is applied. 

Le Vieux Pin 2012 Équinoxe Syrah
96.5% Syrah, 3.5% Viognier
$90 - 334 cases - 13.9%
92-94pts









Congratulations to our runner-ups for this year's Icon Wine of the Year award: the SynchroMesh 2014 Stormhaven Vineyard Riesling and the LaStella 2012 Maestoso "Solo" Merlot

The Wine
A beast of a Syrah, yet, still feminine and floral in style. A true femme fatale with both mass and levity, opening with a gorgeous blend of black cherry, crushed violets, vanilla-mocha, white pepper, spicy plum sauce and sweet pipe tobacco aromas on the memorable nose. The intense, brooding palate follows with concentrated dark red fruit and smooth pepper flavours, effortless acidity and ripe, fine-grained tannins. The finish is balanced and oh-so long.

The Story
Grapes for the Équinoxe were sourced from North Oliver and from the Osoyoos Lake bench. It was produced in the style of Syrah from Northern Rhone which blends small amounts of Viognier during fermentation, contributing floral notes, texture and deepens the colour. It is then aged in French oak for 19 months before bottling. 

A youthful wine today with further development over the next 4+ years a sure thing thanks to its exceptional quality and robust tannins. It will be at home in your cellar for many years to come. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca