Cabernet Merlot 2020

Overview

The Cabernet Merlot 2020 from Tawse Winery comes from a vintage considered one of Niagara’s finest, a year that allowed Bordeaux varieties to reach remarkable ripeness and depth. This wine combines richness with balance, offering a smooth, vibrant texture that reflects both the exceptional season and the winery’s precise craftsmanship. Approachable yet structured, it shines as an everyday companion while remaining elegant enough for refined dining. Contains sulfites.

History of the Wine

Born from the desire to reinterpret a Bordeaux blend through the lens of Niagara, this wine merges ripe fruit intensity with classical structure. The outstanding 2020 season—warm, sunny and dry—enabled complete phenolic maturity and expressive aromatics. Despite its richness, the wine maintains the freshness and clarity typical of Tawse, making it enjoyable young while possessing solid aging potential. It remains one of the estate’s most consistent and beloved blends.

Vineyard Philosophy

The fruit comes from select parcels across the Niagara Peninsula, where sustainable farming practices protect soil vitality and preserve biodiversity. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc performed exceptionally in 2020, achieving full ripeness while retaining natural acidity. Meticulous canopy management, reduced yields and careful hand-picking ensure purity, concentration and a faithful expression of each variety’s character within the blend.

Winemaking Approach

Vinification is precise yet minimal-intervention, with controlled fermentations, gentle extraction and 16 months of barrel aging to refine tannins without sacrificing freshness. Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure, Merlot contributes softness and richness, while Cabernet Franc brings lift, spice and elegant acidity. The final blend is harmonious, full yet balanced, with a refined profile that showcases the strengths of the vintage.

Tasting Notes

The colour is bright ruby with deeper garnet edges. On the nose, ripe raspberry, black cherry, blackberry, soft leather and subtle herbal tones emerge. The palate is smooth, juicy and vibrant, with polished tannins supporting flavours of red fruit, licorice and a refreshing finish.
Ideal pairings include pasta with meat ragù, mushroom risotto, grilled sausages, gourmet burgers and flavourful vegetarian dishes.

Tech Sheet

• Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

• Vintage: 2020

• Aging: 16 months in oak

• Serving temperature: 16–18°C

• Allergens: contains sulfites

The history of Tawse Winery

Founded in 2001 by Canadian entrepreneur Moray Tawse, the winery stands on the slopes of the Twenty Mile Bench, one of the most prestigious areas of the Niagara Peninsula. From the outset, the goal was to craft Canadian wines capable of standing alongside top international labels, combining technical precision with deep respect for the land. Over the years Tawse has earned major accolades, including multiple awards as Canada’s Winery of the Year, establishing it as a leading force in Ontario’s wine scene. Despite its growth, the winery remains faithful to its founding values: authenticity, discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Vineyard philosophy

Tawse Winery cultivates vineyards on limestone-based, well-drained soils ideal for Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. The agricultural approach is strictly organic and biodynamic, fully certified and implemented with daily commitment. Biodynamic preparations, compost made on-site, biodiversity and adherence to natural rhythms form the core of the philosophy, aimed at maintaining living, healthy soils. Manual work is essential—from pruning to harvesting—ensuring careful control of each parcel and precise grape selection. The cool climate of Ontario encourages slow ripening and remarkable aromatic purity.

Winemaking

In the cellar Tawse blends technical expertise with artisanal precision. The gravity-flow underground facility allows gentle handling of the grapes, minimizing mechanical intervention and preserving freshness. Fermentations rely on both indigenous yeasts and controlled techniques depending on style and varietal. Ageing takes place in stainless steel, concrete, French oak barrels and foudres, with a focus on micro-oxygenation and varietal clarity. The goal is to create wines that reflect the Niagara Peninsula’s identity through tension, mineral drive and clean, expressive aromatics.

Distinctive character

Tawse Winery excels in harmonizing nature, technique and discipline, producing wines of purity, elegance and unmistakable terroir expression. A benchmark for biodynamic viticulture in cool climates, the estate continues to invest in sustainability, research and precision farming. Each bottle captures a rare balance between European tradition and Canadian spirit, offering an authentic and contemporary wine experience. Tawse stands today as one of the most dynamic and influential wineries in North America.