Jul 14, 2008
Of late I’ve been taking more days off from blogging than the usual weekend retreat. Honestly, when I do take days off, it’s usually because I simply forget to blog. I cannot remember the last time so many things seemed to weigh so heavily on my thinking. Normally, my focus is narrower. Recently however it’s because I’ve been spending a great deal of time thinking about the following things. Fair Trade The Economy Solutions to the tyranny of the three…
Jul 8, 2008
I’m only very occasionally demonstrate prescience. And even in those few cases it’s probably just an example of applying commonsense. But "prescience" is a word I like a lot so I use when I can even if I’m only skirting the edge of its meaning. That said, back in 1998 I was able to tell anyone who wandered past me that when it comes to the Internet and wine, it will be the collectors and high end buyers who make…
Jun 6, 2008
I’m always somewhat gratified and curious when internal wine industry debates spill over into the general media and into the laps of the average consumer. Such is the case with this Reuters article examining Alice Feiring’s concerns for and criticisms of the 100 point rating system, the dominance of Robert Parker’s palate, the "internationalization" of wine styles and her view of the general shitty condition of most expensive California wines. I have a hard time stepping back and trying to…
May 30, 2008
There was a moment back in the early 1990s when many folks in the wine industry believed fervently that America’s Neo-Prohibitiionists would play a key role in inhibiting the marketing of wine in the United States. Mothers Against Drunk Driving seemed to have the ear of every law enforcement agency in America. It appeared their goal was nothing less than stopping all drinking. The news about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was everywhere and threatened turn off every single pregant woman in…
May 22, 2008
I’m a big fan of press releases in today’s day and age. They allow us to get out information to a larger number of people than in the past, they can be formatted, sent and posted so that those who want the information are the ones to get it. And it allows me to get out this kind of information: "According to "FollowTheMoney.Org", which tracks state campaign contributions, the lead sponsor of HB 429, Representative Edward Acevedo, has received $32,000…