We visited this winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake 20 days ago. In the past, it's been one of our favorites in the region, and their dining room is one of the very best winery restaurants in the area. We had a private tasting upstairs with Archie, a very helpful and informed gentleman, and were later joined by Rebecca. They were kind enough to open some of their best wines for us. The first two wines were tasted downstairs with the regular tatsing room staff before moving upstairs with Archie and Rebecca. The wines:

2000 Showcase Unfiltered Chardonnay, 13.5% alcohol, $35- Light tropical fruit nose. A little buttery and oaky. OK. 80

2000 Showcase Merlot, 12.5% alcohol, $45-
The first glass poured was madeirized. When I asked the young woman how long it had been opened, she told it had been opened for two days. I explained it's condition and she opened a new bottle. This one was soft with dark fruit on the nose and palate.

nv Trius Brut, 12.5% alcohol, $22-
The nose was light and yeasty. OK. 82

2003 Showcase Chardonnay Barrel #1053, 13% alcohol, $35- Light oak and tropical fruit nose. Balanced and rich. One of the best Chardonnays in the region. 88

1998 Trius Red, 12.5% alcohol, $80, 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot- Anise, cedar, and baked fruit nose. Complex. Still youthful. Balanced. Nice. 88

2000 Trius Grand Red, 12.5% alcohol, $60, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc- This was made from selected barrels. It had a berry and cigar box nose with smooth berry flavors. One of the best red wines tasted from the Niagar region. 90

2000 Showcase Cabernet Franc, 12.5% alcohol, $45- Nose of cedar and leather. Fruity. Balanced. The best Cabernet Franc I've ever had from Niagara. 88

2000 Showcase Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.5% alcohol, $45- Muted nose of cedar and sweatsocks. Soft. Nice. 87

2002 Showcase Barrel Fermented Vidal Icewine, 12% alcohol, approximately $70- Dried fruit nose. Beautiful balance. One of the best Vidal ice wines I've ever had. 93

2002 Showcase Cabernet Franc Icewine, 12% alcohol, $78- Bright berry nose. Juicy cherry flavors. Balanced. 92

2004 Trius Vidal Icewine, 11.5% alcohol, $45-
Raisin nose. Honey and dried fruit flavors. Well-balanced. 91

2003 Showcase Riesling Icewine, 12% alcohol-
Apricot, peach jam, and honey nose. Very sweet. Could use a drop more acidity. 90

1994 Barrel Aged Icewine, 10.5% alcohol, $120-
Nose of Sherry and stewed fruit. Balanced, but beginning to madeirize.