More on the Northern Rhone

That was a great trip yesterday & I really learned quite a lot. In the
Sierra Foothills we go to Napa & buy used barrels from the wealthy
wineries there. In the Rhone Valley thet go to Bordeaux and buy used
barrels.

The vineyards here look a little shabby, yet they are planted on nearly
clifts. VERY steep! NO dirt, just gravel, sand & stuff like that. I
would guess that my meger 18 inches of soil in Auburn is 5 times better
than this stuff. The wines are sparce, flinty and not very dark. Just a
little brett in there too. Still, they have a charm & weight. These are
serious wines.

We had a lunch yesterday that was just hard to belive. Giant salad,
frogs legs, plate of great cold cuts, roast pork loin w/french fries,
wine and dessert plus bread & butter! Could have had a cheese plate too
but turned it down. Cost about $13. Each! Just could not finish it. No
supper for sure.
--ucharlie