Country: Canada

Region: Niagara Peninsula

Vintage: 2021

Cépage: Vidal (100%)

Size: 750 ml

Rating(s): 89 (RP)

" The 2021 Sparkling Vidal Icewine, made with the Charmat method, comes in with 229 grams of residual sugar, 9.1 of total acidity and 10.5% alcohol. Winemaker Nick Gizuk said, "The 2021 harvest was quite challenging for ice wine, as we experienced higher than normal precipitation post table-wine harvest but before ice wine harvest. The Vidal, with its thick skins, fared well despite the conditions." I only taste what's in the glass, and it seems to have worked out, although this brand always has some limitations in the context of its price category from what I've seen. Lush and sweet, this has a rich feel. It's not terribly perky or bright, but it is irresistibly delicious, if a bit cloying. As tasty as it is, it often seems a bit too straightforward for a great ice wine. As a great sparkler, it is also a little lacking given the modest energy. It could use more acidity. That would give it a fresher balance. Overall, as I said with the 2018, it is rather pricey for what it is, but you will surely love this full-on dessert sparkler if someone brings it for you. The price references a half bottle. I'd say these are made to drink, not hold, but it may well hold for the rest of the decade, more or less. Still, you'll be happier, I suspect, if you drink it very young."

Mark Squires (RP) - 08/23