Vintages Release: August 20, 2011

Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road’ Gewürztraminer 2010 

VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 (111989) 12.5% alcohol
Rosewater, exotic spice and musky notes waft from the heavily perfumed nose of this off-dry gem. It’s certified organic and bio-dynamic with a creamy smooth, deftly balanced tang and sweet wash of palate-bathing flavours—lime sherbet and tangy grapefruit. It finishes with a drying, penetrating aftertaste of grapefruit pith, earthiness, wet stone and minerality. It sips well after a ten- or fifteen-minute aeration/decant and is a ‘natural’ with spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: September 10, 2011

Tawse Winery ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Cabernet Merlot 2009 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 13.0% alcohol
Tarry, smoky, alluring, aromas waft from this predominantly Cab Franc, medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, tangy red blend. It’s value packed and brimming with fruit washing over the palate in persistent waves—red and black currant, blueberry and blood plum. There’s good mouth feel and a lingering, crisp, refreshing finish. Great sipped on its own, it’s quite food-friendly—spicy grilled ribs, pasta in tomato-based sauce, meat-laden pizza or spicy wings. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: October 1, 2011

Tawse Winery ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Chardonnay 2009 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (089037) 13.0% alcohol
This is mid weight, nicely textured and brimming with charm and flavour. Sweet vanilla, spiced tropical fruit and nutty wisps on the nose, it delivers a well-balanced, crisp and refreshing mouthful of green apple, ripe pear along with mouth-watering lemon and lime citrus. It finishes in a lengthy blaze of lip-smacking flavour with nutty, oaky nuances and pours well with roast chicken or slow-roasted pork. (Vic Harradine)


Tawse Winery ‘Estate Vineyards’ Chardonnay 2009 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (111989) 13.0% alcohol
Heady involved aromas of spice-infused pear, apricot and toasty notes provide segue to silky smooth waves of tangy delectable nectar—key lime, pineapple and white grapefruit mingling with toasty notes. This is a medium-full bodied, value-laden gem sporting a lengthy lip-smacking aftertaste. Excellent sipping now, it’ll improve in bottle over the next 12 months. It’s paired perfectly with ris de veau in Champagne sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: Fall 2011 (Vintages Go To Market – Limited Release)

Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road’ Chardonnay 2009 

VQA Vinemount Ridge $34.95 (111989) 13.0% alcohol
This is a flagship Chardonnay that revels in gorgeous texture and complexity. Tuck away ‘till 2013 allowing full integration of oak, fruit and acidity; it’ll be worth the wait. Spice-laden aromas of orchard fruit, minerality and toasty oak abound followed by a torrent of unbridled flavours—bracing white grapefruit citrus acidity with crisp green apple and ripe pear infused with mineral, slate and toasty oak. (Vic Harradine)