Phantom Wineries

[wdmcjrd]

Two questions regarding the same wine:

I recently purchased a 1997 Sonoma Cabernet titled "Silver Ridge - Barrel Select". I enjoy the wine, but have had a difficult time trying to find anymore of the 1997 vintage. The label states "cellared & bottled by Silver Ridge Vineyards, Sonoma CA.

1.) I have search about a two dozen sites, including the Sonoma and California wine grower associations trying to find anything on this vineyard. I have not had any success. Not even a phone number. Can you clue me in?

2.) Since I did enjoy the wine, I bought a case of it, from a local "notable" wine distributor in Dallas. They pricing sheet they provided me indicated that the case they sold me was a "First Crush". However, upon later inspection, I did not find anything on the bottle or box to support that claim. I understand the concept of proof and mint sets (as they pertain to coins and stamps) but I do not know if a "first crush" is significant to a the flavor or complexity of a wine. Foir that matter I do not even know if they vineyards do "first crushes"? If they do, would they not identify it a such on either the bottle or box?

I would appreciate any information you can provide?

[Bucko]

I've heard of or have reference to:

Silver Creek
Silver Fox
Silver Horse
Silver Lake
Silver Moon
Silver Mountain
Silver Oak
Silver Satin
Silver Thread

No Silver Ridge....... There is a Silvan Ridge in OR.

Bucko

[Drew]

Silver Ridge is a label of:

Classic Wines of California/Bronco Wine Company Rhone Ranger
6342 Bystrum Rd., Ceres, CA 95307
Phone: (800) 692-5780 or (209) 538-3131 Fax: (209) 538-4634
E-mail: winekid3@home.com
Hours: not open to the public
Labels:
Rutherford Vintners, Hacienda, Forest Glen, Cedar Brook, Forestville,
Grand Cru, Montpellier, SILVER RIDGE, Laurier, Douglas Hill, FoxHollow,
Salmon Creek, Domaine Napa, Napa Creek, Napa Ridge, Estrella,
Gibson Winery, Antares Cellar, Albertoni Vineyards, JJJ, CC Vineyard,
The California Winery, Charles Shaw

Drew

[Bucko]

Way to go, Drew! We are going to have to nickname you the Ferret!!

Bucko

[Drew]

Aw shucks....I bet you say that to all the weasels!

Drew

[hotwine]

We've suspected that Drew is sly, sneaky, devious and not to be trusted. Now it's confirmed! He's a weasel!

[wdmcjrd]

Thanks Drew (as well as your cheering section) for your posts. I was able to contact the producer and get the information I needed.

[This message has been edited by wdmcjrd (edited 01-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by wdmcjrd (edited 01-24-2001).]