Why can’t Hollywood hold a wine glass?
Hollywood actors are famous for their intense levels of preparation. Many actors think such steps are imperative to bring authenticity to a role, though some take it to extremes. For example, leading up to her Read more...
How much cork taint comes from sources other than the cork?
One of the myths I hear frequently about cork taint is that the cork is not necessarily the most likely culprit. While true, in theory, that cork taint can come from other sources, in practice Read more...
Wine competitions have jumped the shark
Wine competitions have long been a dubious side of the industry. Wineries submit wines along with a healthy submission fee; competitions send back shiny medals that have a strong whiff of pay-to-play, particularly as most Read more...
Is Willamette Valley “the next Napa”? Let’s hope not.
Earlier this month Time magazine named Oregon’s Willamette Valley one of the “World’s Greatest Places” of 2023. The appellation is among 50 locations and one of only six in the U.S. The headline reads “Willamette Valley, Oregon. Read more...
What’s wrong with Dry January?
One way to know that Dry January is gaining momentum is the increasing backlash against it by people in beverage alcohol industry. This year I’ve seen a truly remarkable number of brands riffing on or Read more...
Can scores be compared across publications?
I have at times been told that I am a conservative reviewer in terms of my scores. I don’t believe that to be true. Rather, I believe that differences in my scores and those from Read more...
Who cares about wine ratings?
I am a wine critic and have been for a long time. However, I have often mused about whether scoring wine is a necessary evil or just evil. These are not just my own musings. Read more...
It’s time for wine capsules to go away
The following article appeared in the March 2022 issue of Wine Enthusiast Most wines are adorned with a capsule atop the bottle. Whether made of plastic, aluminum, tin or something else, they are so ubiquitous Read more...
