Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/148134
"if i could change one thing, i would change wine costs. Make every great wine affordable. i would like to allow more people the opportunity to enjoy the highest quality wines possible." —Mario Ortiz. Fred: Was he a wine guy? Mario: He was an eccentric wine palate and we ended up sharing a beautiful bottle of French Chablis. Fred: We began our careers at almost same time, for me 1971 at The Sardine Factory. I look at the wine industry today and try to figure out what I think is good and bad. Do you? Mario: I see it almost as a cycle. We've had sweet wines, oaky wines. unoaked wines, organic wines. I see a lot of the new winemakers that are being about the region, creating their own style. Fred: So that being said, is there a wine or region today that really excites you? Mario: I like Syrah, especially Rhône-style wines. I'm not tired of Cabernet and Chardonnay, but I think there's a lot more fun and dimensions with Syrah. Winemakers are making their own styles and creating wines that express their regionality. Mario: That's interesting, I've always liked the Jordan wines and the family as well. We've supported them since the first vintage in 1976. This Jordan Chardonnay is really well made, a nice balance of excellent fruit and a perfect oak regimen. Delicious. Fred: I agree. I just wish they sold better. Mario: Well, that's another story. Many of these wines need to be hand sold but they are worth the effort. Sometimes I'll bring a glass of Cabernet and a glass of Syrah to a customer blind and more often than not they pick the Syrah. Then they ask which Cabernet it is! Fred: I agree, this wine is wonderful. So, on this happy note let's imagine that tomorrow morning you're sitting here and Bacchus appears before you. He speaks, "Mario, in light of your four decades of service I will allow you to change one thing in the world of wine. What will it be?" Mario: I would change wine costs. Make every great wine affordable. I would like to allow more people the opportunity to enjoy the highest quality wines possible. Fred: I brought two wines today from Jordan Winery, which had their first vintage just after we began our careers. I thought it would be fun for us to taste them, in particular the Chardonnay since we only knew them for Cabernet Sauvignon in the '70s. Fred: Wow, I think that Bacchus will have to call in the God of Accountants on that one. That being said, I knew that you would make a wish that would make your customers experience here more special. It's what you've done your entire career. august 2013 / the tasting panel / 33 TP0813_001-33.indd 33 7/24/13 9:46 PM