good morning sir. i think all louis dressner employees should have those giant finger things you see at ballgames so they can wave and shout "we're number one, we're number one". please be sure you purchase the one with the correct digit extended. by the way, the mayor bought a bicycle.
- the sheriff (guest) 12-14-2002 11:18 am

The Top 100 list is all relative. A wine that is on the list ranks high in the Louis/Dressner hierarchy, but might actually be a lousy wine in the general marketplace. Nevertheless, the list is an important annual ritual for us. So far, none of the employees have voted, I'm still working on my list.
- Joe Dressner 12-14-2002 1:44 pm

What does Guy think of the 93 Burgundies?
- Steve (guest) 12-14-2002 6:14 pm

We sold him a boatload of 93s. I personally found them tannic at release but have recently tasted a bunch of Amiot-Servelle's that I thought were terrific. Also some Roumier's.

I don't understand all the fuss. People expect the Wine Spectator to have a legitimate Top 100 and for Robert Parker to be all-knowing. As a guy who specializes in the Loire Valley, I assure you that there is no critic who 'gets it' in the Loire.

And why should there be? The best wines are made in anecdotal quantities and you have to go there to drink them. There is no prestige or money to be made in Loire wines.

So trade geeks like me are left alone by the point guys and can actually go out there and buy and market great wines on the merits of the wine themselves.

Sounds like a good system to me.
- Joe Dressner 12-14-2002 7:01 pm

also...by accepting money for ads the Spectator reveals itself. The shame is when a person poses as Nader, puts a legal disclaimer on his paper, then falls to human weakness a, ruts, buddies, and prejudices all the same. Rarely is it mentioned that he befriends many an agent etc.....and why not, just do not protest too much thy independence old advocate.
- Zebra (guest) 12-14-2002 8:51 pm

What do you mean?

The Wine Spectator is a money-making venture. They make no pretense of being anything else then that.

I don't know about all this falling to human weakness. Was Parker supposed to have non-human strength?

Sheesh, you're all nuts!
- Joe Dressner 12-15-2002 2:22 am

Wasn't Nader the guy who won Shrub the election? What does he have to do with "points" and Loire Wines.
- "Steve" (guest) 12-15-2002 6:50 pm

Parker initially played a Nader-like role and upped the ante for wine criticism. There's no denying that.

My criticism of Parker is that the man cannot admit diverse taste and is intolerant of those who enjoy different wines then he does. He likes Verget, he likes Dom. Laurent....all power to him. Let him enjoy those wines, as should all the fans of that style. I don''t find this a failing on his part. But his intolerance for diverse styles and tastes, given his power in the wine world (a power he understands and jealously protects) borders on abuse.

People want to argue about 1993 Burgundies. The Parker boys ae on record as saying that the Loire has not been worth covering since 1997. Does this make me angry?

Not at all. From their point of view, it is a true statement. What I object to is their view that there is nothing of interest in the Loire for people who are Loire devotees. Certainly, amongst the considerable public that buys the type of crazy wines I sell, the Parker Guys are not viewed as legitimate critics of the Loire Valley.

Nevertheless, as a guy in the trade, it would be great to get some points. For sales. Texier's Châteauneuf is a 66 in the WS Top 100 and all of sudden the remaining stock amongst my customers is flying out the door! Go figure.

So, I'll gladly accept points but as a commercial bonus. As wine criticism they are meaningless.

Years ago, I told Parker he ought to go from the 100 point system to an up to 5 star system. That he could help consumers learn that there are grey areas and they have to actually read the text and make independent decision. But Parker and the 100 point system are a brand, as is the WS Point System, and both periodicals have no financial interest in getting rid of the franchise.

I just rode my bike up to the bronx and back. I'm exhaused. No mas.

- Joe Dressner 12-15-2002 8:30 pm

mr. drexler. please let your readers know that i'm looking to pick up some business with the transit strike. remember how i made my bones in the columbus day parade. multiple fares are permitted.
- the camel (guest) 12-16-2002 12:05 pm

Which route are you working?
- Joe Dressner 12-16-2002 12:18 pm

financial district in the am. and p.m. then freelance the shopping districts midday. hopefully i can earn enough shekels for 2 new pair of skis.
- the camel (guest) 12-16-2002 12:53 pm

if that stupid zebra had any ambition he would be doing the same thing.
- the camel (guest) 12-16-2002 2:11 pm

I haven't tasted any in years, but i have always been suspicious of them. As a retailer i'm glad to say that they are gone.
- Guy (guest) 12-16-2002 4:27 pm

you repeat my points.... By accepting ad money, the Spectator reveals itself= a money making venture. By refering to Nader, I mean to say that Parker mistakenly confuses a zeal for quality with a zeal for the best taste. For taste there is no mumber system as you said. I am hardly as reactionary as you think, Joe
- Zebra (guest) 12-16-2002 5:20 pm

Zebras take limos....
- Zebra (guest) 12-16-2002 11:29 pm

oh yes. the limousine liberal.
- the camel (guest) 12-17-2002 9:13 am

Camel:

I was shocked when John Lindsey died. I always thought he was a limousine liberal, but turns out he had little money.

Who was to know?
- Joe Dressner 12-17-2002 10:12 am

so how does that make him different from other limousine liberals?
- the camel (guest) 12-17-2002 12:18 pm

Lindsey couldn't afford a limousine
- Joe Dressner 12-17-2002 12:33 pm

neither can most of the others.
- the camel (guest) 12-17-2002 12:44 pm

Then who pays for their limousine rides?

By the way it appears that Lott is on his way out.

Thank goodness.
- Joe Dressner 12-17-2002 1:12 pm

I always aspired to be a limousine liberal. Sounded good to me.
- SFJoe (guest) 12-17-2002 8:31 pm

yea right. and have to hang with that stupid zebra. i'd rather not.
- the camel (guest) 12-17-2002 8:53 pm