Reviews & Ratings

2008 Still River Winery Dessert & Ice Wine "Apfel Eis"

Winery: Still River Winery

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Apfel Eis"

Wine Category: Dessert & Ice Wine

Grape blend: 100% Apples

Bottle size: 375 ml

Region: Massachusetts

State or country: MA

Price: $25

Cases produced: 400

KWG Score: 88 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (87)

Review date: January 27, 2009

Wine Review: Up to this point in my tasting career, I don’t recall ever having an Apple Ice Wine. That said, this offering from Still River in Harvard, MA made a very nice first impression on our group. This richly colored golden yellow wine opens with an intense cider like bouquet. On the palate, this wine was full bodied, rich, and thick with concentrated and very sweet green apple cider like flavors. We thought the acidity levels were a little on the high side, but we also agreed that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc fans would not mind. The finish was very refreshing and mouthwatering. The group though the price for this wine was appropriate and that they would pick up a bottle at some point down the road. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The Quebecoise call it Ice Cider. Sweet, golden, and full-bodied in the glass, Apfel Eis is made from a blend of local varietal apples – over 80 apples in each bottle. Inspired by techniques used to make ice wine, Apfel Eis is pressed without preservatives, and slowly fermented at very cold temperatures. Unlike most wines and ciders made from apples, Apfel Eis has absolutely no sugar added – before or after fermentation. The result is a unique taste sensation with a gentle bite, complex flavor and clean finish. Apfel Eis preserves the aromatic fragrance of freshly picked apples. A sip or two, and you may find yourself in an apple orchard on a crisp fall day. Enjoy Apfel Eis as an aperitif, with soft cheese, or as the ideal ending to a fine meal. Best served chilled.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Still River 2008 Apfel Eis.