I'd be doing it a disservice if I didn't post this:

[Roy Hersh]

As a long time lover and proponent of ... Zinfandel (yes, I know you expected the word PORT) this is the finest read on the topic, i've read since ... well, I can't remember the last one that was this good.

Even a mention about Port in here, for those "purists"

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.c ... 1HBPQP.DTL Well done, Jon!

[Ray Barnes]

It's nice to see a good article on Zinfandel. Having enjoyed the Ridge Geyserville, and even a fortifed version of it coming from Paso Robles CA, it has a lot to offer.
Speaking of maligned varietals, I think Petite Sirah deserves more attention that it is getting now. Looks like its ship has sailed, but perhaps it may come back someday.

[Roy Hersh]

Is this the real Ray Barnes from BC? Wow, I never thought I'd live to see the day ...

Welcome back my friend!

Yes, Peite Sirah is a tough grape for many to wrap their heads around as this Duriff has always been a tough sell. It is not easy to love when young and can age for decades, but it is not a grape that people use for blending. All 3 of those factors make it "difficult" from a commercial success standpoint.

Nice to have you rejoin us.

[Ray Barnes]

Thanks for the toast Roy. I've had the rare privilege to sample ("steal"?) Petite Sirah from a full barrel that was a few years old, at an estate in Gilroy CA. This barrel was left over since the winemaker had no viable market for it as stand-alone or in a cuvee. Dare I say, the black cherry flavour was sublime, and I would have gratefully bought the whole barrel if there was any way to get it back into Canada. ("...no officer, I have nothing to declare, just 225 liters of juice in this old wine barrel here..wanna try it?")