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Roanoke Vineyards Cabernet Franc was named one of the 12 best on Long Island by Newsday. (Credit: Vera Chinese)

Long Island wines, like the “balanced and refined” 2010 pinot noir from McCall Wines and the “crisp and refreshing” 2012 sauvignon blanc from Shinn Estate Vineyards were boiled down to the 12 best by Newsday’s ExploreLI.com.

Determined by Newsday food critic Peter M Gianotti through a blind taste test, a handful of wineries and winemakers were praised several times throughout the list.

Three vintages that cracked the top 12 were made by winemaker Roman Roth— Roanoke’s cab franc, Grapes of Roth’s 2006 merlot and Wölffer Estate Vineyards’ 2010 Fatalis Fatum. And two wines produced by Paumanok Vineyards in Aquebogue and Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue were also named among the region’s best.

“This medium-bodied red is instantly enjoyable, with some earthiness and pepperiness complementing the haul of berries,” Gianotti said of Roanoke’s cab franc. “A first-class example of why cabernet franc is turning into a very respected red on Long Island.”

As for the vintages that did not make the cut, the food writer offered this bit of consolation.

“There are about another 100 that bid fair to be number 13,” he said.

See the full list here.

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