Once again I sit before my keyboard almost paralyzed. Writing is not easy, and I have the greatest respect for those who are disciplined enough to actually write a book or novel. What an achievement that would be. I have been working on a book for the past eight years and seem to get nowhere. My goal for 2018 is to finish my book and start the process of getting it published. Of course, it is about wine. It focuses primarily on wine from a blue-collar perspective and in some way will be a biography on how I became the Blue Collar Wine Guy mixed with my unique approach to the wine world. I really want to write this and so far I have about 50 pages that need some serious attention. Fortunately for me I have a lovely girlfriend that is very supportive of my writing and is willing to put up with me banging away at the keys. I will keep you posted.
I helped put on a really cool event at the Yacht Club a couple of weeks ago. It was a tasting where we compared old world wines and new world wines side by side. A Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley next to a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. A Chardonnay from southern France next to a Chard from Napa Valley. You get the picture. The coolest comparison was the Syrah from France next to the Syrah from Washington State made by the same wine making team. The differences were very clear in the wines and I think it gave everyone that came a clearer picture of the contrasts of old world and new world wines. It was clear that my choice of a new world Sauvignon Blanc was not well received, which is proof that even with a good batting record for picking wines, one can strike out at any time. I chose Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand mainly because it is produced by the original wine makers for Cloudy Bay. Cloudy Bay is one of the Sauv. Blancs that put New Zealand on the map. Unfortunately, the vintage we poured was a little funky, a touch expensive, and I believe it threw a lot of people off. I actually like those elements in a Sauvignon Blanc, but normally you wouldn’t find them in a new world wine. However, Jen who helped to pour this wine along with the french Sauv. Blanc said that many found the New Zealand version to be quite interesting.
Susie and I continue planning for our trip to South Africa. I think it will be a fun idea to include interesting facts about South African wines in this column leading up to our trip. We are investigating a side trip on a steam locomotive that will take us down to see the penguins. We are also trying to make up our minds on which safari to take. We both agree that one of the best opportunities is one recommended by friends of Susie. We have spent some time mulling it over and will soon make our decision. I am really looking forward to shooting some videos for You Tube while I’m there. Whether it is interviews with wine makers, winery owners or just tasting some of the fantastic wines from this region, I think it will be interesting and entertaining. We are still wondering how we came up with a trip to this country and neither one of us can put a finger on the exact point where we decided to go. Funny how things work out sometimes.
San Juan Vineyards is in the middle of harvest now and the fruit is looking fantastic. I had the opportunity to interview Chris Lawler, the current wine maker for San Juan Vineyards. It’s a very interesting interview so check it out here. Chris has a very nice touch and I am impressed with the quality of the wines he made. I am really looking forward to a vast improvement in the wines from our local winery. I think you will be impressed as well.
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
