Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Out with the Old, in with the New

Yes, out with the year 2012 and welcome to 2013. It has been quite a turbulent year and the economy has taken its toll in the wonderful world of wine as well.

This is my first post since June of 2012 and yes some turbulence in my own life as well has put regular postings on the back burner. Fortunately I have not been affected by the economy but friends, family and acquaintances know how much the loss of my dear little Madeleine in September has affected me. Maddie Lou  lived till she was 18 years old. A long time to have a devoted little friend. Her biggest thrill was to stand on my lap while going for a drive,  rest her front legs on on my left arm and stare at everything and every one. Shortly after her passing I bought a Shelby GT 500 Mustang and of course I call it my "MadMobile".
But now moving forward into 2013 let me wish one and all a Happy, Prosperous and Healthy.New Year!

What a shocker it was when Canadian wine writer Natalie Maclean found herself accused of being a content thief on Palate Press. It will take you hour upon hour just to wade through all the comments.
Too many writers and critics out there? Well, our beloved fruit of the vine, work of human hands certainly does not need this style of writing.
Speak about writing, the three J's have recently released  "Wine Grapes". 
 This book by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, and José Vouillamoz is very detailed, informative and will provide hours of outstanding reading.
 I have read a few reviews that while on the whole were positive, also had some minor negative comments.
 I ask, could you have done better?
 Its like when some wine critics have to find a fault of some sort about a wine they have tasted and are now blabbing about. I ask them, if you were given the same grapes and could use the same equipment, could you produce a better wine? 
Back to "Wine Grapes"
 The little Bacchus grapes certainly seem to be very happy with the write up they received.
For a thorough review I refer you once again to Palate Press  

I am like the little Bacchus grapes. Quite happy to add this tome to my library of wine books.
I promise to be much more diligent about postings to my blog in this year of  grape expectations !!
Once again Happy New Year !!