Ottawa, ON
June 2019
Matt’s review:
Painted Rock Estate Winery’s flagship wine, Red Icon, showcases the high quality wines that proprietor, John Skinner, and consulting winemaker, Alain Sutre, are focused on crafting from this picturesque Penticton – Skaha Lake, Okanagan Valley winery. With an objective of crafting world-class ultra premium wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley, and that go head to head with the finest wines in the world, Painted Rock is well on their way! Once again with another stellar vintage, 2016 Red Icon is a gorgeous expression of this iconic Canadian wine. A blend of 44% Merlot, 21% Cab Franc, 16% Petit Verdot, 12% Cab Sauv, and 7% Malbec.
Deep ruby red with an opaque core, the nose shows rich black fruits, black plum, fresh figs, blueberry compote, dried fruit, and graphite. Full bodied with great structure, Red Icon has richness yet with remarkable freshness and elegance. A very supple texture reveals the harmonious balance between the ripe and savoury fruit along with the fresh acidity and silky smooth tannins, hallmarks of expert winemakers that not only grew the finest estate fruit but also executed a magnificent oak aging program with the perfect combination of new and neutral French oak to achieve this incredible expression of an Okanagan ‘Bordeaux’ red blend.
Decant then enjoy with slow-roasted prime rib with a rich red wine jus. Cellaring, although not necessary, is certain to reward those with patience as this youthful wine will evolve and gain further complexity with age whilst preserving that harmonious balance as it approaches its optimal window of enjoyment. Drink 2019-2029. Tasted June 2019. 95 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
Quercus Vino 
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