Archive for the ‘Wine Gossip’ Category

Feb 7, 2012

Justice Comes To Wine As The Fat Man Goes Down

I like Justice. Real justice, the kind that provides an appropriate response to a dastardly act, feels good. And it makes you believe that civilization is a good thing, despite its occasional tendencies to roll off the rail. Today, it appears, some justice was meted out. And I'm feeling good. Back in 2005 a fire destroyed a wine warehouse in Vallejo, California. More than $100 Million in wine was destroyed. At the time one of my clients was the great…

Dec 7, 2011

In Defense of Robert Parker, Jr.

Sitting back and watching the mirth, outrage, smugness and concern issued by other watchers of the most current turn of events at Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, I'm reminded just how important, powerful and relevant the critics are to the Wine Trade. I'm further struck by how these events and the reaction to them shine a light on the very complex relationship that has developed between Mr. Parker and others in the world of wine. By most accounts and from what…

Nov 8, 2011

The Truth About the Winemaker-Consumer-Critic Relationship

There is an opinion (it's nearly a meme) that has been swirling around the wine industry for at least a couple decades now that needs to be put to rest. The best recitation I've read of this opinion was recently expressed in the comment section of my post on Robert Parker's Wine Advocate reviews of 2009 Pinot Noirs. The commenter wrote this: "Parker has outlasted his stay as the geru of wine and the alltime judge of all of them….

Oct 17, 2011

Defining Audacious in the California Wine Industry

As reported by Dr. Vino, California’s Sea Smoke Cellars out of Santa Rita Hills has placed the following wording on six of their 2009 vintage labels and on one 2008 Sparkling Wine label: “CALIFORNIA GRAND CRU” This is, in my mind, the most audacious packaging move I’ve ever seen a California wine ever make. According to the good Dr., Sea Smoke explained its unique new labeling message by referencing a March 2008 blog post at the WineSpectator.com in which Jim…

Oct 14, 2011

Sharia Law Supporters Seek To Ban CA Wine Production

I occasionally stop and think about ways I might engage more readers here at Fermentation. One thing I've never considered doing is something like this: San Francisco Restaurant Workers Support 25% Tip Standard This article in the Contra Costa Times, published on October 12th and written by Ed Arnow, reports the following: "There's a move on to make 25 percent the standard tip in San Francisco restaurants. Media sources report that San Francisco restaurant workers are behind it with support…