Niche Wine Blog

Book Review: Wine & Philosophy

Wine & Philosophy: A Symposium on Thinking and Drinking
Edited by Fritz Allhoff, Forward by Paul Draper

To read this book is to think about wine in ways you probably never have before.  Wine & Philosophy is a symposium, a collection of essays written by notable scholars, philosophers, wine critics and other wine industry professionals that explore the deeper meaning of wine.  These essays take you on a journey, allowing you to look beyond the tangible sip and consider the significance this illustrious drink has had in the world for centuries, as well as how it affects our daily lives today, consciously and subconsciously. 

These essays look at how wine relates to history, art, culture, philosophy and religion.  They also contemplate the science and metaphysics behind why wine tastes the way it does, the notion of terroir, and how it could possibly have 'coffee or blackberry' notes in it.  This work includes essays that analyze the beauty of wine in relation to the art of drinking it, wine tasting aesthetics, and who has the authority to determine the quality of wine and whether it's good or not.   Finally, other essays include topics on wine from a political and economic standpoint. 

I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in wine.  The essays are extremely well written, informative and thought-provoking.  Moreover, Wine & Philosophy is simply an enjoyable read.  However, it's not something you can breeze through in one day - it takes a little time if you really want to absorb all of the concepts presented.

It's only $13.57 from Amazon.com so buy it today!  BUY

 

2004 Byington Cabernet Sauvignon, Chelle Mountain Vineyard

Initially, the land on which Byington Winery & Vineyard now sits was purchased by Bill and Mary Byington as a family retreat.  However in the 1970s, the Byingtons were approached by a winemaker interested in leasing a portion of their land for vineyards.  Since Bill was an avid wine collector, he willingly agreed.  Twenty years later, Bill decided to plant nine acres of Pinot Noir, the crown jewel of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Byington was established in 1987 with that years vintage release. 

While I have yet to taste their Pinot Noir, or any estate wine for that matter, I did taste the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chelle Mountain Vineyard, from Paso Robles.  The vineyard is situated on a ridgetop on the west side of Paso Robles in the York Mountain area.  Its positioning means the vines receive the full effect of coastal winds and wide temperature variations, but that doesn't hinder the quality of the grapes or the wine.   

This Cabernet is a deep, dark black plumb color and at 17% alcohol, it's definitely intense and concentrated.  The fruit forward nose gives hints of cassis and plumb, herbs, black tea and cedar.  The oak used is 30% new American barrels so it's not exactly subtle, but not TOO overpowering.  This is definitely a weighty, full-bodied wine with rich tannins and a medium-long, dry finish.  This is definitely a wine that will go well with red and game meats.  Its complexity and structure will allow it to age - as stated on the label, it can be enjoyed for the next 3-7 years.  I personally would enjoy this wine if it were a little lighter and had less alcohol.  But a fine effort nonetheless.

You can purchase this wine for $32 on the Byington Vineyard & Winery website.

Rising Wine Prices

The weak U.S. dollar, increased oil prices, rising labor costs, little consumer brand loyalty, endless selection of wine producers to choose from, the hunt for price and value, high demand and low supply of certain wines all lead to one conclusion - the price of wine is expected to rise, especially for European wines, in the near future. 

An article in the NY times, written by Eric Asimov, explores this fearful topic further.  Check it out.