Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Moves to Singapore, Parker Steps Down as Editor

If there ever was any doubt that Asia, particularly Singapore, is a big player in the wine business, this latest bit of news will vanquish it. Here’s what was reported recently in the Wall Street Journal:

Mr. Parker intends to phase out the print version of the newsletter [The Wine Advocate], which he built over the past several decades into one of the most influential voices on wine. He also said he intends to step down as its editor in chief, turning over editorial oversight to his Singapore-based correspondent, Lisa Perrotti-Brown. Finally, the fiercely independent publication—which Mr. Parker has often described as inspired by his hero, consumer advocate Ralph Nader—will start accepting advertising, though none that is wine-related. The moves in part reflect Asia's rise as a prime consumer of wine and other luxury goods. Mr. Parker said he is selling a "substantial interest" in the Wine Advocate to a trio of Singapore-based investors who will take over its day-to-day financial operations.

There are plans to find a new correspondent, likely based in China, to cover the emerging Asian wine producers. The 65-year-old Parker will continue to review the wines of Bordeaux and the Rhone for the newsletter, and will no doubt enjoy the free time in France and at his home in Maryland, his writing chair made more comfortable by a fat wallet.

2009 Domaine Marquis D'Angerville Volnay 1er Cru "Champans"--Too Legit to Quit

Burgundys are designed to spend some time in the cellar. Ask a Frenchman when he'll drink that premier cru burgundy in his cellar and he'll likely say "at my son's wedding."  His son is ten. You get the picture.

So it seemed a bit like infanticide to open a bottle of 2009 Domaine Marquis D'Angerville 1er cru Volnay at a recent tasting at Bern's Fine Wines and Spirits in Tampa but that is exactly what we did.

And it was delightful. The nose was intense, floral on top with dark red fruit and spice on the second whiff. Round and well-balanced on the palate with layers of ripe fruit and mineral and an incredible 40+ second finish.

This is a beautifully crafted wine, notable for the "hands off" approach this producer has adhered to in the making of this wine--biodynamic farming, cold maceration, no punchdowns, gentle extraction, and minimal new oak. 

Robert Parker gave a 95 point score for this Premier Cru wine and I suspect they didn't have to bring out the dancing girls to get it. Drink it now or wait until 2039. No wedding required.

2009 Rust En Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon

My local wine retailer in Tampa, Florida occasionally scores some amazing deals from their distributors and passes the savings onto their customers. One recent deal was the 2009 Rust En Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon, which was offered at an amazing price of $10.99.

I had visited this vineyard back in 2005 and was extremely impressed with their portfolio of new world red wines, so I bought two bottles, thinking unless it's cooked how bad can it be?

Not bad at all. In fact, quite exceptional for this bargain price point. I consumed both bottles over two weeks, pairing them with grilled lamb sliders and beef ribeye. In both I noted loam and dark fruit on the nose and the scent of the Stellenbosch cellar it came from. The palate was mouth coating, a bit jammy, with discernable but balanced oak. And the finish long, with hints of fig and vanilla.

Wine Spectator gave this wine a rating of 92/100. Drink Now or Hold. I concur. Don't expect to get it at this price, however, as I have bought out the stock in Tampa, FL but you can find it on-line from US $27-29. Very good at that price point too.

The USA is Tops!

Okay, we are no longer the economic superpower we once were, our congress is incapable of passing a law, and our federal government can't balance the budget to save its soul, but in one respect the USA is top rated!

In wine consumption.

Yes, we have surpassed the traditional wine quaffing countries like France and Italy in wine consumption. And although China is fast becoming one of the world's major wine consumers, this is one area where the US currently beats China hands down:

"By 2015, US consumers are expected to be drinking 13 liters per adult per year, while in China they should be drinking an average of 1.9 to 2.0 liters per adult," reports the New York Daily News.

Turns out Americans are increasingly choosing wine over beer and spending slightly more per bottle for wine than they have in the past, according to this article published by delish.com.

What does this say about us as a culture? To me it says that even in the hard times Americans will not, and do not, give up the grape.

God bless America!

Flickr photo by Gimme a Pabst

Yes, I am an officially certified wino!

This past fall I spent a week in Northern California training and tasting in preparation to take my exam for the Advanced Sommelier Certificate, granted by the United States Sommelier Association.

The blind tasting part of the exam was a killer, featuring two wines that rarely make it onto a US wine list — a Portuguese Albariño or Alvarinho (as the Portuguese call it) and a South African Pinotage (that was markedly uncharacteristic in its flavor profile).

My fellow classmates and test-takers and were visibly dismayed when the wines were revealed as we had all failed to identify these two varietals and we expected we had failed the blind tasting portion of the exam (which included only five wines).

So I was delighted and surprised when I was informed that I had passed the exam and I waited in anticipation for the actual certificate to be mailed to me as proof positive that I was officially certified.

What will I do now that I'm a certified wine educator and sommelier? I'm not sure yet. I have been very busy working towards another certification that enhances my executive, life and transition coaching business. This has nothing to do with wine, of course, but I joke with my friends that if I, as an executive, life and transition coach, I can't help my clients move towards their goals and desires I can at very least pour them a well-chosen glass of Bordeaux.

Cheers!