I'm happy to finally be able to answer that age-old question, "So, Mat, what's the seminar lineup for HdR this year?" Since y'all have asked repeatedly (and politely, I might add), here's what's in store for 2004:

THE WINES OF DOMAINE TEMPIER
For decades, Domaine Tempier has been esteemed the quintessential Bandol. Each vintage of this property’s various cuvées are eagerly awaited, collected and consumed by wine lovers around the globe. We are indeed pleased to be joined this year by Tempier’s winemaker, Daniel Ravier, who has graciously consented to discuss the past, present and future of this sublime producer of Mourvèdre-based wines.

A TALE OF TWO VALLEYS:
THE WINES OF ARROWOOD AND LEWIS
Dick Arrowood’s success with Sonoma Valley chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and merlot spans 30 years. In just less than a dozen years, Napa Valley vintner Randy Lewis has amassed incredible accolades for these same varieties. While it would seem natural that both men would rest on such laurels, neither has. Over time, both Arrowood and Lewis have dedicated a growing portion of their production to Rhône varieties. Their combined results have garnered so much attention that they are now considered some of the finest examples of Rhônes to hail from their respective Valleys. We’ve invited them to taste their Rhône-inspired wines with us, and to discuss their decision to pursue a path so dear to our hearts.

MUCH ADO ABOUT MOURVÈDRE
Say the word, “Australia”, to most wine lovers, and thoughts immediately jump to Shiraz...maybe even Grenache. While perhaps not as well-known, appreciated or understood, there are some wonderful things being done ‘Down Under’ with Mourvèdre. Rolf Binder (Veritas, Christa Rolf) has a passion for Mourvèdre, and he will share with us his considerable knowledge of this variety as it is grown and produced in his native land. To illustrate his philosophy, Rolf has assembled an impressive array of wines produced both from his own projects and those of others. Rolf’s offerings include Shiraz and Grenache wines pre- and post-addition of Mourvèdre, showing the role this variety can play.

WASHINGTON STATE...WHO KNEW? WELL, WE DID.
Six years ago, we invited Washington State vintners to be part of a seminar highlighting their advances in Rhône wines...a seminar that was well ahead of the wave. Today, both quantitative and qualitative success in Washington have received tremendous recognition. It feels most appropriate to welcome back to HdR Christophe Baron (Cayuse) and Doug McCrea (McCrea Cellars), two of Washington’s shining stars and staunchest advocates for Rhône varieties, to update us on the exciting achievements by our neighbors to the north.

++++++

Hope this whet your interest...and taste buds, and, of course, I hope to see you here in May!

Hospice du Rhône

In VIOGNIER Veritas, Mat