Domaine Pinnacle 2008 Ice Cider

Our friend Martha brought Gail and I a bottle of 2008 Domaine Pinnacle Ice Cider for us to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Martha always brings us the best treasures from Canada. Domaine Pinnacle is from Frelighsburg, Quebec.

I wasn't familiar with ice cider, but from the bottle and name, it is clear this should be compared to an ice wine. The color is a golden honey, with the same syrupy legs as an ice wine. The apple notes are strong both in the smell and the taste. Many grape ice wines have such apple notes, but more subtly. Those apple notes can be prized in an ice wine. The strength of the apple in this wine is delightful, but doesn't make you think apple cider. I think this wine could stand up in a tasting alongside a grape ice wine.

Most import is the taste. Mmmm, yummy is a good description. Apple is a perfect fit for an ice wine. Apples bring a richness to the wine, while the style holds back the tartness of apple cider. Thank you, Martha.