The whole cycle's about to start again, for the new year, and some might say, for the new century. We've noted in the past that most American wineries, while obviously preoccupied with the American market, are always looking to expand abroad. Despite our educatory efforts and good intentions, there continues to be many more wine drinkers abroad than here at home. And, we've been working harder than most to make the most of these assets. Some great progress of late, particularly in France.
Spoon is difficult to describe.
If anyone can pull that off, it'll be Ducasse. Though it's certainly more difficult to work a hilly vineyard in the boonies than one of those kid-stuff flat land farms, there are advantages. Over the years, however, winemaker Michael, his assistant Kelly Carpenter, and the rest of the team have been paying attention to the differences in the Chardonnay from different locations at Dollarhide. And they've now learned enough to have produced their first Limited Edition Dollarhide Ranch Chardonnay. From the 1999 vintage, this is a wine that has been treated with special care ever since the grapes were harvested - and even previous to that, in the sense that the vineyard crew paid special attention to the hillside Chardonnay vines that were likely to be chosen for this special bottling.