I’m With Parker on This One ~ Possibly the last weigh in
Why? Robert Parker, Jr., spent his entire wine career adhering to very a strict rule; namely, he’s paid his own way. This has allowed for him to candidly say and write whatever he’s wanted. As a consequence, his reviews and assessments have always been from a very pure, unencumbered place. When he decided that he [...]
Do you have issues with Corkage? I got over mine…
I just read this Facebook question: “What are your issues about Corkage Fees?” written by Bill Eyer. This question was stemming from a thoughtful blog on the subject at Cruvee Corner Wine Blog, also written by Bill Eyer. First, Corkage fees are defined as what one pays when he or she brings his or her [...]
Google Alert Said, “Petit Syrah”
Google Alert said, “Wine of the Week – Inheritance Petit Syrah” Website said, “Wine of the Week – Inheritance Petite Syrah” Bottle said, “Inheritance Petite Sirah” Three different spellings within 10 seconds of each other. Only the bottle got it right. If you’re selling it and can’t spell it… Hum… If you’re writing about it, [...]
Wine Tasting Etiquette ~ Please Save Your Perfume for More Romantic Times
Although there’s a lot of “romance” associated with the “wine experience,” additional aromas when tasting wine don’t really add anything. In fact, they take a lot away from a really pleasant experience. I’m no saint with this one. I’ll admit it… I learned this the hard way. It was when I began my wine career [...]
Children Should Be Welcomed Here ~ Wine Country
When I worked at Robert Mondavi Winery, I loved all aspects of being there, with one exception. I had a really hard time with the repetition of Wine 101 three to four times a day. I reached the point of feeling like I was channeling Lily Tomlin, doing her Broadway hit of “Searching for Sings [...]
What are The Pros and Cons of the i-Pad as a Wine Menu?
[I have borrowed this image, which is the property of Erik S. Lesser for the New York Times, which was used to enhance Kevin Sack's story.] My friend Paul Rude of Castro Verde, Portugal, just forwarded this story to me that was in the New York Times: Choosing Wines at the Touch of a Screen, [...]
How do you feel about being aggregated? I know how I do…
I just got another Dear Jo Email that touched on a wine blogging subject. Here’s the question: Hi Jo, I need to know what you know about a European website Polskiewinnice.eu. I have found all my post and many other wine blog posts copied and posted on this site. I am listed as a contributor [...]
Lisboa ~ I Was Visiting a Monastery and a Play Broke Out
The Play AUTO DA BARCA DO INFERNO (1517) by Gil Vicente (B.1470-D.1537, approximated) The author is acknowledged as the Portuguese theater pioneer, and was a contemporary of King D. Manuel I. Vicente most certainly accompanied the initial phase of the monastery’s construction. (I have written about Manueline architecture. The Jerónimos Monastery is part of that [...]
