This journal entry is written in the honorable memory of Robert Mondavi, a mentor to me and millions of others in the world of wine.
I can remember that it was the early parts of winter. As I sat alone in my office, I happened to momentarily glance up from my computer screen to enjoy a part of the year I seem to relish in the most. Outside my window, the neatly rowed yet somewhat pathetic looking vines sat dormant preparing for the wet, cool months ahead. I recall thinking how amazing it was that at one moment something could look so tattered and old, and yet at the same time hold the very essence of dramatic beauty.
As it’s been described to me by a very seasoned wine industry veteran, “Eric, there are Day Trader varietals and then there are the Blue Chip varietals. I chose to invest my time, winery talents and dollars in the Blue Chips.”
So, what are the Day Traders and Blue Chips? Here are a few examples.
Posted by Eric at 6:32 AM
There have been countless articles, books, quotes and speeches focused on this very plain word and such a perceivably simple concept. Each lectures that though difficult, it is a necessary step we all must take to continue to evolve, to grow, to be more to the world we seek to live in.
Posted by Eric at 11:05 PM
Sitting across my desk is your standard Riedel wine glass. Today, it holds a well breathed, generously poured portion of the Eric Guerra 2005 Alexander Valley Ispiri. Occasionally, and sometimes subconsciously, I reach for the stem and give it a few swirls. The wine climbs high on the walls then settles back down into the bowl. Staring into the center of the glass, I notice how pronounced and slow the lines, or legs, creep down the sides. My mind begins to imagine how these lines are telling the many stories of this wines incredible journey.
Posted by Eric at 7:40 AM
Winter begins one of the most visually stunning times of the year in wine country. As the weather continues to play games with us—sometimes pouring, sometimes a sunny 70+ degrees—without doubt the Spanish Mustard masterfully brushes the vineyards with a brilliant coat of yellow. Though called “Mustard”, it’s not the same mustard enjoyed on your hotdog (sorry).
Posted by Eric at 9:03 AM
In the adjective-abused world of wine writing, the word Balance gets thrown around quite a bit. We often come across it in wine publications, ratings, winery marketing materials and so on. You’ll read something like, “The complex fruit characters are balanced neatly with firm yet subtle tannins.” Um, huh? Listen, I’m one of the guilty parties because I am an adjective-loving marketing guy that uses these overly complicated phrases every time my fingers tap down on a keyboard. I ask you, what is true balance?
Posted by Eric at 6:09 AM
Though I’m welcoming you to us and our boutique winery, it is anything but the beginning. Leading up to today where many years of dreaming, thousands of hours of planning and coordinating, innumerable phone calls, a seemingly infinite number of emails, countless nights of back-breaking work, many French oak barrels, lots of fine grapes and purple hands, untold amounts of new gray hairs, sometimes more questions than answers and everything nicely encrusted with frequent sleepless nights.
All leading up to today…
Posted by Eric at 9:02 PM
The craft of fine wines is as wondrous and alluring as it is maddening. I’ve spent many years learning the business, however I have many more to go. From our mountain vineyards, to our labels, to our wines, each day brings challenges and triumphs. For those of you who are either intrigued or may be inspired to learn more, from an insiders perspective, welcome to your very own reality show.
The musings of an insider, or madman, whichever you ultimately decide, will be continuously updated below. If the mood moves you, please send feedback.
Posted by Eric at 10:50 PM