Gang of Pour ZAP '98 Introduction

animation

(NOT) ZAP

Introduction by Bastardo
Main Storyline and photos by califusa
HTML gruntwork by The Director

The January ZAP weekend in San Francisco has grown to be quite the extravaganza, and it’s not stretching things too much to say that the fire has only been fueled by intense discussion among the netizens of various internet wine bulletin boards. The Director and I gave serious consideration to attending this year’s event; it would not only be a great opportunity to get a first taste of many of the ‘96 Zinfandels, but also to meet lots of our fellow wired wine lovers.

In the end, however, we opted to pass this time around, despite determined lobbying by the three B’s of the wineboards (Bacchus, Blakely, and Bree). We simply felt that it would be more prudent to sock the bucks away for another Gang pilgrimage this coming summer, to a destination as yet to be determined.

All would not be lost, though. First, we would give the assignment of covering the festivities to califusa, our Left Coast Correspondent, who came through with flying colors.

Second, we would take advantage of a perfect chance to get together with some of the Gang’s Canadian contingent (eh), for an alternative tasting of our own.

In the end, a great time was had by all. What follows are notes on ZAP Saturday and the day after complete with photos by the aforementioned Correspondent (whose real name rhymes with tree), and the account of our Canadian escapade.

A note of appreciation goes to Wine Spec Board regular, Rod Schiffman, for allowing us to use a photo from his documentary website of the ’98 ZAP weekend.

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