What is Raku?

Out at Tanis Winery in Amador Country off Willow Creek Road, they exhibit a young artist (potter) with an array of whimsy designs. Raku - an ancient Japanese technique. Karianne Ginnelly, 19 yrs old, is currently finishing her Fine Arts degree at Columbia. Prices range from $35 - $165. While you are enjoying the art, taste through the Tanis wines. This is a unique boutique 800 case production wine. Get their Blush wine of mouvedre/grenache for Thanksgiving. You will be warmly greeted by Jill. A very pleasant and enjoyable stop in the Amador Country foothills. They also have a tasty Pinotage.

2007 Kimmel Chardonnay, Mendocino

Slight tint of apple green color catches your eye when you first observe this lovely wine. Hand crafted and very small production, makes this award winning wine a best-of-the-best pick from The Wine Attic. High quality winemaking and excellent fruit creates a honey, pear nose, lots of citrus on the palate, well-balanced acids. Creamy, oak finish. This is a yummy wine for a special occasion. A little pricey, $32 bucks, but if you are a Rombauer fan, then the $$$ are no problem for you. Since it is still nice weather, this chardonnay will stand up to a nice BBQ.

2007 Cameron Hughes Lot 125 Pinot Noir, Napa Carneros

This wine was so good. The color, first off the bat, is a beautiful clear, crystal cherry, sparkling in the light of my kitchen. The nose was a smooth, smokey aroma where I began to anticipate that this wine was going to be GREAT. And, it was no surprise that this was amazingly well made - lots of berry fruits, a kiss of candy, while the finish was just as pleasingly long and spicey. I actually had this wine with steak au poivre and sauteed carmelized onions. Now is your mouth watering? Another best-of-the-best picks from The Wine Attic
High quality and recession pricing - I like it!

Pomar Junction Vineyard

I had the opportunity to enjoy 2007 Pomar Junction's Award winning Estate Viognier. It was lovely. Yummy honey and pineapple. The acids were mild which allow this wine to be a sipping wine or have with a special lunch or brunch. Unfortunately this wine is SOLD OUT. But I am confident that Kevin Riley, winemaker, is doing justice to the 2008 vintage. With excellent viticulture and winemaking practices, look forward to another award winning wine. This winery is a destination - another best-of-the-best pick from The Wine Attic. Say hello to Marie for me when you visit.

iberia_big.jpg (JPEG Image, 900x600 pixels) - Scaled (95%)

iberia_big.jpg (JPEG Image, 900x600 pixels) - Scaled (95%)

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The Left Bank

Neil Ellis The Left Bank 2007 (SnoothRank: 3.5/5)
South Africa > Coastal Region (September 2009)
I love S.A. blends, this cab/shiraz opened up VERY nicely the 2nd day. It was very smooth. Big fruit, cherry aromas, anise, spicey. Medium finish, soft tannins. Great sipping wine as well with grilled meats and grilled root vegetables. myRating 3/5

Lot 119 Cameron Hughes Meritage

Cameron Hughes Lot 119 Meritage 2005 (SnoothRank: 3.5/5)
USA > California > Sonoma County (September 2009)
I had a glass' worth left the next day. It is better the 2nd day. Make sure to decant or enjoy this wine in the next 2-5 years. The quality and tannins are definitely there will age wonderfully. It is a big wine and will hold up to a big steak. Long spice finish. Fruit will show more after aging. myRating 3.5/5 Another great value wine for less than $15.