Jun 29, 2006
I got my invitation in the mail today for August’s Family Winemakers of California Tasting. Based on the preliminary list of wineries that have committed to pouring at the event, it appears there will be upwards of 400 California wineries at Fort Mason in San Francisco on August 20 and 21. Most of them will be relatively small wineries too. The question for anyone going to this event is how to attack it. After all, we are talking about a…
Jun 27, 2006
Today the Senate of the United States is considering an amendment to the constitution that would prohibit the desecration of the American Flag. It is an important debate that pits free speech advocates against those who would put priority on protecting the apex of American symbolism. While this debate is important, I would urge congress to move past it quickly and get to what is a truly consequential and urgently needed debate: Whether Americans Should Have The Right to Practice…
Jun 12, 2006
I can recall the era when the emergence of a new wine growing region, while somewhat exciting, was also met with a bit of skepticism by the wine trade and the hard core consumer. The issue was 1) can the new area producing anything of merit and is there any talent making wine in the region. It was also the case that getting out the word on wines from an emerging region was also a difficult task. The wine media…
Jun 6, 2006
" The Berry Brothers buying team has recently returned from Bordeaux and there is little doubt that 2005 is one of the greatest vintages of all time." ________ "Wine experts are unanimous that 2005 Bordeaux is the greatest vintage in living memory, according to wine importers Wands Limited. _______ "2005 is a knockout. Not only is it exceptional, say those who have tried the wines, it is singular." ________ "What makes it really unique is, across the board, from the…
Jun 6, 2006
Wine magazines are often the host and sponsor of tasting events. But normally, when a wine magazine hosts a tasting, it’s a "Grand" event, or a "Great" event. The wines poured are usually among the most expensive and the highest rated. Wine & Spirits Magazine is proving again that it does things a bit different with the announcement of its "Hot Picks Tasting Tour". Beginning in Seattle on August 23, W&S’s Hot Picks events will feature 50 top rated wines…all…