|
|||
ZAP
98
A few strictly personal conclusions - Ridge - this is the second year that I have found the January barrel samples to be less than impressive. Last year they were a poor prognosticator of what the wines would be like in bottle. We'll taste them all again in six months at Day in the Vineyard - no doubt that will be a much stronger showing. St. Francis - my biggest disappointment. TOO MUCH OAK!!! Saddleback - probably my overall favorite of the day. This is a fabulous opportunity to meet the winemakers, and taste wine from new and obscure producers. But as I read in a newsletter from one of my favorite retailers - some of these folks need to be told, in PC terms, that they just don't get it! A great deal of beautiful old vine fruit is being made into less than average wine. There can be no doubt that a market exists for wines that exhibit the characteristics that make Zinfandel so special. Why are so many producers falling flat on their faces? Do they underestimate the palate and wine savviness of their customers? Are they putting business concerns ahead of the winemakers' art? Or do they simply not care? You tell me! Nevertheless - I'll be back again, spitting ten (with apologies to the Gang of Pour) and swallowing the irresistible one! We'll look for you here next year!
|
|
||
 |
|||
