Who invented wine?s 100-point scale?

We quite often talk about the 100-point scale and its impact on wine, but is it correct to say that Robert Parker “invented” it? He certainly popularized the approach and it has come to be large part of his legacy as other magazines shifted to the numerical system. In “The Emperor of Wine,” Elin McCoy [...]

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Rosario Dawson Rose Byrne Rose McGowan Roselyn Sanchez

Field Notes from a Wine Life ? Power Structure Edition

Odds and ends from a life lived through the prism of the wine glass…

Naked Wine and Occupy Wall Street

It’s not hard to notice the parallels between the natural wine movement and Occupy Wall Street - both are valid causes sorely lacking coherence and a rallying point that would move them from fringe head-scratcher to mainstream momentum.

  Natural wine is about purity of wine expression—shepherding grapes grown without chemicals to the bottle with as little human manipulation as possible, representing the place where they came from in the process.


  Occupy Wall Street is about re-calibrating the world’s best economic system – capitalism—to preserve the middle-class, the labor force that has allowed the U.S. to create the most productive economy in the world.

Neither movement represents fringe radicalism as some would have you believe.  I look at both as being valid inflection points and, at their core, about keeping a balance between big and small, allowing every man and woman an equal opportunity at pursuing success around their particular truth.

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What reasonable person would deny the validity of either if not clouded by confusion?

One idea well-conceived and well-communicated can change the world, but, unfortunately, both the natural wine movement and Occupy Wall Street are prevaricating from their essential truth, rendering them both toothless and feckless.

No need to crib from Che Guevara, but appealing to base logic and the common denominator would do both movements some good.

Just one man’s opinion…

On the Aussies, Redux

A few weeks back, I noted how the Australian wine industry was poised for a rebound in public perception due in part to two things happening in concert – public backlash to Yellow Tail wine, what I call the, “Derision Decision,” and an unspoken coalition of influencers recognizing Australia’s artisanal wine production – the antithesis of Yellow Tail.  I cited recent sympathetic mentions from Jay McInerney in the Wall Street Journal and Dan Berger, wine writing’s current patriarch, as proof points.

You can add to the list of sympathetic mentions about artisanal Australia with recent mentions from Jancis Robinson and James Suckling.

Don’t sleep on Australia.  It’s making a comeback slowly, but surely in public perception.

Tim Mondavi and Wine Spectator

Thomas Matthews, the Executive Editor for Wine Spectator magazine (WS), has commented on my site a few times.  Each of these instances has been to protect or project Wine Spectator around its editorial goals.

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Good on Thomas for not being afraid to get in the ring.  Certainly, WS takes its fair share of shots from the wine chatterati, mostly with grace and aplomb.

Lest I cast myself as anything but objective, I should note that James Laube’s article on Tim Mondavi and Continuum in the current issue of WS (November 15th issue) is everything right about what mainstream wine media can offer wine consumers that online wine writing (mostly) doesn’t –long-form, depth, first-person access and an effort that takes weeks and not hours.

Laube’s piece is excellent - well-written and balanced; acknowledgement thereof is in order.

Besides the Wine

Jordan winery has two wines – a Cabernet and Chardonnay, but they really have a triumvirate in terms of things to buy.  Jordan focuses on food and wine as being partners at the table and, to that end, any purchase from Jordan should also include their olive oil.  Wow!

The Jordan olive oil makes Trader Joe’s EVOO seem like Two Buck Chuck, comparatively speaking.  A little whole wheat Barilla pasta, some homemade pesto using the Jordan olive oil and some artisan bread in five minutes a day and you’re assuredly living the good life.  The rub is I wouldn’t pour the round Jordan Chard with the pesto, probably a Sauvignon Blanc, but don’t let that dissuade you from picking up their olive oil – it’s good stuff.

Source: http://goodgrape.com/index.php/site/field_notes_from_a_wine_life_power_structure_edition/

Marley Shelton Mary Elizabeth Winstead Megan Ewing Megan Fox

There's Something About Pinot

I love Pinot Noir events primarily because I love Pinot Noir. There is something about the Pinot producer too that sets them apart from other winemakers. There is an arrogance I like. Maybe it comes from them working with one...

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Miranda Kerr Mischa Barton Missi Pyle Missy Peregrym

Two from Verasol

I first tried the 2008 versions of these two Spanish reds from Verasol about a year ago. I liked those then, but when I tried to find out more about the producer, there was precious little information available on the Interweb. Not much has changed during the ensuing months, as this is still the only [...]

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Kim Kardashian Kim Smith Kim Yoon jin Kirsten Dunst

Enjoy the Oceanic atmosphere at the steakhouse at 21 Oceanfront Restaurant

A grand elegance reflects from the century old McFaden Building where the spectacular 21 Oceanfront Restaurant is located, which is one of the best dining areas in Newport Beach. This is one of the favourite eateries for many meat lovers because this gastronomic enclave is famous for its delicious preparations of fresh seafood and solid [...]

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Kelly Carlson Kelly Clarkson Kelly Hu Kelly Monaco

Tasting notes - Berlin Tasting

Here follows my tasting notes from The Berlin Tasting in Copenhagen. No. 1 - 2005 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (Bordeaux) Dark colour with intense smell of pencil, cigar, currant and spicy wood. It’s full-bodied, rich and concentrated but also with an upfront softness. 96/100. No. 2 - 2004 Sassicaia (Tuscany) Not so intense in the nose - a little cherry. The [...]

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/40/tasting-notes-berlin-tasting/

Marisa Tomei Marla Sokoloff Marley Shelton Mary Elizabeth Winstead

First Look: Lunch at The Capital Grille Boston

It seems like just yesterday, but The Capital Grille Boston moved from Newbury to Boylston Street this past August. I had my first look at the space when I stopped in for lunch with a friend recently. The new restaurant is grand - graciously proportioned, sophisticated, and comfortable. More than twice as large as the original, the location is now open for lunch, served primarily in a sleek lounge area with large windows overlooking the adjacent Boylston, Dalton and Hereford streets.
I arrived shortly before they opened to take some photos of the space. The style is somewhat similar to the Burlington, Massachusetts Capital Grille but the build quality feels a touch higher at the downtown location. It also feels more spacious which is surprising given that this is a downtown location.

Some familiar portraits convey from the old site, but this is very much a 100% new space. I was thinking I might miss the old restaurant with its ornate dark wood and good old boys club feel. But after a short walk around the room I felt right at home. I can't wait to make it back for a birthday dinner.

We took a seat in the lounge for lunch, as did most others that day. Seating near the bar in the old location was tight but this one is very comfortable. A "Plates" menu option provides a good value - a choice of soup or salad along with a protein and a side for $15.
We split a wedge salad -- I feel cheated if I visit and don't get one -- along with selections from the Plates menu and a Tres Picos Garancha by the glass. I really want to try more Grenache in the coming year and this wine is a good example of why. Rich fruit flavors with caramel notes in the background. Quite affordable at retail too from around $12 (search for it at retail on wine-searcher.com).
Our server and several others recommended the Porcini Bisque. I'm glad we took their advice - it was fantastic. It's a dark creamy soup served with a streak of chive oil. Mix that in and you've got a delicious hearty start to your meal.
I couldn't pass up the Mini Tenderloin Sandwiches with Truffle Fries. Our server recommended the Lobster Roll or the "Knife and Fork" BLT but we couldn't be swayed. The tenderloin sliders were very good, but I've never been blown away by their truffle fries. Even if they sound and look delicious they're just so-so. I probably should have gone with one of the vegetable sides.
That said I enjoyed every bite, along with a wine off their higher end by-the-glass list: A 2010 Markham Pinot Noir that's unfortunately a Capital Grille exclusive. Highly recommended next time you stop in.

The Plates menu is designed to get you in and out in 45 minutes. We must have lingered a little more than normal (we were on vacation) and ended up spending about 2 hours there. Note they don't have valet service at lunch. I was able to find nearby street parking (bring your quarters) but I hear the garage near the Kings bowling alley is a good option.

The Plates menu evolves in early January to feature more wintery selections including -- get this -- a Wagyu Cheeseburger with Fried Egg and Crisp Onions.

I snapped the photo below on the way out. I think it captures the new location brilliantly. Polished and solid as a rock, but in the reflection you can see the old charm of the Back Bay neighborhood it is situated within:

Check 'em out:
The Capital Grille Boston
900 Boylston Street
617-262-8900
http://www.thecapitalgrille.com

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Paris Hilton Patricia Velásquez Paula Garcés Paulina Rubio

No one wants to watch wine movies

Ok, so I got your attention. I’m sure some of you came racing over here to tell me I’m wrong. Sideways, Mondovino, A Good Year, French Kiss, and more … so many good, and not so good, films that speak of wine. I’m not here to debate the quality and accuracy of the films, but [...]

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Melissa Rycroft Melissa Sagemiller Mena Suvari Mia Kirshner