Since about 1998, this wine has been one of a small number of sweet wines that I truly enjoy. Pelee Island produces two versions of varietal Vidal in 750 ml format: the regular "Monarch Vidal" bottling, which is near dry, to this sweeter bottling (about '3' on the LCBO sugar scale).
11.0% alc./vol. Natural particle-cork closure. $11.95 in the VQA section at the LCBO.
Beautiful, pale straw colour with a light green glint. Some tiny CO2 bubbles inside the glass after pouring. Aromas of ripe pineapple, peaches and apricot nectar. Excellent sweet-tart balance, with noticeable residual sugar - but a good bright streak of acidity keeping it all completely in check. Hints of icewine on the mid-palate, albeit with less viscosity and concentration. This definitely still works as a table wine: despite the "late harvest" moniker, it is not so heavy that it can't be served with an appropriate main course. Opulent peach and apricot-nectar flavours, with a pleasant dash of nutmeg on the mid- to aft-palate. Finishes clean and crisp.
One of the best Vidals in Ontario, year in, year out.
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