Jun 30, 2008
Believe it or not, it has been over a decade since I’ve been anywhere near the city of Chicago. And even my last foray to this neck of woods didn’t take me into vicinity of the city. Now, having been here for a short while, and having taken some time to move around Chicago, I can say without hesitation is is one magnificent metropolis. This is what a city should look like. The skyline is remarkable, studded with stunning testaments…
Jun 27, 2008
I’m off to Chicago for a few days for the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators Annual Conference. I get to appear on a panel with Craig Wolf, CEO of the Wine & Spirit Wholesalers Association. It should be…Interesting. Well be discussing direct shipping from two very different perspectives. It’s a good opportunity to finally get some answers to some burning questions I have. For instance, Mr. Wolf and wine wholesalers across the country have argued for many years now…
Jun 26, 2008
We learn about ourselves and our world through little mini revelations. I’ve had a few over the years as they relate to my life and wine. Here are my Top Ten Wine Revelations 10. Stony Hill ChardonnayStony Hill’s Chardonnays, those crisp, lemony, minerally, long-lived gems, were the first wines that possessed me and put me on a quest. I wanted to taste and/or have every single one ever produced. My collection, unfortunately stops somewhere in the very early 70s, meaning…
Jun 17, 2008
Never let it be said that Napa Valley Vintners association is not staffed with smart, well intentioned highly competent folks. The comment below by NVV Terry Hall demonstrates this fact. Hall offered this comment in a previous post on this blog concerning the controversy surrounding the pending application for a "Calistoga" American Viticultural Area (AVA) and the impact this new appellation might have on Calistoga Cellars, a winery that, if NVV gets its way, would be forced to either change…
Jun 12, 2008
Let me say right off the bat, I think the Napa Valley Vintners are a remarkable trade association that has done a better job than any other such association in representing the wineries that make up their organization. I’ve done work for the Napa Valley Vintners too. And I know the folks over there as well as numerous members. That said, the NVV’s latest attempt to demonize Calistoga Cellars STINKS to high heaven! A couple hours ago I received a…