Ever since I found my way into the wine business, I've tried to fully understand the significance and meaning of advice. Not the meaning of how advise from experts on wine affects the marketplace. This was all too clear. This was and is formulaic. What I've tried to understand is the meaning of either accepting advice or dismissing it or, worse yet, wanting to embrace and follow the advice of an expert but seemingly not being able to. I always…

I'm one of those who don't believe that President Obama's talk to American school children yesterday foretold the end of American culture and political life as we know it. And I'll be watching the President tonight when he addresses the issue of health care. However, I'm disappointed that the President has not given the speech I believe must be made. I'm disappointed he has not undertaken that great national initiative we all know must be embarked upon. I'm disappointed that…

I like to look to see what new wine and drink related books are coming out just to see what's interesting and peculiar. Here are a few titles, all interesting, some peculiar, but not all seemingly worthy of purchase. Bourbon: 50 Rousing Recipes for a Classic American Spirit (Jan 2010)There's no description at Amazon as to what this book will contain. But I'm pretty sure the title delivers all info we could possible want. This is rated a "BUY". The…

I'm pretty sure there's a big difference between getting to know a wine, being acquainted with wine and simply being introduced to a wine. And the reason I say this is because I've recently had the chance to spend time with a bottle of wine that I thought I knew after having had it but once. But now, upon revisiting it over a number of bottles, I realize I may have only been acquainted with it and actually misjudged it…

Take a look at this photo of the Manhattan and the Sidecar, adjacent and abutting one another. If you plan to look deeper you'll see two cocktails, each comprised of three essential ingredients—bourbon, vermouth and bitters on the one side, and brandy, triple sec and lemon juice on the other side. But I hope that's not the first thing noticed if you plan to look a little deeper. Let's appreciate the aesthetic. Let's appreciate the vibrant aesthetic, the way the…