Thanksgiving wine

Sierra Cantabria Crianza 2004 Rioja
Soft,rich and balanced Went excellent with the turkey,stuffing and cranberry. I'm still full!

Wine always tastes better when enjoying with friends and family.

PS The 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau hit the stores on the traditional release day (third Thurs of November,19th this year) It's very good this year. Bright, fresh fruit quaffable. Tasted Georges Duboeuf and Domaine Berrod. Berrod has the edge on depth and quality.

Ayoub Oregon Pinot

Started opening wine boxes in the cellar last week and came across a wine I picked up when visiting McMinnville Oregon in 2007. I met the proprietor of this wine at a wine tasting room...go figure. I had never heard of it and really bought it to show my appreciation of the craft of small, handcrafted winemakers. I didn't expect much but what a surprise!

On the table to accompany this wine was a sauteed shrimp and shitake risotto made with garlic and fresh basil. The wine complimented the food perfectly and vise versa. Good friends who appreciate fine wine and food stopped by as well. Alas the wine.....Ayoub 2004 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills, Williamette Valley www.ayoubwines.com $42 Every mouthful was delicious. Aromas of spicy cherry and fresh strawberry, in the mouth this wine shows intense,penetrating fruit with layers of flavor rarely found in domestic Pinot Noir. Oak is present but used judiciously and to the benefit of the wine. The finish is soft and lingering.