by Fred McMillin for April 1, 1997 It's the Grapes, Stupid Prologue: "The Sangiacomo Vineyard supplies some of the most prestigious wineries in California"...by James Halliday in "Wine Atlas of California" The Rest of the Story: The last time I counted, Gundlach-Bundschu made eight wines that carried the name of the vineyard that grew the grapes. They all seem to come from their 4OO-acre Rhinefarm vineyard, first planted by the family 140 years ago. But wait. That eighth label names a different vineyard, the nearby, esteemed Sangiacomo. Why? It's the Chardonnay grapes, stupid. They are so full of bright fruit flavors, Jim Bundschu doesn't hide them under buttery malolactic fermentation or under heavy oak. My tasters loved the chance to find out exactly what these top grapes have to offer. I think you will, too. 1995 Sangiacomo Ranch Chardonnay Gundlach-Bundschu Winery Vineburg, Sonoma Valley, CA Phone—(707)938-5277 $17 Category: Highly Recommended About the Writer Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College and is Northern California Editor for American Wine on the Web. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers.

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