Has anyone gone to the Gaja tasting?

[wineguruchgo]

I've been invited to go to a vertical tasting of Gaja Barbaresco's today. I know they have done this throughout the country. Has anyone else gone?

[Thomas]

wineguru, I wondered why you put this question into the rant forum, but then I decided why not rant!

That tasting, and a zillion others, have been floating through NYCity lately. I have come to the conclusion that going to large, sponsored tastings is neither conducive to evaluating wine properly nor is it comfortable, not to mention the annoying hype behind celebrity names, which is something I avoid as avidly as I shy from government agents.

Even if Gaja's Barbarescos or any of his other wines are good, they are sure to be over-priced, and they are sure to be push marketed at you (until you place the order to discover that some joker got a big deal and bought most of it in your neighborhood).

The celebrity end of the business is...ah well, I've ranted enough on this one.

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 03-10-2004).]

[sedhed]

I had the 1990 last year and it was outstanding. If they have that vintage there go straight for it.

[winoweenie]

Whar area of Napa do it come frum Foodie-poo? ww

[Thomas]

ww, it's Sonoma...

[wineguruchgo]

Well I did go and it was great! It's not very often that I get to try a 78', 89', 99' & 00 along with their other wines as well.

Angelo Gaja was there and spoke, with slides, for about an hour or so and he was very interesting and pretty funny. He has a great grasp on the english language and the vernacular.

Again, I haven't had the chance, ever, to try a 26 year old wine so it was really interesting. The nose of the 78' reminded me of a Tawny Port and the 89' reminded me of a Ruby Port.

Sure they want me to buy more, yet since I'm interviewing, I figured I would not receive the pressure that my counterpart/boss will. Speaking of him it was really interesting because I'm sure he didn't realize that I was going and nor did he see me when I was there. I got up to use the ladies room and saw him a few rows back from me giggling with a young lady. He was stunned. When I came back from the ladies room he was gone!! hehe! Guess he was playing hooky from work!