Tawse Winery has been a favorite of mine since we first discovered them more than a decade ago. They excel at Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, and Pinot Noir, among other wines. Most recently, when I was at Eastern Winery Exposition 2024 in Syracuse, I got an opportunity to taste this very special wine.
In Tawse Cabernet Franc David's Block 2021, winemaker Jessica Otting's full talents are on display. Jess took on the Assistant Winemaker role at Tawse in 2018, and shortly thereafter became Distiller at the new spirits program at Tawse. In 2020, Jess was named the Winemaker for Tawse & Redstone Wineries. Augusta Vanmuyen is the Vineyard Manager.
David's Block is the winery's oldest estate planting of Cabernet Franc. It's an organic block that was planted in 1998. The vineyard is low yield, making 8- 9 barrels in a good year. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak. The wine has a fantastic attack, beginning with cherries and blueberries, followed by hints of dry dark chocolate, with an accompanying earthiness that never gets in the way of the fresh fruit. Silky and well balanced, the tannins and acidity make this a wine that absolutely sings.
This wine is exquisite!