Oh Canada
Recently, I was in Ontario at the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration to give the keynote speech (title: The Theory of Cool). Over the course of 3 days, I tasted a slew of chardonnays and… Continue reading
The End of Nature?
If any industry should be panicked by Donald Trump’s decision to disengage the United States from the Paris climate accord, it is our own. That decision—as depressing, infuriating, and frightening as it was—was also something… Continue reading
Erogenous Zones, Monks, and the Mystery of Wine
For the approximate 8,000 years of wine’s existence, terroir has been the underlying principle by which great wines are “explained.” I put explained in quotes because of course wine has never been explained. While some… Continue reading
Edition 163—A New Edification of Krug
Earlier this year, Margareth (Maggie) Henriquez, the President and CEO of Krug Champagne, came to my office, a few bottles of Krug in tow. (Now that’s my idea of a business meeting). In rapid fire… Continue reading
History & Hedonism—The Wine to Drink on July 4
Astrophysicists say that the two best states to be in are wrong or confused, because then everything around you becomes exciting and open to discovery. I was thinking about this gem of an idea that… Continue reading
“WINE– IT’S JUST LIQUID FLAVOR” Join Me at the National Restaurant Show May 20-23, 2017
This weekend, I’ll be joining Oneida at the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago to explore flavor in a new and exciting way. At Oneida’s specially-designed “Experience Booth,” (#7207 North Hall), I’ll be conducting focused… Continue reading
Sometimes a Great Notion—The Wines of Chappellet
I think about wine tastings the way I think about men. Some are pleasant. Some take work. Some you’ll never forget. Earlier this year, a 50th Anniversary tasting of the wines of Chappellet—going back to… Continue reading
What is Elegance in Wine?
I often hear people say a wine is elegant; and I describe certain wines that way too. But what is elegance in wine? If you look up elegance in the dictionary, the synonyms are grace, style,… Continue reading
The New Four-Letter Word: Ripe
The wine industry’s new four letter word is ripe. Listen to any vintner or winemaker talk about their style of wine, and no matter what that style actually is, the resulting wine is said to… Continue reading
Pinot Hits New Heights
I once asked Luke Smith, owner/winemaker of Howling Bluff winery in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia what it was like to make pinot noir. He paused for a moment then said, “Making pinot is… Continue reading