merlot vs cabernet

[wdonovan]

In a word, "No". But all of France ain't Bordeaux prices and all of the Cali real estate is Cali prices. France also isn't covered with Porsches and mega-optioned H3's either (the lifestyle part of my ramblings).

Seriously, to me wine is more than a juice. It's beginnings hail from sweat, tears, love of the land.... Hell, to many French vintners, wine is almost a living breathing thing. The vines are as revered as the family. Vinyards have survived hundreds of years. Wars after wars have gone through while vintners have hidden vines like they were priceless art, solely to defend them against ruthless burnings. Alcoves in cellars were painstakingly walled up to hide important bottles against invaders. I guess what I'm saying is that when I buy French wine, I'm paying for the wine AND the passion, the romance, part of the soul of the man who put it into the bottle. I just don't get that feeling from the west coast wines. I once parked my rental car at the spot where I could simultaneously see the vinyards of Latache, Richeburg, Romanee-Conti and it was almost a religious experience. I avoided for 6 months drinking a newly released 96 Avize so I could first taste it with Mr. Chiquet at the Jacquesson Champagne house. To me, these feelings are as important part of wine as the wine itself. I just don't get this from my neighbors in California. But..... that's me.