February 2008 Archives

These kinds of sweeping statements really tick me off! It's like saying an entire vintage stinks when regional temperatures and winemaking styles vary so radically.

Frankly, I just couldn't believe it. How could it be that the entire U.S. is devoid of quality Zinfandels that don't cost an arm and a leg?  So, I phoned the publication and asked to speak to the editors. I finally got past a terse assistant and was able to leave a polite voice mail.  I'm hoping they call me back; we'll see.

I'd really like to know what wines they tasted and of course, did they include ours??? We happen to make a terrific Zinfandel under $20 (our Heritage Zinfandel, $17) and I immediately thought of several reliable favorites… Seghesio, Bella, Acorn, and Mauritson to name just a few. But then, much to my great HORROR, I learned that all of these have exceeded the $20 mark, and in some cases, by a long shot! This is truly depressing.

So I'm thinking we should start a coalition in search of great Zinfandels under $20.  If we find enough, we can challenge them to another tasting to see if they might re-think their opinion! If not, we'll certainly have had a great time drinking one of my favorite wines.

So, I've decided to put together Wilma's list of Top 10 Traits of the Successful Family Owned Winery - just in case any of you are considering joining the ranks!  Here goes:

1.      Learn to bite your tongue. In fact, get really comfortable with it, despite the pain.

2.      Find your own corner of the cellar. In other words, don't share areas of expertise or responsibility…especially if you're married and intend to stay that way.

3.      Whenever possible, make it seem like your brilliant idea was your father's, husband's, wife's, sister's, brother's, cousin's…you get the point.

4.      Learn to coerce, beg, borrow, steal…whatever it takes to get your point across.

5.      Know when to smile and roll your eyes at just the right time.

6.      Understand the real meaning of the numbers, i.e. lots of zeroes after your debt load is NOT good.

7.      Have very small families. The more siblings involved, the more likely for conflict. (My Italian friends know this all too well.)

8.      Put aside an emergency fund for all the counseling, therapy and consulting advice you'll need to keep harmony in the family.

9.      Perfect the art of apologizing.

10.  Drink a lot of wine.

Oh, and I forgot one more. Whenever possible, say “yes honey” and then do the exact opposite.

What could be better than a glass of Zinfandel after a heated argument with a crabby 15-year-old? How about after a frenzied afternoon of business meetings, phone calls and the dreaded carpool? A glass of Zin is always satisfying.

To my mind, Zinfandel really is the most versatile of red wines. It's perfect by itself and sublime with nearly every meal prepared in our family. Zin and tacos, you bet. Zin and pasta, yum.  Zin and barbecue, absolutely!  One of my favorites is my father's recipe, Dave's "Zinful" Flank Steak, which I hope you will try.

Yes, to my palate, Zinfandel truly is the ultimate crowd and taste bud pleaser. It needs nothing to enhance it, yet enhances nearly everything. So, it is with great anticipation that we have finally released an assortment of delicious 2005 and 2006 vintage Zinfandels.

Check ‘em out while they last!

Just recently I met a woman who purchased the Dutcher Crossing Winery down the road.  Dutcher Crossing was started a few years ago by a retired marketing executive with a hankering for wine. Guess he figured he'd start a little winery and live the good life. Something must have happened to squelch those plans as he's already called it quits after 3 short years.

I wish the new owner much success and luck, but I gotta be honest, I wonder what she's thinking…

Does she really know what it's like to worry incessantly (about just about everything), when we have no control over Mother Nature, the U.S. economy, or the taste buds of the American public… no matter how hard we try? Or, that her future success rides greatly on the opinions and taste buds of a few powerful pundits? Or, that those fancy barrels that cost upwards of $900 a piece are practically impossible to give away as flower pots after just a few harvests. Or, that IF she finds the right piece of ground, she'll still have to fork out $80,000 or more an acre for a piece of bare land that may or may not turn out to be any good.  And, on top of everything else, she'll need to regularly wine and dine with complete strangers for the rest of her life??

Yikes...just thinking about it all makes my hair go straight.