Still Blogging The Birth of a Winery, Four Years Later

A little over 4 years ago (November 18th 2005 to be exact) I wrote the following: Welcome to pintoblogger.com, a blog I’ve created to outline the long and painful processes involved in starting and building a family winery in the Russian River Valley. I’ll be honest, just typing the words above was daunting. I have [...]

Sniff Taints With Me for 2 Straight Days At UC Davis

Honestly, ask yourself: have you sniffed taint recently? I mean really sniffed taint? Rigorously. Methodically. Intensively. Do you know how to rectify your taint after you’ve sniffed it? Are you certain? Did you know that not all taints are foul smelling? Some folks think some taints smell pleasant. It really depends on the person. There [...]

Über Wine Review #3 – “Shit-de-merde! A Brett Bomb”

Shit-de-merde! This wine is all Brett, all the time. Unless you have an aversion to the flavors and aromas of actual wine, it is best to stay away. Only the most jaded fruit and floral aroma haters need apply. Based on this one dimensional sensory profile I guessed France, and from there the Rhone. I [...]

An Open Letter to Former Michigan Rep. Barb Farrah

Ms. Farrah, I thought you should know that I just finished reading Tom Wark’s recent post on your unconscionable support of HB6644 late last year. This was a bill that, as far as I am able to discern, was almost completely anti-consumer and anti-competitive, benefitting only the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers. That you counted [...]