The Infinite Monkey Theorem Paves New Path For Colorado Wines
In my never ending search for wonderful wine, I’ve always been disappointed with Colorado’s juice. Some Colorado wines are simply way too expensive for what’s in the bottle, while others are varietally incorrect (don’t have the flavor/aroma profiles that specific grapes should).
Ben Parsons changed that when he started The Infinite Monkey Theorem winery last year. Located on 5th and Santa Fe Drive, in the Santa Fe Art District, Ben is paving the way for quality Colorado wines. The concept behind the name dates back to an old mathematical theorem, dubbed “The Infinite Monkey Theorem,” that tests our understanding of infinity. It goes something like this: if you set a monkey at a typewriter for an infinite amount of time, eventually he will type all of the great texts of William Shakespeare. Hell, eventually the monkey will type every text written by man. While the odds are extremely small, eventually the monkey will type the correct combination of keystrokes. It’s simple probability, no matter how unlikely.
So Ben applied this theory to his winery. There are an infinite number of decisions that must be made to produce the wine, from the decisions the grower makes in the vineyards, to the decisions made in the winery. And all of this comes together in a back alley at his winery in urban Denver. Ultimately, beauty comes from utter chaos, in the form of his wines.
Ben is amongst the modern era of young winemakers. Now 34, he got his start making wine in Australia while studying for his oenology graduate degree. He made wine in New Zealand, and eventually found his way to Colorado, where he spent several years producing wine on the Western slopes. He was head winemaker at Sutcliffe Winery, where he made wine through the 2007 vintage. Here he established his modern style of big, fruit driven wines which he produces under his own label today.
Ben is a quick witted, intelligent individual and his personality shows in his wines. Even the packaging is extremely well thought out; from the Warhol-esque image on the label to the glass Vino-Lok enclosures. His winery is the epitome of the “local” concept we see at many restaurants these days. The community has shown him great support, as his wines are poured at almost 100 local restaurants and wine bars. We recently hosted a tasting with Ben, and here’s what we poured:
2008 Infinite Monkey Theorem Chardonnay– 70% of this wine spends time in new oak (for 9 months), while 30% is stainless steel. Without the use of malolactic fermentation, this wine retains its crisp acidity as Chardonnay should. While a little on the oaky side for me, it shows nice pear, fig and citrus notes, while delivering a smoky, toasty note.
2008 Infinite Monkey Theorem Syrah– oak aged for 12 months, this big boy shows nice blackberry and wild berry fruits, white pepper, tobacco, coffee, mocha, licorice, and a slight hint of tar.
2008 Infinite Monkey Theorem Malbec– this monstrous wine is 90% Malbec, 10% Petite Verdot, aged in oak for 14 months. This goliath has an intense inky purple color. In the words of ben: “as dark as the halls of Mordor.” Loaded with dark fruits, coffee and chocolate.
2008 Infinite Monkey Theorem Petite Sirah– another behemoth, showing intense notes of coffee, chocolate, cola, raspberry and boysenberry.
If you live in Colorado, visit your favorite wine shop to pick up Ben’s wines. If they don’t carry IMT wines, tell them they should. During summer, Ben participates in “First Fridays.” In this Denver tradition, art galleries are open and have free drinks and appetizers on the first Friday of every month. At The Infinite Monkey Theorem, Ben pours his wines and has a DJ in the courtyard. Also stay tuned as Ben is planning on opening a professional kitchen at the winery, where he will host many local (and not-so-local) celebrity chefs.
Visit Ben’s website: TheInfiniteMonkeyTheorem.com
How are you doing Adam? I enjoy reading your reviews. I own a small shop, Papas wine and liquor. I’m having a hard time finding the IMT distributor. Can you help me out?
Hi Robert. IMT self-distributes. Call me (Ben) 970-260-0710 if you would like me to visit. Thanks
Hi Robert, glad you enjoy the site. Are you in Colorado? Give Ben a call if you would like to get a hold of his wines.