Comments on: 100 Wines: A Chronicle, #38 and #39

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:49:03 +0000

I just recently acquired a 1981 vintage Windsor Vineyards, Sonoma County, California Cabernet Saugvignon, Colin Wren private reserve, Winemaster’s Private Selection. I was wondering if there was any decent value to this bottle? Any help would be greatly appreciated

By: Fredric Koeppel

Fredric Koeppel — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:10:07 +0000

Charles, that’s great news. I can’t wait to see the new book.

By: Charlie Olken

Charlie Olken — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 02:33:48 +0000

Timely question. I have drifted in here just now because I am taking a break from editing the maps for the new book. It will be called “The New Connoisseurs’ Guidebook to California Wines and Wineries”, and goes on the presses in the next week or two–fingers crossed. Books are expected back before Sept. 1 and in stores shortly thereafter.

The new book is reorganized to treat CA wine by geographic region in recognition of the increased importance that location and terroir play in wine appreciation. There are many other refinements intended to create a modern book, including reliance on the Internet for background reference to every winery and to every region that has a growers and/or winery association. And periodic updates to the book will be available to buyers of the book via dedicated website.

It has been over a decade since Norm Roby and I last wrote a book. This new book hopefully does our earlier book proud by extending its reach as an important CA wine reference source. Thanks for asking.

By: Fredric Koeppel

Fredric Koeppel — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:32:09 +0000

Charles, thanks so much for reading the post and commenting. I’ll follow your suggestion about Vinography. I enjoy your comments on Fermentation; they’re especially important because of your longtime perspective. when will the world see another edition of “The Connoisseurs’ Handbook.”

By: Charlie Olken

Charlie Olken — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:14:23 +0000

Nice remembrance of Rod Strong. His dreams may have been bigger than his ability to succeed with every project he ever started. But, back before Sonoma County was the object of affection that it has become today, there was Rod Strong.

His Alexander’s Crown Cabs were years ahead of their time. His Tiburon Vintners label broke new ground in wine distribution–long before our current debates about wine shipping.

There is a thread running now on another blog, Vinography, in which suggestions for entrance into the Vintners Hall of Fame are being debated. You might want to wander over there and add the name of Rod Strong. You have made the case quite eloquently.