Wine Recommendation
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Wine Recommendation

Shinn Estate Vineyards 2006

Shinn Estate Vineyards

2006 “First Fruit” - Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon
(North Fork of Long Island)



Chardonnay, shmarddonay. Yes, Chardonnay is the white wine that dominates the Long Island wine scene and the U.S. market in general. And yes, I like - and sometimes love - local Chardonnay. The acid balance can be stellar in these parts. But, so far this year, the wines I've been the most excited about have been made with Sauvignon Blanc. There have already been several 2006 Sauvignons that I've enjoyed and Shinn Estate Vineyards' 2006 First Fruit ($23) which is primarily Sauvignon Blanc, with just a squirt (4%) of Semillon, fits right in.

Right out of the bottle, the nose is a little taut and doesn't offer much, but with a little coaxing, bright, fresh aromas of juicy pear citrus and sweet basil emerge. Medium bodied and flavorful, the pear flavors are lip-smacking delicious, with subtle ruby red grapefruit and terrific acidity. The herbal character of the grape is here, particularly on a surprisingly long minty-lime finish, but it's not aggressive or overbearing. Impeccable balance is on display here. Local seafood prays for this wine when it goes to sleep at night.

Reviewed November 9, 2007 by Lenn Thompson.

The Wine

Winery: Shinn Estate Vineyards
Vintage: 2006
Wine: “First Fruit” - Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon
Appellation: North Fork of Long Island
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc (96%), Semillon (4%)
Price: 750ml $23.00

Review Date: 11/9/2007

The Reviewer

Lenn Thompson

Lenn Thompson writes about New York wines for Dan's Papers,
Long Island Press, Long Island Wine Gazette, Edible East End
and Hamptons.com. Two words describe his taste in wine — balance and nuance. Lenn prefers food-friendly, elegant wines to jammy, over-extracted fruit bombs and heavy-handed oak. When reviewing, Lenn tastes each wine three times — alone right after opening, with food, and again the next day — believing that 90-second reviews are unrealistic and not how the average person enjoys wine.