40TH REUNION OF THE DREAM TEAM AT JOSEPH PHELPS VINEYARDS!!!

40TH REUNION (1984) OF THE CELLAR CREW AT JOSEPH PHELPS VINEYARDS!

Many thanks to Paul Steinauer, Robin Hardy Chester and Todd Graff for organizing and hosting the reunion of Joseph Phelps Vineyards 1984-1985 cellar DREAM TEAM! Almost everyone you see pictured here has achieved a brilliant career in the wine industry. I feel like a penny in a sack of quarters compared to these folks! Most of them have remained in Napa Valley for the past forty years.

We had a really good attendance. Our cellarmaster, Eric Neil, wasn't able to make it but I caught up with him the day before. He gave me two bottles of 1986 Backus Cabernet to take to the party. They were excellent. Eric is one of my valued mentors. He taught me a lot about winemaking.

A surprise attendee at the party was Miss Dayshift. Pauli has apparently kept in touch with her. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Miss Dayshift (and you should be), there is an excerpt from my book posted below the photos. 

I started at JPV in August of 1983 and stayed until March of 1986. The two-and-a-half years I was there were some of the happiest and most productive years of my life. I've never learned more or laughed harder! Thanks for the memories, y'all!

 

The most extraordinary cellar crew in Napa history. From left to right:

Steve Peck, Mark Angell, Vicki Virnig, D. Russell Smith, Dave Cronin, Kelly Sullivan, Gary Brookman, Todd Graff, Brad Groper, Gary Young, Jeff Virnig, Paul Steinauer.

Eric Neil and I in front of Hanzell Winery. Eric manages their vineyards and another fifteen vineyards in Sonoma and Marin.

Damian Parker wasn't able to attend. He's included here because of his culpability in the various hijinks of vintages 1984 and 1985.

Kelly celebrating Eric's contribution.

Jeff and Mark giving the JPV salute.

Bill Phelps, son of JPV founder Joe Phelps. Bill donated all the magnums of 1984 wines. Bill resembles his dad except that he's much better looking. 

The wines of the night. Magnums thanks to Bill Phelps and 750s to Eric Neil.

Pauli and Mike Fisher (a.k.a. Fish). Fish was the brightest man on the premises at JPV. When he resigned, I knew I should start looking for another job.

         

                                                      The total group including spouses.

My last dance with Miss Dayshift.