ulyTony Aspler, Runway White 2021 (90 points) (The Runway White and Red are blends, paying homage to the aerodrome that used to be on the property.) 46% Viognier, 26% Gewürztraminer, 17% Chardonnay, and 11% Chenin Blanc. Pale straw in colour; spicy, toasty, peachy nose; medium to full-bodied, dry, spicy, peachy flavour, round mouth feel. (Tasted March 2024)
Rick VanSickle, Wines in Niagara, Runway White 2021 (89 points):The blend is 46% Viognier, 26% Gewürztraminer, 17% Chardonnay and 11% Chenin Blanc, all estate fruit, all hand-picked, with both the Viognier and Chardonnay components barrel fermented and aged in used French oak barrels. It’s highly aromatic with notes of ripe pear, apricots, white peach, honeysuckle, yellow apple, and spicy accents. On the palate it has a lovely, rounded texture, some viscosity, ripe stone fruits, juicy apricots, and spice with a fairly bright finish. A nice, food-friendly white for summer. (Tasted May 2024)
Louise Boutin, Winecurrent.com, Runway White 2021 (90 points): This is an uncommon blend of barrel fermented viognier and chardonnay combined with stainless-steel fermented gewürztraminer and chenin blanc surprisingly getting along pretty well. While the French oak barrels were pre-used, they still convey quite a bit of nice wood character noticeable on the first nose—vanilla, caramel, spices—requiring extra swirling for the peach and citrus aromas to emerge. The palate is concentrated and rich with stone fruit flavours, salted butter character lifted with bright citrus acidity and kicks of spicy ginger lingering in the finish and aftertaste. Definitely an intriguing medium-full-bodied white to discover. Baked ham with cauliflower au gratin or butternut squash ravioli would make excellent pairings. (Tasted May 2024)
Dr Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak Runway White 2021 (91 Points) Chardonnay, Viognier (both of these barrel fermented for 18 months), Gewurztraminer and Chenin Blanc. Fresh, fruity and lively with nice citrus core and then some grapey richness, finishing with lemony acidity. Nice presence to this wine, with some energy. (Tasted July, 2024)
Treve Ring, Wine Anorak (89 Points) Runway White, named for the 1918 Beamsville Aerodrome and runway that preceded the vineyard, is a blend of 46% Viognier, 26% Gewürztraminer, 17% Chardonnay, 11% Chenin Blanc planted in 2018. Each variety was native fermented separately (mix of French oak and stainless) over 18 months. Subtle white perfume, pear, cream, and lemon sail through this medium white, with very light barrel toast and a well placed bed of lees. Nice elegance and light touch for this aromatic white blend. (Tasted July 2024)
