Geek Sheets Go Live!

Based on several excellent comments received from our readers (and a few rantings from our staff), I have updated the Geek Sheet format for several of our most popular wines and I have created a guide to help explain the Hard Data within.

The new Geeks contain:

• Tasting Notes that I hope are both more informative and more entertaining (and perhaps more obscure in their entertainment value, but that's part of the fun);
• Production Notes from Fermento that describe the vineyards, the season and the special challenges that were encountered;
• A copy of the pretty label artwork;
• A Geek Box which contains useful measurements of the wine, including and beyond alcohol and pH; information about the blend and the aging program; and a brief note about possible food pairings.

First, read the Geek Sheet Cheat Sheat to learn about, for example, why you should care deeply about Volatile Acidity, among several other things. (Note: Acrobat Reader is required for all of these files - why? They are intended to be printed.)

Next, pick a wine and read a Geek! The following are in the New and Improved category:

• 2005 Silvaspoons Vineyard Verdelho
• 2005 Sierra Foothills %@#$!
• 2005 Calaveras County Viognier
• 2004 Silvaspoons Vineyard Petite Sirah
• 2004 Calaveras County Tempranillo
• 2003 Murgatroyd
• 2003 Calaveras County Syrah

We're still interested in your feedback on these! Post comments!! It's fun!!!

(Special thanks to Josh over at Pinotblogger for the initial kickoff for this and for the support!)

- j

ps: The astute observer may note that the Winery web site is not well linked with the Cheat Sheat. Rest assured it is being addressed...

pps to Stratton: Forgot all about the battery acid and Drano. Dang. May have to tuck that in later still. Stay tuned!