Archive for the ‘Wine Media’ Category

Jan 31, 2005

The Story Behind Robert Parker

The London Review of Books has published a very thoughtful article by Steven Shapin on the controversy that seems to forever follow Robert Parker…that of the influence of his palate on world wide winemaking trends. Ostensibly Shapin is reviewing Parker’s guides in the context of the swipes and accusations made at him in the movie, Mondovino. The notion is that the influence of Robert Parker’s reviews have led to the devaluation of unique, terroir-driven wines throughout the world and the…

Jan 31, 2005

Lose Your Sense of Decency…for only $19.95

"How to Sound Like a Wine Expert – In 10 Minutes Or Less" I think this is a great one line value proposition, especially if aimed at people who have decided they want to learn more about wine. But it also strikes me as indicative of the overblown expectations too many people have adopted when it comes to learning a new skill or talent. But the problem is that this offer isn’t aimed at people who want to learn more…

Jan 29, 2005

Wine Terms for Those Who Care and Those Who Don’t

Andrew over at Spittoon found an interesting article that explores the meaning of a new word, "Linearity", that seems to be coming into vogue among professional tasters and winemakers for describing a wine. What’s interesting is that there is immediate debate about what the word means. I think what we have here is an example of a French academic applying his intellectual interests (linguistics and philosophy) to wine descriptions. It sounds fun to me. However, it’s important to remember that…

Jan 28, 2005

The Power of Robert Parker and The Wine Spectator

I’ve always contested the notion that Robert Parker’s and the Wine Spectator’s reviews have too much power to move consumer habits. Usually you hear this from consumers who don’t like the wines these reviewers like or from vintners who haven’t gotten the scores from them they think their wines deserve. Rather, it has always been my contention that it is with distributors and retailers where Mr. Parker’s and the Wine Spectator’s power is really manifested. Here is a tale that…

Jan 24, 2005

Review of the Wine Media: The Pinot Report

This is the 7th in a series of reviews of the Wine Media THE PINOT REPORT I’m unaware of any magazine or newsletter that deals specifically with Cabernet or Chardonnay or Merlot. It’s not that these varietals are not popular, it’s that they don’t create the kind of passion among wine lovers like Pinot Noir can. The search for great Pinot Noir, be it aimed at Burgundy, California, Oregon or elsewhere has consumed the time and patience of many. So…