Category Archives: Just Sayin’

A Look at a Book : The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty, Julia Flynn Siler, 2007

Posted on September 29, 2011 by J, just J.

 This is a bit off topic, I guess: a book review instead of a wine review. But probably no name is as intertwined with the ascendency of California wine from generic, misnamed, tanker car, bulk, crap to ready-for-prime-time, and French … Continue reading →

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Corbett Canyon Malbec

Posted on July 23, 2011 by J, just J.

Practice what you preach! Confession is good for the soul! (insert similar cliché here). I have, in these pages, made light of the faux elitism, the snobbery, the phony “caste” system that is so much a part of wine-dom. But, … Continue reading →

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Moo

Posted on April 27, 2011 by J, just J.

          If milk was marketed and labeled the way wine is, you might encounter this scenario at the grocery store: On the bottom shelf would be the bargain priced “Farmer Brown’s White” for $3.00 per gallon. Just above it, slightly … Continue reading →

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How Much ?

Posted on March 12, 2011 by J, just J.

  I couldn’t help but hear a brief conversation in the checkout area of The Store the other day that is so very revealing of the twisted, illogical logic (?) that is so pervasive in the wine world. And, it … Continue reading →

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Foie Gras, Baked Brie, Carpaccio

Posted on February 26, 2011 by J, just J.

  One aspect of the wine cult where pretense, snootiness, and faux sophistication are sure to rear their ugly heads is the whole subject of food pairings. People are mortified that their guests will think them philistine or the Clampetts … Continue reading →

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The Labradoodle of Wine…Petite Sirah

Posted on February 19, 2011 by J, just J.

  Lying on the floor near my feet, as I type this, and staring at me adoringly, is my dog, a Labradoodle. He is, without question, the friendliest, most cuddly creature on four feet. And he looks like a Sesame … Continue reading →

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What’s In A Name

Posted on February 16, 2011 by J, just J.

  Fat Bastard…. (No, not me, the French wine)…. Plungerhead (so named because of its modern interpretation of the cork-the Zork)…Royal Bitch… Toasted Head…Gnarly Head…Bear Boat…Full Boat…Holy Cow…Moobuzz (by the same people as Plungerhead)…Red Truck (and Pink Truck)…Little Black Dress….Herding Cats….Goats … Continue reading →

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