Monthly Archives: December 2004

2004 Wrap Up

I love the wine section from the Chronicle! Looking back on the year there were some great story’s covering a wide variety of subjects, from Garagistes, to Livermore, to Champagne. This parody article, written from the ‘Sideways’ movie point of view, looks at some of the most interesting trends in the wine industry in 2004.

A ‘Sideways’ glance at 2004

Vicodin and alcohol don’t mix

If your a Vicodin user, watch out. The addictive combo of a couple pills and Chateau Montelena could send you to the emergency room, or rehab clinic. That’s what happened to George Carlin.
Carlin to be treated for wine and Vicodin abuse

Note: Your bottle of Vicodin should come with a warning label: Read it! It is an opiate which kills pain and slows down your breathing and heart rate. Alcohol has a similar effect, relaxing your body. Use caution if you decide to mix the two – if your warning label allows it.

Aging California Cab

Looking for a good aged wine from California? Look no further than Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged bottles of Cabernet taste much different than a new bottle, but the change is welcomed on the right occasion, and with the right food. A well written article from the Chronicle that will help you decide what to buy.
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Californians Drink More

The Italians have taken the lead by drinking 70 bottles of wine a year, but wait, here come the Americans up 5.2% over last year to 15 bottles a year. This race isn’t even close folks…Hold it…Hold it, it appears that California is seperating itself from the rest of the country in wine consumption, catching right up to the other countries. But, no official numbers on how close they are, we’ll have to wait and see.
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Diageo Gobbles Chalone

Diageo’s bid to buy Chalone is accepted! Consolidation is an interesting story, one that we have seen very prominently in the corporate world as of late. Next up, Constellation brands to acquire Robert Mondavi, voted on sometime this week by shareholders.
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Sparkling Terrior

There’s an entire category of Champagne unknown to most lovers of bubbly that offers diverse styles, the taste of terroir, artisanal winemaking and, most significantly, excellent value. – From the San Francisco Chronicle
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How to buy Chalone

DBR needs to act quick. As Chalone stock ticks upward, a new offer from DBR is needed if they are to prevail in acquiring Chalone. The Motley Fool sums up the dilemma.
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Laborie caught flavoring

It’s all true, a South African Wine Company was caught adding flavorings to their wine. The winery, Laborie, will be disposing of the doctored Sauvignon Blanc on Thursday.

Shame on them, really.
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