"Have always noted the aromatic generosity of this wine, from a Niagara site that finds a way to hang around as long as possible, no matter the weather and probability of frosts to ripen cabernet sauvignon. May just be the luckiest tract of land in the entirety of the province. There can be a foot of snow on the ground and the grapes will keep moving forward. Intense with implosive varietal bent and a penchant for welcoming all the deeply resonant baritone notes, here cabernet sauvignon is truly and ostensibly developed with great character. Impressive." 92 Points - Michael Godel, WineAlign
"A very intense cabernet sauvignon, not ready but blazing hot and intense. A remarkably concentrated and youthful wine that is still a bit tightly wound on the palate. Looking forward to the complex development that will come from bottle age. Quite tannic, dark and concentrated." 93 Points - Sara d'Amato, WineAlign
Growing Conditions
2017 began with above average winter temperatures and low snow precipitation. Spring was timely with bud-break occurring the week of May 8. Cooler, damp temperatures began soon after however and remained through the height of the growing season. Fortunately, an even flowering mid-June was not hindered by these conditions. Extra attention to cluster thinning and leaf plucking was taken to ensure high quality fruit. Fortuitously, summer weather seemed to start in September and carried through the warmest October in a decade. The total number of growing degree days soared during these two months allowing for delayed, but optimal ripeness. Perfect harvest conditions held through November. After the long and dry autumn, a sudden cold snap in mid-December allowed for an early pick of Icewine.
Details
- Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage
- 2017
- Body
- full
- Region
- VQA Niagara Lakeshore
- Winemaker
- J-L Groux
- Alcohol
- 14.8%
- Bottle size
- 750 mL
- Serving Temperature
- 18 °C
- Drinking Window
- 2021 - 2035
- Harvest Date
- November 24, 2017
- Cooperage
- 571 days in French oak │ 30% new
