WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR

[Jerry D Mead]

Thought I'd share my "Winemaker of the Year" with you...who is not the first earring wearing winemaker I've so-honored (there was Carol Shelton from Windsor a year or two ago), but certainly the first earring wearing guy to be so-named.

"Winemaker of the Year" Nick Goldschmidt, the down under import from New Zealand whose work at Simi Winery in Sonoma County has been outstanding from day one. In 1998 almost every wine was a medal winner, a 90-plus point scorer or both. This talented "Kiwi" will please your palate whether your taste leans to white, pink or red. Check out Simi Cabernet Sauvignon, Rose of Cabernet or Sauvignon Blanc.

[Roberta]

I think he also talked Simi into planting syrah, which they definitely didn't want to do.