Community Review

Icellars Estate Winery Arinna 2016

Icel Vineyard, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada

Community Score: 4.6/5
Community Reviews: 5

Price: $42.00

Sweetness: Extra Dry
Alcohol: 14%

Drink: 2019-2024

Bottle size: 750 ml
Winery: Icellars Estate Winery

Daniel O'Keefe rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Grapes were hand-harvested and double-sorted from the Icel Vineyard between October 19th and November 17th; Merlot at 24.5 Brix, Cabernet Franc at 24.0 Brix, Malbec at 21.1 Brix, and Cabernet Sauvignon at 26.2 Brix. Destemmed and lightly crushed before a six-day cold soak with punch downs thrice daily, then 12- to 16-day fermentations with punch downs once daily. Drained and gently pressed before settling for two days. Aged in a combination of French and American oak for 12 months with several rackings. Blended at 10 months then returned to barrel for the last two months. 50% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Malbec.

While the Right Bank-styled Arinna might be the second-tier blend in the Icellars portfolio, it has the capability to rival the top-tier blend of many wineries. An iron fist in a velvet glove, Arinna masks 14.5% ABV behind plush ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum accented by sweet vanilla and caramel. Soft tannins and bright acidty round out a firm but friendly structure. This young wine will impress and evolve for years to come. Give it another year then enjoy from 2019 onward with pork or beef roasts, or simply on its own as a wine worthy of contemplation and admiration.

Read Natalie's Full Review

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