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

[winoweenie]

That area has never been known for enny-thin' but melons, fruits, and sheep. ( The Woolgrowers Rest in Bakersfield one of my favorite Basque jernts in the west ) WW

[cpurvis]

Further confirmation of WW's opinion: opened the '98 Zin last night. Chemical nose, brick/amber color w/ CLEAR rim (bad sign), initial bitter chemical taste.

Good thing I was standin' in front of the kitchen sink & not on the carpet. Spewed this one..can't even give a mid-palate report. Pure plonk.

The moral: Cacciatore..don't let it 'catch ya'! cp

[Botafogo]

A quote from a press release (reprinted as "news" in a trade rag):

"This is a grower-producer-bottler structure," explains Cacciatore,"that in itself guarantees one line price for every variety. It also guarantees quality, consistency, price stability, flexibility, assortment, and above all, the integrity of our corporation." Then he adds, "If we don't rate #1, then we surely rank among the best in the world in premium varietal grapes."

Uuuhhhhhhhh, dude, you need to get out more....

Roberto