There’s no overstating the importance of receiving a 90 point score from Wine Spectator Magazine. A score that high goes a long way to legitimizing a winery to many professionals, retailers and consumers. New York wines have often been associated with a virtual glass ceiling of 90 points, since scores this high have been rare from major wine publications.
Arrowhead Spring Vineyards in Cambria just broke that ceiling when its 2005 Vidal Icewine received 90 points by James Molesworth of Wine Spectator. Their 2006 barrel fermented Chardonnay also received a solid 86 points.
I’ve tasted both of these wines and consider them to be among the best quality wines in the Niagara Region. The chardonnay is well balanced with just enough oak to compliment the zesty fruit. I think this would be an attractive wine for both “naked” and oaked chardonnay fans. Arrowhead’s Vidal Icewine is a transcendent experience in itself. Jam-packed with too many fruit aromas to list here, it shows a complexity that far exceeds that of more expensive icewines.
Since both of these wines were made with purchased fruit, it only heightens my anticipation for Arrowhead’s estate wines. Hopefully these scores will help spread the word that Niagara Region wineries are quietly establishing themselves as serious wine producers that can compete with the very best of other east coast wineries.
