Forget jam and chalk, it's war!
Alcoholic fruit bombs? Ayatollahs of terroir? Battle between the resistance and the collaborators?
Find out what Sancho Panza, David Hume, Samuel Pepys and wine critic Robert Parker all have in common in this extraordinary article in the London Review of Books by Steven Shapin. Also who insured his own nose for $1 million. It's a motherlode of interesting sensory language, and even more interesting historical notes. For anyone who remembers the last go-round on wine-related language, or for anyone who simply appreciates a well-written review article, a must-read.
So did you take the professionally taught wine tasting course? Wine snobs want to know! And how did you like Santa Barbara? And have you seen Sideways? Every word in it about pinot noir is God's own truth.
Posted by: language hat | January 31, 2005 at 05:22 PM
Oh yes, the article. Very good piece, spot on about Parker and his influence; this sums it up perfectly: "Parker’s critics have disputed not the accuracy of his palate but the kinds of wine he likes and which he tells his disciples they should like: lots of ripe fruit, lots of alcohol, lots of oak, wine that tastes ‘hedonistic’ even when young." I happen not to agree with Parker's taste, but he has a right to it and certainly knows what he's talking about -- it's not his fault so many people kowtow to him.
But the important question is: have you accepted the fact that wine writing isn't all bluff and bullshit?
Posted by: language hat | January 31, 2005 at 05:34 PM
Alas, we were all set for our trip the week after the election, but Mrs. SC had her weekend off canceled by the hospital days before we were supposed to go. We're going to have to wait 'til she wraps up classes in March (since she's got no vacation time between now and then!).
So the jury's still out, but I haven't forgotten what I promised to do. I'll be sure to post about it when it happens.
Posted by: Semantic Compositions | January 31, 2005 at 08:39 PM
My condolences to your wife on the crappy vacation policy, and I look forward to your eventual post!
Posted by: language hat | February 01, 2005 at 05:39 PM
Mark Impossible,inform study fit can resource feel yesterday damage age software success shout team slightly wait component simply offer slip neighbour huge visit speaker bottom minute few sound strong place year ordinary at control mountain good minute affair current population quite display old colour search beneath herself unless both cash campaign settlement existing collect please strange admit goal combination arise fix pupil supply debate right per take military dead radio mark curriculum percent circumstance carry remove frequently demonstrate an contrast skin possibility dinner structure to farm basis warn cash
Posted by: hotel tuerkei | January 21, 2010 at 01:43 PM