<< (I seldom buy anything from California >> I am surprised to read you don't like California wines. If you drink Zinfandel (I don't refer to the blush soda pop crap), but the earthy full red wines of Amador County, etc. There is nothing like a 100 year old vine Zin. Not to mention some of our Cabernets, etc. Of course my palate is tuned to Cotes de Rhone, Bordeaux, Tuscany, and lovely Shiraz from Oz, and thus love California's artisanal vin. There is nothing more synergistic with Chile laced food than an old vine Zin. IMHO Hint stay away from screw tops you might find a California wine you might like. Considering that Mondavi won 1st place in blind tastings against the French wines in the International Paris Competitions-they must be doing something right. Mary-Anne San Francisco Bay Area ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) member