by Fred McMillin for February 27, 1998 Winery of the Week Haywood's Hot 1845—Jacob Rink Snyder leaves Pennsylvania and arrives at Sutter's Fort before gold is discovered. He earns the title of major as California leaves Mexico to become a U.S.A. state. However, the peaceful role of Sonoma vintner proves more attractive. He plants 72 acres of vines and the friendly, popular Major Snyder wins his first WINE medal at a San Francisco judging in 1864. He is most proud of the quality of his ZINFANDEL, and believes it has a great future. 1974—Building contractor Peter Haywood purchases the Major Snyder land and takes exceptional care in planting vines, to produce premium wine grapes for sale to local wineries. His Los Chamizal Vineyard contains ZINFANDEL. 1980—Peter and wife Anita purchased a small winery and begin producing wine from part of their grapes. Later critic James Laube would write that Haywood's Los Chamizal Vineyard Zinfandel was "among the best in Sonoma, with intense, spicy, peppery fruit flavors." 1996—The Haywood '93 Los Chamizal Estate Zin dazzles my panel. We discussed Major Snyder's prediction that the Zinfandel had a great future. They concluded that THE FUTURE IS NOW! Just the Facts Name Haywood Winery Founding Vineyard planting started 1974, winery 1980. Vineyard Location In the hills above the city of Sonoma. Owner In the late 1980's Peter sold the brand to Racke USA but continued in the operation for some years to insure continuity of quality. Labels In addition to the estate wines, Haywood "Vintner's Select" wines were introduced in 1991. In the $8 range, my panel has found the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon particularly to be good values. In fact, they voted the '94, $8 Cab BEST BUY in a large blind tasting a year ago. Postscript I should mention two ladies. One is Winemaker Judy Matulich-Weitz. Since she's won some big honors at the California State Fair, I asked her for some tips. One was to go lightly on fining the reds. Leave the flavors in the wine, not in the egg whites or clay used to remove sediment. The other lady is Manager of Public Relations, Noel Mechau...CPA...Director of Marketing for another Napa winery previously...wine consultant...she can answer your questions at (707) 252-7117. Major Snyder's legacy is in some very good hands. 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.	WineDay Annex More articles by Fred McMillin Welcome to WineDay, the electronic Gourmet Guide's daily update. Monday through Thursday, WineDay presents a wine profile. Then on Fridays we present the Winery of the Week to take you through the weekend Current WineDay 1997 WineDays January WineDays 02/26/98 What Became of That Grape From Spain? 02/25/98 Heaven Sent St. Clement 02/24/98 Not For the Birds 02/23/98 The Gentil Appeal 02/20/98 Winery of the Week George Washington and the Vine 02/19/97 For the Chianti Devotee 02/18/98 This Granite Springs Swings 02/17/98 Victor Hugo Roberts 02/16/98 Galileo and Wine 02/13/98 Winery of the Week Valentine Wine 02/12/98 Lincoln State Dinner 02/11/98 "Foulweather Jack" 02/10/98 Botrytis the Beautiful 02/09/98 Chalk Talk 02/06/98 Winery of the Week Menada of Bulgaria 02/05/98 Something's New Under the Sun 02/04/98 The Meritage Debate 02/03/98 A Musqué to Remember 02/02/98 Toast to Februarius
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