The 2024 vintage was marked by warm temperatures, low disease pressure for reds, and ideal harvest weather. A relatively mild 2023-24 winter helped set the stage for a strong growing season. Spring arrived early, with warm conditions accelerating budbreak and growth—putting the vintage up to a week ahead of schedule in some areas. Summer continued the warm trend, leading to concentrated flavours and excellent colour development in red varieties. The heat was accompanied by humidity which increased disease pressure, highlighting the importance of diligent vineyard practices. Fortunately, warm, dry weather returned in October, which allowed for optimal ripening, especially for our red wines. Icewine production was especially rewarded in 2024, with multiple ideal freeze events occurring from late December through January. These consistent cold snaps provided several clean harvest windows, allowing us to pick at optimal times for both quality and yield. As a result, 2024 is shaping up to be another standout Icewine vintage, with excellent concentration, balance, and generous volumes.

This extremely rare and difficult-to-produce Icewine is named “Commendatore” in honour of Gary Pillitteri’s recognition by the Italian government with the title of Commander of the Star of Solidarity. From the moment this wine meets the glass, it signals something extraordinary: a luminous golden hue and gentle streams of fine bubbles rising through its richly textured core. The nose is an opulent symphony of sun-drenched peach, candied apricot, and wildflower honey, lifted by notes of orange blossom, pineapple, and a hint of ginger spice. On the palate, Commendatore offers a truly singular texture, lusciously dense yet remarkably graceful. The natural sweetness of Vidal is amplified by the sparkling effervescence, creating a playful tension between richness and lift. Layers of tropical fruit, lemon curd, and crème brûlée unfurl across the palate, anchored by vibrant acidity that preserves poise and freshness. This wine is the pinnacle of luxury and innovation, as indulgent as it is age-worthy, with the structure to evolve over time.

The fermentation proceeded in a stainless-steel “Charmat” tank that prevented the release
of the carbon dioxide gas produced from the alcoholic fermentation hence forcing it into
the wine.

Technical Information:

Appellation: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

Blend: 100% Vidal

Brix at Harvest: 35.0 ◦Brix

Alcohol: 10.5% ABV

Residual Sugar: 138g/L

Cellaring capacity: Now till 2030+

375ml bottle