Cave Spring Vineyard

What's the best Ontario wine at the LCBO? Our critic picks six stellar bottles to try.

NV Blanc de Blancs, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Carolyn Evans Hammond
Publication: Toronto Star
Published: 4 / 2025
Rating: 93

This current bottling shows cool almond and lemon tart aromas that lead to a delicate slip of roasted apple, lemon curd, caramelized pastry and pistachio cream. Tiny bubbles thread to a bright centre… Read More

Canada, Ontario: Cave Spring Vineyard

2023 Riesling Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Estate Grown

Author: Joe Czerwinski
Publication: Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Published: 04 / 2025
Rating: 94

Fermented to 12% alcohol, the 2023 Riesling Icewine Estate Grown still contains a whopping 220 grams per litre of residual sugar. Picked in mid-January 2024, it boasts penetrating, intense aromas of… Read More

Canada, Ontario: Cave Spring Vineyard

2020 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Joe Czerwinski
Publication: Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Published: 4 / 2025
Rating: 91

From the winery’s namesake vineyard, the 2020 Riesling CSV is virtually dry (four grams per litre of residual sugar). Fermented and matured in a mix of older barrels and stainless steel, with varying… Read More

Canada, Ontario: Cave Spring Vineyard

2021 Riesling, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Joe Czerwinski
Publication: Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Published: 04 / 2025
Rating: 89

Cave Spring’s bargain-priced 2021 Riesling is a pretty, barely off-dry number, with 15 grams per litre of residual sugar balanced by close to 10 grams per litre of acid and a pH close to three. The… Read More

Buying Guide, Winter 2025

2023 Riesling Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Published: 03 / 2025
Rating: 96

The wine’s golden aromas of yellow apples and juniper brush up against the earthy mineral scent of a… Read More

2023 Riesling Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Estate Grown

Author: Bruce Sanderson
Publication: Wine Spectator
Published: 03 / 2025
Rating: 95

Dried apricot, black currant, violet and grapefruit flavours are backed by bracing acidity in this racy, ethereal dessert wine. Pure and lingers with fruit and mineral notes. Shows superb harmony and… Read More

2023 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Christopher Waters
Publication: The Globe and Mail
Published: 03 / 2025
Rating: 91

Made in a classic savoury and robust style that plays to Cabernet Franc’s strengths, this single-vineyard wine comes from Cave Spring’s original vineyard location on the Beamsville Bench. This ripe… Read More

2023 Chardonnay Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Christopher Waters
Publication: The Globe and Mail
Published: 03 / 2025
Rating: 92

Produced with Chardonnay harvested from older vines (average vine age is 35 years) at Cave Spring’s namesake vineyard on the Beamsville Bench, this ripe and richly textured wine offers appealing… Read More

2023 Riesling Select Late Harvest, Lincoln Lakeshore

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Published: 3 / 2025
Rating: 93

An earthy wet slate aroma is surrounded by notes of ripe Anjou pears and lavender. While this late-harvest gem might be filled with thick lemon syrup, candied ginger and pineapple flavours, there's… Read More

2023 Riesling Select Late Harvest, Lincoln Lakeshore

Author: Bruce Sanderson
Publication: Wine Spectator
Published: 03 / 2025
Rating: 90

Elderflower, peach, apricot, lanolin and spice flavours mark this perfumed, elegant dessert winter. Vivid acidity keeps this fresh and focused. Balanced, with a fresh finish. Drink now through 2029.… Read More

2022 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Vaughan
Publication: Vintage Assessments
Published: 2025
Rating: 91

Top 100 Best Buys of 2024 | This Year’s Most Amazing Wines Under $20

2021 Riesling, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Published: 2024
Rating: 90

Top 100 Best Buys of 2024 | This Year’s Most Amazing Wines Under $20 After a thorough review of the more than 23,000 wines we blind tasted in the past year, Wine Enthusiast editors have identified a… Read More

2021 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Published: 2024
Rating: 89

Fresh Bing cherry and tangerine aromas meld in fine fashion with faint notes of vanilla-scented candle wax and pine needles. The wine moves nimbly across the palate, with gentle acidity guiding… Read More

2021 Pinot Noir, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Published: 2024
Rating: 89

A Pinot Noir so light in body, words like "gossamer" and "diaphanous" come to mind. The wine is packed with aromas and flavours of red raspberries and cherries, peppered by bits of dark chocolate… Read More

2021 Pinot Noir, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Carolyn Evans Hammond
Publication: Toronto Star
Published: 2024
Rating: 90

Sinuous scents of smoked cranberry and blackcurrant with a touch of underbrush draws you in. Then, the wine sweeps in with equal parts generosity and upright classicism. Perfect balance gives the… Read More

Holiday Wine Guide: The LCBO's best bottles under $20 | Sixteen excellent bottles that won't break the bank

2023 Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula

Author: André Proulx & Michael Pinkus
Publication: Toronto Life
Published: 2024

This wine has made our best bargain list more than a few times, and (in keeping with tradition but also because it’s excellent) it’s back again. This bottle from Cave Spring is a testament to the… Read More

NV Blanc de Blancs, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Vaughan
Publication: Vintage Assessments
Published: 2024
Rating: 92
Rating Stars: 3

It has a bright medium-light straw colour. The bouquet is very slightly spicy, faintly floral, fresh, ripe, applelemon fruit with some gently complex, mineral notes. It is dry, medium bodied, very… Read More

2023 Riesling Select Late Harvest, Lincoln Lakeshore

Author: Michael Vaughan
Publication: Vintage Assessments
Published: 2024
Rating: 94

2024 Fizz Buyer’s Guide Guide Selections

NV Blanc de Blancs, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: John Szabo, MS
Publication: WineAlign
Published: 2024
Rating: 93
Rating Stars: 5 Value

Tasted from Lot LD062024, Cave Spring continues to turn out really fine traditional method bubbles at a price that gives many a Champagne house pause for thought, another marvel of consistency and… Read More

The evolution of Riesling on the shores of the Great Lakes

2022 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Magdalena Kaiser
Publication: Decanter Magazine
Published: 2024
Rating: 94

The prized Cave Spring Vineyard (CSV) is nestled near the top of the Beamsville Bench and consistently produces top Riesling from vines that are now over 30 years old. The 2022 CSV is intensely… Read More

The evolution of Riesling on the shores of the Great Lakes

2020 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Magdalena Kaiser
Publication: Decanter Magazine
Published: 2024
Rating: 92

The 2020 expression of Cave Spring Vineyard's CSV Riesling has delicate aromas of nutmeg and petrol. Restrained fruit with supple flavours and aromas of Meyer lemon, yellow plums and savoury herbs.… Read More

The evolution of Riesling on the shores of the Great Lakes

2023 Riesling Adam Steps, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Magdalena Kaiser
Publication: Decanter Magazine
Published: 2024
Rating: 90

The Adam's Step Riesling from Cave Spring Vineyard is a delightful medium-sweet expression of Riesling. Aromas of lemon curd and rosemary are consistent on the palate. Textural with chalky notes,… Read More

2024 Fizz Buyer’s Guide Guide Selections

2017 Blanc de Blancs CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: John Szabo, MS
Publication: WineAlign
Published: 2024
Rating: 94
Rating Stars: 5

Maturing but still very lively and impeccably balanced, the CSV 2017 Blanc de Blancs was aged for 5+ years sur lie, made from a selection of the premium parcels of mature vines on the Cave Spring… Read More

2023 Riesling Select Late Harvest, Lincoln Lakeshore

Author: Carolyn Evans Hammond
Publication: Toronto Star
Published: 2024
Rating: 93

Only made when the conditions are right, this local late harvest is a gem. Drier and more vinous than icewine but still sweet-tart and lip-smacking, each sip starts with aromatic intensity that leads… Read More

2022 Chardonnay Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Vaughan
Publication: Vintage Assessments
Published: 2024
Rating: 90

A cool-climate masterpiece: The renaissance of Ontario Chardonnay

2021 Chardonnay CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Carmelo Giardina
Publication: Vine Routes
Published: 2024

This wine balances mineral freshness with a harmonious integration of flavours. Each component—fruit, minerality, acidity—works in concert to create a delicate, balanced chardonnay that speaks to the… Read More

2022 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Vaughan
Publication: Vintage Assessments
Published: 2024
Rating: 91

This excellent ripe 2022 has a bright fairly deep purple-red colour. The nose is slightly spicy and quite intense with bright, plummy fruit along with some gentle minerally, faintly cedary, raspberry… Read More

2022 Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Michael Godel
Publication: WineAlign
Published: 2024
Rating: 91
Rating Stars: 5

Juicy [and] unfettered in terms of exuberance and yet finely restrained as Cabernet Franc because it pulls no gratuity, nor punches for that matter. Only a kiss of the barrel is felt and the proper… Read More

2022 Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Michael Vaughan
Publication: Vintage Assessments
Published: 2024
Rating: 91

Six of Ontario's best red wines...

2021 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Carolyn Evans Hammond
Publication: Toronto Star
Published: 2024
Rating: 93

An outstanding expression of Ontario Cabernet Franc is the 2021 Cave Spring Estate Grown Cabernet Franc, VQA Beamsville Bench, Ontario. Boysenberry and raspberry scents lead to a vibrant, breezy… Read More

2021 Riesling, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Carolyn Evans Hammond
Publication: Toronto Star
Published: 2024
Rating: 92

…an off-dry, lip-smacking find that bursts with honeyed lime aromas and then drenches the palate with more of the same. White peach and apricot, lemon-lime and slate show through the centre and… Read More

NV Rosé Brut, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: John Szabo, MS
Publication: WineAlign
Published: 2024
Rating: 91

Impressively complex on the nose, especially in this innocent price category, fully dry, with red currant, strawberry and strawberry leaf flavours, framed by zesty acids, driving saliva and desire… Read More

2022 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Natalie Maclean
Publication: Natalie MacLean
Published: 2024
Rating: 94

From the Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment wine region, Cave Spring CSV 2022 is dry, medium-bodied Old Vines Riesling sourced from vines that were planted in the late-1970s. This is the winery's… Read More

Canada, Ontario: Cave Spring Vineyard

2023 Riesling Select Late Harvest, Lincoln Lakeshore

Author: Joe Czerwinski
Publication: Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Published: 2024
Rating: 90

Cave Spring’s 2023 Riesling Select Late Harvest weighs in at 90 grams per litre of residual sugar and 12% alcohol. Picked in mid-January 2024 and made entirely in stainless steel, it comes across as… Read More

2021 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Natalie MacLean
Publication: Natalie MacLean
Published: 2024
Rating: 90

Produced from 100% estate grown grapes sourced from a mix of clay, limestone, sandstone, shale and granitic soils from the Beamsville Bench wine region. Elegant, dry and full-bodied, the wine is rich… Read More

2020 Riesling Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Christopher Waters
Publication: The Globe and Mail
Published: 2024
Rating: 92

A warm vintage and bottle age has contributed honey and earthy notes to this classic Niagara, Ontario Riesling, which offers lemon, peach and tropical fruit flavours. Made in a medium-bodied and dry… Read More

2020 Riesling, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Carolyn Evans Hammond
Publication: Toronto Star
Published: 2024
Rating: 92

An off-dry, lip-smacking find that bursts with honeyed lime aromas and then drenches the palate with more of the same. White peach and apricot, lemon-lime and slate show through the centre and linger… Read More

Top 20 Ontario Chardonnays

2021 Chardonnay CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Tina Gellie
Publication: Decanter Magazine
Published: 2023
Rating: 91

Riesling and sparkling are the highlights here but this top-end Chardonnay, from the seven oldest rows (47 years) of the estate vineyard, is worth a look. Racy and fresh, with firm, chalky minerality… Read More

Best of 2023 Buying Guide

2020 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Published: 2023
Rating: 92

An almost perfect aromatic combination of freshly sliced Kaffir limes and Anjou pears mingles beautifully with a wee bit of petrol. The dry, acidity driven wine feels taut and clean in the mouth,… Read More

Holiday Wine Guide: The LCBO's best bottles under $20 | Seventeen excellent bottles that won't break the bank

2021 Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula

Author: André Proulx & Michael Pinkus
Publication: Toronto Life
Published: 2023

One of Ontario’s oldest wineries, Cave Spring continues to lead the province’s pack in quality and price. This bottle perfectly balances notes of vanilla, peach and pear, demonstrating what is… Read More

Wines of the Year 2023: Offbeat Category

2018 Prova, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Tina Gellie
Publication: Decanter Magazine
Published: 2023
Rating: 92

All the fun and fascination of the wine world was on show in the offbeat category of the 2023 Decanter Wines of the Year blind tasting, highlighted by a gorgeous array of Greeks, complex Italians, a… Read More

This Year's Most Amazing Wines Under $20

2020 Riesling Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast
Published: 2023
Rating: 91

Wine Enthusiast reviewers uncovered an amazing and wide array of high-scoring, lower-priced wine from around the world for this year’s Best Buy report. How amazing? All of them scored 90 points or… Read More

2021 Pinot Noir Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Panel Rating
Publication: Decanter Magazine
Published: 2023
Rating: 91

Shy, but rather deep with aromas of dried herbs, cherry, plum and earthy spice. Sophisticated, showing good concentration with salty tannins and a complex, savoury finish.

2020 Riesling Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Carolyn Evans Hammond
Publication: Toronto Star
Published: 2023
Rating: 91

A gem of a white that draws you in with its effusive fragrance. Each swirl of the glass releases lemon-lime sorbet and sweet pineapple aromas, as well as salted lime zest and candied almond. The… Read More

The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try Ontario Wines

2021 Riesling, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Luke Whitall
Publication: The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try Ontario Wines
Published: 2023

Cave Spring Riesling displays… lateral thinking at its best. On the one hand, it’s pure Ontario – flowers and minerals wrapped in a beautifully crisp and balanced package. On the other hand, you can… Read More

2019 Riesling Icewine, Lincoln Lakeshore, Estate Grown

Author: Bruce Sanderson
Publication: Wine Spectator
Published: 2023
Rating: 92

This light-weight dessert wine is highlighted by apricot, spiced baked apple and almond aromas and flavours. Vibrant, this is offset by a creamy texture and a persistent, well-defined finish. From… Read More

2021 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: David Lawrason
Publication: WineAlign
Published: 2023
Rating: 90
Rating Stars: 5

When Niagara can turn out Cab Franc like this at $20, the grape’s future as a commercial success is assured. It’s a mid-weight, well-balanced and approachable example with typical raspberry fruit,… Read More

2021 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Vaughan
Publication: Vintage Assessments
Published: 2023
Rating: 90

This excellent 2021 has a bright, fairly deep purple colour. The nose is slightly spicy with intense, bright, plummy fruit along with some gentle minerally, faint cedar-sandalwood notes. Dry,… Read More

2020 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Bruce Sanderson
Publication: Wine Spectator
Published: 2023
Rating: 88

Elegant, with textbook Cabernet Franc flavours of blackcurrant, licorice, olive, tobacco and iron. Balanced, with light tannic grip. From Canada. Drink now.

2019 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Bruce Sanderson
Publication: Wine Spectator
Published: 2023
Rating: 90

This white reveals generous peach, pear, lemon and stone flavours backed by vivid acidity. Linear in profile and long, with a bracing, mouthwatering feel on the finish. From Canada. Drink now through… Read More

2020 Riesling Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Bruce Sanderson
Publication: Wine Spectator
Published: 2023
Rating: 89

On the austere side now, evoking lemon, apple, floral and pine aromas and flavours. Dry and focused by vibrant acidity, this lingers nicely on the lemony finish. From Canada. Drink now through 2028.

2021 Gamay, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Published: 2023
Rating: 90

This wine aged for 11 months in neutral oak, with minimal sulphur additions. Its distinctly herbal nose features thyme and lavender, along with macerated strawberries and white pepper. Tangy… Read More

2020 Chardonnay CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Brie Dema
Publication: Quench Magazine
Published: 2023

This has the nose of a warm vintage wine but the surprise of tension and minerality on the palate. What a best of both worlds this is! Bold aromas of rich fruits, spice and yeasty lees, this will… Read More

2021 Rosé Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Nicole MacKay
Publication: Decanter Magazine
Published: 2023
Rating: 90

Originating from the estate’s Cave Spring Vineyard, nestled on a hillside of the Niagara Escarpment overlooking Lake Ontario, this 100% Cabernet Franc sees eight months of sur lie ageing in French… Read More

2019 Riesling Icewine, Lincoln Lakeshore, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Published: 2023
Rating: 96

Sip this brilliant Icewine to know how Winnie the Pooh feels when he discovers a new pot of honey. Imagine raw honeycomb, apricots, ginger marmalade, Meyer lemons and crisp yellow apples rolled into… Read More

A Canadian Terroir Story: Niagara Peninsula

2019 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Sarah Marsh, MW
Publication: The World of Fine Wine
Published: 2023

... This differs from the Bench where the hard dolomitic limestone and heavier clays deliver more structure and tension... This was keenly illustrated in a tasting of Riesling at Cave Spring… Read More

2019 Pinot Noir Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Bill Zacharkiew
Publication: Montreal Gazette
Published: 2023

Very pretty Pinot Noir. The fruit is crisp and fresh, with notes of cherry and cranberry and a lot of floral lift in the nose. Nice balance between fresh and flesh on the palate. Hard to find a Pinot… Read More

2019 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: David Lawrason
Publication: WineAlign
Published: 2023
Rating: 93

This is a beautifully complex, layered, waxy, serious and dry Riesling from the oldest vines on the Beamsville property, now pushing 40 years. Search for nuances honey, beeswax, wildflower and ripe… Read More

2019 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Carolyn Evans Hammond
Publication: Toronto Star
Published: 2023
Rating: 92

Every swirl… draws the scent of lemon pound cake into the bowl of the glass. Then, it zips in dry, crisp and invigorating. The attack tastes linear and lit, beaming in with precision. Mouth-watering… Read More

2019 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast
Published: 2023
Rating: 93

From limestone-laced soils emerges this acid-driven gem of a Riesling. Petrol and honeysuckle dominate on the nose, with lesser ripe melon and slate aromas. The wine's Granny Smith apple and white… Read More

Savvy Shopper... Around the World

2019 Riesling Dry, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Bruce Sanderson
Publication: Wine Spectator
Published: 2023
Rating: 89

A trio of cru Beaujolais, a Spanish red, a Portuguese white and a pair of New World whites (one from Canada, the other from South Africa) caught our attention in the tasting room recently. All are… Read More

2020 Riesling Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Mark Squires
Publication: Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Published: 2023
Rating: 90

The 2020 Riesling Estate comes in at six grams of residual sugar, 7.8 of total acidity and 12.4% alcohol. Dry but perfectly balanced, this is a little sterner than the regular Riesling, but it never… Read More

2020 Riesling, Niagara Peninsula

Author: Mark Squires
Publication: Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Published: 2023
Rating: 90

The 2020 Riesling comes in with 16 grams of residual sugar, 8.7 of total acidity, 10.7% alcohol and a pH of 2.8. The acidity mostly gobbles up the sugar here, or perhaps it might be equally accurate… Read More

2019 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Mark Squires
Publication: Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Published: 2023
Rating: 91

The 2019 Riesling CSV was partly aged in neutral French oak (about 45%, with another 5% also with skin contact) for 10 months, with the rest in stainless steel. It comes in with four grams of… Read More

2019 Riesling Icewine, Lincoln Lakeshore, Estate Grown

Author: Mark Squires
Publication: Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Published: 2023
Rating: 95

The 2019 Riesling Icewine was harvested frozen on the vine. It is unoaked and comes in with 245 grams of residual sugar, 14.9 of total acidity, 9% alcohol and a pH of 2.73, if you're interested in… Read More

2020 Pinot Noir Dolomite, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Rod Phillips
Publication: The World of Fine Wine
Published: 2023
Rating: 93

Lying somewhere between resolutely dry and mildly astringent, this is a lovely wine that shows a spectrum of cherry flavours accented with spices. The clean seam of acidity sharpens the tone of the… Read More

2020 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Alberty
Publication: Wine Enthusiast
Published: 2023
Rating: 90

Dark, rich fruit aromas of blackcap raspberries and dark plums are joined by fresh-plucked, licorice-like Julia Child rose petals and a wee bit of garrigue. the wine's fruit flavours are just as… Read More

Elite US Wine Publication Lauds Cave Spring Rieslings

2017 Riesling Select Late Harvest, Lincoln Lakeshore, Estate Grown

Author: Mark Squires
Publication: Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Published: 2023
Rating: 90

The 2017 Riesling Select Late Harvest is unoaked and sourced from partly frozen grapes on the vine. It comes in with 100 grams of residual sugar, 7.8 of total acidity and 13.1% alcohol. This has a… Read More

NV Blanc de Blancs, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Robert K. Stephen
Publication: Set The Bar
Published: 2023
Rating: 90

Cave Spring certainly exhibited its strength in 2022 for both red and white wines. How does the Blanc de Blancs Brut fare? Aromatics: Peach, pineapple, pear, guava, lime, butterscotch and almond… Read More

2019 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Robert K. Stephen
Publication: Set The Bar
Published: 2022
Rating: 92

As for aromatics dense black cherry, cherry cola, blackberries interlaced with chocolate covered cherries. On the palate tannins are on the light side and the acids are well integrated into the wine.… Read More

2020 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Godel
Publication: WineAlign
Published: 2022
Rating: 90

Plenty of work being put in with Cabernet Franc by the team at Cave Spring and methinks it is a favourite variety of winemaker Gabriel Demarco. The grape takes so well to specific blocks and plots of… Read More

2020 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Michael Vaughan
Publication: Vintage Assessments
Published: 2022
Rating: 90

This very tasty, still youthful, nicely structured 100% Cabernet Franc has a hefty 14.5% alcohol and 2 g/L residual sugar. A great match for tomato-based Italian recipes, it has a bright very deep… Read More

2019 Chardonnay Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: David Lawrason
Publication: WineAlign
Published: 2022
Rating: 90

This a lighter framed, tender but very flavourful Chardonnay from a fine cool climate vintage in Niagara. There is little oak presence, leaving yellow apple, lemon and vaguely leesy notes front and… Read More

Celebrating Ontario's Top 20 Wineries of 2022

Author: Editors
Publication: Vine Routes
Published: 2022

Sustainably focused with a consistent quality track record, their Rieslings are some of the best you’ll come across in the country, but that’s not all they’re known for. You’ll find that they also… Read More

15 Best Bottles for $20 or Less

2020 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: André Proulx and Michael Pinkus
Publication: Toronto Life
Published: 2022

There’s something going on at Cave Spring right now, and we’re here for it… This bottle brings fresh raspberry with subtle herbal notes buried under a torrent of dark fruit.

2019 Chardonnay Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: André Proulx and Michael Pinkus
Publication: Toronto Life
Published: 2022

This is a simply stunning wine that delivers a bit of spice along with some richness that’s paired with nice acidity to keep it light on the palate. Thanks to a cool growing season, 2019 was a… Read More

Is Gamay on the Comeback Trail in Ontario?

2020 Gamay Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Robert K. Stephen
Publication: Set The Bar
Published: 2022
Rating: 93

This was a Gamay with depth and many steps above a fruity and friendly moderately priced Gamay. On the nose raspberry coulis, Washington black cherry and milk chocolate predominate with a minuscule… Read More

2020 Cabernet Franc Dolomite, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Robert K. Stephen
Publication: Set The Bar
Published: 2022
Rating: 90

The last of the Cave Spring wine tasted on my recent trip to St. Davids Ontario was at their airy newly opened tasting room in Beamsville, Ontario. Apparently it is where the more serious wine crowd shows up including wine writers. It is bright and airy with lots of glass and great vistas of vineyards. Cave Spring 2020 Cabernet Franc Dolomite presents with a warm creaminess perhaps the result of the new 15% French oak. Absolutely hopping with black cherry and blackberry with some vanilla and Lowney’s chocolate covered cherry. Interesting as you don’t often encounter blackberry with Ontario Cabernet Franc. On the palate there is more tannin than one might expect with a Cabernet Franc and I say this without a frown. Again a slight difference as most Ontario Cabernet Francs while well made are not heavy hitters. This Cabernet Franc is big boned for sure but not massively so. We can label this a medium bodied wine. There is raspberry, strawberry and red cherry as well and with a little torrent of sour cherry tinged with pepper. The finish is broad and long. The wine should be decanted to loosen up its tight leg muscles. It needs a couple of years to reach its stride and will coast after that until 2007 nicely. The winery suggests food matches of roast fowl, mild sausages, roast duck, grilled steak, beef short ribs, vegetable lasagna and grilled portobello mushrooms. I won’t quibble with that although I am not so sure about duck and fowl but again it depends on how those dishes are prepared! For example Greek roasted chicken with potatoes in a lemon oregano sauce would kill this wine but a roast chicken with a beer, paprika and cinnamon rub might work very well. “Dolomite” refers to the type of limestone that forms the crest of the Niagara Escarpment. Overall more complicated than most Lake Erie North Shore and Niagara Cabernet Francs. It sells for $27.95 either at the winery/tasting room or online. It can be purchased in Europe and the United States through certain distributors. Check the website for distribution details at https://cavespring.ca. Read Less

2019 Chardonnay Estate, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Robert K. Stephen
Publication: Set The Bar
Published: 2022
Rating: 92

When it comes to readily available white table wine from Niagara, Riesling and Chardonnay rule the roost. I have a challenging time with Ontario Rieslings for a multitude of reasons but not so with Chardonnay. Cave Spring was kind enough to send me a bottle of their 2019 Estate Chardonnay for review just before a wintery blast socked Toronto and Niagara in the face. The wine is from Beamsville Bench and I was just in their Beamsville tasting room a couple of weeks ago in 25-degree (Celsius) temperature with fall ending blazing gold everywhere. Now that wonderful image and equally wonderful Cave Spring Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir tried at the tasting room are but a very good memory. So what about the Cave Spring Estate 2019 Chardonnay that just missed travelling in a nasty snowstorm? Moderately gold in colour. On the nose pineapple, mango, South African tangerine, marzipan and peach with moderate oak notes. On the palate Greaves apricot jam, Sweet Israeli grapefruit, Niagara pear Galette, butterscotch and guava with a peppery finish. Beautifully integrated acids so important to sippable white wines. The oak influence in the wine is moderately high. Yes I could mention chicken in a tarragon cream sauce or a vongole pasta as a food pairing but you may find this matching well with Oka, Camembert and Canadian aged cheddar. As Christmas is creeping up if you are having turkey (with minimal cranberry sauce) this might be your choice. The winery suggests crispy shrimp, crab stuffed ravioli, grilled tempeh with roasted cauliflower, pan seared halibut and roast capon and I will not debate that. While the wine is sippable due to the oak influence after a glass it seems to call for food. Isn’t that what wine was invented for? $19.95 is more than a fair price for the wine. And given the jack up at The LCBO for California wine $19.95 may just be compelling. Ontario residents or those close to an LCBO in Quebec and Manitoba this Chardonnay is now just available in your Vintages section or you may order directly from the winery. European and American readers there may be a distributor in your country than can make this available to you. Check their website at https:cavespring.ca/ The wine is from the Cave Spring Vineyard on the Niagara Escarpment known as the Beamsville Bench. Limestone and clay soil. Chardonnay does particularly well in limestone soils. The average age of the vines is 31 years. 70% of the juice fermented in French oak and 30% in stainless steel with 10% of the oak new. Drink until 2030. Read Less

2019 Riesling CSV, Beamsville Bench, Estate Grown

Author: Jamie Goode
Publication: Wineanorak
Published: 2022
Rating: 93

Complex and intense with lovely peach and nectarine richness, as well as sweet lemony fruit. There's a trace of sweetness here, and this is generous but fresh with lovely purity. **2007 RCSV**

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