a few things

I'm not usually one to rant, but here are a few recent thoughts that have been bugging me:

If you're going out for a glass of wine, please keep the lipstick at a minimum. It's quite frustrating washing glasses that look like someone doctored them with oil paints.

A corkage fee exists for a reason: to cover operating costs and the deathly low markup that restaurants make on a carry in wine. It is also not waived with a 'twist off' cap or a tetrapack. If you have a problem with that, then opt for water next time. If you still have a problem with that, I can't help you.

If you're from my parent's generation, don't call me man, dude, or buddy, and proceed to talk about bongs, beer bongs, or anything else of the sort. Just because I'm young or have long hair doesn't mean I'm an idiot.

White wine has more sulfites than red. It's not the sulfur that's giving you the headache.

Don't feel ashamed when you get a sample of wine and swirl and sniff it in front of your friends. That's what you're supposed to do.

If you fall off your chair, knock over the water, or break a wine glass, don't be offended when I cut you off. Your slurred argument to me will get you nowhere.

Don't complain about the size of my pour. I measured it, twice.

If the price of a glass of wine offends you, then don't order it. I don't set the prices, so don't complain to me. If you're gonna be so damn cheap, then why are you dining out in the first place?

A wine bar is just like any other bar. Tipping is appreciated.

(Guys) Don't feel the need to tell me, with your chest puffed in the air like a mating duck, that you're not a 'wine drinker' as you chuckle expect me to think more of you. I love wine, you just offended me, and I'd actually love to pour you a glass or two that you will love. Open your mind for once.

Please don't pretend like you know everything about wine. You don't, neither do I, and you never will. Get over yourself.

Ask questions. The person in the wine-shop is there to help and would be thrilled to share some suggestions with you. Don't be shy, really. Unless you treat me like your insubordinate, I won't judge you.

If I had it my way, I'd be serving you in a flannel shirt and jeans. You'd be drinking wine from a tap in the vessel of your choosing (even a plastic cup if you wanted). You'd be sitting on a couch and the music would be loud and probably live. Maybe someday. I really am not a wine snob and I want to make drinking God's finest nectar enjoyable and easy for you. If you like it, drink it; It doesn't have to be expensive. Try new wines, especially when they're offered to you.
Cheers!

Moulting

It's now been 3 weeks since I stopped smoking. Notice how I said 'stopped' and not 'quit.' The harsh realization came to me that I've been a 'smoker' far longer than I'd like to admit, and though I've tried 'quitting' before, I've never been as serious about it as I am now and I don't want to jinx it. So I stopped. Three weeks and counting without gnarly, burnt taste-buds has opened up my palate to a whole new world of flavor. Even though my palate has fallen out of shape since the daily blind tastings I endured last harvest, I am finding new complexities I never knew existed. Ironically the first time I really realized my heightened sense was when I was able to pick out 'leather' and 'tobacco' in a burly California Cab, two flavors that I must have tasted in just about every wine when I was smoking on the regular. Now I know quite a few people in the industry who are heavy smokers (cigars and pipes count) who have way better palates than your average punter, and if I'm not mistaken, even Robert Parker is a smoker, which probably explains why his obnoxious taste shies away from subtleties. More than anything else, I'm all the more inspired to keep 'not smoking.' Besides being healthy and cheap, it makes my wine taste exponentially more interesting.

Retour

I recently returned home from a 3 month 'vacation' to Italy. While there are numerous stories and posts that could be produced relating to the topic of wine and my journey, I am feeling an overpowering writer's block and will have to save those goodies for another time.

One of the first things I did in the days after being home was go through my personal wine collection. I have amassed quite the stash, at least compared to anyone else I am close friends with, and it's always fun to go through and find the goodies hiding in my parents basement. It's also crazy to see some of the bottles I was gifted, bought with an industry discount, or on a whim; I'm definitely not on the same budget now as I was even 6 months ago! Needless to say there are a few bottles that should probably be opened before too long so they don't turn to garbage water. The prospect of creating a menu to go with some stellar west-coast wines makes my mouth water, though I don't know who of my friends would give a damn about what goes better with what. I'm also hoping to maybe start a tasting group, something I've wanted to do for some time now but never had the opportunity because I've been on-the-go for the last two years straight. Hopefully I can find some inspiration in all that I have bottled up.

Cheers!