The Gang of Pour

1991 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel
1995 Cave Springs Indian Summer Riesling, Ontario
1980 Warres Vintage Port

Before we moved on to the dessert wines, a promise made to the Zinfolk was kept, with the decanting of a 1991 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel.( They ARE the Canadian Zinfans, after all, and lovingly refer to anything from this fine producer as "Mr. Ridge!") Though notes were taken with less precision by now, it was still noted that the initial bell pepper nose dissipated, revealing rich blackberry, blueberry, and boysenberry aromas. Flavors were similar, with nuances of chocolate mousse. C.Z. added "decadent; inky" overall impressions. Five years of further cellaring is certainly not out of the question for this big wine. Though one of the finest zinfandels this taster has ever enjoyed, the Artist hated it, and couldn't finish his glass. However, we were able to muster volunteers to avoid a tragic waste.

We hit "The Road to Gang O' Pour" again, with another "out of the way" selection, a 1995 Cave Springs Indian Summer Riesling, from Ontario, complements of the Zinfan. Though still too young to be fully appreciated, it lived up to claims that Canada produces more than creditable dessert wines, at the very least. It showed flavors and aromas of strawberry, raspberry, apricot, and cooked peaches. C.Z. commented, "You know, there's a lot of potential here, but now, it's just like syrup."

Finally, we came to the coup de grāce, a half bottle of 1980 Warres Vintage Port, again, from the Zinfolk. The Director was ecstatic. "I just took a drop, and it woke up my mouth. I love this stuff! I must have more!!!" Unfortunately, that might be a difficult, and costly, proposition. This taster found it wonderful, and it can go for years yet. Noted were lots of rich, black cherry and chocolate flavors. It was tasted with gorgonzola, and the Zinfan was heard to murmur, " Like knockin' on the candy store door;...like licorice toffee. "

Somewhere around that time, C.Z. asked to hear a little R.E.M., which was appropriate, since we were all reaching the point at which rapid eye movement would soon set in. Shortly thereafter, the Sandman arrived, scattering his magic dust (the time was 2:38 am), and we all retired to our dreams. Any fears of web stalking had proved groundless, as new friendships had been forged, and new members were welcomed into our quirky little "gang."

POST SCRIPT

We awoke the next morning in surprisingly good condition, considering the number of selections we'd sampled , and our relative lack of sleep, and spent the next hour or so recounting personal favorites over a couple of pots of good, strong French roast. After giving the Zinners directions to a few wine stores and a nearby Thai restaurant, we all bid our adieus and went off to pursue our various interests. That evening, we received this bit of Canadian email:

"First of all we had a blast and are indeed most grateful for the winespec pages, as without them we would not have made your acquaintance.

Looking forward to the next time.

Second, we found the Bangcock Cafe with no problem and had a great meal.

"We took back a total of five bottles, declared a value of $54.00 and paid $38.50 in duty, bastards!!!!!

Thanks again"

C.Z. and the Zinchick

  The Road To
Gang O' Pour

Finally, we came to the coup de grāce, a half bottle of 1980 Warres Vintage Port, again, from the Zinfolk. The Director was ecstatic. "I just took a drop, and it woke up my mouth. I love this stuff! I must have more!!!"

Read Canadian Zinfan's summary of the evening.

IN ATTENDANCE 3-4-97

This Taster

The Artist

Canadian Zinfan

Zinchick

The Director

Gelbfüssler