Riesling Ice Wine 2013 "Leonardo"

"Leonardo" - Riesling Ice Wine
This is the first true Ice Wine made on Long Island with grapes frozen on the vine in the Finger Lakes. Harvested at 14°F on January 22th 2013, with 37 degrees brix, this wine was fermented in French oak for 9 months, and bottled unfiltered & unfined. Made in an oxidized style with aromas of raw honey and citrus blossoms, expressing apricot and stone fruit, this delicate wine balances caramelized flavors, a full sweet body and a long finish. pH 3.32, TA 12.4 g/L, Residual Sugar 88 g/L, 16.2% Alc/vol, 52 cases produced, 375 ml bottle.

2013 Leonardo - 90 pts Wine Advocate The 2013 Riesling Eiswein "Leonardo," wild-yeast fermented, was sourced from Sheldrake in the Finger Lakes. Winemaker Anthony Nappa noted another anomaly--the grapes are from the 2012 growing season, but picked so late that they are labeled 2013. Coming in with 88 grams per liter of residual sugar, this also spent nine months in barrel and comes in with 16.2% alcohol–a lot less typical in Eiswein style. This has a very different character than most Rieslings and most Eisweins due to those vinification choices. How you use it will determine how much you like it. Thick and unctuous, it has oxidative notes and an aggressive personality. Matched with cheese or food, this will go down well. On its own, it will likely be less enticing. The style ages well, but it may pick up even more oxidation as it goes along and keep changing. There were only 52 cases produced.
2013 Leonardo - 88 pts Wine Enthusiast This is a unique, oak-aged Finger Lakes ice wine made by Long Island winemaker, Anthony Nappa. Fermented spontaneously and intentionally oxidized, it juxtaposes silken caramel with sea salt and bitters. It’s a fascinatingly funky wine worthy of some contemplative sipping.
2013 Leonardo - 88 pts Wine Spectator A cloudy amber color, with an unctuous feel to the core of dried apricot, peach and nectarine flavors, backed by a wax-textured finish and a lingering dried golden raisin note. Ambitious and slightly heady, but manages to hold together. Drink now. 50 cases made.