You don’t see Pinot Blanc too much on Long Island.  The only vineyards that release a varietal of this variety is Palmer Vineyards and Lieb Family Cellars.  I know that Shinn Estate Vineyards is doing something with their first from 2009, but I am not sure what it will be just yet.

I used this bottle of Lieb Family Cellars 2007 Pinot Blanc ($20) for exploration and for an experiment with my mother-in-law.  I am on a crusade to convert her from drinking Pinot Grigio.  It is like fingernails on a chalk board every time we go out to dinner.  “I’ll have a glass of Pinot Grigio” or when I am pouring wine, “Does it taste like Pinot Grigio”.  UGH!  I am trying and I have been somewhat successful.  And to my surprise, she liked this bottle of wine alot.

On the nose I was getting some pear and melon with a hint of orange.  There was some floral notes with a hint of vanilla and toasted almond.

The taste had a note of grass and river rocks.  There was a bit more of the pear and vanilla on the finish with a hint of grapefruit.

I did enjoy this bottle.  I had it with some light apps and some grilled chicken sausage.  It went very well with both.  The highlight of this bottle was when my mother-in-law gave it her stamp of approval.

I recommend you give it a try as well, it is a good alternative for your summer sipping.

Sláinte!