Just before a recent cruise, I was busily scurrying amongst the streets of San Francisco looking for a wine shop so that I could have a few bottles to open while on board. I ran across the Cannery Wine Cellar on a recommend from the hotel. There I met Suzanne Vigil, one of the most idiosyncratic people that I have ever met.
I explained my wine preferences and got three bottles of totally unkown stuff. All in all it was a good experience two were clear winners that I would buy again the third was good enough, but nothing to get excited over, though she certainly raved on about it.
Wes Mar 2002 Pinot Noir Russian River $35
Deep bright red color, cherry nose, velvety on the palate with bright red fruit and well integrated oak. Soft tannins on the finish. Benefits from an hour's breathing. I would buy this one again it was very impresseive.
Kalin Cellars Livermore Valley Semillion '94 $24
This was the disappointment, althoug to be honest I thought it was a bit old to be going into my purchase. all in all it came across like a full bodied Pinot Grigiot. It was meant to go with Lobster and one taste led me to remark, (with my wife echoing) I should have gone with the Chablis.
Icaria Creek Winery Alexander Valley '99 $28.50
Long finish well integrated oak deep red dense soft velvety texture but definite Cabernet flavors. This wine too was very nice and I certainly could not have touched it for the $40 that I had invested with the corkage fee (which went directly to the sommelier (as such)).
Both of the reds would merit purchase, the Semillion gets a pass.