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.