Is Amador California’s Last Great
Undiscovered Wine Region?

by Stan Hock
May 16, 2008

Amador's production of robust, intensely flavored red wines also reflects its high percentage of old vines, including several vineyards dating to the 19th century. These deeply rooted, head-trained vines are responsible for the intense, concentrated Zinfandels for which Amador County is renowned. But now Syrah and the entire range of Rhone varietals are giving Zins are run for their money, er...acreage.

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Situated on rolling hills between 2,000-3,000 feet, the Fair Play AVA has the highest average elevation of any appellation in California. It provides winemakers with the epitome of mountain-grown fruit. Fair Play is entirely contained within the El Dorado and Sierra Foothills AVAs. Vignerons from here take full advantage of the low annual rainfall that forces roots deep into the loam soils, creating highly-concentrated, complex wines. The fruit exhibits remarkable natural acidity, due to cool nights in these high altitudes. There are approximately 350 acres of vines, with up to 200 more in the planning stage. There is growing interest here in Rhone and Italian varietals, alongside the ever popular Zinfandel.

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Granholm v. Heald 3 Years Later
Notes on the current state of direct-to-consumer shipping
By Eleanor & Ray Heald
May 29, 2008

May 16, 2008 marked the third anniversary of the U.S Supreme Court decision in the case of Granholm v. Heald. Wine Institute figures show that 36 of the 50 states now have some form of direct shipping. [>] continue