I had Wolf River in my orchard near Quebec, but I discarded it after a few years of production because I thought the apple was completely uninteresting and it was occupying space that could be used by a better variety. So, I am in the group of people that don't see any quality to it...

I cannot disagree about the hum drum quality of this variety, but it does have its place. For one, it is a show stopper. At apple tastings I make sure to bring one that is approaching the size of a cantaloupe (yes they can get that big), and anything that gets a kid to get excited about apples I am all for (it is my 7 year old's favorite). I find folks in the US gravitate for the subtler tastes, maybe that is why, to my surprise most folks like the Wolf River. I have had some good ones fresh from the tree, more often they are bland. They also get mealy in short order. They do dry nicely and it makes for a real quick pie. I believe it was SA Beach that mentioned they are better on a sandy soil. That said, if you have a choice between it and its momma Alexander, go for the Alexander. These also get pretty large, and have a wonderfully distinctive taste when you pick them at the right moment.