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From: spp@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU (Stephen P Pope)
Newsgroups: net.wines
Subject: Re: California Delusions..   :-)
Message-ID: <11363@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU>
Date: Mon, 6-Jan-86 14:36:11 EST
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.11363
Posted: Mon Jan  6 14:36:11 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 7-Jan-86 04:35:19 EST
References: <1204@gitpyr.UUCP> <11340@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU> <1226@gitpyr.UUCP>
Organization: University of California at Berkeley
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> If we're talking about oenology as an art form, as I am, then the
> price is irrelevant to the quality of the wine.  A masterpiece is
> priceless.  For table wines, we may worry about price.  For celebration
> of the grape, such mundane considerations do nothing but detract from the art.
> Don Barry

     For most wine drinkers price is extremely relevant, but let's
pretend it isn't just for the sake of discussion.
     The other day I pulled out one of my remaining bottles of
77 Stag's Leap Vineyards Cabernet.  This wine is a true masterpiece.
No, it will not last for decades; the best California Cabs peak at
about age ten.  No, it is not a Palmer from a good year.  But it is
priceless, in my opinion (and the opinion of quite a few others).
     I fail to see what you gain, Don, by categorically rejecting
an entire important category of wine.  You are really missing out
by not exploring the Californians, so busy are you pulling the corks
of your Richebourgs and Palmers.  I know of no authorities on 
the subject who share your totally negative view on 
California wines. 
     Sure is sad to see someone like you, Don, with an obvious love
of wine, and the resources to fully appreciate this precious art,
miss out because of a silly prejudice.
     Appreciation of wine is an acquired taste, and you will never
be able to fully appreciate California wines unless you approach 
them with a more objective attitude.  
     For the record, I probably these days only expend about ten
percent of my wine budget on California wines. 

steve