FYI, Ridge 2003 cabernet

This weekend 22-23 May 2004, Ridge Vineyards in California opens house for a second public showing of its current year of Monte Bello Cabernet (2003, available for advance purchase through this month,

Each sees an annual assembly of wine parcels from the previous harvest, entailing two public barrel samplings (March with separate parcels, then final or near-final assemblage in May) with sometimes older vintages sampled also. I think it is a gracious custom. (Ridge has quietly produced a traditional, individual, long-aging California Cabernet for more than 40 years, predating all currently fashionable US wine critics, "cult" wines, most US wineries, and many of their employees and customers). Paul Draper, winemaker emeritus, was recently on the cover of the US _Wine Spectator_ magazine which might enhance public interest, as did the _Decanter_ winemaker-of-the-year cover a few years back.

I plan to visit and taste ten hours from now -- it is convenient because I am not far away. Should anyone read this in time and find it convenient also, the hours are 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days. Of course it would be technically possible for most people in North America (three large countries, Newfoundland, and several other island countries) or even further away to reach the winery this weekend if they heard in time. (That is like when in Hong Kong once for two days and eight small meals I telephoned my cousin in rural western China. She insisted "you could join me in as little as ten hours," which I conceded, but pleaded that I would arrive just in time to return. So I understand if anyone must reluctantly miss Ridge with this notice.)

Max