Archive for the ‘Rating Wine’ Category
Isn't it true that how we view the act of winemaking will in part, perhaps large part, determine how we appreciate wine? I think it is true. So, consider the following… "In their hands disparate element—styles, materials, color—came together creating rooms that delighted the senses and engaged the mind." "Confidence defined these designers. Their willingness to take aesthetic risks set them apart from their peers." "Styles com and go. What is popular in one decade may be unpopular in the…
Not long ago I was queried by a writer about my thoughts on what if any impact wine blogs have had. Though I put it in more words than this, I think it can safely be said that wine blogs have, are and will impact the wine trade and wine industry. However, the query got me thinking: What do wine blogs and wine bloggers need individually and collectively to make a REAL impact, a bottom line impact, a permanent impact…
The practice of declaring which wines are better than others is a fool's errand that must be undertaken. How do I know this? I know it because I believe that Keven Costner's "Waterworld" is fine art. I also know this because the Wall Street Journal recently reminded us that the results and reliability of wine competitions and professional wine ratings are sketchy at best, particularly when subjected to statistical analysis. But what's significant about all this is not that the…
Two months into nicotine sobriety I can report that among the side effects that come with a cigarette free existence is a palate with heightened sensitivity. However, I can't say how heightened my sensitivity is to a wine's attributes and characteristics. I can only say that it is heightened. Perhaps without a layer of smoke and tar covering the inside of my mouth I am 40% more sensitive to taste, smell and texture. Perhaps it is only 20%. The big…
The term "Drinking Buddies" probably doesn't have one standard meaning that everyone will accept. For example, in my case I hear "drinking buddies" and I think about those guys with whom I want to share a drink or two without launching into a coma-inducing binge. On the other hand, "Drinking Buddies" have been known to drink until they induce a coma in themselves. I've heard tell of wives that really hate their husbands "Drinking Buddies" because they take their man…
