No Products in the Cart
Bordeaux, a name that evokes images of elegance and tradition—dinners at Downton Abbey—but also leaves wine lovers yearning for more. Despite its historical significance and esteemed status, Bordeaux seems to have fallen into the trap of predictability, struggling to keep pace with the dynamic and ever-evolving world of wine especially in California. ("California...knows how to party," as Tupac said.)
Homogeneity on the Palate: Bordeaux's reliance on traditional blends, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, has resulted in a notable uniformity across many of its wines. While these blends may offer structure and complexity, they can also lead to a lack of excitement for those seeking diversity in flavor profiles. I found myself vilified in a Facebook wine group (to the point where I have been censored, no cap) for suggesting that "The Prisoner" by Dave Phinney had championed blending. While my claim may not have been explicitly limited to the United States, it remains true that The Prisoner Wine Company was groundbreaking in blending non-traditional grapes. They are undoubtedly the champions, champions, champions. Sorry, not sorry.
Distant from Modern Trends: Furthermore, in a wine universe witnessing a renaissance of experimentation, with winemakers pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers, Bordeaux seems rooted in its age-old techniques. The obsession with terroir and adherence to strict regulations can, ironically, impede innovation and adaptation. Cabs aged in bourbon barrels have garnered significant praise—extremely so. Just ask Publix. Lol.
Exclusivity at a Cost: Bordeaux's high prices and aura of exclusivity have positioned it as an indulgence rather than an affordable luxury. This exclusiveness may have contributed to a sense of detachment, making Bordeaux wines feel more like artifacts (taking bids on this fabulous lot from Haut Médoc) than enjoyable grape juice.
Underwhelming Experiences: Modern wine enthusiasts seek experiences that transcend the wine itself. From eco-friendly practices to engaging narratives, today's wines tell stories that resonate with consumers. CEOs of pertinent consumer product companies understand this and never miss an opportunity to use the terms "experience" or "experiential" in conference calls with analysts. Bordeaux's focus on tradition and history occasionally overshadows the need for connection.
Eclipsed by New Stars: As the wine world expands, regions like New Zealand, Argentina, and even lesser-known European corners are stealing the spotlight with audacious varietals and innovative techniques. Bordeaux, it appears, risks being overshadowed by fresher faces. Georgia, Slovenia, and Greece all come to mind.
Final Notes
In conclusion, labeling Bordeaux as "boring" isn't a dismissal of its inherent quality or esteemed past (as we rise from paying homage to Château Haut Brion). Rather, it's a call for evolution, for Bordeaux to rise to the challenge of embracing modern sensibilities while retaining its rich heritage. As wine lovers, we can only hope that Bordeaux will reawaken and polish their exceptional brand. To paraphrase Faulkner—ironically known for his love of mint juleps—we have no doubt that the historical châteaux of Bordeaux will not only endure but also prevail.
For a wine like Snoop Dogg's Cali Red Blend to be commercially viable it needs to taste the same year after year.
The story begins in 2013 when Brazilian billionaire André Esteves and a group of investors took the reins of Argiano, a historic winery in Montalcino, from Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano and winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers. This change in ownership marked a strategic shift back to the roots of Brunello winemaking, fueled by a commitment to tradition and excellence.
The wine industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, with the emergence of the online wine shipping market playing a pivotal role. This evolution has brought unprecedented convenience to wine enthusiasts, changing the way we discover, purchase, and enjoy our favorite wines. In this blog, we'll explore inflection points, market capitalization, and forecast for the future of the online wine shipping industry.
So, you've heard it all before: Cabernet Sauvignon, the undisputed ruler of American vineyards and the wine world.
When it comes to wine, the term "vintage" often gets tossed around, and it can...
Ownership details of the Trump Winery have undergone some changes over the years. According to legal notices on the winery's website, it suggests that the business is now Eric Trump's personal project, operating under the name "Eric Trump Wine Manufacturing LLC."
Meghan Markle's passion for fine wine is no secret, and one of her all-time favorites was Antinori's Tignanello. Tignanello is a highly regarded Italian red wine, known for its rich and complex flavors, and it served as a precursor to the Super Tuscan wines. Meghan's love for this wine went beyond the palate; it became a symbol of her appreciation for luxury, such as owning a personal helicopter like Piero Antinori, the patriarch of Marchesi Antinori and the maker of Tignanello.
But what made the Cabrera gift stand out was how it diverged from the norm of players often being gifted Rolex watches from teams and teammates. But Cabrera plays for the Tigers so it is likely that his team will be gifting the legend something more befitting of his stature in baseball history. As for the bottle of Caymus he likely left in the opposing team's dugout after the game, here's hoping it finds its way back to the individual in the Athletics' front office who hatched this brilliance.
