1999 Dry Creek V. Merlot

[Thomas]

Riper fruit, perhaps; different winemaking techniques, perhaps too. The difference betweem Old World style and New World style winemaking is where the emphasis is placed--the latter relies more on the attributes of the grape; the former relies on the attributes of the place from which the grapes grow. But if grapes get as ripe in the Old World as in New World warmer places, they too develop big structure--and some of those tannins.

My slant is not to dwell so much on the difference between the "worlds." I have made a definite shift toward trying as many wines as I can fit into one life, and then deciding what I like or dislike about each on its own merits. Still, I prefer Old World style over New.

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 11-22-2003).]