I'm sorry but I will not join the bandwagon as concerned this rather syrupy single note sticky. Please, don't get me wrong. I am a great lover of port, Madeira, and a variety of other sweet and or fortified wines. I simply think that this is a poor example. It is terribly heavy, and is overwhelmed by an almost molasses like character. I think it interesting to note that Wine Enthusiast describes the wine as full-bodied with darker hints of dates and molasses, while Wine Spectator describes it as bright and sweet. Well, I can at least agree with the molasses comment.

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This wine is an incredible concentration of flavor–pear, raspberry, and of course a white grape is in there as well. It is a pale yellow, and extremely viscous, easily creating rainbows of light on your glass. The Covey Run is the same Sémillon grape that plays such a central role in Bordeaux's great sweet wines. But, this wine is not an imitation, it stands on its own merits. While it lacks the spice and minerality of the great Sauternes, it is remarkably well balanced–it's tremendous sweetness held in check by just the right hint of acid. All in all, a tremendously enjoyable dessert wine, perfect as an aperitif or with a plate of cheese. This is too concentrated and powerful to serve with fruit. It should be mentioned in passing that this is a true ice wine–it's grapes were frozen on the vine, not after picking as has, unfortunately, become the practice in some wineries. I think this 1/2 bottle is very well priced given its character, depth, and assured style. A 91 or 92 in my personal rating system. Drink now or for the next four or five years.system.

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This is a delightful example of an ice wine. Historically, ice wines were the result of picking after a premature frost. Today most of these wines are produced from grapes that are deliberately frozen after picking. The Pacific Rim Riesling is a great introduction to the genre. It is light, fruit filled and succulent, with a sweetness that is well balanced by acid. This is not the most sophisticated version of this genre that has ever been released. Some of the classic ice wines, especially those associated with botyris, develop a wonderful sophistication–deep layering of flavors and enormous complexity. Such wine typically sells at an enormous premium, easily 3 to 5 times the price of this wine. So buy a bottle or two and enjoy it at lunch or a casual supper, either with cheese, dessert, or by itself. It's very enjoyable, even if it will never call attention to itself.

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