The 2015 ice cider was the first vintage we released that we, out of sheer luck, bottled at perfect technical balance.
When producing sweet wine we strive for a 1:10 relationship between sugar and acidity and so, as an example, if the total acidity per liter is 15 grams (which is about the average level of acidity in our wines) we want to save at least 150 grams of residual sugar per liter.
The idea of this balance is a German one and is connected to the 18th century idea of parallellism employed by JS Bach in the composition of his music.
The 2015 hit that 1:10 balance perfectly with 151 grams residual sugar per liter and 15 grams of acidity equivalent.
The tasting notes before bottling noted,
APPERANCE brilliant red or amber golden colour.
NOSE young intense aromas of crispy red apples, exotic fruit, quince and christmas spice.
MOUTH Intense fruit-driven sweetness balanced by an acidity that rounds off the wine and clars the palate.
The alcohol level is also slightly higher than in the wines we produce today which I am sure also does things to the body and mouth feel of this wine especially in ageing.
We bottled a small batch of this wine in smaller bottles. There were markets that asked for the smaller format but in the long run the demand was not high enough to keep producing the flagship ice cider in two formats over time.
So we’ve been sitting on this trove of 187 ml bottles of the 2015 ice cider waiting for the right moment to release it to the right people. You are those people.
After almost seven years in bottle this ice cider retains its balance but, as a result of the smaller bottle format, has taken on a deep oxidative character that is visible and tastable with dark notes of caramel and toffee. Enjoy.