A Special Evening

Robinson, Michael. "Grape Expectations: A Special Evening” The Royal Gazette [BDA] 19.08.2022 Print - Edited to relevant parts of the story by Dale

“Three years is far too long to go without seeing your first born, his young sons and their mother, but covid complications and a passport that disappeared into the maws of government in March, has put me in that position. Last night (Sunday) it came to an end, and my wife prepared a fine welcoming meal that was served in our home.”

“A tenderloin of beef was on the barbeque and my son has often told me of the Zinfandels that he has enjoyed over the years. This sounded most appropriate, and we were ready. 2012 Wild Hogge Moongate from Paso Robles was poured, and in January of 2021 I wrote, “ If you were using the grape in Croatia, you would call it Tribidraq or Crljenak Kastelanski; in Italy the label would read Primitivo and in California Zinfandel. Huw and Dale Morris call their blend of 75 per cent Zinfandel, 13 per cent Syrah and 12 per cent Cabernet Franc, Moongate, and we know they do that because of their long association with Bermuda. They prefer to call the major grape Primitivo.

“Their website reads: “Primitivo, an Italian Zinfandel, contributes a unique taste of rich ripe fruit. The Cab Franc adds a little black pepper, and the spicy Syrah balances out the richness of the Primitivo. Matured in American oak for two years and in the bottle for another two years, the wine exhibits a powerful aroma of earthiness and dark berry fruit. The palate has a rich texture and notes of blackberry jam. 177 cases were produced.” This wine, at ten years, is at the optimum age for me, with a little of the excitement of youth still there, but now showing what tertiary flavours age can offer.”