Tawse considers Cherry Ave pinot to be the flagship of its pinot series. It strikes me as being a very typical Niagara version, with quite pale colour, and nicely lifted aromas of red cherry, red currant, subtle minty herbality and very fine background oak. It is light to mid-weight with perfect 12.5% alcohol. The acidity is a bit elevated, creating some piquant juiciness. Yet there is considerable textural elegance. The finish is quite mineral and chalky; the tannins are very fine. The length is excellent. The 2017, with the same lighter, edgier palate is showing considerable maturity with leather and forest floor and cedar notes.

Backgrounder This Cherry Ave vineyard was planted in 2005 and gained its organic certification in 2008. It consists of the same clay-loam over limestone as the neighbouring sites. The only real difference is that it was planted east and west to maximize sun exposure. It was fermented with natural yeast and aged about 12 months in French oak.