Long Dog Vineyard and Winery

We had some trouble finding out the exact location of Long Dog Winery, named for the pair of longhaired daschunds, Bella and Fanny, who rule the property. We had almost decided not to go, but during supper at the Merill Inn Restaurant, Inn owner Edward Shubert was shocked to hear that we might miss it. He insisted that we take the time to visit before we left the next morning, and he was absolutely right.

The tasting room doesn't open until noon, but with a quick phone call we easily set up a 10:00 a.m. appointment. Greeted by co-owner Victoria Rose (she owns it with her husband, winemaker James Lahti and with Toronto lawyer Steven Rapkin), we settled in a pretty barnboard tasting room with a prominent but tasteful daschund motif. After a day of torrential rains, the vineyards were mud, and James was covered to his knees in his terroir.

But the wines! With one exception, we fell in love with them all. Delicate, subtle, complex are accurate descriptions for each one. We also had the privilege of tasting the 2007 Chardonnay and 2007 Pinot Noir from their barrels - both promise great things, especially the Chard.

By the way, while one of the early Pinot Noir vintages (no longer available) was fined with egg white, Long Dog no longer fines any of its wines. They are suitable for vegans.

Long Dog Pinot Gris 2006
While its very light on the nose, with only hints of citrus, veg and green pepper, the Gris really comes through on the palette: rich melon tastes and subtle, rounded citrus flavours. The finish could be longer, and the winery agrees - they're recommending another month in the bottle.

Long Dog Pinot Gris 2007
Left on the skins a couple of extra days this one has a very light and pretty pink hue. But its steely aromas and melon and pineapple flavours are already providing a long, long, and complex finish. Beautiful!

Long Dog Chardonnay "Bella" 2006
Very lightly oaked, the aromas show pineapple and a bare hint of toast. Flavours include toasty almond and green apple, with some medium acid up front, replaced by a long toasty finish. This is a winner, dry, complex and lightly oaked. We bought a case for ZenKitchen dinners.

Long Dog Tumbling Stone VQA 2007
This blend, comprised of 50-50 Gamay and Pinot Noir, offers sweet red fruit and light smoke aromas. In the mouth, it's crisp with sour cherry and some green apple. A it too tart for me, it would nonetheless be a good food wine.

Long Dog Pinot Noir Barrel Select VQA 2006
A complex aroma of warm red fruit and alcohol, this has a dry, mouthwatering feel. Medium tannins, approaching high, and very mild vanilla notes on the finish.