A long-time friend recently brought a bottle of red as a gift for me to try.  It was from Milano Family Winery in the Russian River area of Northern California.   I just opened it the other day and shared it with  my jetsetting buddy Jill, who was telling tales of her trip to Thailand and Japan.  We both thought it was great!  Jill has quite a palate…and we both seem to be fans of this style of wine.

I know I really like a particular wine when I want to get in my car and drive to the winery, taste their other offerings, and buy a case to bring home.  I may be off to the Russian River this weekend, as I really liked the 2006 Mendocino Echo.  This cab blend that I'd classify as Bordeaux in nature (50cs-30m-20pv) was so relaxing.  We weren't fighting the heat from too much alcohol nor excessive tannins or oakiness.  It was just balanced and elegant, that's how I'd describe it.  Now— don't you all go out and buy it before I can get there! xoSB