Terroir. I never tire of this subject. It is unquestionably the most intellectually stimulating subject in the world of New World wine today. Happily, in the near future we are going to see much more writiing on the idea that wine should taste like a place. The recently completed U.C. Davis Terroir Conference assures that a number of treatise will emerge from what has reported to have been a spirited, if not somewhat academic and confusing, get together or winemakers,…
No doubt if you’ve been looking at the wine stories that have been running across the wires in the last couple of days you will have seen the release of sales figures for California wine. The news is good. Sales are up for California wine. What’s interesting about the story is the way a prominent wine industry analyst describes the condition of the market for California wine: “Wine is enjoying this wonderful moment of very favorable attitudes,” said industry consultant…
I find myself, every day, becoming more and more anamoured with Sauvignon Blanc. And this goes for well aged Sauvignon Blanc too (let’s not get carried away: well aged usually means 6-10 years old) I was surprised to learn that of all the mainstream varietals, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the few that has never attained a perfect score from Robert Parker. I can’t speculate why this would be other than, simply, he’s never tasted a perfect example. I don’t…
A lawsuit was filed today in Texas claiming the state’s prohibition against consumers having wine shipped to them from out of state retailers is unconstitutional. This would be the case because Texas wine lovers are allowed to have wine shipped to them from in-state retailers. The recently formed Specialty Wine Retailers Association is behind the lawsuit and Ken Starr’s name is on the lawsuit. It’s bound to get attention for this reason alone. It’s hard to imagine on what grounds…
The battle in Florida over direct shipping is getting heated. Rather than explain it, wail, moan or get bitching and rant, you might want to read the words of those involved and in the state: TEENS MAY EXPLOIT WEB SALESFrom a local Police Chief (who should know better) CHRISTIAN COALITION: INTERNET SALES OF WINE RAISE CONCERNSFrom the head of Jerry Falwell’s organization (who I’m sure doesn’t know better) PROTECTING THE CHILDREN?(Editorial from the Lakeland Ledger…they get it)
