| ghm2112 |
So... the berries are ripening and the crush is already underway for the sparkling wine folks.
Anyone interested in talking wine? food and wine?
It'd be great if this thread could serve as a resource for MDXers finding their way around the NorCal, CalCoast, WA/OR, VA and other (Chilean? Aussie?:D) wine regions.
Most people who visit these areas know of and/or how to get to the big names (Mondavi, Domaine Chandon, Ravenswood, Silver Oak...etc.), but what about those places that are a little (or a lot) off the beaten path? I know at least one other MDXer who probably has some secrets up his sleave.
As a start, I'll offer the most simple of suggestions: if you know very little about grape growing and wine making and tasting (or even if you know a lot), St Supery (on Hwy 29/St Helena Hwy) in the Napa Valley has a very good tour and a fun and informative interactive 'wine experience.' Special/private tastings are easy to arrange. PM me if interested.
Happy Trails to all. |
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| AtlantaMDX |
ghm2112,
If only you'd made that offer last November. We visited friends in San Jose/Cupertino area and spent a day in Sonoma Valley. We went to Matanzas Creek, Ravenswood, and Buena Vista. We had a good time, but didn't really care for Ravenswood. Funny that you should mention it in the "big" list.
Any thoughts on these winerys? |
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| ghm2112 |
Atlanta:
Any plans to be back out this way? Would definitely have suggestions for a fellow MDXer (particularly one to whom I could show a little 'western hospitality' to :D )
Anyway, I too am ambivalent about 90% of what Ravenswood puts out. They were included in my big-names list b/c they are pretty popular and their wines are widely available (at least in my estimation) throughout the country. I also needed to include a Sonoma label so marne (Mr. Sonoma) didn't call me biased. Their higher-end reserve stuff is great, but their standard vintner's stuff is IMHO pretty mediocre when compared to other wines in their (VERY competitive) price range.
Baby's crying. Will give my thoughts on the others soon.
Happy Trails. |
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| ghost |
| If you find ever find yourself in the Yarra Valley of Victoria, I highly recommend the Garden Gully Winery tour, they make a great Shiraz, and are just really nice folks. There's another one nearby called Seppelt's that ages wines in an incredible series of underground cellars. Well worth the trip! |
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| MGTD |
Lets not forget the El Dorado and Amador wineries. No rediculous cover charges, long lines, and crazy prices. Just like the good old days in Napa. In fact these were actually the earliest wine areas of California and in the past few years have seen a rebirth.
Also to note that every square inch of Ca seems to be growing grapes these days. Go down Hwy 5 between Sacramento and Stockton and Highway 101 from Ventura to San Jose. Wine prices are going to plummet with all these grape being grown.
Chris |
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| marne |
In response to ghm1212's inquiry... Siduri Wines is a small artisanal winery in Santa Rosa which produces a number of different Pinto Noirs from vineyards in Oregon and California's North and Central Coast regions. Most bottlings are vineyard-designates.
Like Siduri, Testarossa Vineyards is a small, very high quality winery. Testarossa focuses equally on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and is now venturing into Syrah and Viognier. Testarossa is located in Los Gatos, California, in the historic Novitiate winery started by Jesuits in the 18th century. Any Silicon Valley folks who enjoy great wine should arrange a visit (and tell 'em Marne sent you!)
Both Siduri and Testarossa have long-term contracts to buy grapes from my vineyard. Since our first harvest will be next fall, be sure to look for debut 2002 Sonatera Vineyard Pinots from Siduri and Testarossa in spring or summer 2004.
--Marne |
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| marne |
MGTD is totally on target, both in reference to great Sierra Foothill wineries in El Dorado and Amador Counties (check out Boeger Winery!), and about the glut of grapes in the Central Valley. Not only with all those vines result in lower wine prices, but the receipts the growers get and perhaps their likelihood of staying in the grape growing business is sinking too.:(
If you've interested in reading about some of the consequences of this, check out this Vineyard Land Value article. I know the author well...
--Marne |
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| ghm2112 |
I tried to send the following to PF via PM but it is too long. Others might find it useful so here it is:
Hey Philly:
I've never stayed at the Renaissance, but I've had dinner at their Carneros Restaurant. The food was great, though pricey. Wine list was great, but overblown even relative to other restaurants geared toward the tourist trade. If you are interested in alternatives, I'd suggest Deuce (tel. 707.933.3823 691 Broadway, Sonoma); or the Depot Hotel Cucina Rustica Restaurant (tel. 800-200-2980 241 First Street West, Sonoma); I think they may even still offer cooking classes if you are interested in such). The General's Daughter (on Spain Street); the Girl and the Fig has been getting a lot of attention recently, but I've heard everything from 'it's great' to 'I wasn't impressed.' No firtshand experience, though. Unfortunately, in Sonoma nothing really good is cheap wrt dining.
For fun, I'd also recommend visiting Murphy's Irish Pub right off the main square in Sonoma. The guy who owns it was a teacher at my high school back in the day. It's a locals' favorite. I've seen kids in there before, but I'm not sure what their 'official policy' is.
In addition, you might want to consider contacting marne who posts to this site as he is a Sonoma County guy and probably knows a lot of hidden places.
Re: the Napa wineries you visited, I whole-heartedly agree with your assessment of Mondavi; I think they have (and have had) one of the best tours in the Valley (and I'm not just saying that because I used to work there). As for Grgich and Silver Oak, I would swap their descriptions. Outside of Opus One and some of the boutique wineries there are few places where I've seen as much pretension and wine snobbery as at Silver Oak. I think their wines are at least 30% overpriced. It's been a few years since I've been to Grgich, but remember finding the experience pleasurable. Not a big fan of Sattui wine (good value, though), but their real appeal, as you point out, is the deli and picnicking (great for the kids, too).
Ask marne about his suggestions for Sonoma wineries, especially those closer to him in Sabastapol. FWIW, I'd recommend visiting Gundlach Bendschu, Bartholomew Park and even one of the bigger producers like Clos du Bois.
Also, please take advantage of the Wine-ers thread to share your thoughts and experiences. If I have any say in the matter it will not be a place where wine snobbery rules and anyone who isn't a self-described expert needs to be bashful about asking questions or sharing their thoughts, experiences.
Happy Trails. |
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| marne |
I'm kinda squeezed for time for the next couple of days, but I promise that before the weekend I'll post my thoughts on some well-known, lesser-known and unknown Sonoma wineries. Maybe restaurants too. And cheese places. And more!
--Marne |
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| ghm2112 |
Yeah, my aunt used to drive a fire engine red El Dorado (big body and a smooth finish) and we used to have a dog that was a samoyen-amador mix (kind of skunky with a foul nose and watery finish) On second thought maybe it was a samoyen-LABRADOR mix.:D :D :D :D
Seriously (or about as seriously as I like to get about wine), I have only had limited exposure to wines from the gold country, although a while back we took part in a great motorcyle road rally staged during the annual apple festival(s).
I'd second Marne's suggestion of Boeger, as I've actually heard good things about them. Dunno if I have had any firsthand experience. After checking out their website, I wonder if there is a red varietal they DON't make? Hopefully some fo them are good!
Ghost: is the Yarra Valley covered by the Acura Navi?:D
That'a all for now.
Happy Trails |
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| phillyflyer |
GHM;
Thanks for your insights! I will dutifully report back with our findings upon our return towards the end of the month!
Ed |
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| ghm2112 |
OK, since it looks like marne will be out of the loop for a few days, I'll offer up another fairly simple suggestion:
taste at the wineries, but buy at the liquor/wine outlets
In the town of Napa, JV liquor warehouse is located near the corner of Silverado Trail and First Street. They have a huge selection and definitely beat winery retail. of course, if you have 'freinds in the industry' the employee/friends-of-the-winery discounts usually beat JV. If you're looking for something specific or less common, it'd be a good idea to call ahead and see if they have it in stock:
JV Liquor Warehouse
707.253.2620
426 First St.
Napa, CA 94559
BTW, although I would hope it goes w/o saying among 'family', I do not have any financial associations with any of the locations (wineries, restaurants, etc) I mention/recommend here. When I do have an association I will state it clearly. Napa/Sonoma are still small enough that personal connections with people in the wine/tourist industry are virtually inevitable.
Happy Trails.
Coming Tomorrow: Star sighting at the local meat counter!!!! :D :D |
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| ghost |
quote:
Originally posted by ghm2112
.
Ghost: is the Yarra Valley covered by the Acura Navi?:D
That'a all for now.
Happy Trails
Hey, mate! I don't know, but can you imagine tooling around the outback in an MDX? Awesome!
I was really struck by the fact that they'd let you rent a car in downtown Melbourne and, on your way out, remind you to drive on the left. That was an experience! :rolleyes: |
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| ghm2112 |
Ghost:
Kinda like sending your daughter off to the prom and reminding her date, "you DO know how to treat a lady, right?"
Actually it also reminds me of the tourist areas in all the lesser colonies where you see "Look Right" painted at the intersections to keep (mostly American) tourists from walking in front of oncoming cars.
As for Xing in the Outback... oh baby, where do I sign up!!
I'll pack the wine, water and shotguns, you pack more wine and veggies, throw in some friends and it'll be wallaby stew for us all!
Happy Trails |
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| ghm2112 |
Atlanta:
Sorry for the delay in weighing in on the wineries you mentioned. I know you've been waiting with baited breath for my astute observations and opinions:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D
I'm with marne re: Mantanzas Creek, except, surprisingly, I've had a little trouble with their QC. we picked up a few bottles of 1996? merlot and a couple of them were off. we obtained them from a restaurant that was going under, so I can't be 100% sure that they were stored properly (and we ALL store our wines properly, right?).
re: Buena Vista, as you probably know they are one of the oldest wineries in CA and still put out a good product. In fact, last night we cracked open a bottle of 1999 Sauv Blanc (retail = $5, i think) and it went great with the roasted chicken, string bean salad and risotto milanese. (must be time for lunch...). balanced and light with a nice clean and appropriately acidic finish. a visit to their facility is very worthwhile as, if I remember correctly, they have a great display of historical wine artifacts and the like.
Happy Trails. |
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| MGTD |
quote:
Originally posted by ghm2112
Atlanta:
re: Buena Vista, as you probably know they are one of the oldest wineries in CA and still put out a good product.
Happy Trails.
I think that Tricky Dick took over some Buena Vista Caber Sov to China when we opened up relations with them as a piece offering.:)
Chris |
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| ghm2112 |
MGTD:
Read yesterday that El Dorado is considered its own, recognized appelllation but that Amador is not. Has this changed recently, or are wines labeled 'Amador' or 'Amador County' doing so in a colloquial manner? Do Amador wines get labelled as El Dorado?
Just curious.:confused: |
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| MGTD |
quote:
Originally posted by ghm2112
MGTD:
Read yesterday that El Dorado is considered its own, recognized appelllation but that Amador is not. Has this changed recently, or are wines labeled 'Amador' or 'Amador County' doing so in a colloquial manner? Do Amador wines get labelled as El Dorado?
Just curious.:confused:
I must confess that I do not know. As you pointed out many El Dorado wines are labeled El Dorado.
A quick scan of some Amador wines indicate that they either specify generically Sierra Foothills, Amador, or Amador County. Also some will spell out the local town, ie Plymouth and Fiddletown, or the more popular Shenandoah Valley.
From http://www.travelenvoy.com/wine/cal...ierra Foothills
SIERRA FOOTHILLS
Amador, Calavaras, El Dorado, Nevada, Mariposa, Placer, Tuolumme, Yuba
The sub-viticultural areas of the Sierra Foothills are:
El Dorado- El Dorado; Fair Play- El Dorado; Fiddletown- Amador; North Yuba- Yuba;California Shenandoah Valley- Amador/El Dorado; Amador/El Dorado Sierra Foothills- Yuba, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Calavaras, Mariposa, Tuloumme Yuba, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Calavaras, Mariposa, Tuloumme Yuba, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado,Amador, Calavaras, Mariposa, Tuloumme
Since most of the wineries are on hwy 16 (Shenandoah Valley) you can keep going through and it pops into many of El Dorado's wine areas just on the other side of the Consumnes River at River Pines. Makes for quite a large selection within a single highway.
Those with Navi will not be rewarded with any winery listings but the major roads in the area are covered. You will have to venture onto smaller roads leaving bread crumbs for many of the Shenandoah wineries.
One personal note is that we often get our Christmas tree from Noels in the Fairplay area of El Dorado and stop by Fitzpatricks for lunch. I am not a fan of their wines but they do make a good plowmans lunch and have a great view from their deck of the surrounding regions and the snow crested Sierras.
Chris |
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| ghm2112 |
Chris:
Thanks for the tips! That's the kind of info I am (and hopefully others are) interested in. Don't have the Nav (read 'purist' rather than 'cheapskate':D ), so the issue of non-coverage is moot.
your info re: labelling of Foothill wines is interesting. The definition of what a wine is/isn't is such a huge deal in Napa Valley and its sub-appelations that I figure it has skewed my perspective on the issue. maybe marne has some insight into what's going on with this issue in SV.
ok, now for a 'star' sighting. i rolled into a locally-owned supermarket to pick up some stuff fer grillin' and lo-and-behold who is picking up some sort of special order but Mr Apocolypse Now himself, Francis Ford (Frank-to-his-friends) Coppola.
As we both stood there waiting for our orders, I asked him about his son and daughter who went to high school with me. He, being a GREAT MAN, perfunctily discarded me like the lowly subject that I am. Who would think that simple small talk at the meat counter would be such an affront to a man of such immense stature (read FAT). Anyway, I guess I should just be thankful that I am blesed to be living among such greatness:D :D :D :cool:
Happy w'end to all. |
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| ghost |
| Wow, I'm in the same forum as a guy who got blown off by Francis Ford Coppela! :cool: |
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| MGTD |
OK my mind might be foggy and this may be an urban myth but I was under the impression that we were gifted with "Godfather III" simply because old Frank had a balloon payment due on his Napa place.
So see the realities of life hit even the "special people".
Chris |
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| ghm2112 |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by MGTD
[B]OK my mind might be foggy and this may be an urban myth but I was under the impression that we were gifted with "Godfather III" simply because old Frank had a balloon payment due on his Napa place.
Chris:
What I've heard was that it was also a chance for Frank to get his daughter into acting. (Pssst... You didn't hear it from me, but let's just say that a certain someone was left on the platform when the Academic Express pulled out of the station:eek: )
A few years earlier MY father, certainly setting the bar low enough so that the 'man of immense stature' could top it, got me a real swell job clearing blackberry bushes off of a hillside the summer after I graduated from HS. Well, I guess at least I arrived at college with my first month's beer money intact:D .
Happy Trails |
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| AtlantaMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by MGTD
OK my mind might be foggy and this may be an urban myth but I was under the impression that we were gifted with "Godfather III" simply because old Frank had a balloon payment due on his Napa place.
So see the realities of life hit even the "special people".
Chris
Chris,
Funny, I think I heard the same thing. |
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| ghm2112 |
This weekend I spoke with a friend who tends to know such things, and he said that it was Apocalypse Now, not GFIII, that was made after Frank put the NV estate on the line. That's not to say, however, that he didn't put out that crappy III just to make a mortgage payment.
On a wine note, I attended a fund raiser for a local pol this weekend that was held at the Trincero (Sutter Home) property outside of St Helena and they were seving a wide range of pretty good wines incl. Frog's Leap, Stags Leap, some Beringer and Mondavi Reserves and a whole boatload of 'Trincero Family' wines. The TF wines are supposed to be an improvemengt on the Sutter Home line. Funny, I couldn't tell the difference btw the Trincero Family wines and that mediocre-defined Sutter Home stuff that's been around for ages. Perhaps needless to say not much of that stuff was being consumed. Stay away from it.
Marne: what are the latest brix/pH #s on your pinot?
Salute' |
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| marne |
The Pinot Noir at Sonatera (the big vineyard) won't be harvested until next year. We dropped all of the clusters there a couple of months ago.
At our home Morton's Mountain Vineyard, named for our cat (see Morton in Show-Us-Your-Pets ), we have the following:
Chardonnay, 20.5 brix
Petite Sirah, 17.2 brix
Petit Verdot, 13.3 brix (always the laggard!)
Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.6 brix
If the neighborhood raccoons leave us any fruit this year, we'll have a stomping party!
--Marne |
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| ghm2112 |
Marne:
Looks like your Cab is just slightly ahead of our merlot (18.4 last w'end).
Still trying to decide whether to go 100% merlot in the production or take up my buddy's offer of blending some/all with his grenache. Seems like an unusual blend. Any thoughts? The upside is that they run a major NV winery and therefore have access to first rate equipment. The downside is that I've never really dug their homebrew.
regardless, I'll hope to keep at least 10 gal (remember I'm only dealing with about 40 gal total) as a straight merlot just to see how the vines are doing.
Any prognosis on harvest dates? Supposed to be warming up next week!
Happy Trails. |
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| ghm2112 |
As a respite from the images of the past week (and to reassure us all that beauty can still exist despite evil), I offer this image from last weekend's harvest of our 'downtown merlot':
-Traveller |
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| BellTeck |
Are those grapes in them baskets are you just happy to see us?
Im thinking that a trip out west with my new 02/Nav may be in the works to visit all the X Wineries.
Have you thought of calling your wine " Le MultiDimensional Merlot " ? :D :cool: :rolleyes:
TECK! |
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| AtlantaMDX |
| ghm2112, a very nice harvest... |
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| ghm2112 |
Wow, posts from two of my fav-o-rite MDXers!
Teck!: How many dimensions can a wine exist in anyway? are we talking about chaos theory? non-linear physics? realtivity? Maybe the wisened Marne knows.
As for me, if I can just call the stuff 'drinkable' or 'I'm-actually-not-embarrased-to serve-it-to-friends' I'll be happy!:D
Atlanta: I have a few more, including a shot of a 60 gal barrel loaded into the back of the X. Will post them when I get a chance.
-Traveller |
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| ghost |
| Thanks, that's become my screen background - nice! |
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| BellTeck |
GHM,
Drink enough wine and you see all the dimensions :p
I found a couple avatars for ya if you want em ... |
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| BellTeck |
| or .. The GHM Bartender... |
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| BellTeck |
| How bout a baseball ump ? |
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| AtlantaMDX |
GHM,
I look forward to your other pictures... :) |
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| ghm2112 |
TECK!
Don't you like my avatar? :mad: Isn't that like insulting someones dog?:confused: I'm hurt (not really):D . Anyway, I'll have to try to rotate them through. Also, I'm impressed by your astute observations regarding wine driniking and seeing other dimensions!:D
ghost and Atlanta: here are a few more photos from this past weekend. there's even one with PEOPLE in it. D'ya think Traveller might be in the photo? or is he safely behind the camera? We may never know:cool: ...
See followup posts.
Traveller |
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| ghm2112 |
| How REAL wine drinkers take their wine: |
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| ghm2112 |
| Traveller makes off with the bounty: |
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| AtlantaMDX |
| Now that's a great shot! :) |
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| BellTeck |
GHM? Dont like your avatar??
I grew up with that avatar !!!
I listened to your avatar through my teen years !!
I used to play that avatar for thise special moments LOL!!
I LOVE THAT AVATAR !!! LOL!!
( Think he bought it people? )
Just thought I'd throw out a couple of them and maybe you would like one. ;)
I was looking for the " Winers do it with thier feet " bumper sticker but luckily there was not one on your X LOL!!
Is that Genuine Merlot Light in that bottle? Nice .. where's the pic of the double wide? LOL!!
Seriously GHM the background of your place there looks absolutly beautiful with the hills ... you'll have to let us sample your first batch of GHMDOG wine :p
TECK! |
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| ghm2112 |
Just bouncing this one back out of hiding.
I've attached a link for anyone interested in updates on the 2002 harvest:
From the St. Helena Star
For what it's worth, latest Sunday's reading on our merlot was 19.4 deg brix, putting us about 2 weeks ahead of last year. Moderate sized crop with smaller berries :eek: . If things stay on the cool side we should be harvesting in 2-3 weeks!
Happy Trails!
-Traveller |
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| DaleB |
What a wonderful topic! Anybody make the stop on 128 between Cloverdale and the coast at Husch Vineyards?
Careful, winding roads ahead! |
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| msu79gt82 |
Old topics and old people:cool:
I miss old AtlantaMDX; at one time some were betting on him to take the posting lead. |
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| ghm2112 |
msu/gt:
There's a lot to be said for lurking in the tall grass!
Like any posting-based website the recycled topics (i.e., where'd you get it, how much did you pay, and how'd you trick it out) have kinda relegated me to the sidelines.
Don't get me wrong the site is great and still offers some nuggets (I'll be getting in on Tim's sale), but I just haven't had much to say since it was confirmed that I survived 9/11. I guess you could say that the promise of a new harvest has re-kindled the flame a bit.
I wonder what Marne, Atlanta, Teck (bless his soul) and some of the others are up to?
BTW, who you callin' old!:2:
-Traveller |
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| hondacuraworld |
Talked to Marne about a week ago....we still keep in touch from time to time. He and his wife are doing fine....and he promised to stop in and say hi to us "old salts"!
Man there have been a lot of prolific people come and go in the last almost 2 years.....dancall, Crem de la SUV, MDXtra, Sidewinder, PittMDX, MyTonka, dbastian......
where did you guys go? :confused: |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Man there have been a lot of prolific people come and go in the last almost 2 years.....dancall, Crem de la SUV, MDXtra, Sidewinder, PittMDX, MyTonka, dbastian......
where did you guys go? :confused:
What about DMor, lmeans, phillyflyer, debrockman, ...
I wonder if VaBchMDX ever got her car? |
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| Fireblade6 |
Love wine. Where I live, there are some reputable wineriess here. A place called Temecula is where some really good wines come out.
Callaway is one of them. I frequent the small and medium size wineries on a monthly basis to buy wines.
Hey..I have an idea...Let's do a wine exchange...I want to explore some local wineries from where you MDX owners are from. |
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| DaleB |
Mirassou, South San Jose, some fine wines, very friendly staff, great special dinners, Farmer's Market on Sundays, and only a 7 minute drive from home.
6 minutes from highway 101. |
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| marne |
Testarossa has some of the best wines around. (That 'cause they buy their grapes from only the best vineyards!)
Their facility is right next to Mirassou in east Los Gatos, at the old Jesuit winery. It's about 3 minutes from the Highway 9 exit off 17. Check out their great website. And if you visit, tell 'em that Marne set you!
--Marne
P.S. I'm up for wine trades! |
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| Pauly |
| :4: Gentlemen: I have to say that I have truly been enjoying this thread; information on a couple of my favorite topics: Sonoma County and wine, all done in complete sentences! Y'all keep it going. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by marne
Testarossa has some of the best wines around. (That 'cause they buy their grapes from only the best vineyards!)
Their facility is right next to Mirassou in east Los Gatos, at the old Jesuit winery. It's about 3 minutes from the Highway 9 exit off 17. Check out their great website. And if you visit, tell 'em that Marne set you!
--Marne
P.S. I'm up for wine trades!
Thanks for that tip! Have to try it! |
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| ghm2112 |
I'd be up for a little wine swapping, particularly if we can focus on lesser known/local products and target a certain price range. For a number of reasons (some financial some philosophical) my wine 'cru' are really focusing on what the trade calls value wines: <$40 a bottle. You might be surprised at how many really excellent wines can be acquired in that price range.
So, to start with, I'd propose we simply target a price range and have at it.
Anyone else beside fireblade and marne up for that?
Great to hear you're still around, Marne. How about an update on your grapes? Also, I seem to recall you sent Tim a bottle in the past. Can you give us some insight into cost and best method? Thanks.
Happy Trails,
Traveller:cool: |
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| ghm2112 |
Here are a couple of links to SF Chronicle articles on wine:
About this year’s harvest:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...28/FD163522.DTL
About vineyard/winery workers (a topic near and dear to my heart):
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...28/FD225292.DTL
Also, for those of you who are fans of sparkling wines, the two largest producers in NV [Domaine Chandon (>1M case capacity!) and Mumm Napa) are severely cutting back on production this year. Word is that DC is producing ZERO new sparkiling wine this year and is sending virtually all of its contracted pinot and chard straight to Gallo. They are producing a limited amount of still wine (pinot and chard). As for Mumm, I've heard of a sparking production cutback ranging anywhere from 65-90%. They are also planning the production of limited amounts of still wine.
Keep in mind that (unlike their finer brethren) virtually all of the sparkling wine produced by these companies is non-vintage (i.e., you will not see a DC Brut 1999, etc), so the wine they've been sitting on for the past few years will still be bottled and distributed for your enjoyment.
I see that the BA MDX meet will be at J. What have you heard from them, Marne.
Happy Trails,
Traveller |
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| marne |
I can live with a $40 limit.
As to the vineyard, we're in verasion now. That's when the grapes change color, in our case green to purple. (White wine grapes also change color, but it's much more subtle, from green-green to gold-green.) In the attached picture, you'll see a cluster which is mostly (but not fully) colored-up, and in the background a few berries from a cluster which still has a way to go.
We should be harvesting (our first!!!) between the 10th and 15th of October.
--Marne |
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| marne |
ghm2112: As a (card-carrying!) member of the wine industry, I can attest that we're thorougly annoyed and irritated by the laws relating to wine shipments. Essentially, big liquor distributors lobbied many state legislatures to prevent wine and liquor shipments into their states. The alleged reason was to protect innocent youth from the evils of alcohol. The actual reason was to ensure that the distributors would get their cut of absolutely any beer, wine or liquor sale to the state's citizens. Thus, wine can only legally be shipped to and from the following states:
ALASKA
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
IOWA
IDAHO
ILLINOIS
MISSOURI
NEW MEXICO
NEVADA
OREGON
WASHINGTON
WISCONSIN
WEST VIRGINIA
WYOMING
Shipping wine to (or from) any other state is theoretically a crime, a felony in many cases. Now, some states do allow in-shipments of wine from individuals (versus wineries). However, UPS and the post office often refuse to take these shipments to 'safer' state -- they are businesses and don't want to take any chance of being an accessoriy to a felony.
The bottom line -- shipping wine can be risky and problematic.
So what do I do when I ship wine to those pesky states not on the list above? I ship cartons labeled CAR PARTS, and add a label saying 'RATTLE OK'. (See attached jpg.) I safely pack the wine bottles, then I place near the outside of the carton a small plastic container partially filled with nuts and bolts. When the carton is shaken, that okayed rattle is heard above any muffled sloshing of wine. So far, I have no failures, no confiscations, and no arrests. (Of course, now that I've made this public post, the Revenuers will be a-waiting for me next time!)
As to shipping containers, most private shipping businesses (Mailboxes Etc, etc) will sell cartons with styrofoam inserts for wine bottles. If you belong to a wine club, you'll receive your wine in these cartons. Alternately, wrap your wine bottles in bubblewrap (the big-bubble kind is best) and use any handy cardboard box for the shipping carton.
--Marne |
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| ghm2112 |
More evidence re the wisdom of drinking wine.
I especially like the comments about previous studies having linked beer drinking to hostility and wine drinking being linked to a healthy lifestyle!:2:
Salute',
Traveller
Moderate Drinking May Help Control Blood Sugar
Mon Sep 23, 5:29 PM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Drinking moderate amounts of wine, beer or hard alcohol is associated with better blood glucose (sugar) control among healthy adults, particularly women, study findings indicate.
The researchers used hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), a test that gauges a person's average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. High blood sugar over the long term among non-diabetic people, as measured by HbA1c, has been linked to an increased risk of death from all causes as well as death from heart and blood vessel disease. High HbA1c levels can also indicate an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Women who drank any kind of alcohol had lower HbA1c, regardless of their body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure of a person's weight in relation to their height and is used to gauge obesity.
In men, however, only wine was associated with healthier blood glucose levels, the researchers report in the September issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. They suggest that lifestyle and personality traits associated with wine drinking may account for the finding, as previous studies have linked beer drinking among men to smoking, hostility and a less healthy diet.
Drinking wine, on the other hand, is associated with healthy lifestyle behaviors such as not smoking and avoiding obesity, as well as a higher level of education. Wine also tends to be consumed with meals, which would blunt the effects of alcohol on the body.
Whatever the reason, the results support those of previous studies and "provide further evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may be one component of a healthy lifestyle," conclude Dr. N. J. Wareham from the University of Cambridge in the UK and colleagues.
The results are based on written interviews with more than 6,400 white adults aged 40 to 78 who were participating in a study on diet and chronic disease. Overall, adults who consumed the most alcohol tended to be younger and to have lower blood glucose levels. Those who consumed alcohol also tended to be more educated, to smoke and to report exercising.
BMI declined as alcohol intake rose among women. Among men, however, BMI rose in tandem to the amount of alcohol consumed. Men and women also differed in the type of alcohol they drank. Men drank more beer, while women tended to drink more wine. Fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with wine but not beer intake |
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| ghm2112 |
The latest update on the NV and vicinity harvest can be found here:
From the St. Helena Star
For what it's worth, our limited-prduction 2002 Wilson Street Merlot is currently sitting happily in its cellar-resident glass carboys. Initial evaluations look promising for a pleasantly drinkable product!:2:
Happy Trails
-Traveller |
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| ghm2112 |
As the 2002 harvest wraps up, I'd thought I'd provide a link to the latest St. Helena Star Harvest Report.
As for our little production, the 2002 Wilson Street Merlot (sometimes called 'milk crate merlot' by the insiders) is resting nicely in the cellar with intial sensory and analytical measurements all pointing towards a medium bodied and fun consumable.
One thing that is becoming more and more apparent is that the grape glut has allowed producers of low to mid-range wines to purchase generally better grapes than in previous years. From a consumer's standpoint this is great news as it means that the types of wine most of us drink on a daily basis SHOULD be of relatively better quality than in previous years. (Better grapes don't necessarily equate to better wines, but better wines are almost impossible to make with lesser grapes)
marne, if you are still checking this board, how about a summary of your 2002 harvest, including some insight into whether/how you have been effected by the glut. I know you have a (long term?) contract with Testarossa, but did they ask for anything unusual in the way of cluster selection etc? Thanks.
Salute' to all,
Traveller |
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| ghm2112 |
FYI. Anyone else wish they could join the "Vinsalud 2002" wine and health congress?:2:
Is Wine Less Risky Than Beer??
Thu Oct 24,10:23 AM ET
SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) - Wine is less likely than beer or spirits to lead to cirrhosis of the liver among people who consume alcohol, an international health congress heard.
A study by the Alcohol Research Center in Copenhagen showed only 9.6 percent of 300 Danes with alcohol-induced cirrhosis drank more wine than other alcoholic drinks put together.
The research center, presenting the study Wednesday to the "Vinsalud 2002" wine and health congress in the Chilean capital, said everyone who drank alcohol was at greater risk of contracting cirrhosis than abstainers.
"There seems to be an increased risk also for wine drinkers but this is much, much lower than for those who drink beer or spirits," the center's Morten Gronbaek told the congress.
Gronbaek, a world leader in research into the health effects of alcohol, said 40.8 percent of the cirrhosis cases were drinkers whose alcohol intake was less than 1 percent wine.
Cirrhosis is a potentially fatal disease often associated with overconsumption of alcohol. It blocks the flow of blood through the liver, the biggest organ in the body.
Congress delegates said a reason for the lower cirrhosis rate in wine drinkers could be that polyphenol, a substance found in the skin of red grapes, might protect the liver from damage.
Researchers say polyphenol, a strong anti-oxidant also found in green tea and curry spice, may help fight heart disease and some cancers.
Gronbaek said a separate study showed that wine drinkers were also less at risk from becoming excessive drinkers than people whose favorite tipple was beer.
Happy Trails,
-Traveller |
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| DaleB |
| I will drink to that! And a nice Sonoma county Pinot at that! |
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| presten@fcs.net |
| To GHM 2112, please contact me...I too live in the Napa Valley and would like to meet you. email me at presten@attbi.com |
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| ghm2112 |
Wine and Mind Lovers
Click here for More Good News!
Although I like beer too, I did enjoy the statement that, "Regular beer drinkers actually had a higher risk of developing dementia...":7: = :awais:
But, then again, is that REALLY news?:2:
Happy Trails and remember, pinot noir goes just as well (or better) with the Big Bird as chardonnay!
-Traveller |
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| ghost |
Actually, beer improves brain capacity, as shown by this arguement - wish I could take credit, but it comes from Cliff of Cheers...
Buffalo Theory
by Cliff Clavin:
One afternoon at Cheers, Cliff Clavin was explaining the Buffalo Theory to his buddy Norm:
"Well ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.
In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells.
Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. In fact, that's why you always feel smarter after a few beers." |
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| ghm2112 |
ghost: i'd have to say that he logic of ol' 'cliffy' is a bit iffy. don't get me wrong, i dig my beer and all, but the LAST thing I've ever felt drinking beer is smart...
Getting back to wine (if anyone is still checking this thread) I had the opportunity to share a bottle of 1999 Staglin cabernet (with the winemaker, no less) and MAN was it ever inky. REALLY dark and complex w/ surprisingly low tanins. It was delicious, but there was WAY more going on behind the scenes than my already-tainted palate could figure out (it was our third post-Compari-and-soda bottle). It was one of those wines that reminded me how fun and 'exploratory' wine drinking can be.
Our little 'Cadre du vinifera' are paying a visit to the winery this friday so we can figure out just what the heck we were drinking the other night. After that it's off to an end-of-harvest party at the Artessa winery. The kid'll be with her nonni and we have a designated driver. Might just be fun...:2:
Happy Trails,
Traveller
PS: presten@fcs.net if you are still checking in, drop me a line. |
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| ghm2112 |
The SF Chron ran a story today on beaujolais nouveau: the light, typically fruity harvest wine that is very popular this time of year 'On the Continent' Click Here!
For many years now, our family has enjoyed beaujolais noveau as our pre-Thanksgiving dinner wine as it goes very well with snacks and such. It even makes having to watch the Cowboys and/or Lions almost tolerable!
Also, for those of you who like chanpagne, word from France is that this will be an epic year! Click here for that story!
Happy Trails to all!
-Traveller |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
I enjoy
Merlot from Italy
or Shiraz from Australia
and Beer from Canada.
:7:
PS: did I mention Canadian Club and Crown Royal
everything in moderation, and don't drink and drive. |
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| ghm2112 |
BBC:
Let's hear more details: any favorites you'd like to suggest?
In the spirit(s) of your last post
I enjoy:
Cars from Italy
Women from India
Beer from California
and Cod and Screech from Newfoundland:eek:
What are you planning to serve with you holiday meals?
Happy Trails,
Traveller |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
Traveller
I've never tried Screech.
We will be drinking mainly wine over Christmas.
Tradition has us, eating fish on Christmas Eve, Is this only an Italian thing? Red meat Christmas day.
White and Red wine, keeps everyone warm over the Holidays.
:cool: |
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| Jweig |
Have read with interest your replies on CA wines. Would love to visit these excellent recommendations.
Have focused on VA wines since it is where I live. Would be delighted to hear some favorites from other VA lovers.( Breaux, Gray Ghost, Villa Appalachia, Afton Mountain, Jefferson, Swedenberg, Burnley, White hall, Rockbridge. etc.) |
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| ghm2112 |
Jweig:
A Sonoma buddy of mine and I had a great time years back visiting Linden in Orange County, VA. We happened to stumble upon them on their 'barrel tasting' day. What a blast! VERY low key and friendly event where we basically grabbed a glass (don't even know if we paid anything) and started blending. Out here the opportunity to play around like that is becoming rarer and more expensive unless you know people 'in the industry.'
Anyway, some other VA wines I've enjoyed have come from Chrysalis, Horton and Michael Shaps. Other than those I really haven't tasted much (or much I've liked). I wasn't all that impressed by Breaux, but maybe that's just me...:2:
Any specific suggestions (i.e. producer and varietal) from you?
-Traveller |
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| ghm2112 |
Latest word from our friends on North Island, New Zeland is that successive freezes have totally decimated this year's harvest. We're not just talking about 1 or 2 vineyards here. What I've been told is that the ENTIRE 2002 harvest has been called off and vineyards workers are being sent away throughout the regions!
It really is a tragedy, viticulturally, as the Kiwi's are beginning to crank out some very good and affordable wines. I'd balme the Aussies!
Happy trails,
-Traveller |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
Traveller
I tried a very cheap bottle of Aussie Shiraz over the holidays.
It's called Jacob's Creek and it goes down very well with some roast beef.
Ever tried it, is it sold in your area, any other Aussie recommendations.
BBC |
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| BigDog |
| For you fellow Bay Area Zinfandel lovers, there is a Zinfandel tasting at Fort Mason in San Francisco the day before (the Raiders win) the superbowl. Check out | | | |
