VINTAGE
The 2023 vintage was largely shaped by a strong El Nino weather pattern. Thanks to a mild 2022-23 winter, yields were high and spring was warmer than usual, with some of the warmest weather of the year in May and early June. The summer that followed was characterized by an abundance of rain that led to a lack of heat and sun, thus slowing fruit development and increasing disease pressure. Luckily once September arrived, temperatures increased and the rains stopped, which ultimately saved the quality of the vintage. Although disease pressure had been mitigated, lack of ripeness from the summer rains still forced a later than usual harvest date for most varieties. Winter began with record high temperatures that initially dimmed hopes of a successful Icewine harvest, but a polar vortex in mid January caused temperature to plummet to well below -8 degrees. This combined with a large overall crop, meant that 2023 will go down as an exceptional Icewine vintage both in terms of quality and quantity. 

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TASTING NOTES

 The 2023 Riesling Select Late Harvest showcases primary aromatics rooted in tropical fruits like lychee, mango, and pineapple juice, while introducing floral complexity in the form of honeysuckle. The palate mirrors the nose, but also showcases notes of cantaloupe, honeydew melon and yellow apple. Overall, it is very well balanced, displaying Riesling’s signature crisp acidity that rounds out the wine’s sweetness and carries the flavours over a lengthy finish. 

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FOOD PAIRING

 This wine is perfect as an aperitif or digestif. It also can be enjoyed with astringent cheeses, spicy foods, or desserts less sweet than the wine (focus on citrus flavours).   Examples: Fruit based desserts, Sushi (especially with Wasabi), Strong cheeses,  Spicy foods (Thai, Mexican, Indian etc.).

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