Old Wine Videos!

10/08/09

Just so you know, I love Windows Vista. It corrupted my version of 2007 Word and the beautiful Merlot review I was writing, so now I have been forced to go back to the dark ages of 2003 without a review. I’m too lazy to open another bottle of wine to write another review. I thought Vista was supposed put an end to world hunger and cure the common cold. All this computer frustration inspired me to read the Wikipedia entry about the History of Windows, and reminisce about the great days of 3.1 and dial up connections.

I was feeling so sentimental that I dug through my treasure chest of old multimedia and started watching these videos created by Hugh Johnson on the History of Wine, 1988 ©. My professor at Grad School gave them to me years ago because they were taking up valuable space in his office. I have to say that was the best hand me down wine gift I have ever received.

Hugh Johnson is like the U2 of the wine world. He writes his own stuff, he’s fun to listen to, and he never really fades out of popularity. But the most interesting thing about the videos is that they show how little the world of wine has changed. Just as it is now, twenty-one years ago people were arguing about the alcohol levels in wine. Heck 2000 years ago people were arguing about strength or delicacy in their wine. Even Portuguese wines were originally fortified because the English liked them strong, not because they required the addition of alcohol.

Anyway, if you geek out on wine and history, I definitely suggest getting those videos somehow. Maybe somebody is selling them on Ebay for wine.

Margerum Pinot Gris, Yeah!

I thought to write about wine again because I need a serious lesson on optimal cellar stock. Every night I spend about 15 minutes looking for a good white wine, usually end up disappointed, switch to a Pinot Noir or Merlot, open the wine, and then wish I had opened a white. So last night when my wife found the Margerum Pinot Gris 2007 from Washington laying in the closet (outside of my cellar) I was very impressed with her wine radar.

And we of course were rewarded with this delicious wine. I would give it an A-, A- due to it's vibrant acidity, subtlety and beautiful finish. This is one of the great American versions of this varietal, and the people at Margerum know what they are doing with it. It is a perfect combination with BBQ shrimp and Sunday night football.

As a side note, apparently I ruffled some feathers with the last two posts. Hey, you know, what's the point of life if you don't make some people upset. I do apologize to the Sommelier and the General Partner however (if they even read this). I know I'm not an important part of anyone's story there, but I didn't mean to cause anymore drama for those nice folks.

When I have time I figured that I would start posting again. Well I don't really have time, but I was tired of watching bad pre-game coverage of the Superbowl, so typing in a blog sounded more fun.

A lot has changed since I last wrote something about wine 6 months ago. My whole perspective on the subject has been altered. As a wine buyer I have been exposed to some pretty interesting selections, and some pretty terrible ones. I have had the opportunity to work with very knowledgeable wine freaks. All in all I'm really enjoying myself, now if I could just not have to work 60 hours a week, things would be great.

The most important thing I have learned is that there is still hope for California wines. Not everyone is making over the top fruit bombs that strain the palate. And there are a couple of over the top wines, like the Lewis Syrah, that are nice to wow the palate and the end of the night.

Overall, the most consistent producer that I have discover is Copain. Every one of these wines from the Viogner to the Syrah to the Pinot Noir are enjoyable. I think I'm going to have to buy some at my discount.