Mr. Palencia says his age puts him in awkward positions in a valley with a wine industry that is still small enough that people share tips with one another.
"I try to trust my nose," he said.
For now, the nose will have to do. The fate of this year's vintage, picked when the clusters of syrah were tight and purpled like a bruise, and the future of an entire winery may hang on the olfactory sensibilities of an underage snout.
For Mr. Palencia, who oversees all aspects of winemaking at Willow Crest Winery, is 20 years old - too young to drink, legally, the wine he makes, too young to try other vintners' products, too young to enjoy a glass with fellow magicians of the grape.
NY Times - A Vineyard Prodigy
Palencia, is currently working at Willow Crest Winery, and daily breaks the law by tasting wine, but for the record he says; "I spit a lot".
Posted on October 19, 2005 11:10 |
Wineries
