Sep 10, 2014
The Northern California grape harvest is in full swing now according to most reports and my talks with folks. And when I say “full swing” I mean to say there are all sorts of shenanigans going on during this year of the early and quick harvest. • Red grapes mingling with white grapes on the crush pads •Grapes choosing sugar over acids • The cool Sonoma Coast giving up its grapes a month early • Total harvests of many reds…
Apr 9, 2014
In 1998 Jordan Belfort was indicted and convicted of money laundering and securities fraud. He stole, bilked and defrauded more than $200 million from thousands of Americans. He cheated. He was a con man. He ripped people off. He spent two years in prison and was ordered to pay back more than $100 million to those he ripped off. Of course he never has done that. In fact, he was paid $1.7 million for two books and the movie rights…
May 28, 2013
“Auction Week” in Napa Valley has begun. The way you can tell are all the little signs floating around the Valley that wish you a “Happy” auction week. For the uninitiated, Auction Napa Valley is the signature annual event of the Napa Valley Vintners, the organization of Napa Valley wineries that promote the idea of Napa Valley and its wines as well as take steps to defend the commercial interests of the “Napa Valley” brand as it pertains to wine….
Apr 26, 2013
The Wine Spectator got around to reporting on what looks for all intents and purposes to be a case of bribery involving a New York lawmaker and New York wholesalers. And the publication does a pretty darned good job of exposing for its wine-loving readers what the impact would be if an “At Rest” law is passed in the Empire State. The Spectator’s Robert Taylor Reports on Senate Bill HB 3849, noting that if passed it if would “require all…
Mar 15, 2013
Culture. It is a combination of many things including facts, fictions, legends and landscapes. Take my own Napa Valley. Valley culture is built on the facts of great wealth being produced here by old hands and newcomers to the winemaking industry that is largely sustained by a foundation of working poor Mexicans. The fiction that anyone can enter and be a part of this good and expensive life simply by moving to this region is a part of the Valley’s…