• The following 2017 Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Riesling is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO stores.
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Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Riesling 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (89029) 10.0% alcohol
An assortment of hand-harvested grapes from select vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula fashioned this delectable fruit-forward, off-dry, low-alcohol gem. Fragrant petrol notes introduce ripe nectarine, grapefruit, Asian pear aromas and a whiff of nutmeg. The palate’s mellow with rich, stone fruit flavours flirting with perfectly balanced acidity and minerality. This is perfect to sip on its own or paired with pomelo and spicy crab salad. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2017 Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. It was hand-picked from select vineyards and matured for ten months in French oak.
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Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (89037) 12.5% alcohol
Baking spice, mineral notes and Granny Smith apple aromas waft easily from this well-paced, well-priced chardonnay. A delightful mouthful of tropical fruit, tangy lemon curd and notions of caramel blanket the palate, balanced and beautiful, medium bodied, nicely textured showcasing persistent purity of fruit and no small amount of charm along with a lengthy mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour on its own or alongside roast chicken or roast pork. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Tawse ‘Sketches’ Rosé is an eclectic blend—58% pinot noir/20% cabernet franc/9% gamay noir/8% merlot/5% cabernet sauvignon—sourced from various select vineyards, including estate, in the VQA appellation of Niagara Peninsula. This is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Tawse ‘Sketches’ Rosé 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (172643) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas leap from the glass of this unique red blend blend—58% pinot noir/20% cabernet franc/9% gamay noir/8% merlot/5% cabernet sauvignon—with watermelon, strawberry and raspberry to the fore. It captures the palate with a surge of blood orange and ruby red grapefruit nicely juxtaposed with notions of ripe juicy black cherry. It’s deftly balanced, medium bodied with silky smooth mouthfeel and plenty of tang and excellent acidity providing plenty of pizzazz on the palate and lip-smacking finish. Pour with a baguette and charcuterie board or east coast Canadian salmon pan-seared in butter. (Vic Harradine)