Let's Pop the Cork!

Greetings, and welcome. I've finally joined the blogging ranks! My goal here is to share my thoughts and impressions on wines I have tasted and will taste in the future. I've been in the wine business for some 12 years now; in restaurants, retail and wholesale. I do not proclaim to be an expert, but I do knows what I likes, and in my opinion, when it comes to wine, that's really all that matters. It is entirely possible I might veer off topic onto other aspects of life, but wine is a part of life, so why not expand a little?

My late father enjoyed a good glass of wine, and that's probably where I got it from. As I became more educated, it was something we were able share together. He had a pretty extensive collection of wine notes that I might drop in from time to time, particularly if it was a bottle we had together.

I have a modest 50 bottle collection, but I am a big believer in quality over quantity. Some of them I hold on to so they properly age, particularly the Bordeaux. But the others I hold on to waiting for that "special occasion". However, my wife is not much of a wine drinker. Have you ever seen a dog get his vaccination for kennel cough? They take a needle-less syringe and fill it with the vaccine. Then they shoot it up the dog's nose. The dog's reaction is immediate; he'll snort and shake his head violently. Now let's be clear: I AM NOT COMPARING MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE TO A DOG. However, her reaction to wine is somewhat similar to that of the dog. She just doesn't care for it. So you can see my hesitation in opening some of my gems when I don't have someone to share them with on a consistent basis. I know, I should be saying, "Hey! More for me!", and believe me, that little nugget is not lost on me. But part of the joy for me has always been the discussion, and in some cases the debate, as well as the overall experience of sharing a good wine. So, in a way, this allows me to share and discuss the wines I have collected, tasted and will taste in the future.

So, without further ado...

As I write I am enjoying a 2007 Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California. I've been a big fan of Seghesio Zins for years. They are as synonymous with Zinfandel as Ridge, Rosenblum and even Turley. The 2007 is particularly compelling. It is loaded with blueberry and boysenberry aromas, accompanied by a touch of smoke and spice. The wine sports a velvety texture with tasty dark berry fruit and sweet, juicy tannins that lead to a fulfilling finish. Quite delicious. This is the third time I've enjoyed a bottle of this wine, and it has not disappointed. This wine received a 93 point score from the Wine Spectator, and was #10 on their Top 100 list for 2008. Upon it's release, it was readily available, but I've seen it slowly disappear off the shelves in my usual wine haunts the last couple of months. If you can find one, pick it up. If you can find two, consider yourself lucky and grab 'em. Very reasonably priced, I picked mine up for about $18 a bottle at one location, and $22 at another.


"A man cannot make him laugh - but that's no marvel; he drinks no wine."

~WM. SHAKESPEARE, Henry IV Part 2