The Gang of Pour
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of Pour Meet The Canadian Zinfans and Gelbfüssler PHASE ONE: First Contact 1992 Domaine
Schlumberger Reserve Alsace The road to Gang O' Pour led some new faces to our
door recently to join us for our latest gathering. The
Canadian Zinfan and his delightful companion, Zinchick,
were welcomed by the Director and this host, as was the
Artist and his house guest, Gelbfüssler (Yellowfoot).
Absent was the Geek, who was missed not only for his
twisted sense of humor, but also, his unique descriptions
of flavors and aromas, and his creative color designs,
using red wines on a variety of surfaces. Like carpets.
And upholstery. C.Z. and I had crossed paths electronically in the Wine Spectator Bulletin Boards a number of times in the previous several months; this led to email communications, and after several exchanges, we invited him and Zinchick to one of our tastings. ( The Director and I had discussed the wisdom of such a "blind date," but I felt confident that they would fit in quite well, and indeed they did. It was later noted with some amusement, however, that both parties had left names and numbers with close friends, in the event that we, or they, were walking into an encounter with serial killers.) Gelbfüssler is a German filmmaker from the Neckar Valley region of Baden-Württemberg who has, on occasion, played host to the Artist and his family at his summer home in Alsace. His presence lent an even more international flavor to the evening, and his eyebrows were the stuff of which legends are made. Our initial intention had been to feature two very nice, if rather out of the way, red wines; however, additional selections were thrown into the mix by everyone, creating a melange that grew complex, but, not quite out of hand. Because of the differing varietals and geographic origins, the wines were not rated; however, all were enjoyed (with one notable exception), and some preferences were indicated. We began the evening's festivities with lively conversation and the Schlumberger Reserve. Its rich golden color drew immediate comment, as did its floral bouquet, that included lots of apricot marmalade and lime peel. In the mouth, the wine had an oily quality, and flavors to match the nose. The Zinfan and I took this as an indication of the presence of a good deal of gewürztraminer to complement the pinot blanc in the blend. A personal favorite of this household, its rich flavors belie its low cost (under $10 per bottle). Gelbfüssler cooed and purred contentedly while sipping this, as though he'd been reunited with a long lost lover. We followed with the Grand Ardeche Chardonnay, offered by Zinchick, who expressed fond memories of her first taste of this in the Latour cellars. The color was medium straw, with flavors and aromas of pear, figs, dry chalk, and minerals, and it was a fine complement to the hors d'oeuvres, which included a variety of cheeses, crackers, and shrimp. The Artist named this as one of his two favorites of the evening. Before long, food preparations were completed, and we moved into the dining room.
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The Road To "C.Z. and I had crossed paths electronically in the Wine Spectator Bulletin Boards a number of times in the previous several months; this led to email communications, and after several exchanges, we invited him and Zinchick to one of our tastings."
Read Canadian Zinfan's summary of the evening.
IN ATTENDANCE 3-4-97 This Taster The Artist Canadian Zinfan Zinchick The Director Gelbfüssler
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