For the third time in 6 years, the Paloma Merlot made the Wine Spectator’s Top 100. Out of over 18,000 wines tasted in 2008, the 2006 vintage placed 65th.
Aside from the usual farming and winemaking challenges that we face every year, Jim was diagnosed with cancer in late 2007. He and Barbara spent the better part of two years in San Francisco while he underwent treatment. He fought stoically, but sadly, he passed in May of 2009. The Wine Spectator was very generous in their praise of Jim within the wine community. A worthy tribute to a very special person and his extraordinary wife, Barbara.
A special thank you to all those who took the time to reach out to Barbara and Sheldon.
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/palomas-jim-richards-battle-with-cancer-16078
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/jim-richards-founder-of-paloma-vineyard-dies-at-77-4829