Okanagan Trip, Part 2, this is a review you don't want to miss

We had just enough time to head to Tantalus to taste their portfolio before we had another appointment booked, so off we were. If you are not familiar with Tantalus, they are world-renowned for their Rieslings and that's pretty much all they do....a couple other varietals but they subscribe to the theory of doing a few things and doing them very well. Let's get to it.

Tantalus 2015 Juveniles Chardonnay ($17.30)

Notes of citrus and white flowers on the nose. Reminiscent of a Pinot Gris, with citrus and pineapple flavors. 87.








Tantalus 2014 Chardonnay ($26.00)

Aromas of elderflower, coconut and toasty oak. The palate features toasted almonds, citrus and a touch of butterscotch. 88.








Tantalus 2016 Riesling ($19.91)

Interesting aromas of lemon-lime, mango and wet stone. Beautifully balanced acidity and flavors of lime, pineapple, stone fruit and ginger. Beautiful now and will improve with careful cellaring. 90.





Tantalus 2016 Riesling Lab ($16.43)

Pineapple, grapefruit and lemon on the nose. Fruity, young, and drinkable now. Slightly off-dry and made to enjoy upon release. Flavors of pineapple, apricot and honeysuckle. Terrific bargain. 90.






Tantalus 2014 Old Vines Riesling ($30.35)

Made from nearly 40-year old vines and it really shows. Notes of citrus, pineapple, guava and petrol. Flavors of green apple, tropical fruit and passionfruit. Gripping acidity. Lay this baby down for up to a decade and you will not be disappointed. 92.





Tantalus 2016 Rosé ($19.04)


60% Pinot Noir/40% Pinot Meunier
Fruity aromas of strawberry and watermelon with just the slightest hint of basil. Berries dominate the palate with high acidity. Definitely a food wine. 87.




Tantalus 2015 Juveniles Pinot Noir ($21.65)

Notes of cranberry, raspberry and mint. The palate features cherry, spice, with a touch of vanilla. Very nice, approachable entry-level Pinot. 88.








Tantalus 2014 Pinot Noir ($26.00)

Beautiful aromas of rich, black plum, earth, violet, black pepper and toasty oak. Dark cherries, red berries, granite, earth and a long, spicy finish. Just lovely. 92.








Tantalus 2015 Syrah Icewine ($65.13)

Intense aromas of strawberry, rhubarb and bitter cherry. Red fruits and blackberry jam on the palate with a long, beautiful finish. 93.






Now, you've made it this far, and you are wondering "what is this review I just can't miss????". Wait no longer.


Tantalus 2015 Riesling Icewine ($65.13)

I actually have to take a deep breath while writing this review so I don't get overexcited. It starts off with the most beautiful, exotic aromas of pineapple, red apple, honey, citrus and caramel.

The palate features pineapple flavors all day long. They are not alone, with sweet apple pie, lemon meringue pie and even some peach and nectarine making appearances. It's sweet as you would expect with an Icewine, but not sickingly so; complex and brilliant, with a finish that goes on forever. For only the second time in the history of my wine blog, I can proclaim that this wine has reached the pinnacle of perfection. 100.

I actually gave their 2014 version 99 points, so I think I'm just going to have to keep coming here and tasting their Riesling Icewine every single year. Just wow.

Up next: tour and private tasting at Cedarcreek!