When should I drink an Eiswein?

Today I purchased a 2004 Kracher Eiswein Cuvee (Welschriesling and Chardonnay, I think). It was on sale for $5 off, but even the discounted price of $30 for a half-bottle is a significant splurge for me.

My only other icewine was a little 2004 Jackson-Triggs Vidal split for $16.15 (also a discounted price). I opened it soon after purchase, and my girlfriend called my reaction a wine-gasm.

Any advice about when to open the Kracher? Since I don't get to experience this luxury often, I want to savor it when it's at its best.

Thanks.

[David M. Bueker]

My advice is drink it whenever you feel like it. Eiswein is always open for business, and while it changes with age I can't say that I think it gets better, just different.

I agree with David. I haven't had any that was more than six or seven years old, and don't intend to. They are so wonderful in their youth. I hope to see a few at MoCOOL this year. Hell, maybe I'll bring a couple of those, too.

$16 for a half bottle of JT Vidal Icewine is a hell of a bargain - they usually sell for about $40-$50 in the US. The Kracher sounds like a good price too.

I'd drink the Vidal fairly soon (1-2 years): it is a relatively low acid grape/wine, and can lose what little freshness it has with too much time.

[Jenise]

Wow, if she called your reaction to the Jackson Triggs a winegasm, she better suit up for the Kracher. Or maybe watch from another room.

[David M. Bueker]

Wow, if she called your reaction to the Jackson Triggs a winegasm, she better suit up for the Kracher. Or maybe watch from another room.

Or share it.

[Jenise]

Or share it.

Oh, that's a given. Once he calms down, that is.

since the german version will have about half the RS of the ontario version and more acid, it should last a bit longer; but, again, it will be so delicious now that.......

John S wrote:

$16 for a half bottle of JT Vidal Icewine is a hell of a bargain - they usually sell for about $40-$50 in the US. The Kracher sounds like a good price too.

I've a feeling the reference to a "split" meant 187 ml. I've seen those selling for anywhere between US$15 - 20 where I live. We enjoyed our little bottle while watching Canada win Olympic gold in hockey this year. (Too bad about the men's team though!)

cheers,
al

Ah, not a 375? It might also be a 200 ml bottle, as that is fairly common with Canadian icewines.