XY for Z

X: to mark May 21, 2006 with a big X ...
Y: Why?
Z: For Zinfandel!

Merchant’s Fine Wine is happy to celebrate our 9th Annual Zinfandel Tasting on Sunday, May 21, 2006. We want you to join us in the festivities to experience to true character that Zinfandel. With over 100 Zinfandels and a gourmet selection of cheeses and appetizers suitably scrumptious for complimenting the zip of Zin, there’s no excuse for missing this event.

Returning to its outside location in the Pavilion at Ford Field, Dearborn. Nothing can deter our enthusiasm! In addition to sipping and nibbling, we’re happy to commemorate our 9th Zin Tasting with special guest Jeff Meyers, the Vice President and General Manager of Montevina Winery.

Jeff is the most experienced winemaker in the Sierra Foothills, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the region’s viticulture. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the winery, including winemaking, viticulture, retail, and visitor operations. He has been instrumental in developing a defining style of Zinfandel that has come to be synonymous with Amador County. His ability of showcasing the region’s robust fruit in a subtle, approachable style have distinguished with awards and accolades too numerous to mention. His goal is to make rich, full-flavored reds with moderate tannins and good acidity; enjoyable now, but with the ability to age and develop gracefully in the cellar for up to ten years.

His signature wines include three reserve single vineyard Zinfandels: Montevina Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Deaver Vineyard 100 Year Old Vines from a single block of historic Deaver Ranch, Montevina Terra d’Oro Zinfandel SHR Field Blend, a unique field blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Barbera from School House Road Vineyard, and Montevina Terra d’Oro Home Vineyard Zinfandel, a lush, full-bodied exemplar of classic Amador County Zinfandel.

In addition to the Zinfandel Tasting, Jeff Meyers will also be our featured guest at the Winemaker Dinner at the Dearborn Country Club.

The Winemaker Dinner will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2006 and the Tasting will be held in the Pavilion at Ford Field, Dearborn on Sunday, May 21, 2006 from 3 - 6 p.m. Tickets to the Dinner are $85 per person and tickets to the tasting are $50 per person. Those who buy a ticket to both will receive $10 off ($5 off each event).

Spaces are limited, so be sure please call or drop by the store to make reservations!

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Dearborn Animal Shelter. In an effort to raise more funds and resources for the shelter, we are having a special raffle. When you bring pet food, blankets, bleach, toys, treats, leashes or anything to the tasting to help the animals, we will offer a raffle ticket for each item. The prizes for this include such goodies as large format bottles of wine, shirts, hats, wine garb, a golf bag, and much more ... Please support the shelter as well as your enthusiasm for Zinfandel!

- Joan Olkowski