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May 02, 2011

Au revoir...arrivederci...auf wiedersehen...adiós

Four years ago today, I launched this site as a means to chronicle my experiences connecting with the people and places behind Oregon and Washington wine. In keeping with this site's name, I yearned to go beyond the bottle to learn more about the land, the growers, the vines, and the makers who craft some truly extraordinary wines here in the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, I wanted to share these experiences so other consumers could become more connected to our region's bounty. What an incredibly fulfilling and deeply satisfying journey it has been these last four years. During...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:07 AM |

March 14, 2011

Help Save the Bees

SlowFood USA is petitioning the Environmental Protection Agency to commission an objective study to identify the causes of bee colony collapse disorder (CCD). I signed this petition not only to express my support for the study, but also counter any undue pressure the EPA is receiving from chemical interests to not take action. But action is exactly what is needed on this important issue. To learn more about this growing problem, please visit the SlowFood USA site, where you can also sign the petition online. In addition, here's a recent article on the global reach of CCD. Thanks to...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:03 PM |

February 23, 2011

I seek wines that make me reach

Over the last few months, I have been pulling a variety of Oregon and Washington wines from the cellar rather than buying new releases. I am doing this for a couple of reasons, one being the fact that my storage space had reached its capacity and another the sense that some older bottles might have passed their prime. It's been an interesting experience revisiting some of my favorite wines from the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 vintages, as well as bottles that had been given to me or were purchased during tasting room visits. In doing so, I have...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:05 PM |

January 06, 2011

Most Popular/Favorite Posts from 2010

Here's a list of the most viewed (and implied read) posts from last year, along with my favorites published in 2010. One thing is clear about this site: most of those visiting seek wine reviews or tasting notes. Even still, a significant number of visitors read my "Perspective" posts, which focus on relevant topics that go beyond how a wine tastes. A heartfelt thanks to all of you who visited BeyondtheBottle.com in 2010. I hope you enjoyed reading about my experiences with Oregon and Washington wine. I also hope my coverage helped enhance your own enjoyment of a wine,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:29 PM |

December 05, 2010

Holiday gift ideas that go beyond the bottle

For that wine (or food) enthusiast on your holiday shopping list, here are a few gift ideas that go beyond the bottle. Please know that I am not receiving any compensation for recommending these products nor do I have any stake or interest in the companies behind these items. All products featured here are ones that I have purchased myself and would buy again. Essential Wines and Wineries of the Pacific Northwest by Cole Danehower This book lives up to its title as being "essential" to anyone just starting to enjoy Pacific Northwest wine or a long-standing lover of our...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:03 PM |

November 30, 2010

The worst or best of times for Oregon Pinot noir?

As the image above shows, there are some incredible deals right now when shopping for Oregon pinot noir. Who could have imagined two years ago that $30 bottles from the 2007 and 2008 vintages would be marked down to a $17 price point? Some producers and négociants did, which is why a plethora of new labels have been filling retail shelves and endcaps with Oregon Pinot noir under $20. Rather than drop prices on existing brands, some have chosen to launch new bottlings of Pinot noir at price points as low as $15. At the same time, others have...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:57 PM |

September 14, 2010

Hand-washed dishes vs. machine-picked grapes

Our dishwasher broke down yesterday, therefore I have spent the last two nights hand-washing more dishes and glasses than I care to count, let alone remember. Hopefully, our dishwasher will be repaired tomorrow afternoon, whereupon I will be relieved of this manual, time-consuming task. In the meantime, I have a newfound appreciation for the benefits this machine has brought to our lives, let alone millions of other households around the world. This appliance has reduced what was once hours of manual scrubbing into a quick load of mechanized cleaning. The dishwasher, and other appliances like it, are truly beneficial machines....

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:53 PM |

August 25, 2010

I am consumer, not blogger

I am a wine consumer. I am not a "wine blogger". I am inspired enough on certain occasions to share my wine experiences. I am not always writing for others, while more often doing so for myself. I do buy wine at a retailer, winery, or restaurant just like other consumers. I do not solicit (or shakedown) wineries for free wine samples. I am regularly declining offers for free wine. I am not here to promote a winery's or distributor's product. I do prefer to experience wine with food. I do not bring a laptop to wine dinners. I do...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:45 PM |

July 14, 2010

Why I've turned comments off...

You may have noticed that I am no longer accepting comments here at BeyondtheBottle.com. While I invite folks to share their thoughts, experiences, and opinions about what I post here, I have found the spam overwhelming. It's become an arduous task each day, sifting thru and deleting dozens upon dozens of spam comments that have nothing to do with wine. If you find something worth commenting on, then please send me an email. You can find my contact information in the About section. And please know that I am working on upgrading the spam filter on this site in order...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:09 PM |

April 30, 2010

What I thought then, what I believe now

Just as my palate has evolved these last several years, so have my beliefs about wine changed with the passage of time. I was reminded of this after reading a few posts published when this blog launched three years ago. Looking back on these commentaries, I was a bit surprised with my naivete on some subjects and over-generalizations on others. Here are two posts that convey what I thought back then, but no longer believe now: Breaking the Unspoken Code I entered the blogosphere thinking those writers only publishing positive reviews were biased in that they were attempting to maintain...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:55 PM | | Comments (6)

April 18, 2010

Eco-Friendly Wine: Oregon vs. Washington

A few Sundays ago in The Seattle Times, Paul Gregutt had a column entitled, "Eco-friendly is market smart", which highlighted some of the sustainable practices used in vineyards and wineries around Washington state. While Gregutt showcased a handful of Washington producers (and even one from California), nary a mention was made of what the Oregon wine industry is doing in this area. This got me thinking about the respective approaches Oregon and Washington are taking in producing eco-friendly wine. When multiple searches for relevant stats came up dry, I embarked on a quest to identify the vineyards and wineries...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:55 PM | | Comments (2)

March 08, 2010

Now is the Time for Oregon Wine

This Thursday, March 11, the Willamette Valley is coming to Seattle for a tasting event that will showcase more than fifty different wineries from Oregon. The line up of producers attending this first-time event is strong, for there are many of my favorite wineries from the valley pouring a broad selection of their wines. While pinot noir easily comes to mind when thinking of Oregon wine, this state is becoming more and more renowned for the quality of its chardonnay, gamay noir, pinot blanc, and riesling. In fact, when looking for food friendly wines that are enjoyable now or...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:00 PM | | Comments (1)

February 28, 2010

Revelations at the Recycle Bin

While putting out the trash and recycling one morning, my neighbor approached, looked down at one of the bins overflowing with empty wine bottles and asked, "who's the boozer in your house?" I was taken aback by the question at first, but then realized the dozens of empties (recycling is collected every 2 weeks) probably looked extreme relative to the average American household. Even with the explanation that my wife and I enjoy a different wine with dinner each night, my inquisitive neighbor looked at me with puritanical suspicion. I started to wonder how he might have reacted had...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:35 PM | | Comments (5)

January 31, 2010

Disclosing Wine Ingredients: Arguments For (Part 2)

A little over a week ago, I published a commentary that focused on the more commonly raised arguments against disclosing wine ingredients. In this second post of a two part series, I wanted to highlight the reasons why wineries should voluntarily disclose any and all additives used in the production of their wine. First and foremost, all consumers deserve to know what's included in the wines they drink. We have just as much a right to know what's in our wine, as we are entitled to know what's in any food item or non-alcoholic beverage. It's time for wine...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:15 PM | | Comments (5)

January 21, 2010

Disclosing Wine Ingredients: Arguments Against (Part 1)

Recently, I have engaged in a debate on the merits of disclosing wine ingredients and have come away surprised at the arguments that have been made against my stance. While the counterpoints are numerous, I have yet to hear an argument against disclosure that holds any water, one that might make me take pause and rethink my stance on this important topic. In the first of a two part series, I thought it would be useful to summarize the arguments I have heard thus far and why each of these suffers in terms of its power of persuasion. In...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:56 PM | | Comments (13)

January 11, 2010

Wine blogger/tweeter, who do you represent?

Having worked in online media and services these last 15 years, I have come to know the good, the bad, and the ugly in this space, especially with that involving the latest marketing tactic: social media. In the years ahead, consumers are going to have to be much more discerning in terms of who they trust to influence their perspective on wine, let alone their purchase decisions. An increasing number of folks are launching blogs, creating link bait, spamming blog comments, and tweeting up a storm while never revealing their affiliation with the wine trade. Their sole intent is to...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:07 PM | | Comments (10)

January 08, 2010

Reflections and Resolutions

Before getting too far into January, it's time to pause, reflect back on the year that was, and look forward to the year that will be. There was a lot I learned in 2009 about wine, both in terms of experiencing it as a consumer and covering it as a blogger. And with 2010 ahead, there are new learnings to seek, which will most likely lead me, and this blog, down paths not traveled before. What I Learned in 2009 Writing is hard; writing about wine is even harder - after blogging for almost 3 years now, I have...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:44 PM | | Comments (3)

December 28, 2009

Review: Been Doon So Long by Randall Grahm

Every now and then, a certain wine comes along that is transformative; a bottle that connects me to something deeper, helping to fill a void or bridge a gap in my thinking. Reading about wine can have a similar affect. There is an occasional book that guides me down new paths of discovery, trails that not only challenge my perspective of wine, but transform how I think about wine going forward. With Been Doon So Long, Randall Grahm has created such a book, one full of transformative facts, thoughts, and ideas that have enlightened my understanding of what it...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:21 PM |

November 25, 2009

This Thanksgiving, drink what you like, but ask...

It has become clearly gratuitous when wine writers, be they professional, blogger, or otherwise, suggest to you, the consumer, what you should be drinking this Thanksgiving. It's all rubbish, quite frankly, to recommend certain wines, when the fact is that this annual celebration remains one of the only meals when just about any wine suffices, especially knowing the subjective nature of the American palate. For those on the writing side of this equation, I encourage critics, columnists, and bloggers to read, study, and internalize Alder Yarrow's timeless post, "Stop The Thanksgiving Wine Recommendations". As to consumers, I encourage you to...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:27 PM |

November 17, 2009

It's all inconsistent subjectiveness, folks...

Over the weekend, I had an interesting exchange with a reader who stated that I was "completely wrong" in my evaluation of a particular wine. Even after pointing out the fact that my assessment was purely subjective, this person was bent on trying to prove me wrong, essentially inferring he was right. Let me be clear: there is no right or wrong when it comes to evaluating wine, for smell/taste remains in the nose/mouth of the drinker. Furthermore, a drinker's impressions of wine are rarely consistent when returning to the same bottle. Not convinced? Then I encourage you to read...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:18 PM | | Comments (1)

October 17, 2009

Rediscovering Chardonnay

Over the last few months, I have been drinking a lot of chardonnay from France as well as a number of select wines from Oregon and Washington. As a result, I am starting to realize what a wonderful variety this is when cultivated and crafted in a style that effectively reveals the beauty inside this captivating grape. I subscribe to the notion that chardonnay's beauty is best expressed when fermented in stainless steel or used oak barrels. In fact, there is nothing that turns me off more than an over-oaked, syrupy, high-octane chardonnay. My preference in these wines ranges from...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:52 PM |

September 07, 2009

How wine medals insult consumers

If you are a winery who combines pours in the tasting room with a commentary focused on the various state/county fair medals your wine has earned, then please stop this practice immediately. You are insulting us consumers with every mention of these dubious awards. Now that academic research is rightfully calling state fair wine competitions into question, it's time for producers to realize the negative exposure these types of awards bring to their product. Hopefully, most will remove their money-for-medal hardware not only from their product shelves, but also from the lexicon their tasting room staff eagerly deliver when...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:20 PM | | Comments (5)

August 09, 2009

Wine is Personal

As evidenced by various comments here, there are times when readers take issue with my subjective assessment of a wine that they found pleasing to their taste. It has been suggested that the bottle I drank was off, that the food I paired it with skewed the result, or some other reason. What these folks fail to understand (or may very well overlook) is that wine is personal. My taste preferences are unique, therefore will not always agree with others. It's one thing to have a wine that is spoiled by cork taint or another technical fault, yet an...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:23 AM | | Comments (1)

July 26, 2009

When a wine fails the "duck test"

While visiting the zoo today, we stopped by one of our favorite exhibits, the Chilean flamingoes. As you can see in the photo above, what makes this exhibit unique is the inclusion of a Coscoroba swan, a South American bird that is usually found standing on one leg in the middle of the flamingo pack, sometimes with its beak tucked under his wing. Try as it might to emulate its pink friends, it remains a swan, and a very loud one as evidenced by its frequent honks. The sight of this swan reminded me how often a wine fails...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:05 PM |

July 12, 2009

Couldn't agree more about '07 Oregon pinot noir

In this month's guest column for Oregon Wine Press, Ken Collura provides a commentary on Oregon's 2007 Pinot Noirs. Collura argues in "Setting the Record Straight" that those criticizing this vintage are most likely seeking a different style of wine, more Syrah-like than a true Pinot. He goes on to describe the 2007 Oregon Pinot Noirs in terms of what they are not (e.g., huge, fat, overripe, etc.) versus what they are (e.g., bright, finesse-driven, food-friendly, etc.). I could not agree more with Collura's assessment of the 2007 Oregon Pinot Noirs. Although I have yet to try as many...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:46 AM | | Comments (3)

May 28, 2009

When good wine goes Brett

That fresh, fruit forward, balanced wine you sampled years ago and purchased a few bottles to set back for a while? It's now got a gamey or Band-Aid taste to it. The culprit? Most likely it's a case of brettanomyces, a yeast that in some instances can add "character" to a wine, while in others can be a total turn off. I recently encountered two cases of brett in wine, both of which helped me realize that I have a high sensitivity toward a particular compound, 4-ethylpheno (4EP), which tends to impart smells of a barnyard or stable as well...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:06 PM | | Comments (1)

March 22, 2009

A Disclosure Statement

I am not a professional writer or journalist, nor do I pretend to be one with this site. I am merely a wine enthusiast interested in sharing my personal experiences to help empower consumers to make more informed decisions regarding the wines they drink, the wineries they visit, the events they attend, and the places they dine. I have no affiliation with or financial interest in the wine trade, be it with a wine producer, distributor, retailer, publisher, or other related entity. I have in-laws and friends in the wine business, therefore any direct association with these folks is...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:48 AM | | Comments (1)

February 28, 2009

Review: Red, White, and Drunk All Over by Natalie MacLean

Had it not been for a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, I might have passed on reading it. To be honest, I was guilty of judging this book by its cover, as it suggested an approach to wine that seemed far afield from the one I follow. Boy, am I glad to have accepted this book to read and review, for I was completely wrong about the approach Natalie MacLean takes with her subject. Red, White, and Drunk All Over: A Wine Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass is an enlightening, entertaining, and inspiring read, comprised...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:40 PM |

February 25, 2009

Why Matt Kramer and other critics need to be more transparent

In a recent column, Matt Kramer of The Oregonian and Wine Spectator, suggested that consumers "snap up 2006 pinot noir soon; '07s probably will be thin". In his feature, Matt highlights a single Oregon pinot noir from the 2006 vintage, suggesting this be the yardstick for measuring the quality of the 2007 vintage: Brooks Pinot Noir "Janus" Willamette Valley 2006: With the preceding remarks in mind, let me be blunt: You want to snap up the remaining 2006 pinot noirs from Oregon while they're still around. The reason is simple, if painful: Oregon's 2007 pinot noirs are emerging as rather...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:21 PM | | Comments (5)

January 01, 2009

2009 - Directions in the New Year

With the start of the New Year, some new directions will be taken here at BeyondtheBottle.com. This wine blog will not stray from its core mission, which is to focus on those experiences that connect me to the people and places behind Oregon and Washington wines. Even still, there will be less coverage of some topics, with more emphasis on features that will take readers beyond the bottle. For example, in terms of reviewing wines, a new tasting notes section will be launched, covering any bottle that is opened at our table, good or bad. The wines that truly...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:38 AM | | Comments (4)

December 31, 2008

2008 - Reflections on the Past Year

2008 marks the first full year I have spent blogging about Oregon and Washington wine. During the last 12 months, over 130 posts were published, covering a variety of topics that include visits to winery tasting rooms, attending wine events, dining at restaurants and wine bars, and reviewing wines served at our dinner table. Along the way, I have shared various perspectives on what it means to experience wine in a way that goes beyond the bottle. As a result of these commentaries, a number of wine enthusiasts and industry professionals have reached out to share their thoughts, introducing...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:33 PM |

November 15, 2008

A Few Sun Breaks in Oregon's Purple Haze

In a recent Oregon Wine Press guest column, Bill Hatcher, owner of A to Z Wineworks and CEO of Rex Hill Vineyards, wrote about the challenges Oregon pinot noir is facing as a result of too much supply chasing too little demand. Hatcher's commentary, which he entitled, "Under a Purple Haze", suggests that the Oregon wine industry is in a fog of increasing production, while neglecting to build sufficient national demand for its product. Hatcher seems to spare no one in calling out blame for this predicament. At the state level, there is the Oregon Wine Board's paltry spend...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:21 PM | | Comments (5)

November 03, 2008

Please be sure to VOTE this week

Whatever your politics may be, I encourage you to exercise your right to vote this week. And for those who will need something to replace the election news cycles after Tuesday, I encourage you to read "Wine Politics" by Tyler Colman. Thanks to all who have voted or are in the process of doing so. PLEASE VOTE!...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:49 AM |

September 16, 2008

A Closer Look at Seattle Metropolitan's 100 Best Wines

In the September edition of Seattle Metropolitan magazine, there is a cover story featuring the "100 Best Wines of the Northwest". Being a data junkie, I thought it might be useful to conduct an analysis of this list of 100 recommended wines to see what resulted. Before getting to the findings, it is worth sharing the approach Seattle Met took in determining this list of favorites. Here is how the magazine described the methodology: "With 943 wineries in Oregon and Washington, how did Seattle Met pick the best 100 bottles? We enlisted Jacksonville, Oregon-based wine expert Conde Cox, who...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:50 PM | | Comments (6)

September 05, 2008

Beyond the Bottle Perspectives

Since the launch of BeyondtheBottle.com in May 2007, I have offered commentary on a variety of topics that go beyond my personal experiences tasting wine or visiting wineries. In doing so, I hope to provide a point of view that will at the very least inform, while at best become a catalyst for further dialogue. With this in mind, I wanted to elevate a few perspectives that focus on reviewing, experiencing, and reading about wine. In the weeks and months ahead, I will continue to add to this list to highlight topics that I believe merit more conversation on...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:42 AM |

September 01, 2008

Book Review: Wine Politics by Tyler Colman

It is said that to really appreciate wine, one must understand its context. When some talk of "context", they often focus on what is in the bottle, such as a wine's varietal makeup, the vineyard from which its fruit was sourced, and/or the vintage which serves to describe the growing season. Even still, there are some who extend context further to include the historical and cultural influences shaping a wine, specifically those factors that have served to guide viticulturists and enologists in a singular fashion within a particular region. Tyler Colman has now broadened this notion of context with...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:08 PM |

June 23, 2008

Vitis Vinifera: The Beauty Inside

Can you see the beauty inside of me? What happened to the beauty I had inside of me? Bono wasn't thinking of wine when he wrote these lyrics for the song, City of Blinding Lights. But they immediately came to mind when recently sampling a number of over-ripe, over-oaked, over-alcohol, over-everything wines from our region. While swirling, sniffing, and tasting these wines, it was as if the grapes were sadly asking, "Can you see the beauty inside of me?", in hopes that something might be left to express their true nature. Alas, it was not to be, for it...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:31 PM |

June 13, 2008

Living On Tulsa Wine

This week, my wife, Kari, and our two daughters, are in Tulsa, visiting my mother, siblings and a lot of cousins. With Seattle colder than Siberia these days, this trip offers us an opportunity to get a jump start on summer time weather (it's 90 degrees with 100% humidity here). Whenever traveling out this way, we like to bring a taste of the Pacific Northwest with us, especially for my mom, Terry, who is from Oregon. But with luggage restrictions and security issues discouraging us to carry on seafood and wine, we decided to ship some Copper River salmon...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:53 AM |

May 25, 2008

Robert Mondavi: Lasting Connections

Of all the recent blog posts and news articles on the passing of Robert Mondavi, it is the personal stories that recount connections made by meeting Mondavi or experiencing his wines that are the most captivating and inspiring. These stories demonstrate the rewards that come in getting to know the people behind the wine they craft. They also show how certain wines can create connections to periods and places in our lives that will remain with us for decades to come. As to understanding the person behind the wine, two bloggers on opposite coasts described similar experiences when meeting Robert...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:40 PM |

May 21, 2008

Why being "best" no longer matters

It seems you see the superlative "best" being overused in a variety of situations these days in print, on television, radio, and online. When considering its use with wine, "best" has clearly reached a point of becoming gratuitous. "Best wines" are no longer reserved for end of year features, for this adjective has become ubiquitous in magazines, tv shows, blogs and podcasts. As a result, it no longer seems to hold much value. Consider the ad above for a moment, which positions the Waterbrook 2005 Mélange as the "best American red wine". Is that what the folks at Waterbrook...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:12 PM |

May 20, 2008

The Logos of Thor Iverson

Even though I subscribe to dozens of wine blog feeds, there are but a handful of sites that provide truly meaningful learning experiences helping to further my wine knowledge. Thor Iverson of oenoLogic is one of those few wine bloggers whose writings grab my attention, invite me to read, and encourage me to study. His recent posts on alcohol levels in wine are terrific examples of how Thor can take a current blog topic and expound on it in a way that takes you beyond what has already been stated, resulting in a deeper understanding of wine. Thor is...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:00 PM | | Comments (2)

May 03, 2008

Argyle Nuthouse Pinot Noir: 1997 vs. 2004

While on a trip to the Oregon coast eight years ago, Kari and I spent a day visiting wineries in the northern Willamette Valley. It was our first trip to Oregon pinot noir country and to be honest I came away unimpressed with the wines. Looking back, I know why this was the case, for it was in that year, 2000, that I was fully immersed in full-bodied, high octane wines such as California zinfandels, Australian shiraz and Washington syrah, just to name a few. On that fateful trip, I purchased a bottle of Argyle 1997 Nuthouse Pinot Noir...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:48 PM |

April 30, 2008

Vino Volo: Flights and Connections

Last August, I blogged about my experience at Vino Volo, a new wine bar located at Sea-Tac Airport. As a result of this review, I was interviewed a few weeks ago by a travel writer, Susan Catto, who was working on a New York Times article about fine dining in airports. The article, And Now, Foie Gras for People on the Go, appeared in today's edition as part of a special section on business travel with a feature on Vino Volo. After chatting with Susan, I started thinking more about how air travel today remains a study in contrasts....

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:28 AM | | Comments (2)

April 20, 2008

Access Has Its Privileges

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend various events at Taste Washington as a member of the wine media. This was the first year I had gone to Taste Washington as a wine blogger, which made the experience truly extraordinary. Why? In years past, I had been to the event as either a wine consumer or winery volunteer. While both roles offered enjoyable experiences, they pale in comparison to the treatment I received as a wine blogger covering the weekend's events. Winemakers or winery staff who might have just poured me a glass were now...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:28 PM |

April 02, 2008

Weekend in Walla Walla

Yesterday I returned from a few days in Walla Walla visiting family. Weather wise, it was a bizarre weekend for late March, with snow showers throughout the day on Sunday. I did get a chance to visit a couple of wineries and eat at a few restaurants, which I will be writing about in the coming week. I was really jazzed about the wine experiences that were a result of this short trip. After going thru pages of notes that have yet to be crafted into worthwhile reading, I am feeling way behind on sharing my experiences with Washington and...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:21 PM |

March 03, 2008

Reducing bias in wine reviews

Andy Perdue of The Wine Knows recently posted about his approach to reviewing wines, which he conducts through "blind" tastings. Without knowing the winery or winemaker behind each wine, Andy prefers to conduct his tastings in two ways, either "single blind" (e.g., wine variety or style) or "double blind" (e.g., wine color only). His post sheds some useful light on how some reviewers try to minimize bias, that is any subjectivity or prejudice that might skew a rating higher or lower. Reducing bias is a key focus in any market research, as you want to generate data and insights that...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:00 PM |

February 18, 2008

The Dysfunctional House of Mondavi

I couldn't finish this book. I was halfway through and just couldn't bring myself to reading any more pages detailing the dysfunction of the Mondavi family. The sibling rivalries, the raw greed, the marital affairs, and the suffering children who repeated this dysfunctional cycle across several generations. What a sad, pitiful tale Julia Flynn Siler has crafted in "The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty". If you can get past Siler's overlapping sequence of events from chapter to chapter, you'll find a story that leaves little to be desired. The book clearly validates...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:53 PM |

January 14, 2008

Why don't reviewers disclose alcohol levels?

Over the last year, I have read a variety of columns, articles and posts regarding the high levels of alcohol in wine. While I welcome more focus on this important issue, it seems most reviewers approach this topic speaking in general terms, as they most often do whenever imparting criticism. There is a tendency to call out states (e.g., California) or regions (e.g., Amadour County), but rarely specific wines or wineries. Reviewers are all too eager to lament high alcohol, but none seem willing to take the step toward disclosing alcohol levels in the wines they review. A few cases...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:52 PM |

December 17, 2007

Is it the wine or is it me?

Over the weekend, I think my palate got out of whack. On Saturday evening, we popped a 2006 Elk Cove Willamette Valley Pinot Gris to go with the Asian chicken stir fry dish Kari crafted. I tasted the wine and thought it was a crisp, dry accompaniment to our meal. Meanwhile, my wife was drinking it and thought it tasted somewhat sweet, going so far as to think it was a riesling. Two glasses and all I could taste was a crisp, slightly flat pinot gris. On Sunday evening, we opened a 2005 Witness Tree Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:18 PM |

December 06, 2007

Breaking the Unspoken Code

In a recent Seattle Times wine column, Paul Gregutt made an interesting statement regarding his colleagues in the wine press: "There is a sort of unspoken code among many in the wine press not to be too critical of specific wines or wineries. The logic is that it's better to point out the successes and let the failures slide." I would have enjoyed hearing Gregutt expound on the logic underlying this "unspoken code". I believe there is a clear reason for its existence: incentives compel reviewers to remain focused on writing only about successes, with those calling out failures risking...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:08 PM | | Comments (4)

November 09, 2007

A Day in Oregon Wine Country

Yesterday, I had the chance to spend an entire afternoon in the Willamette Valley visiting wineries in Yamhill County. It was a great day, meeting friendly staff, visiting some picturesque places, and discovering some really good wine. I will be writing detailed accounts of my experiences in the coming week, but wanted to provide a quick rundown of the places visited. After a delicious lunch at Tina's in Dundee, I began my tour at Anne Amie Vineyards, then visited Soléna Cellars and Scott Paul Wines in downtown Carlton, moving on to Cana's Feast Winery, and finally ending my day...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:19 AM |

November 07, 2007

The Sanctity of the Family Dinner

A few weeks back I finished reading The Omnivore's Dilemma, a fantastic book that explores the dilemma facing all humans each and every day: what to have for dinner? Polan focuses his book on the American food culture, detailing the various food chains we depend on to fill our dinner plates or takeout bags (a fifth of all meals are consumed in the car). Polan's investigation led him down the industrial, pastoral and personal food chains, where he reveals the historical, political and economic forces that have shaped each. Best of all, he culminates his investigative reporting with a...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:50 AM |

October 19, 2007

Review: The Emperor of Wine

I am no fan of Robert Parker, but am better off as a wine enthusiast for having read Elin McCoy's biography, "The Emperor of Wine: The Rise of Robert M. Parker, Jr. and the Reign of American Taste". As the title suggests, McCoy's book is divided into two parts: the incredible rise of Parker as a wine reviewer and then his role leading the American influence over the global wine industry. In addition to educating me about the man, I also learned a ton about the wine industry in general, especially the history and culture of the Bordeaux and...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:16 PM |

September 19, 2007

Experiencing the crush of harvest season

The cooler temps and shortening days here in the Pacific Northwest signal the harvest season is upon us and with it comes crush. While reading the updates on this year's harvest, I am reminded of Brian Doyle's excellent book, "The Grail: A Year Ambling & Shambling Through an Oregon Vinyard in Pursuit of the Best Pinot Noir Wine in the Whole Wild World". If you have ever been curious about what it's like to work in a vineyard and/or winery during crush, then this is the book to read. In this wonderful account, Doyle shares the year he spent...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:21 AM |

July 22, 2007

Seattle Magazine's 2007 Wine Guide

When this month's Seattle Magazine arrived in the mail, I noticed a cover feature entitled, "Washington Wines: 24 Hot New Releases". Opening the magazine, I expected yet another "best of" article on Washington wine, complete with ratings and reviews. To my pleasant surprise, the feature really went beyond the bottle by focusing on the history, people and places behind Washington wine. I really enjoyed seeing the group photos identifying some of the state's wine pioneers and families, as well as the next generation of folks involved in growing, making and selling wine. The insightful articles on new viticulture areas, the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:17 PM | | Comments (1)

June 02, 2007

Going Beyond the Bottle

One of the things I enjoy most about wine is how each bottle can connect me to people and places, near and far, past and present. Wine makes me think about where, when, how, and even why it was made. As I have experienced wine through the years, my desire to better understand each wine's context, to go beyond the bottle, has become insatiable. Why? Most importantly, wine encourages me to stop and think about things I would otherwise not take time to ponder. When opening a new bottle, I often turn to my trusty wine encyclopedia, look up the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:50 PM |

May 23, 2007

Do you know what you're drinking?

Over the past few years, more and more folks have been putting down their forks and asking, "what am I eating?". The impact of mass produced food has certainly reduced prices at the grocery, but these savings come at an increasing cost in terms of public health risk. Remember the contaminated spinach and peanut butter that showed up in groceries across the nation? With good reason, it now appears wine consumers should be asking, "what am I drinking?". The Seattle Times featured an interesting and informative article entitled, "What's in your wine — and should they tell you?". Reading this...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:49 AM |

May 16, 2007

Washington Wine History Lesson

Any study of Washington wine history must include Chateau Ste. Michelle, the state's oldest winery. Chateau Ste. Michelle is not only responsible for putting Washington state on the map, but continues to serve as a rising tide for the rest of the industry. Although I am not a frequent consumer of their wines, I admire them because of their contributions to the state's wine industry. For example, they serve as host to the annual Washington Wine Highway event, which features over 70 wineries and 50 restaurants from around the state. If you enjoy sampling wine and good food outdoors, then...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:15 PM |

May 09, 2007

The Wine Bar Advantage

When I can't get out to connect to the people and places making wine in the Pacific Northwest, where do I turn? Or when I want something different from the experience provided in a winery or at a tasting event, where do I go? A local wine bar! Seattle has been fertile ground for wine bars over the past few years. In fact, I was surprised to see how many new places have sprung up after reading an article entitled, Wine of the Times, in Seattle Metropolitan magazine. I've had the opportunity to dine at a variety of wine bars...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:51 PM |

May 03, 2007

Winery Reviews and Ratings

Whenever I visit a winery, the one thing I look for more than anything else is a connection to the wine beyond the bottle. What makes this connection happen? Stories. Stories about the people and places behind the wine I am sampling. The more unique and understandable the stories being shared, the better the winery experience for me. This connection is what ultimately determines whether or not I would recommend a winery to family, friends or you. It also influences what I buy. In fact, I would much rather visit a winery that serves mediocre wines but offers a deep...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:49 PM |

May 02, 2007

Welcome to Beyond the Bottle

Please Read Our Disclosure Statement With each bottle of Pacific Northwest wine you consider buying or enjoy drinking, there are a variety of stories that can be shared from people and places throughout Washington and Oregon. That's why I decided to create this site, to share my experiences with other wine enthusiasts who are also seeking a deeper connection to wine beyond that provided in the bottle. I have been seeking this connection, the heart and soul of Pacific Northwest wine, for over ten years now as I have traveled throughout my home state of Washington and the surrounding...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:59 PM | | Comments (11)


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