A few years back as I started to become interested in wines, I was searching for a really great wine that I could dependably go back to time after time. While the search for a great wine was a fun adventure, it never seemed to converge on a wine that I could always go back to and enjoy as much as the first time. As it turns out, that was just the start of the never ending search for a great wine.
Part of the reason that it's difficult, if not impossible, to find a consistently good wine year after year is the very nature of wine making. Each year's harvest is different, with weather playing a huge role. The spring weather determines how many of the grapevine buds will turn into bunches of grapes. And the fall sun or rain determines how well the grapes will ripen. And not only is there the variability of the grape harvest, but there are all the factors that go into fermentation and aging of the wines. All these variables make for ever-changes nuances in wines.
Then you come to understand that there's yet another factor. As you make your way along the journey in search of a great wine, you get exposed to more and more wines. And in this process, your pallet changes. What was once a really nice wine becomes a so-so wine. So you keep searching, trying to find that one really great wine.
And to this day, I'm sure that there has to be that one great wine out there. Somewhere. So I'll keep searching. But I also realize that it's a never ending search for great wine. Enjoy your search. Cheers!
Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week - Opolo Vineyard Summit Creek Cabernet Sauvignon ($20)
This wine from Paso Robles CA is a great find. Described as having defined tannins with flavors of cherry, blackberry, toasted almonds and vanilla this Cabernet is a winner. A super wine to enjoy grilled meats, cheeses, or just by itself. Check this one out!