Parker nails it all on French TV
Mark Squires
In all the go-arounds, Parker-this, Parker-that, I think we sometimes
forget that some people have talent as well as opinions.....Here's
something Parker posted on Prodigy recently in abbreviated form.......I
leave it without further comment. The words are his.
***********************************************
"Last Thurs, I was interviewed for a Parker Profile for one
of France's most watched television shows. For 2 hours or so
all went well-my French was effortlessly rolling off my
tongue, and the host,a superstar in France, was gracious and
and surprisingly unconfrontational-but then he suckered
punched me with the following question:"We know you have a
reputation for being a genius, so we would like to propose a
blind tasting of wines you know well, and get your scores
and guesses...any problem?"
Trapped, live on TV, and nowhere to hide or run, I quickly
said yup,and thought to myself-" what a dumb ass
decision." After being removed from
the room, 11 wines, all from Bordeaux, were poured. In the
tense 12-15 minutes that followed(I was told about 16
million French watch Bruno de la Palme)I swirled, sipped,
grunted and tasted my way through these wines, giving my
score and for 9 0f the 11 wines,stating the vintage and
chateau.The other 2 wines I rated 74 and 76 and said I
thought they were petits chateaux of no great distinction.
Now I have done such "blind" tastings hundreds of times,
winning some and failing in others. Since no one tastes
asmuch wine in the course of a year as I do,I don't have any
excuses.
The results, which will be broadcast in France, Belgium,
Switzerland and Quebec, should, lamentably, do no harm .
I was dead right on the 9 wines , even astonishing the film
crew by saying one wine could not be a Bordeaux, but tasted
like a Montus Madiran! Iwas right, and even got the
vintage-89. I was asked not to reveal the wines, but over
half of them were first growths. The 2 I missed included a
Bordeaux Superior I had never tasted and a watery CH. Tayac.
But the really scary part of this tasting tour de force was
that my scores were identical to those given over the last
5 years in The Wine Advocate, except for the unknown wine
and a 92 Margaux,which I scored 1 point lower. I'll accept
the fact that in several instances,I guessed right, but this
was a tasting for the history books---with only one clue(all
Bordeaux-which wasn't correct), and not even the bottles on
the table so I could try and peek at the capsules. And best
of all, it was captured in front of an entire TV crew and on
video! Bruno de la Palme's show will air around th 15th of
October should anyone be in France.Given the fact that I
aged about 2-3 years during this 15 minute ordeal, it was
worth it. Robert Parker-maven
PRODIGY(R) interactive personal service - Date: 09/10 Time: 11:30 AM
Steven Bosquit
ECD...@prodigy.com (Mark Squires) wrote:
Thanks Mark...
Bravo Parker. Love him or hate him, you just got to give him credit on
this one and obviously, he deserves it.
Just another reason to subscribe to the Wine Advocate.
I'd just love to see Laube in a similar situation. Years ago saw a
well know actor and wine lover trapped by Balzer on a talk show into
something similar with similar results.
Steve Bosquit
(heretic at large)
Paul S Winalski
Well, as one who has been critical of Mr. Parker in this newsgroup,
my kudos and a 90 score go to him for successfully pulling this
off. Well done, RMP!
--PSW
Mark Squires
sbos...@ix.netcom.com (Steven Bosquit) wrote:
>
>Bravo Parker. Love him or hate him, you just got to give him credit on
>this one and obviously, he deserves it.
>
To me the most amazing thing is replicating the scores in the Wine
Advocate under these circumstances. Not enough to (a) nail the Chateaux;
(b) identify the two minor Bordeaux as such; (c) pick out the Madiran
ringer by producer and vintage; BUT also replicating the scores.
AND doing it under pressure of 15 million people watching on TV after
having been sandbagged. No one can detract from this. It's remarkable,
and may I never have to undergo anything similar.
--Email: MarkS...@prodigy.com Philadelphia USA
My E-zine: articles, reviews, notes on Wine....
URL: http://pages.prodigy.com/squires/marksq.htm
chris.a...@dinosaur.com
As long as we're limiting the discussion to a certain range of wines, there's
no doubt that Parker is a true expert at distinguishing one wine from
another... of course, one can argue preferences until the cows come home. It's
a good "parlor trick" and one that requires a great deal of time to develop.
There's no shorting him on that. There are also a lot of folks who agree with
his representations (in words and by rating) for those wines where he seems to
excel.
It's just when he attempts to wander from his true areas of expertise and still
try to be "the expert" that some of us get a little *crazy*. You have no idea
how many times I wished there were still border crossings with passport control
between EC countries, and that he wasn't permitted to travel to Germany from France.
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
| Chris Anderson (303)652-3595, v.everything |
| Sysop, The Dinosaur Board chris.a...@dinosaur.com |
| Niwot, Colorado |
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
Mark Squires
>
>a good "parlor trick" and one that requires a great deal of time to
develop.>>
I'm not sure you meant that as demeaning as it sounds......but a parlor
trick it's not. What it is is the result of (a) talent; and (b) having
tasted through dint of hard work a lot of wine, which in turn makes his
opinion informed rather than speculative in some areas. Skill, hard work.
No tricks.
Charles and Louise Collins
Parlor trick? hardly! The only objective way to tell if one can really
differentiate between grape varieties, wine styles and wine quality is
to be able to do it consistently blind. My personal opinion is that if
you can't do this with some degree of consistency, you shouldn't bother
to pay the money for the the high-priced, high quality wines, because
you can't tell the difference! (noting, of course, that to learn the
difference one must taste the wines at some point). Give Parker full
marks if this is indeed true.
chris.a...@dinosaur.com
>> a good "parlor trick" and one that requires a great deal of time to
>> develop.
> I'm not sure you meant that as demeaning as it sounds......but a
> parlor trick it's not.
That's why I put it in quotes. It says only that he has an excellent memory
for taste within a certain range of wines, and some very *specific* opinions
about them.
> What it is is the result of (a) talent; and (b) having
> tasted through dint of hard work a lot of wine, which in turn makes
> his opinion informed rather than speculative in some areas.
No question at all that he has a superb talent for remembering the specific
flavors of a great many wines (within a certain set of geographic boundaries).
However, his opinion appears to be *well* informed within those same limits,
and there's a great deal of writing going on outside of them. I note you did
not comment on the 2nd half of my post which in part explains my sentiments.
I'm prepared to give credit ONLY so far as it is due, and his reviews of wines
east of the French border are, in my mind, always suspect. It must be
something for *anyone* to believe that there are enough hours in a day for a
single person to do a credible job of reviewing wines from the *entire*
universe... well, at least this little corner of it.
Howard Sherry
One uses movie, theatre and restaurant critics's revues to decide which
movie to see and at which restaurant to eat. And they all have the power
to make or break from an economic standpoint. Once having eaten at a
restaurant that is highly recommended the consumer can make their own
critique. Once having tasted a wine that is rated by Parker the
consumer should be able to decide whether or not they agree with Parker
or more important whether or not they like the wine. Parker, like every
other critic, has the power that is attributed to him because of his
unusual talent, in this case, in tasting wine. I can understand why
those whose cooking or wine are being rated by reviewers are
uncomfortable with being rated. I can not understand why certain
amatuers have such a dislike for Parker.
-
HOWARD SHERRY MCD...@prodigy.com
Jason Brandt Lewis
It is easy to dismiss Parker, or any other wine
critic/reviewer/publication, when one has the "power" that they accrue. I,
for one, have never faulted Parker for his palate when it comes to Bordeaux
and, to a slightly lesser extent, Cabernet- and Merlot-based wines from the
New World. And, I feel, he has done much to educate his palate when it
comes to Rhone and Rhone-styled wines.
I do not personally feel he is very good when it comes to Burgundies or
wines produced from Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. That is my simply my
opinion, and others are , of course, free to disagree.
But the MAJOR problem occurs when the average consumer elevates Parker and
his ilk to God-like status, and begin to question their own opinions
because RMP rated it a 90, but they didn't care for it, or liked this 89
point wine, so why didn't he give it a 90?!
This is where people need a reality check. "Dominus" was NOT named after
Parker.
JBL
Grant Price
In article <51jq37$2c...@useneta1.news.prodigy.com>, MCD...@prodigy.com
(Howard Sherry) wrote:
I think that expressed dislike for Parker falls into three categories:
1. Professionals who have a vested interest in what he says and are
currently dissatisfied with his ratings vis a vis their businesses.
2. Longstanding wine purchasers who are unhappy with his perceived effect
on the prices of certain wines. (I confess that I have often wished he
would leave items alone until they are available in quantities of >800
cases or so)
3. Amateurs who think it makes them look knowledgeable to bash Parker.
I have been reading him since about the time the '82 Bordeaux were
reviewed, and have disagreed with him in an astonishingly (couldn't
resist) small number of instances over all that time. I have also been
introduced to a large number of fabulous wines via his reviews. It is
impossible for me to begrudge him his current pulpit; he has and continues
to earn it via the quality of his efforts.
--
Grant Price
gpr...@injersey.com
Jeff Lewis
political or romantic ties to ANY particular vineyard. Having said that,
Jason, I couldn't agree more with you. Parker deserves the respect of
his fans but the consumer must keep his own palate in check.
The role of a critic is, and should be limited to just that, a critic. A
person would be a fool to turn on the TV and listen to a movie critic
decide what they should and should not watch. Opinions should be taken
for what they are, no more and no less. I personally think Parker is one
of the very best in wine objectivity but still has what we all do,
personal preferance. That's no sin or liability, it's just reality.
Jeff
--
(_)
_|_ My Favorite Site> http://www.primewine.com
worldb...@earthlink.net
> I think that expressed dislike for Parker falls into three categories:
> 1. Professionals who have a vested interest in what he says and are
> currently dissatisfied with his ratings vis a vis their businesses.
> 2. Longstanding wine purchasers who are unhappy with his perceived effect
> on the prices of certain wines. (I confess that I have often wished he
> would leave items alone until they are available in quantities of >800
> cases or so)
> 3. Amateurs who think it makes them look knowledgeable to bash Parker.
>
What about folks who object to his trying to force all the diversity of
wine styles in the world into four or five acceptable boxes if they are to
be judged as quality wines? We find Parker to be very good at ferreting
out those commercial Vini da Tavoli that ape California Cab or Bordeax
styles but totally lost in space when confronted with something like a
Schiopettino, Passito Negroamara or Sagrantino di Montefalco.
Yes, we have a commercial interest as we sell mostly Italian wines, but
have actually found that using his (and the Spectator's which are even
more clueless) pans of wines that critics (and buyers!) more conversant
with the styles in question have raved about helps the sales! And by
causing a stampede for the Barolo as Zinfandel wines of the De Grazia
Posse he has actually lessened demand for some fo the more traditional
producers helping (some!) to moderate pricing.
Ciao, Roberto, WINE EXPO/ Enoteca Centrale, Santa Monica Ca
Steven Bosquit
Jeff Lewis <webs...@primewine.com> wrote:
>Jeff
I agree, but I do wish someday he'd own up and confess that he does
have preferences and that they do impact the scores...even if just a
little.
Actually, he has improved much in this area over the years. He used to
downgrade wines he didn't personally love, but now he at least gives
credit for the quality, even if he not crazy about a good wine.
So there is hope out there for us heretics, few in number though we
may be. Personally, I believe that one day Parker will back off from
his belief in the existance of perfect wines and will actually begin
to like (or at least enjoy) wines such as 66 Lafite.
Hey, it could happen? Right Tom?
Steve Bosquit
(heretic at large....quick Martha, get my gun....I'll nail the varmit)
Howard Sherry
Exactly my point. Critics are valuable tools. Instead of villifying
Parker it is the uncritical consumer that should be scolded. This
reminds me of the cartoon in which a consumer tastes a glass of wine and
says to the retailer, "Geez - this wine is repulsive!" The retailer says
"The Wine Advisor gave it a 96." The consumer says "I'll take a case."
-
HOWARD SHERRY MCD...@prodigy.com
Paul S Winalski
Steven Bosquit wrote:
[regarding Parker]
> I agree, but I do wish someday he'd own up and confess that he does
> have preferences and that they do impact the scores...even if just a
> little.
Actually, I think Parker's been very up-front about it. I've never
seen or heard him claim that his scores and reviews were anything other
than his personal opinions on the wines.
--PSW
Bob Foster
at the major California competitions. What makes their feat so impressive
is they pick the wines out when they are tasting 100 to 200 wines a day.
not a mere handful.
Bob (not a Parker fan) Foster
Roger L. Lustig
Well, yes and no. He rates wines he doesn't like on principle, e.g.,
Chinon; but if I'm not mistaken, he limits himself to the general
1-to-5-star winemaker ratings. (He's right about Joguet, if you ask
me...)
Roger
Michael Evans
Bob Foster <rfo...@sandiego-online.com> wrote:
[Parker article munched]
>Yawn-Big Deal. I've watched Dan Berger and Bob Thompson do it for years
>at the major California competitions. What makes their feat so impressive
>is they pick the wines out when they are tasting 100 to 200 wines a day.
>not a mere handful.
>Bob (not a Parker fan) Foster
Bob, you really are pathetic. You've kept your mouth shut here for
quite some time, but you can't let a good performance by Parker go by
without taking a shot. Why don't you give the Parker bashing a rest,
get some help, and post tasting notes and your own personal
impressions of wine instead?
Mike - Griffin, GA
mse...@mindspring.com
Arthur P. Johnson
So what's your complaint?
worldb...@earthlink.net wrote in article
<worldbeatnic-1...@pool125.max78.los-angeles.ca.dynip.alter.net>
..
Ron Slater
Be it a wine, resteraunt, movie, software, or other critic. I read their
reviews over a period of time and make one basic decision, does this critic
fall in line with MY taste. If the answer is yes chances are I will agree
with them, sometimes you don't. Critics allow others to reep the beifits
of their reaserarch that is what they get paid for. Find the ones you like
and take advantage of the advice or go out and do the research yourself.
In the case of wine tasting I prefer to make my own judgments . Bottom
line is "if it tastes good to you drink it!". So instead of creating never
ending threads about Parker, tell me what wine you like (I prefer big reds
myself).
Ron
Steven Bosquit
Paul S Winalski <wina...@zko.dec.com> wrote:
>Steven Bosquit wrote:
>[regarding Parker]
>
>> I agree, but I do wish someday he'd own up and confess that he does
>> have preferences and that they do impact the scores...even if just a
>> little.
>Actually, I think Parker's been very up-front about it. I've never
>seen or heard him claim that his scores and reviews were anything other
>than his personal opinions on the wines.
>--PSW
I was referring to his lack of qualifying his reviews of those wines
which, do to style (not lack of quality), he does not personally care
for. He now occasionally does this...where as years ago, he didn't.
Also, for me, the only really annoying aspect to Parker's writings is
that he tends to write from the point of view that he is right and
everyone else is wrong. Of course, I would never do such a thing.
Yeh...sure...right.......Oh look, are those flying pigs?
Overall, I feel he's one of the best at what he does, and I'm sure
more than a few of us would love the have the opportunity to taste
even half of the wines he is privilaged to taste.
Mark Squires
Bob Foster <rfo...@sandiego-online.com> wrote:
>AMYawn-Big Deal. I've watched Dan Berger and Bob Thompson do it for
>at the major California competitions. What makes their feat so
impressive
>is they pick the wines out when they are tasting 100 to 200 wines a day.
>not a mere handful.
>
>Bob (not a Parker fan) Foster>>
I've missed you! I knew mentioning Parker would get you back. (g)
But, hey, since I know your co=worker, Berger, too, how about setting up
the same tasting? Since a mere dozen wines are beneath his contempt
apparently, we'll do only 25 or 30. We'll give him the same one clue:
all Bordeaux. And the clue won't exactly be accurate, as in the Parker
example. We'll feel free to add some ringers and minor chateaux. Then,
he'll id vintages, chateaux, replicate any comments he has previously
made about the wines, pick out the ringer and make no mistakes.
Oh, and we'll videotape it, with the idea that the whole process will be
distributed as widely as possible. That will replicate the pressure.
Cool. Great idea. I'll ask Dan on Prodigy if he feels as confident as
you apparently do.
Steven Bosquit
ECD...@prodigy.com (Mark Squires) wrote:
>Bob Foster <rfo...@sandiego-online.com> wrote:
>>AMYawn-Big Deal. I've watched Dan Berger and Bob Thompson do it for
>years
>>at the major California competitions. What makes their feat so
>impressive
>>is they pick the wines out when they are tasting 100 to 200 wines a day.
>>not a mere handful.
>>
>>Bob (not a Parker fan) Foster>>
>I've missed you! I knew mentioning Parker would get you back. (g)
>But, hey, since I know your co=worker, Berger, too, how about setting up
>the same tasting? Since a mere dozen wines are beneath his contempt
>apparently, we'll do only 25 or 30. We'll give him the same one clue:
>all Bordeaux. And the clue won't exactly be accurate, as in the Parker
>example. We'll feel free to add some ringers and minor chateaux. Then,
>he'll id vintages, chateaux, replicate any comments he has previously
>made about the wines, pick out the ringer and make no mistakes.
>Oh, and we'll videotape it, with the idea that the whole process will be
>distributed as widely as possible. That will replicate the pressure.
>Cool. Great idea. I'll ask Dan on Prodigy if he feels as confident as
>you apparently do.
>
> MarkSquires
Sounds like a great idea...let me know if you need any help in setting
it up...
Tim Edwards
On 13 Sep 1996 19:45:19 GMT, ECD...@prodigy.com (Mark Squires) wrote:
>And best
>of all, it was captured in front of an entire TV crew and on
>video! Bruno de la Palme's show will air around th 15th of
>October should anyone be in France.
None of my French friends and colleagues seem to know who this Bruno
de la Palme is. Do you have any more specifics about when and on what
channel it will air?
Tim Edwards 7, rue Albert I
tedw...@DialUp.FranceNet.fr 45000 Orleans, France
Mark Squires
tedw...@DialUp.FranceNet.fr (Tim Edwards) wrote:
>
>None of my French friends and colleagues seem to know who this Bruno
>de la Palme is. Do you have any more specifics about when and on what
>
>channel it will air?
>
>Tim Edwards 7, rue Albert I
>tedw...@DialUp.FranceNet.fr 45000 Orleans, France>>>
Parker was told the broadcast would air approximately October 15, I
believe, according to his post. de la Palme's audience includes
Switzerland, Quebec, Belgium. I don't know whether is major component of
audience is French in France or not, personally.