Shinn Estate Vineyards

We arrived at Shinn Estate Vineyards, another cute winery. Shinn has a few rooms for lodging along with their vineyards. We chose the 3 wine tasting for $6.50. we received a free tasting of "first fruit" Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon with our corks. I found it similar (once again) to Chenin Blanc. Not very much depth...just a plain wine.

On to our 3 red wine tastings...

The 2005 Estate Merlot was a good value at $26. (I hadn't see the other wines for that day yet) It wasn't my fav, but it was good flavor for the price.

The 2005 "Wild Boar Doe" was spicy and aromatic. This is a blend of Merlot, Cab Sauvignon, Malbec, petit VErdot, and Cab Franc. You might try it with seasoned meats or grilled meats.

Finally, we tried the 2005 Nine Barrel Rserve Merlot. This was smooth with flavors at the base of your tonge. There is a wonderful finish that doesn't disappear. The rich taste lingers for awhile.. The Nine Barrel includes mostly Merlot with some Petit Verdot, Cab France and Malbec. Only 9 barrels were produced (225 cases). If you like this wine, grab some now before it is all gone.