****1/2 drink or cellar two glasses
Tawse ‘Van Bers Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc 2007
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $47.95 14.0% alcohol
Vic also raved about this. This wine was a gold-medal winner at the Intervin International Wine Awards—no surprise! Its violet hue evokes bramble berry pie complemented by rich aromas of spice cake and cigar box. This is dry and powerfully built, loaded with dark fruit, robust tannin and delectable notes of dark chocolate, pepper and Indian spice. It’s full bodied with a mouthwatering replay of the exotic flavours on the lingering finish. Serve it now with slow-cooked bison, or cellar for 5-7 years before opening. Order by the case for daily office or home delivery via Tawse Winery. (Susan Desjardins)

5 starsdrink or cellar
Tawse ‘Meritage’ 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $57.95 13.5% alcohol
Each of the components of this well-integrated blend—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc—were aged separately in French barriques. Dark red with a tinge of violet, it’s a fine example of focused winemaking in an excellent red-wine vintage. Expressive and evocative aromas of rich dark fruit mingle with earthy notes, spice, floral and cedar. This is beautifully balanced and richly textured. It’s also full bodied with intense berry jam, plum and dark chocolate flavours on the long, warm finish. Designed for lengthy aging, it’s enticing to drink it now. Order by the case for daily office or home delivery via Tawse Winery. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink or cellar
Tawse ‘David’s Block Vineyard’ Merlot 2007
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $44.95 13.5% alcohol
Produced following organic and biodynamic practices, this medal-winning red displays intense tangy berry and plum aromas along with traces of graphite and dark chocolate. Fresh red cherry berry flavors wash over the palate complemented by bright acidity and plush tannin. Notes of mocha, char and herbs add complexity and intrigue. Medium-full bodied, this is well balanced and features a peppery note on the extended finish. Serve it alongside beef tenderloin with a wine sauce or cellar for 3-5 years. Order by the case for daily office or home delivery via Tawse Winery. (Susan Desjardins)

****1/2 drink or cellar
Tawse ‘Wismer Vineyard Lakeview Block’ Riesling 2008
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $24.95 11.0% alcohol
Intense aromas of spring flowers, stone fruit and sweet mandarin leap from the glass of this pale-straw coloured wine. Characterized by a bright seam of acidity, it’s complex and flavourful—zesty lemon-lime, apricot, nectarine, mineral and floral notes. It has a silky texture and vibrant refreshing finish. Look no further for stunning Riesling. Order by the case for daily office or home delivery via Tawse Winery. (Susan Desjardins)