April 14, 2023 Vintages Release

88 
Tawse Sketches Rose 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $18.95 (172643) 11.5% alcohol
This pleasant rosé has a light orange/peach colour, and has definite hints of strawberry on the nose. It is medium-to-full bodied on the palate, with juicy acidity and flavours of strawberry and grapefruit. The grapefruit lingers nicely in the finish. This is a nice wine to enjoy on the back deck on a warm and sunny spring day, along with some tomato bruschetta. (Dave Isaacs)

April 29, 2023 Vintages Release

91  
Tawse Sketches Riesling 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $19.95 (89029) 10.0% alcohol
This wine looks very non-descript—it is almost clear in the glass—but it packs a delightful punch! There is a rich nose of flowers, pear, green apple, and lemon peel. It is full-bodied and off-dry, with mouthwatering acidity, and flavours of apple, pear, and honeydew melon. A great wine just to sip by itself, or try pairing it with some spicy pork tenderloin. (Dave Isaacs)

May 5, 2023 Vintages Release

92 
Tawse Limestone Ridge North Block Riesling 2020
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario $21.95 (431593) 11.0% alcohol
This certified organic riesling greets you with a nose of honeysuckle, cantaloupe, nectar, and a slight whiff reminiscent of candle wax. It is medium-to-full bodied on the palate, with juicy acidity balancing its off-dry character. Flavours of macintosh apple and lemon carry all the way through to a pleasant fruity finish. Enjoy this with some spicy Thai food. (Dave Isaacs)

June 10, 2023 Vintage Release

90 
Tawse Skin Fermented White 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (33169) 10.5% alcohol
No funkiness in this ‘orange wine’ blend of 70% riesling and 30% gewurztraminer that macerated with the skin for 14 days. Dry apricot, ginger, lemongrass and orange zest aromas come forward on the nose. This is medium in body with a round texture on the palate and pleasant flavours of tangerine, ginger and sour notes, showing a nice little tannin grip in the totally dry finish and zesty aftertaste. Pour alongside Vietnamese cuisine dishes or enjoy before dinner with salted munchies. (Louise Boutin)

July 22, 2023 Vintages Release

91 
Tawse Grower’s Blend Cabernet Franc 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $29.95 (284570) 13.0% alcohol
This wine is a prime example of how well cabernet franc does as a single varietal in Ontario. It’s been aged 16 months in French oak, and sports a complex nose of cherry, pencil shavings, fresh mint, and sage. It is medium-to-full bodied on the palate, with a good hit of tannin, and a delightful acidity that starts in the background but grows through to the finish. Flavours of blueberry and mint carry all the way through. You can lay this in the cellar for a few more years, or enjoy it today with a medium-rare grilled steak.(Dave Isaacs)

TBD 2023 Vintages Release

91 
Maison Sinnae ‘Elements Terra’ Côtes du Rhône White 2022
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $17.95 14.0% alcohol
Floral aromas of clover and honeysuckle are prominent on the nose, along with notes of melon, citrus, apple, and mineral. It is full bodied on the palate with an off-dry texture. Flavours of apple and citrus peel are carried along with a crisp acidity. This is an excellent value that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day along with some grilled pork tenderloin. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Maison Sinnae ‘Enfant Terrible’ Côtes du Rhône White 2022
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $17.95 13.0% alcohol
This wine is described by the winery as “mainly grenache blanc,” and has been vinified at low temperatures with 8 days spent resting on the lees. The result is a wine that is almost clear in the glass, with a nose of apple, honeysuckle, and damp soil. It is medium bodied in the mouth, with a pleasant acidity that carries flavours of grapefruit with a hint of spice. Pair with a plate of baby clams and pasta sprinkled with parmesan cheese. (Dave Isaacs)

 90
Maison Sinnae Côtes du Rhône White 2022
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $18.95 14.0% alcohol
The gently perfumed nose introduces apricot, yellow apple, pear and delicate floral aromas before a steady stream of ripe orchard fruit flavours, joined by a pleasant hint of lemon rind, bathe the palate. Medium bodied and nicely textured with mouth-watering acidity and well-integrated alcohol, peach, melon and a mineral note linger on the lengthy, refreshing finish. Enjoy with grilled pork tenderloin. (Lisa Isabelle)

 91
Maison Sinnae Elements ‘Luna’ 2022
AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun, France $20.95 13.5% alcohol
This blend of grenache blanc, clairette, viognier and roussanne grapes, sourced from vineyards surrounding the village of Laudun, displays fragrant peach, Asian pear and gala apple aromas supported by notions of acacia flower, almond and a mineral note. The refreshing palate is bathed in orchard fruit with hints of lemon and pineapple. Dry, medium-light bodied, the pure fruit flavours and a salty minerality are sustained through the lasting finish. Pair with apricot and goat cheese tart. (Lisa Isabelle)

90
Vaucher Père & Fils Fleurie 2022
AOC Fleurie, France $22.95 13.5% alcohol
The wine from Fleurie, on of the 10 Beaujolais Crus, shows the potential of gamay grape. The nose bursts with fruit—strawberry and cherry—with an undercurrent of green leaves and moss. It is medium light bodied on the palate, with firm but well integrated tannins, and lots of red berry fruit flavours. Cellarable for up to 5 years, but enjoyable today with grilled chicken served with a home-made tomato salsa. (Dave Isaacs)

 90
Domaine Força Réal ‘Schistes’ Organic 2019
AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France $19.95 (494161) 14.0% alcohol
The nose offers an array of aromas: plums, red currant, blackberry with hints of anise, leather and menthol. Plums and black berry reappear on the palate joined by notions of savoury herbs and espresso bean. Well structured with bright acidity, chalky tannins and well-integrated alcohol, dark fruit flavours and a dusty mineral note persist on the drying, mid-length finish. Decant a couple of hours before serving with roast leg of lamb. (Lisa Isabelle)

 91
Château Ollieux Romanis ‘Cuvée Classique’ Organic 2021
AOP Corbières, France $22.95 (568444) 13.5% alcohol
This blend of carignan, grenache and syrah was aged in stainless steel tanks, preserving its fresh, fruity qualities. Black berry, dark plum and raspberry aromas abound, joined by hints of rose petal and mocha. Medium-full bodied with bright acidity, gentle tannins and a silky mouthfeel, a wave of juicy berry flavours and piquant spice flood the lively palate and endure on the tasty, medium-long finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

92 
Domaine Le Champs des Murailles ‘Petite Muraille’ Red 2021
AOP Corbières, France $18.95 13.5% alcohol
This delicious wine, hailing from the Languedoc region of France, is a blend of 40% grenache noir, 30% carignan, 30% cinsault. It offers up a fascinating nose of cherry jam, strawberry, dried herbs, and mocha. Wonderfully juicy with smooth tannins and a medium body. Flavours of cherry and blackberry are prominent, with the blackberry lingering wonderfully in the finish. At this price, you are going to want more than one bottle. Pair with grilled ribs basted with a tangy bbq sauce. (Dave Isaacs)

91 
Vignobles de Rombeau ‘Le Botaniste’ Réserve 2020
AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France $23.95 15.0% alcohol
In the glass, this wine is a dramatic dark plum color, almost opaque. The nose is filled with aromas of vanilla, dried fruit, and pepper, with a subtle hint of old leather. It has a medium-to-full body, good acidity, and firm but well-integrated tannins. Although relatively high in alcohol, the flavors of red berry fruit cover it nicely, and carry through to the fruity finish. This wine would pair well with roast turkey served with cranberry sauce. (Dave Isaacs)

90 
Alma Cercius ‘la vino erotico’ Red 2021
IGT Coteaux de Berziers, France $16.95 14.0% alcohol
A definite crowd pleaser at a very attractive price point, this wine is a blend of 50% syrah, 25% merlot, 25% cabernet sauvignon. There is an attractive nose of cherry, eucalyptus, and cotton candy. Firm tannins underpin the medium-to-full body and flavours of cherry and smoked meat. The finish is quite tannic, suggesting a few more years in the cellar would be well spent. You could, however, enjoy this today with a grilled medium-rare steak. (Dave Isaacs)

91 
Roncolato Soave Classico 'Carcera 2022
DOC Soave Classico, Italy $18.95 12.5% alcohol
This delicious 90/10 blend of garganega and trebbiano di soave has a light golden straw colour, with aromas of green apple, clover, and a layer of minerality on the nose. It is medium bodied with flavours of apple, lemon, and cantaloupe blending together towards a zesty grapefruit finish. This Soave is meant to be enjoyed young, so drink it now all by itself or with some pan seared scallops. (Dave Isaacs)

90 
Roncolato Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2022
DOC Delle Venezie, Italy $17.95 12.0% alcohol
Appearing very light in colour, golden with a slight peach tinge, this wine offers notes of orange and lemon peel on the nose. It is medium bodied on the palate, with smooth flavours of orange and pear. The finish is long and fruity. This is a good valued, easy drinking wine that would be well paired with lemon baked cod. (Dave Isaacs)

90 
Ugalde Tempranillo Rioja 2020
DOC Rioja, Spain $17.95 14.0% alcohol
There is a lot of quality for the price in this wine. The nose provides a complex mix of cherry jam, leather, and sawdust, while the palate delivers flavours of vanilla and cherry, a full body and wonderfully smooth tannings. The finish is long and fruity. Lingering tannins suggest that you could cellar this for a few more years, but why wait? This is drinking beautifully today, and would be well matched with some backyard summer BBQ fare. (Dave Isaacs)

89 
Bennati I Gadi Pinot Grigio 2022
DOC Delle Venezie, Italy $17.95 12.0% alcohol
A nice easygoing wine for a fine summer’s day, this wine offers a nose of orange peel and pear, with slight floral hints. The medium-to-full body carries crisp acidity and flavours of citrus and apple. The finish is pleasantly fruity. A nice wine to have with hors d'oeuvres such as cheese bites or shrimp cocktail. (Dave Isaacs)

90 
Bennati Soraighe Soave Classico 2022
DOC Soave Classico, Italy 19.95 12.5% alcohol
This delightful wine has a very light golden colour in the glass, and possesses an exotic nose of honeysuckle and rosewater. There is a medium body that delivers juicy flavours of lemon and grapefruit. Mouth watering acidity carries from start to finish, and leaves you wanting to take another sip. This wine is very enjoyable all by itself, and pairs well with Mediterranean-style whitefish. (Dave Isaacs)

89 
Labouré Roi Princesse Maudite 2021
AOC Coteaux Bourguignons, France $18.95 12.5% alcohol
This wine is made from gamay grapes that are hand-harvested with no-destemming. The grapes are vinified using carbonic maceration. The final result is a wine with an intensely fruity nose dominated by cherry and strawberry, with hints of moss and wet leaves. There is a medium body and tart acidity, very slight tannins, and flavours of sour cherry. The finish is pleasantly juicy and tart. This wine would be a fine match for baked ham or BBQ ribs. (Dave Isaacs)

• The following wine was sourced from 80% Garganega / 20% Trebbiano, both hand-harvested from selected hillside vineyards in the DOP Soave area.

90 
CA’ de’ ROCCHI ‘TINAZZI – Classico’ 2022
DOP Soave, Italy $16.95 13.0% alcohol
Interesting aromas of orange blossom, peel marmalade and notions of mineral notes abound on the nose. The palate is treated to a medium-weight gusher of tang and pizzazz expressed as Meyer lemon and Key lime pie along with an off-dry splash of ruby red grapefruit that has been grilled with a sugar topping. This is versatile in that it can be enjoyed inside or out, summer or winter, with or without lighter-styled appetizers or with a mixed sushi platter or as a delightful sipping wine. Your choice. (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine was sourced from DOP Delle Venezie, Italy and 100% hand-harvested Pinot Grigio from select vineyards at 150 meters above sea level, harvested early September from uber- ripe grapes, then matured briefly in stainless steel tanks at a controlled fermentation temperature of 14-18 C.

92 
CA’ de’ ROCCHI ‘TINAZZI-ISTÀ’ Pinot Grigio 2022
DOP Delle Venezie, Italy $16.95 12.5% alcohol
Delicate and aromatic on the nose, it shows deftly balance and brimming with delectable palate flavours throughout, from cork pop to last drop. Look for flavours of pineapple, apricot and yellow nectarine. This sips well on its own and is a great dance partner with fish and seafood dishes. Try steamed mussels in white wine, fine-diced garlic cream sauce (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine is accredited as an ‘organic wine’ harvested in 2022. The price is an excellent bargain. Go for it.

93 
Vigna Madre ‘Famiglia Di Carlo - KRIYA – Pinot Grigio’ 2022
IGP Terre Di Chieti Italy $15.95 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of floral notes and savoury fill the room along with dollops of mineral notes that persist throughout the palate. Fresh and tang-laden flavours are adorned with lemon curd, pineapple and plenty of pizzazz to and through the finish and aftertaste where it meets up with a delightful accompaniment of sweet white peach and ripe apricot that manage to deftly balance itself on the lingering, balanced tang and sweetness. Pick up a few at this wonderful price that tips well in your favour with the price-quality balance. Pour with appetizers or mains or sip on its own. (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine has a sapid palate-flavour from start to finish that is balanced and beautiful. Aromas of white peach and honeydew melon mingle well with lemon pastille and delightful minerality that also adds texture and medium weight to the body and mouthfeel of this lovely Pinot Grigio wine

93 
CA’ de’ ROCCHI ‘TINAZZI – Pinot Grigio’ 2022
DOP Della Venezie, Italy $16.95 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes, cantaloupe and ripe apricot are replayed on the palate with the fruit- forward flavours along with good balance and plenty of tang and pizzazz right across to the tangy finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. It’s medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel and plenty of citrusy tang. You can’t beat the price or the taste. Pour alongside fresh-shucked Malpeque oysters with a dash of fresh lemon and a squirt of hot sauce. Enjoy! (Vic Harradine)

91 
Le Morette Lugana Mandolara 2022
DOC Lugana, Italy $21.95 12.5%
Made from Turbiana, also known as Trebbiano di Lugana, grapes that are hand harvested, and aged “sur lie” after vinification. The result is a definite crowd pleaser of a wine, with aromas of citrus peel and green apple on the nose, punctuated with whiffs of lees and cream. The medium-full body has a creamy texture and nice acidity, with flavours of apple, pear, and lemon. The finish is nice and crisp. A good match for skillet-cooked whitefish dishes. (Dave Isaacs)

90 
Le Morette Serai Bianco 2022
IGT Serai Bianco Veronese, Italy $17.95 12.0% alcohol
This eclectic blend of 50% turbiana, 20% chardonnay, 15% sauvignon blanc, 15% pinot bianco is very light gold in appearance, with a slight cast of green. The nose is predominantly vegetal, with aromas of green leaves and asparagus. There is a crisp juiciness on the palate, with flavours of pear and orange, and a grapefruit finish. Drink this along with a serving of spinach asparagus quiche. (Dave Isaacs)

89 
Riseca Bianco Basilicata 2022
IGT Bianco Basilicata, Italy $18.95 13.0% alcohol
A blend of 40% falanghina, 30% fiano, 30% dry muscat, this wine is perfect for a hot summer afternoon. The nose offers a delightful mix of pear, nectar, and honey. In the mouth it is luscious and crisp, with flavours of tinned pear and peach. The finish is long and crisp. Enjoy on its own, or with a plate of prosciutto-wrapped scallops. (Dave Isaacs)

92 
Vigna Madre Becco Reale Bio 2018
DOC Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Italy $19.95 13.5% alcohol
This extremely well valued stunner is c certified organic and vegan. It appears dark cherry—almost black—in colour and offers an enticing nose of leather, jam, smoke, and coffee. The medium body delivers structured tannins and juicy acidity, with flavours of blackberry and coffee. The finish is firmly tannic, suggesting this wine will benefit from a few more years in the cellar. You could, however, enjoy it today poured along some grilled coffee-rubbed lamb chops. (Dave Isaacs)

90 
Vigna Madre ‘IAVA’ Pecorino 2022
IGP Terre di Chieti, Italy $16.95 13.0% alcohol
Ripe pear, green honeydew melon and wet slate aromas open the door to this 100% pecorino, a white grape cultivated in the central regions of Italy. It’s got a medium-full round body on the palate with a nice tang of lime, fresh Granny Smith apple flavour plus a slight white pepper hint completing the profile. The mineral finish will make you salivate and encourage you to go for another sip. Pair with pesto pasta or herb-cheese crostini. (Louise Boutin)

91 
Vigna Madre ‘IAVA’ 2021
DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy $16.95 13.0% alcohol
A little gamey on the nose at first, mixed berry compote aromas take over this Italian red after a vigorous swirl, along with kirsch liqueur and a hint of lilac. It travels the palate softly with flavours of ripe blackberry, tangy raspberry and red plum, grabbing along the way fine sandy tannin adding a lot of nice texture. Fruit forward finish with a nice fresh licorice aftertaste, this medium-full bodied red will be perfect for a pork tenderloin with plum sauce or duck confit with a cherry chutney. Aerate/decant one hour. (Louise Boutin)

89
Agriverde ‘Vino Biologico - Eikos’ Pecorino 2022
IGP Terre di Chieti, Italy $16.95 13.0% alcohol
A hint of jasmine, combined with dry herb and white grapefruit sound like an odd combination of aromas but this is what you’ll find in this unfiltered, organic and vegan white. It is bright and crisp on the palate with flavours of lime zest, pear, a bit of grapefruit pith with a piquant white pepper finish and mineral touch, very characteristic of the varietal. This medium-bodied fresh white will shine beside a thyme and sage risotto or a well-seasoned white fish on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Agriverde ‘Riseis’ Passerina 2022
IGP Terri di Chieti, Italy$18.95 13.0% alcohol
This steel tank fermented white is made of 100% passerina, a lesser-known small white grape from Abruzzo, on the Adriatic Italian coast. The nose showcases ripe white peach, pink grapefruit and pretty freesia flower notes. It flows on the palate with delicious flavours of orchard fruits, ripe citrus acidity and a pleasant chalky grip in the zesty and mineral finish. This will be perfect alongside seafood antipasto or Orzo, chickpea and dill salad. (Louise Boutin)

91 
Agriverde “Caldaria” 2018
DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy $19.95 14.0% alcohol
This DOC is made of grapes of the same name, which usually leads to bold and robust red wine just like this one. Dark ruby in color with some garnet on the rim, offers profound aromas of Christmas cake, prune, tobacco and a hint of cedar. It is velvety on the palate carrying lovely flavours of ripe cassis, blackberry and chocolate then opening the door to grippy tannin and a warm wave of more savoury flavours. The finish is comforting, dry and generous with dry fruit character. This full-bodied red will benefit from additional cellaring or two hours of aeration/decant before pouring alongside braised beef short-ribs or hard cheese and candied nuts after the main course. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Tinazzi “Dysme” Fiano 2022
IGP Fiano Puglia, Italy $18.95 12.5% alcohol
This 100% fiano white grape varietal has a pretty nose of ripe peach and mango with white flower aromas. Fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks, keeping the orchard fruit flavours bright and crisp on the palate along with Meyer lemon tang and a pleasant savoury herb character nicely balancing the mouth-watering fresh finish. Enjoy with seafood pasta or lemon chicken. (Louise Boutin)

91 
Pra dei Grogi ‘Bosco Viticultori’ Pinot Grigio 2022
DOC Venezia, Italy $18.95 12.5% alcohol
The wine is a very light yellow when poured with an aromatic gusher of ripe pear, minerality and notions of mango and apricot. Replays of aromas appear on the palate with pear, saline minerality and mango to the fore adorned with Meyer lemon and Key lime to the fore on the lip- smacking finish and the tang-laden aftertaste. It sips well on its own and pairs well with lighter- styled appetizers such as a sushi platter, a charcouterie board or a vegan treat. (Vic Harradine)

89 
Cantina di Monteforte ‘Clivus’ Pinot Grigio 2022
DOC Garda, Italy $19.95 12.5% alcohol
Light-straw yellow-hued in the glass the aromas are mainly citrus—blood orange, lemon curd and passionfruit along with peel marmalade with all three replaying on the front palate and lingering, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. This was harvested from vineyards in the basaltic soil of the Alpone Valley and was fermented at a cool and controlled 18 ° C. and then matured in steel tank. It rolls over the palate with a tsunami wave of tang and pizzazz presenting as lemon pastille, lemon drop candy and lemon chiffon pie, (Vic Harradine)

90 
Cantina di Monteforte ‘Clivus’ Garganega and Trebbiano 2022
DOC Soave - Classico, Italy $19.95 12.5% alcohol
This wine was sourced from Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave fruit at the end of September and beginning of October, 2022. It is quite ablaze with citrus flavours along with tang and great pizzazz to accompany pan-seared fish and seafood dishes, Give it a whirl at this price as the price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine was sourced from 100% hand-harvested sangiovese grapes from vineyards
  with an average altitude of 300 m a.s.l.

90 
Tenuta Orsumella ‘accredited-Organic’ 2021
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $19.95 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of floral notes, grilled local savory bits and a streak of lip-smacking acidity and plenty of pizzazz from a gusher of palate flavours lasting from first drop to the finish and aftertaste along with flavours of passionfruit and pomegranate to the fore. Pour with hearty fare like meat lasagna or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)

91 
Tenuta Orsumella ‘Rubereto – accredited-Organic’ 2020
IGT Toscana Rosso, Italy $21.95 14.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of violets, dark red cherries and berries along with persistent purity of fruit and good balance mark this as a delightful red with slightly chalky tannin, a lengthy finish and aftertaste that would match up well with spaghetti Bolognese or prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine was sourced from 95% sangiovese and 5% cabernet sauvignon grapes from
  vineyards at an average altitude of more than 300 m a.s.l.

93 
Tenuta Orsumella ‘Corte Rinieri – Riserva – accredited-Organic’ 2020
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $26.95 13.5% alcohol
Deep dark and brooding in the glass a few gentle swirls will bring out delightful aromas of dark, juicy Bing cherry, hints of blueberry and black currant that’s deftly balanced with good tang and plenty of pizzazz throughout. The mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste are a true delight and a great way to finish. Give this a go with roast chicken, grilled beef back ribs mopped with sweet rib sauce or a simple backyard burger. (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine was sourced from 100% sangiovese grapes from vineyards at an average altitude of more than 300 m a.s.l. It also matured for 30 months in French oak barrels.

95 
Orsumella ‘Gran Selezione – accredited-Organic’ 2019
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $34.95 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of earthy notes and savory herbs and spices leap from the glass after even a gentle swirl. A surge of palate flavours make their way to the finish and aftertaste with black currant, ripe juicy Bing cherry and blueberry to the fore. This is medium-bodied with good balance between tannin, tang and ripe, juicy cherry and berry fruit. Pour alongside shards of Parmigiano Reggiano and a Caesar salad. (Vic Harradine)