The best of Ontario Icewine 2009


Press Release
January 20, 2009

THE NIAGARA ICEWINE FESTIVAL 2009, the most important event devoted to marvelous Ontario Icewine, has traditionally culminated with the Annual Xerox Icewine Gala that has taken place at the grand banquet hall of Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls. This year Gala was more spectacular then ever with sculptured ice bars, luxurious decor and wines from more then 25 Ontario wineries. The invited company has enjoyed tasting wines with best local cuisine prepared by renowned culinary team from resort's signature restaurants — 17 Noir, Ponte Vecchio and Golden Lotus and as well watching live performances.

I am presenting my traditional Festival Icewine Rating, undoubtedly useful for picking a wine as a present, of just for tasting. Now your choice is going to be conscious and qualified. Within the space of just two days, my crew and I have tasted more then 50 Icewines of 30 vendors.

Please note that the wines are grouped according to their original grape's variety. The term "Vinifera" here means that the wine has been made out of rare grape, e.g. for this season Shiraz or even Sangiovese grapes that are of real rarity. Personally I'm first time ever taste Icewine made from national grape of Tuscany. Even more surprising was Pillitteri Estates 2007 Sticky Beak Icewine made from 4 different grapes Cab. Sauvignon, Cab. Fran, Sangiovese and Shiraz.

As for the Vidal grape, there have been more than 30 wines by 20 vendors; and Vidal the most popular grape variety for producing Icewine in Ontario.

And then, of all the wines that have been present, I have made a choice of the best three, which I highly advice as the most exceptional and nectarous products of Canada's wine industry, the magnificent fruits of our winegrowers' efforts and talent.

Best Wines of the Icewine Gala 2009

Best Vidal Icewine
Chateau des Charmes 2006 Vidal Icewine
Inniskillin 2006 Commemorative Edition Olympic Vidal Icewine
Mountain Road 2003 Vidal Icewine
Hillebrand Estates Winery 2007 Trius Vidal Icewine

Best Riesling Icewine
Chateau des Charmes 2007 Riesling Icewine
Inniskillin 2006 Canadian Oaked Riesling Icewine
East Dell 2007 Riesling Icewine
Creekside Estate Winery 2007 Riesling Icewine
Coyote's Run Estate Winery 2007 Riesling Icewine

Best Gewurztraminer Icewine
Jackson-Triggs Niagara 2006 Gewurztraminer Icewine
Palatine Hills 2006 Gewurztraminer Icewine

Best Cabernet Fran Icewine
Peller Estates 2007 Cabernet Franc Icewine
Magnotta 2005 Cabernet Franc Limited Edition Icewine
Strewn Winery 2005 Cabernet Fran Icewine
Reif Estate Winery 2006 Cabernet Fran Icewine
Niagara College 2007 Dean's List Cabernet Fran Icewine

Best Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine
Konzelmann 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine
Riverview 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine
Palatine Hills 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine

Best Vinifera Icewine
Pillitteri Estates 2007 Sangiovese Icewine
Pillitteri Estates 2007 Chardonnay Icewine
Pillitteri Estates 2007 Sticky Beak Icewine
(Cab. Sauvignon, Cab. Fran, Sangiovese, Shiraz)
Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery 2006 Shiraz Icewine

Best Sparkling Icewine
Magnotta Winery 2006 Sparkling Vidal Icewine

The best of the best of Icewine Gala Event 2009
Pillitteri Estates 2007 Sangiovese Icewine (winemaker Dr. Marc Bradshaw)
Konzelmann 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine (winemaker Herbert Konzelmann)
Chateau des Charmes 2007 Riesling Icewine (winemaker Paul Michel Bosc)