SFChron: Bonne On Calif Regions To Watch...

Very interesting article in today's SFChron by JonBonne, one of my favorite writers, on Calif wine regions to watch:
Bonne:CalifWineRegionsToWatch

Interesting he identifies the Hwy46 Corridor in WestSidePaso. YorkMtn is an AVA that is badly underrecognized. The wines SteveGoldman made at YorkMtn w/ pretty good. But Martin&Wyerich did the AVA no good when they bought YorkMtn. And good to see TreViti get some good press.
Nice to see ElDorado also get some good recognition. I have, of course, followed them from the very start.
And SierraPelonaVlly?? First probably most people have ever heard of this place. AguaDulce is located here, but not had their wines yet. CraigWinchell is winemaker. Gabriel&Shimon Weiss are his asst. I've had one of Gabriel's PowerToThePeople SantaBarbara Syrahs that mightly impressed me.
Anyway...good example of JonBonne's keeping us on the leading edge in Calif.
Tom

Thanks for sharing the article Tom. Good to see some areas especially El Dorado and environs getting some love. Especially here, I tend to see a lot of experimentation. There is something for everone - Rhone varietals, Barberas, Sangioveses, Cabs, Merlots and the ubiquitous Zinfandels! Tom, what other areas would you have addded to this list? I am tempted to add AVAs in Mendocino such as Anderson Valley.
Shaji

Tom, I must note that Sierra Pelona Valley was not listed as a region to watch, just a newly defined region. Perhaps it and the Antelope Valley will eventually be reigions to watch, but the availablity of water in the high desert, or lack of it, will continue to be the primary determinant in whether the regions become significant, up-and-coming winegrowing areas, rather than amusing aberrations. Then the next step will be acquiring competent viticulturists and winemakers, instead of a few amateurs-turned-professional- by circumstance, rather than by training.

Tom, I must note that Sierra Pelona Valley was not listed as a region to watch, just a newly defined region. Perhaps it and the Antelope Valley will eventually be reigions to watch, but the availablity of water in the high desert, or lack of it, will continue to be the primary determinant in whether the regions become significant, up-and-coming winegrowing areas, rather than amusing aberrations. Then the next step will be acquiring competent viticulturists and winemakers, instead of a few amateurs-turned-professional- by circumstance, rather than by training.

Yup, Craig....I noted it was not one of his top 5 to watch. But the fact that you all were mentioned at all
has got to help. That's certainly good.
Tom