The 12 LI Wines of Christmas: #10 Shinn Estate 2006 First Fruit
This post is a part of my 12 Long Island Wines for Christmas series
that will run from now until Christmas 2007. See the entire series here.
As we enter the home stretch of my 12 Long Island Wines for Christmas, it’s time for another one of my favorite whites. In fact, it’s the last white in the mixed case.
Shinn Estate Vineyards 2006 First Fruit ($23) was so tasty this year that it sold out before I could stock my cellar for the summer. But, the 2007 will be released this spring and I won’t make the same mistake again.
Made with 96% sauvignon blanc and 4% semillon, right, the nose is filled with the fresh aromas of juicy pear, grapefruit, lemon and sweet spring herbs.
Medium bodied and flavorful, the pear flavors are lip-smackingly
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.
If oysters are a part of your holiday tradition, try to find some of this. You’ll be glad you did.
