Long Island, admittedly, doesn’t offer many red wine values under $20. So when I tasted Shinn Estate Vineyards’ latest non-vintage labeled ‘Red’ table wine, which is $15, I had high hopes. Would this be a wine I could tell people about when they want an every day-priced red?
Yes…and no. I really liked the Red from a couple years ago, but this one, which is actually made from grapes grown in 2006, isn’t quite as good despite its redeeming qualities. The previous bottling was 75% merlot and 25% cabernet sauvignon, so this is quite different, made with 99% merlot and 1% petit verdot.
A medium-light cherry red in the glass, it offers cherry and red raspberry fruit aromas on the nose with subtle black pepper—from that petit verdot no doubt—and just a little earthiness.
No where near as flavorful as it is aromatic, it is light bodied, juicy and a little limp with simple red fruit flavors and just a little pepperiness. A little more body would really help here I think.
Probably best over the next year or so, it features low tannins and just might take slight chill well. Served that way, it might be terrific with burgers or barbecued chicken.
Grape(s): 99% merlot, 1% petit verdo
Producer: Shinn Estate Vineyards
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
Price: $15
Rating: 
(2 out of 5 | Average)
(About LENNDEVOURS Ratings)