Wine ratings???????

Well I woke up today and had the brilliant idea that I'd check the database at Wine Spectator. Big mistake! You can imagine my disappointment, and frankly embarassment when I read the 78 point review of our 2007 Merlot:

"Juicy but generic, showing black cherry notes laced with strong herb flavors. 1,072 cases made. –TF"

Well I don't know who TF is or who tasted our wine but I need to tell you that our 2007 Merlot hasn't shown any "herb" flavors in the tastings we've done nor do I associate anything 'generic' with our wine. But at least we can agree on the black cherries:) In truth, I it is my opinion that the 2007 vintage has been the best of the decade so far in Suisun Valley and the 2007 Merlot may be our best varietal wine to date. And we have a large and loyal local following and my guess is that they just might agree (you know who you are and you're great!).

Question; why bother even printing the review? In business being candid has it place, but I'm not sure it is my place to keep someone down, and if I have an axe to grind or something negative to say, I try not to offer my opinion.

We are winery built on grass roots, word of mouth following and to this point have not fallen into 'ratings driven' trap. This is a good thing for if we were attached to the pursuit of a number or praise we would have been out of business some time ago. We have been open 8 years with very modest PR/Marketing. And to clear up any hyprocisy, yes we do continue to submit to publications and wine competitions in various states. And we are pleased to share with others when our wines are acknowledged for what they are. But ratings are an interesting phenomenon in that we love em and we hate em.

I get that wine is a very personal experience, but I think after this debacle, I'd just assume not send another bottle to whoever tasted our 2007 Merlot at the above mentioned publication as they misunderstand the wine we made and what we are trying to accomplish at Ledgewood Creek (and succeeding mind you).

I'm off to have a glass of 2007 Ledgewood Creek, Estate Grown Merlot with my lunch. Anyone care to join me?

Onward and Upward!