VinoCanada

Fine Canadian Wines To RUSSIA, the CIS AND uae

Box 1727, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
Canada L0S 1J0   info@vinocanada.com

2004 REIF VIDAL ICEWINE

Technical Notes
Residual Sugar 20.3g/100mL
Alcohol/volume: 10.0%
Brix at Harvest: 41
Total Acidity: 10.8g/L
Aging in Oak: No
Release Date: July 2006
Ageability: 10-15 years

VQA DESIGNATION
Niagara Peninsula

Vintage Year and Viticulture
Cold temperatures in January and February were not severe enough for vine damage as in the previous winter. The 2004 spring growing season began with cool, wet temperatures that carried through to the end of the summer. September was a saving grace with bright sunny days and warm above seasonal temperatures. The 2004 harvest for Icewine came in December 2004 on the 19th, 20th and the 24th and the remaining rows were harvested on January 15th, 2005. An early Icewine harvest means fresh, bright fruit flavours that add to the overall complexity of the wine. Must extracted from the grapes was clean, with ripe fresh fruit flavours. Average picking temperatures were -10C. High Pressure Vertical Basket Presses imported from Italy were used to maximize the extract from the berries. This lot of 100% Vidal was harvested from Reif Estates oldest block of 23 year old vines on their 125 acre Vineyard located adjacent to the Niagara River, midway between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment.

Winemaker's Notes
The juice pressed from clean fruit was carefully fermented for a seven month period, with temperature-controlled fermentation (less than 15C), using selected yeast for cold slow fermenting. The wine was both fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to highlight the complexity of stone fruit components found in Vidal.

Tasting Notes
Layered aromas of tropical fruit, peach, apricot and honey introduce the unmatched flavours that follow through on the palate. Fresh ripe fig, toffee, and stone fruit dominate. The sweet finish is complimented by a crisp acidity that delicately balances this superb wine.

Food Pairings
Fresh fruit fondues, bold blue cheeses or on its own as a dessert.

From The Critics

Score 90: "A mix of apple, apricot and butterscotch flavors with a touch of cinnamon and cardamom. It’s light and balanced with a long lingering finish. Great cut. Drink now through 2018." – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

Overall rating: OUTSTANDING "...Reif, who always make one of Niagara’s biggest, boldest Icewines. This shows fairly deep orange-gold, bright colour. Rich aromas combine honey, marmalade, ...with toffee apple notes. Full bodied, thick and very sweet...very good acidity. Excellent length."  - David Lawrason, Winery to Home

Awards: The Reif Canadian Icewine Legacy

It was a golden moment for the Canadian wine industry when Robert M Parker rated the 1987 Reif Vidal Icewine one of the top 10 wines of the year.  Since then his Vidal Icewine has earned award after award, producing one of the finest legacies in the history of Canadian Icewines.

VinoCanada

Fine Canadian Wines To RUSSIA, the CIS AND uae

Box 1727, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
Canada L0S 1J0   info@vinocanada.com