Late last month, I wrapped up a stint at the fourth and final wine competition in which I’d be judging in 2013, the 10th Annual Critics Challenge in (Stay Classy) San Diego. The results of that comp. have been announced. Following are some thoughts on the Critics Challenge itself, and notes on some of the…
Category: on the road
Wine Competition Myths Busted (California State Fair 2013 Commercial Wine Competition Results)
As of last week, the results of the 2013 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition have been fully revealed, and July 4th seemed an auspicious time to recap the (all American) Best of Show winners from the comp. (itself a bit of an American institution, having been established in the 1800s), and share my thoughts…
Uncovering Pennsylvania Wine For Palate Press (And Thoughts On PA’s Liquor Privatization)
A quick hit today to let you know that my take on the state of Pennsylvania wine (yes, we do make wine here in the land of scrapple) is now published over at PalatePress.com. If you’re curious as to why and how an apparently paradoxical wine market can exist in which small producers struggle both…
Out Of The Fire, Into The Spotlight (Paso Robles Cabernet Starts Coming Of Age)
Back in 2011, I wondered (aloud, in Internet terms) if Paso Robles wines were too boozy hot. Now, after attending (as a media guest) the 2013 Paso Robles Cab Collective’s CABs of Distinction tasting events, I’m wondering if they’re a bit too oaky. But I’m also now wondering when Paso wines will start being hailed…