Monthly Archives: August 2015

Long Live the Rothschildren: The Pink of Perfection

Posted on August 30, 2015 by

No serious debate that the first family of wine is Rothschild, at least from a historical perspective.  They are to wine what the Kennedys are to political dynasties, what the House of Medici is to art patronage, what the Simpsons … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, FRANCE | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Anthony Road: Don’t Start The Revolution Without Me

Posted on August 28, 2015 by

Talking to Peter Becraft is an unexpected treat—many winemakers express a sort of taciturn shyness and meet the media under duress—it’s part of the package deal of self-promotion. But Becraft is the opposite.  He’s gregarious, funny, charming and intense about … Continue reading →

Posted in New York | Leave a comment

Participation Trophies at the 2015 Michigan Wine Competition

Posted on August 22, 2015 by

Over the past couple years, Michigan wine country has been whumped in the nads by Mother Nature, and it’s fair to say that deadbeat Father Nature has missed a few support payments too. The winter of ’13-’14 was desperately long, … Continue reading →

Posted in Michigan | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Fox Run: For Whom the Bell Toils

Posted on August 21, 2015 by

Our paths first crossed between Michigan and New York; same latitude, same longitude, exact same moment, with a scant 30,000 feet between us. That’s because while I was driving to Finger Lakes to interview winemakers, Finger Lakes winemaker Peter Bell … Continue reading →

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The Munchkin of Ink Thinks I’m #Stupid. Read On.

Posted on August 17, 2015 by

Old age may not guarantee wisdom, but it does encourage a bit of caution.  As a result, I’m wary of using the word ‘stupid’ to dismiss people I don’t know.   I roll my eyes at those memes that say ‘Stupidity … Continue reading →

Posted in GENERAL | 11 Comments

Finger on the Pulse: Wine and Water

Posted on August 16, 2015 by

You may not know it, but the Ohio Turnpike comes with its own soundtrack.  It kicks in as soon as you leave the onramp and consists primarily of white Gospel music. If you’re not familiar with that genre, let me … Continue reading →

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Sommosexuality: Not That There’s Anything Wrong With It

Posted on August 11, 2015 by

We’ve come a long way, baby. When I was a puerile punk, drinking wine—if we drank wine at all—was restricted to Froot Loops brands like Tyrolia and Annie Green Springs.  Wine without the word ‘cooler’ attached was as rare to … Continue reading →

Posted in GENERAL | Tagged | 2 Comments

Dear Riedel: ‘Hand-blown’ is an Oxymoron, You Twats

Posted on August 7, 2015 by

In an effort to take some of the legal heat off my blood brother Ron Washam, consider this the journalistic equivalent of a mother duck faking a broken wing to distract the predators from her loved ones. I urge all … Continue reading →

Posted in GENERAL | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Buy My Book Or God Will Destroy You

Posted on August 6, 2015 by

Let’s not equivocate here, kay kay?  Even stone-cold atheists recognize that I am one of God’s favorites. My mother recognized it at birth when she noticed that my pupils were horizontal rather than round; my father recognized it during my … Continue reading →

Posted in Michigan | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Gypsy Canyon Wine with Thai Dogs: Match Made in Doggie Heaven

Posted on August 2, 2015 by

A perfect recipe for the dog days of summer! Thai Dogs Ingredients: 1/2 pound cups fresh squid, cut into bite-size rings 1 large onion, chopped 2 chopped garden beetles 4 ounces Việt-Huong Fish Sauce 2-3 fresh Thai chili peppers 2 … Continue reading →

Posted in CALIFORNIA | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments