It's not every day that you get to clink glasses with the winemaker who crafted the wine in your glass...but that's exactly what happened last week at 3 Parks Wine Shop in Atlanta during their weekly tasting hour. In the wine nerd world, winemakers are like celebrities - the masters of their craft. They are chemists, artists, and visionaries who truly determine the destiny of what begins as simply fruit. I'm always honored to have a moment to "talk nerdy" with these folks because they can describe the journey of grape to glass with a passion and energy that's enjoyably contagious.
Last week, Rick Sayre, Vice President and Director of Winemaking for Rodney Strong, led a lucky group of store patrons through a selection of five handcrafted vinos including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and two Pinot clones. The chard had bright overtones with a balanced touch of oak and weight on the palate. The clones...specifically the 667...stole my Pinot-loving heart. Strong aromas of cherry-like fruit with a layer of dirt and earth woven into the finish. And the best part? Being able to sing praises to the man who crafted the wines and say "cheers" to a job well done.
Rick Sayre began his career in 1970 at the age of 19 as assistant winemaker and cellar master at Simi Winery in Sonoma County. He then moved to
Rodney Strong in 1979 and is currently involved in all aspects of winemaking from managing the vineyard to the art of final blending. He was even named "Chardonnay Winemaker of the Year” in 1991 by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
He joked with us at the tasting that Luke Skywalker had Yoda...but he had the world-renowned winemaster, Andre Tchelistcheff, who sparked his passion for the craft and taught him that the littlest details can make the biggest impact.
At the end of the tasting, Rick kindly extended an invitation to visit him this spring at the vineyard while hubby and I vacation there during our honeymoon. Along with a free tasting card and a "friends and family discount" card....that's an offer we can't refuse.
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