Introducing the Mystery Grape Game
A lot of my writings the past few months have been focusing on wine business and marketing topics. That’s always been an interest of mine that I’ve enjoyed exploring. But it’s also an area that I need to stay up on as part of my WSET Diploma studies and eventual attempt towards getting a Master of Wine. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust and the Institute of Masters of Wine were both founded by figures…
One Night Stands and Surprises
When is the last time that a winery really surprised you? Now I’m not talking about a wine that was unexpectedly delicious (or atrocious), a shocking winemaker departure or an owner selling. Instead, I’m talking about being genuinely surprised by the way that a winery interacted with consumers. I’m talking about a “Morton’s Surprise.” Back in 2011, a hungry businessman boarded a flight destined for the Newark airport. The flight was going to arrive late…
60 Second Wine Review — Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Elia Rosé
Today is apparently National Rosé Day. In the US? Globally? Who knows?, but I figured it was as good as any day to share a few quick thoughts on the 2018 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Elia Rosé from Napa Valley. Note: This wine was tasted as a sample. The Geekery First released in 2015, the Elia Rosé is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the legendary Fay Vineyard in the Stags Leap District. The 2018 vintage…
Groans and Hoses — Or how I saved wine writing from satirical dick pics
I really shouldn’t be writing at 2 am. I should be in bed, lying next to my gorgeous wife. But instead, I’m downstairs on my laptop so as not to disturb her with ruminations that have been bothering me for the past few days. Ruminations that I’m far from alone in sharing as evidenced by the eruption of anger towards a recent piece posted on Master of Wine Tim Atkin’s site. There Ron Washam, the…