Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Matt Kramer’s latest book (really not more than a long, concise, finely argued essay) is subversive. While at once a bare knuckled take down of the now well established “flavor-descriptor-as-tasting-note” mode of wine review, True Taste: The Seven Essential Wine Words is also a manifesto for the return to values, judgment and discernment in both wine writing and wine reviewing. And it is a book that every wine writer, every wine industry participant and every true wine aficionado needs to read…
The Center for Alcohol Policy, a creation of the National Beer Wholesalers Association that works on behalf of beer wholesalers and has the interests of no one but beer wholesalers in mind, has funded the release of a new little book for state alcohol regulators: “Alcohol Beverage Control: The Basics for New State Alcohol Regulators.” The description of the new book delivers an assertion that is not only incorrect, but in fact if believed and if pursued as the truth or…
On February 18, in front of the Chairman and Commissioners of Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC), as well as in front of the ILCC’s Acting Director, attorney Sam Vinson representing the Wine & Spirit Distributors of Illinois testified that “incarceration of one or two illegal (wine) shippers would send a strong message to other shippers that Illinois is serious about stopping illegal shipments.” Yes, a wholesaler attorney wants to see out-of-state wine shippers (wineries, retailers and consumes who ship to themselves)…
whining (verb) 1. give or make a long, high-pitched complaining cry or sound. 2. To complain or protest in a childish or annoying fashion The Wine & Spirit Wholesalers of America (WSWA), that national organization representing the best box carriers in the country, never gets any media coverage for its press releases. You might think that’s odd given this organization’s political clout and multi-million dollar annual budgets. But if you want to understand why this is the case all you…
The last few years has seen a great deal of talk about the demise of the traditional or “Old School” wine critics, their power and their relevance. Those offering this view mean the Wine Spectator, Robert Parker, The Wine Enthusiast Magazine, etc. The observation is usually coupled with reference to the power of peer reviews, blogs and social media. I have a story to tell. Friends of mine have been making Cabernet from Napa Valley grapes for about six or…
