FYI... are now available.

So, who is taking? What's the preliminary view on these?
I hadn't ever pursued doing futures with Ridge since they were not shipping here to the Republic. I think that they will now, so....maybe.

We'll be tasting this in a few weeks here in DC.

You'll be tasting the '03?? If this was crushed in October, how will this be anything but grape juice? Question for the pros. How soon can juice (I can't call it wine) be tasted and still provide some indication of quality?

Ridge brought 3 vintages of the Montebello to the barrel tasting last year (2000-2002), and I expect them to do it again this year. There's been discussion that Montebello is notoriously difficult to rate while they are young - I guess I'll just have to compare last year's tasting of the 2002 to this year's sample (of the 2002) to get a calibration of where the wine is at.

The thing I learned from barrel tasting Cabernets last year was that the first several wines taste a little grapey but your palate adjusts and they start tasting like wine very quickly.

WDoT, according to the Ridge futures flyer they still do not ship to texas. I'm still considering wether I want to go this weekend to the MonteBello varietal components tasting at the winery.

Hey Skwid, is that futures tasting open to the public?

JimmyV.....last year Ridge brought 3 vintages for the tasting which they designated as follows: 2000 Bottled; 2001 Barrel sample, 2002 Tank sample. This year I expect the following: 2001 Bottled, 2002 Barrel sample, 2003 Tank sample.

It amazes me most wineries will ship to Texas but the ones that I REALLY want most (Chateau Montelena, Rochioli, QC, Williams Seylem, etc.) won't.

NCVL, the tasting is open to the public, but the cost is $40. For ATP and previous futures orderers it is free (but you have to call to let them know you are coming). You may need to call ahead of time. I think I'm going to attend on Sunday.

FYI, the $40 is refunded if you purchase futures.

-J

What time is the event?

Here's what I found on the website. Looks like we might go on Sunday as well.

Monte Bello Futures Tasting: Varietal Components

Saturday, March 13 & Sunday, March 14 (Monte Bello only) - 11 am to 4 pm

Taste barrel samples from the 2003 vintage: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and the first assemblage of the Monte Bello. Paul Draper will give a short presentation on the Monte Bello Vineyard (tentative times of 12:30 and 2:30). An assortment of breads, cheeses, and light fare will accompany the tasting.
Admission: $40, complimentary to members*

If any one tastes this, please post the results. Thanks.