The Passing of a Generation

[Craig Camp]

Many of the founders of the modern American wine industry are dead -- people like Julio Gallo, Andre Tchelistcheff, Maynard Amerine and the original Franzia brothers.

[Coop]

What about Gil Nickel? He was the first of the new generation of Napa wine makers. Take a wine of dubious character and no history and charge more then anyone could imagine paying. Get people to bid ridiculous prices for it at the Napa charity auction, and your on your way. Everyone from Justin Pahlmeyer to Ric Forman owe him a debt of gratitude. Who would of dared to charge the kind of money you can get for a bottle with the word Napa on it if it wasn't for Nickel?

This post is only half tongue in cheek.

[winebill]

Even if it's tongue and cheek, Ric forman is a poor example. He has been making wine in napa before Gil Nickel bought Far niente.

Ric Forman

Anyway you are right that Fat Niente Cab is overpriced. and is usually a tannic monster

[Coop]

Your right I have always enjoyed the wines made by Ric Forman, but they seemed so much more attainable price wise when he was at Sterling and Newton. I especially loved the Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet from the early 80's. I beleive Forman had a hand in those.