Cacciatore: Rave prices, Rant results?

[cpurvis]

Not sure where to put this, so here it is.

The story: Cacciatore Fine Wines & Olive Oil Corp. (that should tell us somethin') planted vineyards in the southern Central Valley (north of Bakersfield) starting in the '80s. Sold grapes to the big guys 'til now.

The stuff: Bottling under the "Optimum" label, '98 is their first release... Cab, Merlot, Sangiovese, Zin, Chard, & Pinot Grigio, with Syrah to come in the 2000 release. Based on the chard, it may be an unfortunate use of the adjective "optimum."
See TNs under the chard thread. They claim good reports from outside on the Pinot Grigio & Syrah.

The scoop: avail. only from the producer & by the case @ $60/case + shipping. IMO, leave wallet in pocket for now. cp