• The following 2020 Longshot Wine Pinot Grigio was sourced from 76% pinot grigio/7.0% chardonnay/7.0% viognier in the cool of the night then using particularly aromatic yeast strains and moderate fermentation techniques enhancing the natural flavours and expressive mouthfeel on the palate.

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Longshot Wine Pinot Grigio 2020
California $15.95 (633354) 13.0% alcohol
Appealing aromas of yellow peach, Mirabelle plum and Bartlett pear mingle with floral notes and hints of rosewater. This clean, crisp and refreshing with good flavour and oodles of pizzazz. A full-Monty surge of delicious, fully textured flavours envelop the palate with tang-infused, lip-smacking Key lime and Meyer lemon citrus with notions of pineapple and white grapefruit. Palate flavours replay on the finish and aftertaste. Sip on its own by removing from the refrigerator twenty minutes before pouring or pour with all manner of fish and seafood or roast chicken or pork. The price-quality ratio is well in your favour; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Longshot Wine Pinot Noir was sourced from primarily pinot noir and 2% cabernet sauvignon fruit that were harvested during cool night temperatures to preserve fresh fruit flavours. The team of winemakers chose select, aromatic yeast strains and moderate fermentation techniques enhancing the natural flavours and expressive mouthfeel on the palate. Proper storage post fermentation preserved natural bright flavours and balance in the wine. This is a newly added wine recently distributed to LCBO retail store shelves. If you don’t find it stocked in your local LCBO store ask to see the store manager, and ask politely if they could stock it.

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Longshot Wine Pinot Noir 2019
California $15.95 (21969) 13.5% alcohol
Charred toast, grilled, savoury herbs and a fruit bowl of red and ripe, black cherry/berry aromas waft easily from the glass. It bathes the palate with a light-medium body and texture, adorned with deftly balanced, tangy flavours of crunchy pie cherry, sweet-tinged crème de cassis and excellent lingering finish and aftertaste. What’s not to like. Pour with coq au vin or roast chicken or turkey pot pie.

• The following 2019 Longshot Wine Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 75% cabernet sauvignon/8.0% petite sirah/7.0% teroldego in the cool of the night then using particularly aromatic yeast strains and moderate fermentation techniques enhancing the natural flavours and expressive mouthfeel on the palate. Proper storage post fermentation preserved natural bright flavours and balance in the wine.

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Longshot Wine Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
California $15.95 (633347) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of dark cherry, black currant and notions of black plum compote dominate the nose of this gem of a wine. It blankets the palate with delicious flavours that are balanced-on-a-pin and pure ambrosia—ripe juicy mulberry, sweet cherry clafoutie, divine mixed baking spice and a monumentally long finish and aftertaste replaying palate flavours. The price-quality ratio tips well in your favour. Stock up before they’re gone. Pour with burgers, grilled gourmet sausages or a premium cut of grilled beef. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Pelee Island Winery ‘Bella’ Sparkling Red Wine is a vintage-dated Red Sparkling Wine made in the Charmat Method with a blend of two grapes—80% chambourcin/20% pinot noir with the former being a somewhat rare teinturier grape and is a French-American hybrid grape variety. This wine is certified sustainable by SWO, and certified vegan-friendly by VegeCert. Were you aware Pelee Island is Canada’s furthest southerly point and is further south than the most northern part of California? Chalk one up for Pelee Island! 

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Pelee Island Winery ‘Bella’ Sparkling Red Wine 2019
VQA Ontario $18.95 (21321) 10.5% alcohol
Aromas of mulled wine, cherry/berry fruit and dried roses precede mouthfuls of sweet and tang decorated with flavours of racy passionfruit and cranberry juxtaposed with hints of sweet candy floss and kirsch liqueur. It’s a tad lighter than medium bodied with plenty of pizzazz that persists through the finish and aftertaste. It’s quite nicely balanced throughout and delivers persistent fruit flavours and acidity with little sign of tannin. This is a versatile wine—pour chilled as an aperitif or pair with a strawberry fruit flan for dessert. (Vic Harradine)