Eating crow with the 1999 Sorella

One week ago I tasted the 1999 Sorella at an offline, and the specific bottle we tasted was heavily tinged with volatile acidity as confirmed by more than a dozen tasters. It was a disappointing showing for a wine which I had been very excited to try. Chris Camarda apparently noticed the discussion triggered by my note, and this week he sent a bottle off to the labs for tasting. The results he faxed to us today showed an imperceptible level of VA. You can see the fax here: (Page 1, Page 2)

Tonight I decided to repeat the experiment in a more controlled setting: dinner at home with grilled ribeyes. I was somewhat nervous and frankly really hoping the Sorella would show well, as I have 20 bottles across 5 vintages (plus another 50+ bottles of Andrew Will wines). Well, I am very happy to say that the Sorella didn't disappoint!

• 1999 Andrew Will Sorella 93 Points

  USA, Washington

  The wine was impressive with deep color and an initially reticent nose of crushed raspberry, tart black-cherry, violet, sage and tobacco. Fortunately, there was no VA to be found. The palate is supercharged with a laser-focused core of raspberry fruit, very compact and remarkably pure. The fruit profile of the wine reminded me a great deal of Quilceda Creek. The long, silky finish showed a hint of espresso with dusty, tooth-coating tannins. Awesome!

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Restoration of faith!