Calamus ‘Barrel Aged’ Chardonnay 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.20 13.3% alcohol
There are lifted aromas of vanilla, spiced, apple tart, ripe pear and a whiff of citrus in this brilliant, pale-gold beauty. It’s a deftly crafted medal winner that’s dry, mid weight and creamy in texture displaying a hint of heat on the palate. It’s approachable and nicely balanced with fresh lemon-lime acidity, well-integrated oak and ripe, tree-fruit flavours. Spicy notes and a hint of butter toffee persist on the velvet finish. Order for daily home or office delivery direct from Calamus. (Susan Desjardins)


Tawse ‘Van Bers’ Cabernet Franc 2008
VQA Creek Shores $47.95 13.5% alcohol
Elegant and complex, this deep red wine has an enticing array of aromas—vegetal, forest floor, black berries, toast and hints of chocolate. Dry, structured and medium-full bodied, the tannin’s firm, the acidity fresh and the flavours layered. Field berries, herbal and earthy notes, along with hints of black pepper and toast carry through on the lengthy finish. To drink this robust wine now, prime rib would be in order, or cellar 5-7 years. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery direct from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)


Tawse ‘Quarry Road’ Gewürztraminer 2009
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 13.0% alcohol
Fragrant with aromas of rose water, lychee and tropical fruits, this classic exemplar of the varietal is in fine balance. The texture is subtly oily, the acidity’s fresh while minerality tantalizes the palate and the flavours appeal—a bowl of tropical fruits and cake spice drizzled with a dash of lime. All’s in harmony on the finish, where an appealing slightly bitter note of citrus rind lingers. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery direct from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)


Tawse ‘Laidlaw’ Pinot Noir 2008
VQA Vinemount Ridge $44.95 13.0% alcohol
Subtle aromas of berry fruit, earth and spice waft from the glass of this ruby-hued new offering. Dry, medium bodied, structured and lively, the wine displays perceptible tannin and a backbone of vibrant acidity. Enjoy layers of flavour—red cherry, berry, earthy beetroot and underbrush with some hints of toast—and a persistent, fresh, finish. A fine match now for chicken and sausage with olive or cellar mid-term. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery direct from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)


Tawse ‘Misek Vineyard’ Riesling 2009
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $21.95 10.5% alcohol
Pale straw, this beguiling off-dry offering from Tawse was a gold medal winery at Intervin. Supple and round, it offers fragrant aromas of apricot, citrus and mineral that develop in the glass. Sweet stone fruit captivates on entry, while a lively, lemon-lime acidity refreshes the palate. The finish is clean, bright and mouth-wateringly good. A treat for the senses, it will certainly evolve over the next 3-5 years. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery direct from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)