24 September 2008
Someone Forgot to Tell Château Haut-Brion About Merlot
As I walked towards the grand ballroom I could hear the emerging buzz of voices swirling about. I paused in the main entrance taking witness to the countless distinguished wine professionals quickly moving about making final preparations. Holding my pass up to the hostess and being waved forward, I was amongst the first to stroll down an isle lined on each side with neatly rowed tables, each with a small display of wine bottles sitting proudly on top. And with each table I passed, the winery names proceeding became more renowned than the prior:
• Château Margaux
• Château d’Yquem
• Screaming Eagle
• Mouton Rothschild
• Bryant Family Farms
The list continued….
Like a leisure Fall walk on a crisp afternoon in Central Park, which was only a few blocks north of this event, I happened to be in the grandest wine tasting in the world; The Wine Spectator New York Wine Experience.
As I made my way to the end of the first row, I found myself plotting the master plan out in my head. “I’ll go to French Bordeaux’s to begin, then move onto the cult American Cab’s and Merlot’s, onto the Pinot’s, then turn the corner to the worlds legendary Champagnes as a sort of Robin Leach toast to the completion of a tasting my palate will never forget. It will be the perfect day.”
As I turned to make my way to the first stop along the planned journey, to my left I noticed an older woman sitting alone behind a table. Throwing me off my stride, I thought maybe a palate starter would be good. You know, I’ll use some unknown Bordeaux blend as my ginger before a plate of fine sushi.
She clearly did not appear to be a wine event professional, as I noticed she didn’t even have the name of the winery on the wall behind her and the bottles where turned backwards so I couldn’t see the labels. So, I figured I’ll do her a favor and taste these seemingly unknown wines while invigorating my taste buds for the onslaught of the finest wines in the world.
As I bellied up to the table, I extended my dry Riedel glass outward. She slowly raised out of her chair quickly apologizing that her team where caught up at the airport and she was covering for them. This made sense, given the condition of the table layout. I noticed she was an intriguing woman, somewhat self important in the very real confidence she emanated. Also, there was a French accent, however set within a very clean English elocution. Clearly an American now living in France.
As she poured she said, “This is our 2004 blend. We are quite proud of this vintage, as we where able to use over 60% Merlot, and the remainder Cab.” Nothing truly uncommon in what she had to say, as Merlot is widely used in Bordeaux and is the number one planted vine in the region.
I sipped…then sipped again staring at the glass with disbelief. It was a big, powerful, full wine, with this delicate and incredibly pleasing fruit forward portion in the front, firm acidity in the middle, and creamy tannins in the finish. A truly amazing wine. She noticed the look on my face which pushed a small smile up from her mouth as if to say, “I knew I would get you.”
She seemed to make a point about the Merlot being a key component. I asked her to elaborate on why Merlot was so important. Quickly, she began by saying, “We strive to put as much Merlot in the final blend as possible, never going below 55%. Merlot is the cornerstone to our style and quality and we look for this varietal to offer the wine the elegance, bright fruit as well as the velvety mouthfeel we desire.”
As I reached out for another small taste of this transformational wine, she finished with, “And to be one of the top First Growths in the world, we demand this of our wines.” With that, she thanked me for stopping by and turned her attention to the stampede coming towards us from behind. Quickly being pushed aside by the crowd, I overheard one man saying to another, “Let’s start here at Haut-Brion then move down the row to the other First Growths”. It took me a few moments to realize behind the table was the owner, the very famous and only American to own a first-growth Bordeaux house, Duchesse de Mouchy.
I find it quite interesting. Merlot is regarded as a great varietal within the US, but it’s not considered to be able to create legendary blends. However, some of the most legendary wines in the world use Merlot as the majority of its blend each vintage. Haut-Brion is just one of the many: Château Petrus (almost 90% Merlot at times), Château Cheval Blanc (typically 55%+ Merlot and Miles favorite wine in the movie Sideways, which was the hidden joke few seemed to pick up on), Château Angelus and Château Lafleur Pomerol—to name just a few.
Based upon the track record, age-ability and notoriety of these and many other legendary Merlot-based blends, all I can think is someone must have forgotten to tell Haut-Brion that Merlot cannot make a legendary blend. Or maybe, does Haut-Brion know something many in the US will learn about in our very own California wines someday?
I choose to believe Haut-Brion, and many years from now I truly believe our flagship blend Ispiri will tell us the same.
Cheers —Eric
Posted by Eric at 7:12 PM
23 July 2008
Mondavi—Time Chases Us All
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.
I must have been staring at them for longer than I realized, as I did not hear Martin walk in the door.
The conversation went something like this . . .
“Staying late tonight Eric, huh. What are you working on?”, splintering the silence and thus breaking my stare.
A bit startled, I recall saying, “Hey Martin. Just working on some new sales materials for grocery chains. However, I’m feeling a bit lost on the concept. Not sure why.”
“Well, what are you trying to accomplish here?”, he said quickly moving into the mentor roll I appeared to have needed at this time.
I said, “I just don’t want to create pointless sales materials with some boring offer for a discount only if the consumer purchases. I mean, wouldn’t they just buy the wine with the best offer each week? It just doesn’t seem to create a very lasting relationship between our brand and the customer. I want them to buy our wines because they are connected to us emotionally. I don’t know, maybe I’m over thinking this a bit too much.”
At this time, I was managing Kendall-Jackson, one of the largest and most revered wine brands in the industry. Within a given year, over 25 million people would enjoy a glass of our wines. I was looking for a way to connect the brand at a deeper level to each one of them.
In his I’ve-heard-it-before-a-million-times smile he said, “Come on down to my office, I want to share something with you.”
I slowly rose and followed his 6'6" shadow down past the many empty desks, as we made it to his office. With a leathery crunch, he slumped down into the big, black office chair. I found my appropriate space in the guest chair across the large oak desk. Behind him was an old bottle of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon.
“What was it like, to work with Robert for so long? Did you get to know him well?” I said.
Martin ascended up through the wine industry ranks while spending over 15 years at Robert Mondavi organization, ending his tenure as the Senior VP of Marketing. Needless to say, he spent many quiet nights in the office with Mr. Mondavi himself. Up to this point, however, I never asked Martin about his personal relationship with Robert. I figure, what the hell.
“Many years ago Eric, I was sitting in the office staring out the window, much like you are tonight, and Robert happened to walk past and briefly stop at my desk, like I did with you tonight. I believe I had the same puzzled look on my face. I can’t completely recall what I was working on, however I remember the moment like it was this morning.”, he recalled in a very pensive way, reaching deep into his most sacred memories.
“And what did he say.” I said, as if the storyteller just read the first sentence to Dr. Seuss’s Oh The Places You Will Go.
He said, “Robert sat in my office and told me something I will never forget. He went on to tell me the now famous story about the start up of the Mondavi winery.”
He continued, “Apparently when he left, or was asked to leave, Krug winery he was living nearby in a small home with his wife. He would get up each morning, walk out back to the vineyard and would sit down at a table and desk he propped out there for some unknown reason even to himself. Each day for weeks he would sit there and stare out into the vineyards, repeating over and over in his mind “I’m over 50 years old and I have no place to go, no future ahead, nothing to do.” In fact, this went on for sometime. Then, with the excitement of a seven year old, he recalled the moment it hit him. He would create a wine brand that would establish a love affair between his wine, the winery and the customer. At this moment he found the key to a successful wine brand; the powerful emotional connection between the faceless-masses and the brand. That day he wanted to build a winery that was welcoming to millions of people, and he just couldn’t wait to get started.” Martin then scrunched back into the high portion of the leather chair and sat quietly for a moment.
Looking intently at me, he said “Robert pioneered the very thought you are trying to find tonight. Clearly, he was onto something we all know today because history has been written. You see Eric, your thinking about our brand in the correct way. Keep the thought in the front of your mind and the answer will come soon enough.”
As I thanked Martin and wished him a good night, I recall feeling I was offered a rare glance into a historic moment between a wine industry legend and his pupil.
Fast forwarding a few years later…
It was a beautiful Friday afternoon in St Helena and I happened to be causally walking through a large cellar displaying the Napa Valley Auction lots. Amongst me where thousands of collectors and wine people alike, tasting from select boutique wineries barrels surrounded by auction lots only the super-wealthy of the valley could enjoy. On one corner, I noticed a bit of a gathering with cameramen flashing and people buzzing about. Curious, I made my way through the crowd. Sitting there in a wheelchair was Robert himself. Almost immediately, I noticed next to him a much smaller man having the same features as the Mondavi family. Clearly, he was his brother Peter who continues to own and operate Krug to this very day. Like a school boy who just saw his baseball idol walk past, I pushed closer to the two sitting quietly side-by-side.
Next to me was Peter’s older son. With a quick glance we realized we knew each other from events around town. Given Robert’s continued health issues at the time, being 91 years old, I asked Peter Jr. if I could talk to his father and uncle. It may be my last chance.
“Sure Eric, my dad would love to talk to you. My uncle might come in and out, so be patient with him.”, he said with a smile knowing it was my last opportunity to capture a moment I will not soon forget.
As I knelt down between the brothers, I said, “Excuse me Mr. Mondavi, I was wondering if I could talk to you. You see, you and your brother are mentors of mine and I have a few questions to ask you.” Honestly, I felt like a tool (the best word available in the MS Word Thesaurus).
In a thick Italian accent, Peter’s eye lit up as he said, “Of course son. Please sit down and let’s talk.”
Over the next 20 uninterrupted minutes, I was having a conversation with two of the most famous winery men to have ever driven down highway 29. It was a thrilling talk about the wine customer, wine brands, wine and the Napa Valley all ending with something I will never forget.
When it was finally time for them to leave, Peter slowly leaned towards me and within clear earshot of Robert he said softly, “Eric, never lose sight of why you started your winery in the first place. For me, it was two reasons. First, a place for my family to work long after I am gone. This, I have. Second, it was the satisfaction I personally get from our connection with the millions who drink my wine. As long as you live by those thoughts, you will never be wrong in the decisions you make. There will be many who will put you down or question these decisions, however know now you will never be wrong in the end.” He smiled at me, as if to tell me everything will be just fine in my wine life.
Up to this moment Robert said very little. However, he slowly reached out and touched my arm staring a bit blankly off into the distance he said in a very low, laborious voice, “It came to me late in life, but it came to me nonetheless. You seem to know this now. My brother is right. Always remember why you have the passion for wine and tell as many people as possible. You never know, they just might follow you as well.”
And with that, his wife smiled at me as she pushed his chair through crowd.
To Robert & Peter—thank you for the greatest 20 minutes in my career. You made a difference. Cheers!
Posted by Eric at 6:32 AM
19 May 2008
Pinot Noir—A ‘Day Trade’ wine or destined for ‘Blue Chip’ status?
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.
Day Trader Varietals—Once hot, now not:
Viognier—An aromatic white wine of which a beautiful white floral nose got many excited for what was to come in flavors…only to be somewhat impressed on the palate.
Semillon—Another excellent, light-styled white wine that had a very short start-up phase …then quickly went back to its rightful place in a supporting role to lead Chardonnay.
Zinfandel—The only varietal California stakes claim as its birthplace, Zin sparked a craze many years ago. Brought more mainstream by the big three R—Ridge, Ravenswood and Rosenblum, this in-your-face varietal took media center stage for many years. However, when the dust settled, it plateaued and settled into what its true calling…a jammy, interesting, cult-following wine that falls short of being one of the big boys on the board.
Syrah / Shiraz—The same varietal have two symbols (names), this lush, full-of-red fruit, deep red wine hit the streets running. Once again, as it entered into the mainstream, a then more educated consumer was pleased with its performance when available; however in economic trying-times they would find themselves going back to the Blue Chip comfort and stability.
Blue Chips Varietals—Tried and true, always performing:
Chardonnay—Heralded by royalty in Burgundy and the back-bone of the world’s finest Champagnes. It was made famous by Sonoma wine pioneer and magnate Jess Jackson of Kendall-Jackson, as he introduced a style that established this noble varietal to what it is today—the #1 selling wine in the US for many, many years.
Merlot—A legendary grape, Merlot is part of OR the main player in what is considered the finest wines in the world. Big, complex, age-worthy, fruit driven and elegant, this grape was established hundreds of years ago by the French and proudly stands as the #1 grown varietal in Bordeaux (yes, over Cab) and #1 red wine in the US today.
Cabernet Sauvignon—The king of all kings, this noble varietal needs little introduction. Age-worthy, engaging, complex, deep…and the list goes on. Only best described as the George Clooney of wines; what women want and men want to be.
Pinot Noir: Blue Chip or Day Trader?
Now we get to the new kid on the block. Can Pinot Noir make the Blue Chip list, like it has in Burgundy and Champagne? It’s off to a fine start for sure, so let’s take a look at what I think is its core strength supporting this plea for legendary status…as well as its one glaring weakness that may keep in the ‘me-too’ crowd.
Age-ability—A lighter-styled, more delicate red wine, the age-ability remains in question. I’ve had the pleasure of sipping a Gary Farrell 1998 Russian River Pinot Noir, and I’m hear to tell you it was excellent. Full of red-fruit, elegantly clean with slight earth tones showing little signs of becoming tired. However, without the big, complex tannins like its Blue Chip mentors, can it age well into 15–20 years and improve its performance over time? Keep in mind; it’s the age-worthy wines that command the highest prices at auctions like Sotheby’s. They are known to be great today but legendary tomorrow.
Distinctiveness—For the big-red investors looking for something with a bit more elegance but RED, and for the crisp-white investors looking for something a bit more complex and more interesting, Pinot Noir appeals to many wine portfolios. Lighter-styled with rich tannins, red, fruit forward with elegance and pleasing earth-tones and spice…Pinot’s distinctiveness may be one of its strongest attributes.
If you ask my opinion, I believe its distinctiveness will out weigh its potential age-worthy questions. Being such an elegantly engaging, pleasing wine, it appeals to a wider audience of both men and woman. And, like all distinctively great things in life, it uniqueness will not only set it apart from the rest but change the way we look at finest wines.
We too consider ourselves Blue Chip investors and one of the main reason we added the Eric Guerra 2006 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir to our portfolio. Our Winemaster, Leslie Sisneros, is considered one of the finest Point Noir makers in wine country. The wine she has crafted is from one single, small vineyard located in Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California. We believe we found this ideal micro-climate where our grapes not only survive but thrive, achieving its full distinctive potential. It is a wine where the elegance Pinot Noir is well known for is in perfect balance with its complexity. With only 3 barrels made, we hope you have the opportunity to taste this wine before it is all gone.
It’s an interesting topic. One that will only be solved with time; as time will determine if the now famous Pinot Noir will be legendary, joining the ranks of the finest wines in the world. However, there will be many a table adorned with half-full bottles and full glasses of Pinot Noir where the discussion will continue. Blue Chip or Day Trader?
Well, for today, it’s the hot IPO and the Google of wine so to speak. We are left with making our cellar portfolios better with its presence and our palates richly rewarded with its style. Cheers!
Posted by Eric at 6:32 AM
22 March 2008
Nothing Endures But Change —Heraclites
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.
“Without Change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.” —Frank Herbert
To me, nowadays change is a daily occurrence. From the moment I awake, the day never seems to unfold as I envisioned. Change seems to take hold and bat me around like a ball of yarn from emotion to emotion, place to place, challenge to challenge until it has tired of me, allowing me a brief glimpse of the Warrior basketball game before I fall asleep knowing its waiting for me the next day.
“Only the wisest and stupidest of men never Change.” —Confucius
You see, in the midst of one of the most incredible times of my life, the winery launch, change seems to create challenges as well as open up opportunities. How this simple word has caused me so much uncertainty, doubt and in the same breath, the great expectation of things to come. And, I don’t know about you, but for some unknown reason, it all seems to come to me at 3 AM most mornings. I awake then lie there thinking of all of our challenges and reflecting upon our recent triumphs.
“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” —Nelson Mandela
Tonight, I sit here with a newly-poured glass of Ispiri as my sole compadre. Deep within my own thoughts, I’ve taken a subtle notice of how this wine is different than just last week. As I look further towards my dearest friend, I find the bright red-fruit notes from the Merlot have become more pronounced, the dark espresso tones from the Cab have deepened and the color seems a bit richer than prior. Ispiri continues to change, continues to be challenged, continues to improve . . . and continues to endure. There is a battle occurring within the bottle that sits besides me. A battle of micro, and even nano, epic proportions. Each day it awakens to Change, and only strives to discover and improve within its own struggle. Ispiri seems to understand it is not perfect and has its challenges, but will continue to journey towards its place of ‘the best that it can be’, which to some may be at a very fine level.
“We are chameleons, and our partiality Change place with an easy and blessed facility, and we are soon wonted to the Change and happy in it.” —Mark Twain
I’m coming to realize this very simple word, yet a complex and uncertain ideal, is necessary for us and our winery to achieve the greatness we seek. As Ispiri not only understands but embraces, Change is a necessary part for us to be on a worthy journey.
Now, I won’t tell you that in three hours from now I will awake to the ‘thrills’ of the uncertainty, but looking at this glass of wine, I now understand that on the other side of this night there is a place of hope, opportunity and success.
“All Changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.” —Anatole France
Posted by Eric at 11:05 PM
2 February 2008
The Lines of Sacrifice
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.
For some reason, I glance down at my hand that is holding the stem. I just remember it being different, stronger, younger, less…lines.
I think I was about 11 years old. My father, who was an Italian chef for most part of his blue collar life, had leather hands. They where thick, tough and slightly discolored due to years of overuse. Whenever he held my hand, I remember staring at his fingers. They where so worn, so aged with years of working in kitchens. His fingernails discolored with burn marks from hot stoves. Though only a young kid, for some reason I knew my fathers hands where his life’s journal, showing me how hard he worked and dedicated his life to his family.
Focusing back on the glass, the lines continue to make their long journey downwards. I think about the many hard decisions, sleepless nights and sacrifices that came along while making this wine. Building a winery and crafting a fine wine can get you lost. Lost in the daily struggle, the challenges, the focus on the outcome, the constant battles…then to emerge on the other side seeming victorious with a wine so fine, so truly excellent. And only for a moment you believe you conquered your objective…only to realize it came at some great sacrifices. Though the battle is over, some scars are clear.
I recall staring at my fathers palms. The lines where so visible, so pronounced. Looking closely, I can see his life played out like a story on film—moments of joy, stress, pain, survival, distress, and on occasion, hope. As he looked at me and gripped tighter, I can see the lines on his tough hands told one sole tale—a life of sacrifice for his family.
Fast forwarding 28 years later, my now lined and storied hand tells a similar tale. This wine I am holding came to life with great passion as well as some sacrifices. Sacrifices I was unaware of at the time but now must live with like the scars from a battle well fought. As I stare into the lines, I realize the story is still being played out. Sometimes the greatest sacrifices are the results of some of life’s greatest accomplishments. The lines only know how fine it will truly be. However, the scares will never fade.
As the legs complete their trek down the side of the glass, I remember all the challenges while crafting this wine, both physical as well as psychological. During the past years they varied from dealing with the government regulations (which is always a good time), to cleaning barrels on a bitter cold morning, to using our small basket press to extract 15 tons of liquid-gold juice, to designing a prestige label, to building a website…and they go on. The lines know the true story…and only they know if the challenges where worth the journey.
I wonder, was it all worth it? If my father was alive today, would he question the same thing? Now that I remember it, the way he held my hand and looked at me, I think he did believe the journey to be worth the sacrifices. However, I’m sure he would have reminded me with a smile peaking from his thick mustache and said, “You’re still on that journey son. It never ends. Sacrifices will always be a part of your life. So, remember the past, accept the lessons learned, use them to be a better man and move forward with great passion and reason. Live a life worth remembering and celebrating.”
Our wines are still on this journey, and the legs are still writing the story to be told for years to come.
Cheers!
Eric
Posted by Eric at 7:40 AM
4 January 2008
The Most Beautiful Time in Wine Country is after Harvest.
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).
Legend has it….
Early California was only a wilderness, with great quantities of trees, beautiful plains, all kinds of wild animals and birds, and many American Indians occupied the wine country (it is widely believed, though not confirmed, the names Napa and Sonoma derived from American Indian tribal sayings).
In the 1700s, Father Juníper Serra had come from Spain to Mexico seeking to spread his religion. Hearing about this beautiful, vast country to the north, he decided to travel there and explore. With a few faithful followers and American Indian guides, he traveled through what is now the great state of California. As he traveled, the land was very rugged and somewhat confusing. So, myth suggests, he scattered to the right, and to the left, the mustard seeds which he had brought with him from Spain. The following year, they would walk along this ‘ribbon of gold’ as it became to be known. Continuing to follow this path again, Father Serra established his ‘Rosary of Missions,’ beginning in San Diego and ending in Sonoma. These Missions, most standing today, have become what we know as the beginning of Sonoma and, for the most part, California itself.
Now, myth or fact, the story is quite compelling. If you ever have or had the chance to stand near and gaze upon a field of Mustard carpeted amongst the vines, it is clearly one of the most stunning and picturesque times of the year in wine country. The only way I can describe it to you…it looks as if a large paint brush descended from the heavens and carefully stroked bright yellow between the rows. The result is the perception of a brilliant sunshine emanating here from the earth itself.
So, net time your in wine country and your fortunate enough to see the Spanish Mustard, think to yourself that at one point many years ago the Spanish fathers may have walked right there.
Posted by Eric at 9:03 AM
21 November 2007
The Irish Balancing Act
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?
In my own life, I believed I was the very essence of balance; juggling many balls at one time. Don’t we all play several roles, constantly seeking to make it all work? I control every aspect of my life down to the bullet point. Occasionally when asked how I manage it all, I would always push a small smirk at the corner of my mouth and confidently answer, “I’ve got it all together, all under control, all balanced nicely together.”
As I said this self-assured phrase, little did I know that it was very far from the truth. In reality, it was an orchestra that was out of harmony. However to my ears, it sounded like a true melody. I had the instruments, but they were all playing their own song. I think we have all tasted a wine that exemplifies this…lots going on, but is it all playing nice together?
Well, earlier this week, this reality presented me with a challenge while I happened to be in Dublin, Ireland. So, when the world throws you a curve, where do you go when you are in Ireland...the local pub, of course.
As I stepped out onto the shimmering wet street, the crisp damp air seemed to cool my heavy mind. My hands pushed down deep into my pockets, my eyes staring at each step that I took; I noticed it was a particularly dark night and I began wondering if I was going to find the answers. Right around the corner was a little pub called ‘McCauley’s’. As I grabbed the old, gold handle and nudged the door open, a wave of stale beer smell rushed out into the street. Firmly planted in my own head, I didn’t notice anyone around me and found a dark place at the end of the bar. Without hesitation, a Guinness appeared on my coaster. As I stared into the signature foam waterfall in the glass, I can remember the very lonely feeling that washed over me. It’s never comfortable when suddenly you are not sure of the things you once were so sure of.
Time passed with each pint delivered and I contemplated the ideal of balance over and over. My face must have been a movie, because suddenly an old Irish man sitting in his daily spot next to me said, “Many a man has found the answers in Guinness, and most of the time they don’t like what the reality of that answer is.” He was an older, heavy set man perfectly fit to the bar. Each wrinkle on his face was a thousand nights spent in the pub and even more pints of beer.
“Well, I’m not finding them tonight my friend,” I slowly said to him.
He asked me to tell him what was on my mind. So, as with any pub, you just feel compelled to tell your life story to the first stranger who asks. I went into many details, maybe more for me than for him, but he listened to each word shaking his head in agreement and sharing in my many complexities of thought.
Finally, at an infrequent pause, he says, “Hmm, that is a shame mate and a tough one it is. I actually think it’s quite simple. You see, there are many pieces to our lives. Some are easy and some are hard to understand, some need a little effort and some happen on their own, some you understand and some you’ll never fully grasp. The real secret is to determine what the most important pieces are and build on those the most. Then you surround yourself with these pieces and keep the other less important ones floating nearby. However, you never let them intrude on what is most near and dear to your heart no matter what.” Then he gently smiled in a most assured, fatherly way.
It seemed to all make sense. As we talked longer into the night, for the first time, I began to understand the true meaning of balance. It’s not juggling all the pieces at once. You’ll constantly spend time on the ones that require extra effort and take the other more important ones for granted. Its finding out what you want in life, embracing them and allowing the others to be near, but never totally interfering. It’s an orchestra having the soloist spotlighted front stage allowing their notes to ring loudest and most prominently. The secondary instruments, though necessary and important, are harmonizing subtlety in the background and the whole symphony comes together creating a truly elegant harmony.
Enlightened, I wobbled off my stool to find the loo and thanked my new friend for his advice.
“Anything for a good mate in need,” he said. Then while he winked, he said, “Now just go make it happen, son.”
“I will. And by the way, what is your name,” I said.
Smiling, “If you buy me another pint, I will tell you when you get back.”
“You got it,” as I staggered off.
When I returned, his glass was gone and his stool empty. I never got his name. Maybe he wanted it that way; who knows. All I do know is there is a man out there that saved me for one very important night and forever I will be in his debt. Maybe he is sitting there right now handing out more free advice.
I believe my old Irish friend taught me the meaning of balance in wine as well. When crafting a fine wine, there are many different aromas and flavors that can come forward. Some naturally occur, like the black cherry flavors in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, and some can be brought further forward like tannins from new French oak.
I do not believe that balance is taking everything found in that wine and pushing them all to the forefront and make them all play nicely together. I think it is first determining the wine you desire to create, then nurturing those parts that need hand-holding, guiding those parts that will easily present themselves, pushing other parts to the back even though they may be excellent soloists, and focusing on the most important parts that require showcasing. Then, and only then, do you truly have a balanced wine with a strong purpose…a wine with an elegant harmony.
And with a bit of Irish luck and wisdom, maybe it will be a wine for the ages.
Posted by Eric at 6:09 AM
20 September 2007
Welcome to the beginning…or is it.
Though I’m welcoming you to us and our boutique winery, it is anything but the beginning. Leading up to today were 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…
I was having dinner in the Napa Valley the other night. I can clearly remember how the room was embraced in a warm, comfortable feel. I noticed the people around enjoying their selections of fine food, each table adorned by a cherished wine bottle. I could faintly hear the nearby chatting, and it was anything but idle. As typically happens when wine is added, topics flowed freely from silly to the intimate.
A young couple, newly married, were discussing plans for a new baby room. With each idea he brought up, the young brides face smiled wider. Nearby, an older couple were discussing dramatic views of the formidable mountain backdrops they amazed at earlier and wondered why they haven’t come to wine country sooner. Tables over, a few guys where excited over a recently launched business, batting around ideas and dreaming of their successful future.
As I focused back into my own thoughts, I was reminded how wine inspires. The young, the old, the type-A, and the laid-back. It’s truly a magical thing. Not many products satisfy the senses along with inspiring the sole as wine does.
At our table, the conversation shifted to a question thrown into the air. What will everyone will do when they retire someday? I glanced down and smiled thinking to myself, at 39 I don’t even think of that day. I’m already doing what I’ll be doing for the rest of my life.
Please join us on this special journey together. A journey filled with many challenges and even more pleasures. We hope to inspire your senses and provide you with the finest wines in the world. It’s our commitment. You see, at the end, all we’ll have is the integrity of our word…oh, and many memories of wine, family, wine, friends and wine.
I kindly ask you to help spread the word and encourage other wine-lovers (aka: cork dorks) to sign up to our mailing list. More soon….
Cheers—Eric
Posted by Eric at 9:02 PM
2 September 2007
Welcome
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