Judith Henderson’s Wine & Country Living

The Adventure: I was in Napa Valley this week and although I enjoyed my time away, I looked forward to getting home and kicking off my shoes.

When friends arrived to pick me up from the airport, they whisked me off to Mannina Cellars, 760 C. St., Walla Walla, for a tasting of winemaker Don Redman's 2010 Sangiovese red wine. I didn't resist because this winemaker is one of Walla Walla's most gifted.

The Winery: Mannina Cellars is owned and operated by Don and Nicole Redman, two people I recommend you get out and meet if you have any doubt about the sometimes pretentious business of wine. Don and Nicole are completely opposite of "snobby," all the while raising a large young family and a pup named Lucy.

The Wine: known for Grenache-styled rose and red wines, Mannina Cellar's Sangiovese leads the valley in yumminess. Redman's "high chaparral-" styled Sangiovese consistently wins awards. Like its predecessors, the 2010 bottle, 88 percent sangiovese 12 percent merlot, is consistent; aged 16 months in neutral French oak barrels, giving complex sumptuous fruit and spice.

Wine Notes: Nose buried deep in the glass, Redman's signature clove and chewy dried dark fruits waft the senses in giant swaths of cayenne and clove, melding on a lingering strawberry tongue.

The Honors: Don and Nicole, because you make succulent, gracious wines, yours truly, Judith Henderson of Wine & Country Living honors you with 98 points of wine perfection for the Mannina Cellars, 2010, Sangiovese wine. Congratulations Team Mannina! 509-200-2366

Readers, until next week, "Eat Art., Drink Imagination!"

Spicy Tomato-Strawberry Smear

2 cups each: chopped red tomatoes,

cut strawberries

1 stick cinnamon

4 whole cloves

1 teaspoon each: cayenne, bay leaf

1 cup honey

1 cup red wine

Method:

In the top of a double boiler simmer all for 40 minutes whisking, until thick and glossy. Nap on smoky grilled white fish and vegetables served with a bottle of 2010 Mannina Cellars Sangiovese red wine.

Hear Judith's seasonal regional food and wine commentary: www.chefjudithhenderson.com