Tawse Winery, a prominent player in Canada’s wine scene, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On my recent visit to Niagara, ahead of the National Wine Awards of Canada, I had the pleasure of dining with Magdalena Kaiser and sampling several exceptional Tawse wines.
Founded in 2001 by Moray Tawse, the winery’s beginnings were inspired by Moray’s rediscovery of Ontario’s wine quality, sparked by a memorable tasting of a 1997 Chardonnay. That moment led him to acquire a small vineyard and cultivate a passion for winemaking, ultimately expanding to include multiple vineyards and building a winery. Tawse began producing its first vintage in 2001.
The winery’s philosophy was enriched by the influence of French/Canadian Burgundy winemaker Pascal Marchand. In 2006, Tawse transitioned to biodynamic farming, achieving certification for most estate vineyards by 2012.
During the tasting, we explored two pairs of wines—current releases and a selection from the winery’s archives—each showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and character even after several years in the bottle.
Tawse Robyn’s Block Chardonnay 2023 (Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara, Canada)
- Alcohol: 13%
- Tasting Notes: This wine presents a well-defined profile with spicy oak complementing white peach, pear, and citrus flavors. Its freshness and richness create a balanced structure that promises further integration of the oak over time.
- Rating: 94/100
Tawse Robyn’s Block Chardonnay 2016 (Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara, Canada)
- Tasting Notes: A beautiful expression featuring a hint of matchstick reduction and focused lemony fruit. It reveals a mineral quality on the palate, maintaining freshness alongside textured citrus notes and a touch of white peach.
- Rating: 95/100
Tawse Quarry Road Pinot Noir 2023 (Vinemount Ridge, Niagara, Canada)
- Tasting Notes: Fresh and lively, this pinot noir showcases taut redcurrant and cherry fruit with subtle green notes. Its purity and defined character culminate in a finish that hints at blood and iron flavors.
- Rating: 94/100
Tawse Quarry Road Pinot Noir 2016 (Vinemount Ridge, Niagara, Canada)
- Tasting Notes: Elegant and fine, this wine features red cherries and redcurrants, complemented by a delicate spicy nuance and earthy licorice notes, making it supremely expressive.
- Rating: 95/100
In celebrating its 25-year journey, Tawse has demonstrated a commitment to quality and sustainability that resonates through each bottle produced.