Tom Wark recently posted a criticism of the “natural wine movement” on his blog, titled “Authentic Wine and Mistaking the Tail For the Snout” where he says: In many ways the “Natural Wine” and now “Authentic Wine” movement is well behind the curve. Winemakers the world over have long embraced the notion of exposing terroir [...]
Archive for the ‘The Market’ Category
The Greatly Exaggerated Demise of Syrah
For the past several years when I have shown our wines to distributors, brokers and retailers I have heard the refrain: “Pinot? Sure. Blend? Maybe. But I (we) can’t move any Syrah… especially not at your price point.” It seems to me that many (most?) critic types have piled on, at the very best damning [...]
Demagoguery At The Wine Party
When I am into harvest there is not much else that can get my attention. When harvest is on, I’ve got my head down, in the moment. But at the moment for me harvest is decidedly not on–yet (see my last post). Oh, I am busy–don’t mistake me–mostly selling wine but also monitoring and managing [...]
A Tale Of Two Press Releases
A new winery has opened in Sonoma Valley. Since Roche Winery sold their production facility several years ago we locals have been wondering what all the new construction at the site has been about. There was a sign on the property announcing “Rams Gate,” a very thin web site, and a lot of speculative talk. [...]
Wine Marketing As A Sandwich
Yeah. A sandwich. Bear with me–this ain’t rocket science. First and foremost–if your filling is not delicious, you aren’t even in the game. It can’t be a great sandwich if the filling is not delicious. The filling can be many things–hopefully many things that complement each other. But fillings are distinct from condiments. If you [...]
Dear Millennials…
If you have not been reading the Millennier blog you should give it a look — you’ll find a deal of info on how 20-somethings engage with wine. Leah Hennessy makes it work with a great mix of smart, snappy writing and a solid point of view. Her note to the wine industry yesterday was [...]
Image Makeover From a Pro Winecaster
Monique Soltani put together this video from a taped interview we did a couple weeks ago. Monique’s background in television journalism shines through in the outstanding production values (though we could have asked for a sunny day for stronger natural lighting). Heck, I almost look good here! Thanks Monique — it seems to me that [...]
Wine Alcohol — Here We Go Again
Yesterday Jordan Mackay posted an article on “The Fruit Bomb Resistance” over at SF Mag. Jordan is a good writer. We love SF Mag at Westwood and like participating in their events. I personally avoid drinking over-the-top cocktail wines, and certainly don’t make them — so yes, you could label me as a “fruit-bomb resister.” [...]
What’s In A Wine Score?
The wines I’ve made have been reviewed infrequently over the years. Different reviewers, different wines but the results have shown a predictable monotony: 84-89 points, nearly every time. Same with competitions: the wines always medal — frequently gold, but never double-gold or best of show. Seems that I show a remarkable consistency. But hey… I’m [...]
Talking “Natural” Wine – Again
Jamie Goode is a trained scientist who today in his blog wrestles with the tension between faith and science implied by “natural” wine. I am also a trained scientist, plus I am deep into my 24th vintage as a winemaker. You might be surprised how infrequently the term “natural” comes up in discussions among professionals. [...]
