Ok, I have to start out by saying the name of this one made me giggle. Niagara’s escarpment is a mere bump in comparison to any kind of mountain range so I find it amusing to think Niagara has the gall to call anything “elevation”. To top it off they hyped this wine as being sold to their Wine of the month club first as an “exclusive”. Ok so I admit, I’m already a little biased before I even pop the cork. Always better to admit it. This was a wine review wasn’t it … right, right, back to our regularly scheduled program 🙂 The wine is pale in color mild on the nose. This bodes well … On the mid pallet the wine is slightly thicker, not watery and then it starts … this is quite a sweet Riesling. Lots of honey suckle. If I had to put it on a German scale I would say this is a Spatlese. No where near as sweet as an Auslese and definitely not as syrupy. On the finish the wine is again dominated by sugar. I would have to say this is not to my tastes. I prefer the drier Rieslings. I would give this no better than an 87. They say a good marketer can sell anything … well, good luck with that 🙂 $25.20 at the winery (not in the LCBO). Yikes.
Notes from the winery: Product Description
Subtle aromas of flint and lemon zest reveal a hint of effervescence on the nose. The palate is as refreshing as having delicious sweet pink lemonade on a hot summer day. Even before tasting this wine you won’t be able to wait for the next sip.
The balance of this wine is remarkable. The acidity, sweetness, alcohol and extract are all in perfect concert delivering a taste sensation that fills you from head to toe. The light spritz that is found upon opening (original carbon dioxide from fermentation) magnifies the zesty lemon lime characteristics and is also a testament to the gentle care this wine has received since it’s birth. It’s youthful punch and perkiness will please us now but it’s deep inner greatness will only be revealed with years of mindful cellaring.
Appellation: Niagara Escarpment
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Alcohol Percent: 8.0 %
LCBO Sugar Code: 3
Residual Sugar g/L: 32.5 g/L
Brix at Harvest: 17.8
Total Acid g/L: 9.90 g/L
Cases Produced: 1,142
Drinking Through: Now – 2015
Service Temp.: 8 – 10 oc
