Bravo on the Oroppas review! I absolutely could not agree with you more! I tasted this today at the St.Clement winery for the first time and was absolutely taken back by it. A splended wine.

The story behind that paticular bottle is somewhat funny. Back in the day, St.Clement was owned by Sapporo beer, was named sapporo wine, and was considered to be a non-varietal. When the winery was sold many years ago, a technicality changed the name of it from Sappporo Wine to Oroppas. You’re a smart guy, look at that word. It’s Saparro spelled backwards.

After a few more leadership changes, it was decided that Oroppas would evolve into an actual varietal, thus it being what it is today.

Oh, and with regards to St.Clement wines, I highly suggest you try their 1998 Cabernet, and do it while you still can. I purchased the last three bottles they will ever have from the winery today hehe.

First off, thanks for doing the Oroppas. I’ve been hoping that somebody would take up the disparity between WS and RP.

If it matters, I’ll share our experience with the 2001 Oroppas since it explained to me the stark difference between the WS and RP ratings. A couple years ago, we opened a bottle with friends. Upon first pour, it was virtually undrinkable and we all agreed that WS’s Laube was dead on with his 78 rating. Hell, I would have given it a 68. I ended up pouring two glasses of the stuff on some hated shrubbery, hoping that it would either kill or fertilize them. We happily moved on other bottles. However, a couple hours later I noticed that there was still about a glass of the Oroppas left in the bottle and so in a “what the hell” moment, tried it again. It was terrific. I shared it with the other winers and they were all amazed by the transformation. My guess is that decanting of the Oroppas–as you did in the above episode–makes a profound difference in the wine’s taste. In the end, I agree with GV that the Oroppas is a great value at $35. Just remember to decant it for a couple hours before drinking.

Gary, pardon my ignorance but you often mention a “fake” artifical taste. What’s the deal? Do these wine makers add something (a chemical or something) to the wine to try and enhance flavors?

Oh yeah, love the ending, you sick bastard. But hell it’s good to be back!

That’s my request for you: Please, just a teensy-bit of love for the Bears. C’mon. They won’t go 16-0, I know, but they’re not going to lose more than 3 (if even that). At least they beat the Browns in the pre-season. How’d your Jets do anyway against the Browns? Oh…ya, that’s right, they lost 20-13.

Take care man! See you later,
Go BEARS!!
T