Depressing or what?

[tomstevenson]

Hi ChittyChattyKathy (I know a few of those!) I particularly love Washington Hills Apex. Also the Apex Cab and most vintages the Apex Chard. Yes CCK, I've tasted Alexia. I've even got some in my cellar here back in GB. I've tasted the Brut and the Blanc de Noirs from both the 1996 and 1997 vintages. I recommended all bar the 1997 Brut in last year's Guide. The Blanc de Noirs seems to be the most successful style (I like the way that true strawberry PN comes through the wine's classic lean structure) and the 1997 Blanc de Noirs is the best of all. Although the best cuvees from Domaine Ste Michelle are nowhere near the same class, they have recently started to match the sort of quality this winery churned out in the late-1970s. What with this, Gordy Rawson's Alexia and even little ol' Tefft producing a quaffing sparkling Meunier, the pressure is on Mountain Dome, and the result can only be good for all of these producers, not to mention consumers.

All this talk of fizz has probably sent Bucko off to sleep again!

Tom