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 !!
About a month ago, I visited the Dragonfly Hill Vineyard, and had a delightful visit with Carol Wallace, the owner. Looks like an abundant, excellent crop coming for this vintage. That is a picture of her Ortega grapes. She also grows Auxerrois grapes. Her vines are now 16 years old and produce excellent fruit. We sat in her cool winery building and enjoyed a glass or two of her very refreshing clean and crisp Ortega Auxerrois blend. It brings you right down to the reality of what wine is all about.
Do we here in North America frantically and in a frenzy spend to much time writing, blogging and criticizing wines? There is a daily outpouring of wine reviews on the internet, mostly via blogs. Oh, you must try this wine and before you've had a chance to purchase it, the next best wine is presented for your consideration. Its enough to drive you to drink! Are we forgetting to stop and smell the roses or in this case the wines, long enough to truly understand what wine is all about?
Susan Kostrzewa over on the Wine Enthusiast's Unreserved wine blog
wrote a very good article on wine critics. The comments were equally enlightening but I particularly liked the last sentence summation of Wes Hagen of Clos Pepe and I quote, "And in my favorite countries, those common folk are drinking wine—not because it received a good rating, but because a table without wine, food, family and friends just doesn’t seem right."
It is 110 F ( 34 C ) outside. Not a cloud in the sky and just a gentle little breeze blowing. Our Vancouver Island vineyards are basking in the sun. Its time for me to prepare some lunch and enjoy a brilliant, refreshing white on my sundeck. (click on the image) If we enjoy the wine in our glass, after a whole year at the vineyard and winery has passed and has given us one of mother nature's great gifts, spend some time researching the winery, the vintner, the soils and get an idea of what you are experiencing.
You will appreciate the wine that much more.
Stop, slow down, don't just rush out and get the latest recommendation. Life is too short, take time to smell the wine and enjoy every drop!
Happy summer time drinking!
