Jo Diaz's Page

Hi Jo,

Thank you so much! I'm flattered by your compliment and truly appreciate you sending the writer my way. I haven't heard anything yet, but will let you know what develops.

Very best,
Melissa

Hello, Jo: Rusty and I are only affiliated with The Rhone Rangers through our membership in RR via Clayhouse Wines. We're both employed by the parent company of Clayhouse (which also owns Cadaretta and Buried Cane in Washington State).

Thanks!

Jo--I'd love to take you up on that offer. It sounds like lots of fun!

Would we just show up at the door?

Best
Julie

Jo, we have looked for years with curiosity and admiration at the Petite Sirah seminars and, at this juncture, would welcome an opportunity to participate.
My familiarity with Petite Sirah goes back to the 1966 vintage Mirassou, Santa Clara which we were marketing in the early 1970s. It was Mirassou that initiated the first "P.S. I Love You" campaign (I still have a button) at that time.
It was , however, the unmitigated and unapologetic Petite Sirah from doctors Dave Benion (Ridge) and David Bruce in the late 60s that are forever burned into my taste memory. Petite Sirah's success, if nothing else, is wholly dependent upon sound physiological maturity of its fruit. It cannot be dehydrated into maturity and picking based upon sugar and pH alone has provided many an alcoholic stemmy/veggie P.S. that no one can love.
For the last 5 years we have obtained our fruit from two quarter mile rows of own- rooted cuttings sourced from Howell Mountain by grower, John Simpson in Madera County. We harvested but two tons from these vines on October 20th, 2008. It's always the last fruit into the winery. For us, sound ripe fruit, a cold soak, no enzymes, a Rhone yeast isolate and pressing prior to dryness yields the floral varietal aroma, moderate fruit and fleshy finish our clients seem to prefer. It isn't exactly a 1968 David Bruce but it's darned close
(in my mind). Ray

Hi, Jo. I didn't even realize that there was a PS producers group. It sounds like lots of fun. While I'm assuming that the answer is no--is it too late to join and be part of the annual tasting?

Looking forward to meeting you!

Julie Johnson

HI Jo,

Thanks Jo!

For my character artwork I used Aaron Payne, an extremely talented artist out of Philadelphia. His work and depth of talent in all art media simply blows me away. He is professionally trained in all art forms with a specific concentration animation.

Jamie

It's great to hear your first-hand experience on this. And I agree, bloggers have the freedom to present their views unabashedly which can only benefit the consumer in the end.

Hi Jo, Thank you for covering the Illinois Wine Consumer Coalition on your blog and for giving me a heads up on the post. We appreciate your commentary and support!