tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post7638976569807508969..comments2024-02-25T02:50:53.858-08:00Comments on HoseMaster of Wine™: The HoseMaster Visits Ramey Wine CellarsRon Washam, HMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-28890402068334151142014-03-10T21:57:07.097-07:002014-03-10T21:57:07.097-07:00Joseph,
"Hoserminions" is an interesting...Joseph,<br />"Hoserminions" is an interesting turn of phrase. Though I might prefer Hosermignons, which go nicely with red wine.<br /><br />I wonder that writers and wineries believe that those elaborate Schildknechtian descriptions are worthwhile. They are more the provenance of carnival barkers than serious wine lovers. And yet they persist. Every wine blogging dimbulb preaches "Drink what you like," and "Everyone has different tastes," and then proceeds to describe wines in terms that can only be described as preposterously subjective and clearly intimidating. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, who knows about wine knows them to be self-parody. And meant for the suckers who believe carnival barkers.<br /><br />Hey, man, consider becoming a Contributing Common Tater.<br /><br />My Gorgeous Samantha,<br />Well, we belong to a mutual admiration society. I trust your palate as much as you trust mine. We all get to bring home the wines that speak to us, and we all get to recognize that there are lots of other wines out there that are equally brilliant, but perhaps aren't our first choice. Part of reaching a place where you're comfortable about wine is knowing that, yes, there's a wine I would appreciate if I were given a glass, but, no, I'm happy with these wines I love. That, to me, is embracing wine.<br /><br />Embracing you? Yeah, I'm in.<br /><br />I love you, too!Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-3152506186188541402014-03-10T20:35:21.398-07:002014-03-10T20:35:21.398-07:00Ron My Love,
Well you know that I am a big fan of ...Ron My Love,<br />Well you know that I am a big fan of these wine writing pieces, mostly because unlike the majority of bloggers out there, I trust, admire and know your palate. You are immensely well versed and have years of tasting...of the world's great wines, under your belt, (so hey, what else you got under there hmm?) so I know when I read you that you've got decades of great wine aromas and flavors to compare and contrast from. So from you there is something to learn...can't say the same of 99% of the bloggers out there. <br /><br />I happen to like Ramey a lot. Not wines that I would take home to drink for me, but wines that showcase all the glory that California has to offer in a perfectly pitched and balanced way. I admire their wines a great deal so it was fantastic to read that the wines are as sound as ever. Thanks for the update love. I love you! Samantha Duganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05214278596698698245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-89736782427464682312014-03-10T19:12:51.604-07:002014-03-10T19:12:51.604-07:00Thanks HM for putting to print the Gospel! David ...Thanks HM for putting to print the Gospel! David Ramey does make great wine. This piece puts the facts out there and my God! You've completely eschewed the self-enflatulating tasting "notes" and crafty anal-ogies. We, not so masterful hoser-minions salute you with a delicious, frosty, Elsinore Beer. Beauty, Eh?Joseph Comforthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07869768700460763898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-56611917554928163382014-03-10T18:47:21.857-07:002014-03-10T18:47:21.857-07:00George,
Yes, Dave is one of those guys you admire ...George,<br />Yes, Dave is one of those guys you admire for his winemaking talent, and just like for his candor and sensibility. <br /><br />Oh, I know it's OK to write this kind of post now and then, be a bit serious about wine. What's nice is that neither the beautiful Alexandra or Dave had any expectation of me to write a piece about my tasting there. Dave just likes HoseMaster of Wine™ and wanted me to visit and taste. How can that not be flattering? And I wrote the piece because it was such a pleasure to hang out with them. Hey, I'm nobody, I'm just a lowly Poodle, but I get a lot of people asking me to write about them. Ramey Cellars is one of the few that didn't ask. Smooth on their part.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-77693062524937929302014-03-10T17:38:54.278-07:002014-03-10T17:38:54.278-07:00Ron:
Way back when, when I was doing wine tours an...Ron:<br />Way back when, when I was doing wine tours and David was still at Matanzas, we had him join us at the old John Ash restaurant in Santa Rosa for a winery dinner - he was then as gracious and intelligent as he still is. Just about a year ago, we served his Sonoma Coast 2007 Chardonnay (I think it was the 2007) at a wine dinner and it was still stunning. Sent Dave a congratulatory note and he replied promptly and courteously. He is da bomb, as kids (not mine or I'd slug 'em) would say, and ditto for his wines. You hit the nail on the head for walking the tightrope of balance - and Dave doesn't walk it, he skips all the way from one end down to the other...<br /><br />It's OK for you to actually write something serious every once in a while....<br /><br />GeorgeUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05829199334514536430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-54209388640795983192014-03-10T16:15:32.654-07:002014-03-10T16:15:32.654-07:00Bill,
Cool, see you then.
You can TRY not to star...Bill,<br />Cool, see you then.<br /><br />You can TRY not to stare, but...Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-68901473936793526972014-03-10T15:55:59.620-07:002014-03-10T15:55:59.620-07:00Yes on Riverside. I'll try not to stare at you...Yes on Riverside. I'll try not to stare at your man boobs. Bill Wardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04905859993579755578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-69522937342689742032014-03-10T15:14:08.208-07:002014-03-10T15:14:08.208-07:00lol. i guess we both have to stick to what we'...lol. i guess we both have to stick to what we're good atAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13849290999060380035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-87936256535379180702014-03-10T14:32:59.417-07:002014-03-10T14:32:59.417-07:00David,
I'm always interested in insulting the...David,<br /><br />I'm always interested in insulting the wine business, and some of the yahoos in it, but I also, and above all, love wine. And, like every dork, I also like to talk about it. So every once in a while, instead of annoying wine people, I annoy my readers. If nothing else, I'm an Equal Opportunity Jerk.<br /><br />Thomas,<br />Oh, believe me, I'm used to the judgement around here, and on Twitter, and on blogs. I am also my own harshest critic. No one has ever been as ruthless about my lack of talent as I am.<br /><br />Gabe,<br />You mean, like commenting sober?Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-24872015311943504002014-03-10T13:43:27.262-07:002014-03-10T13:43:27.262-07:00Funny on Thursday? I guess it's cool for you ...Funny on Thursday? I guess it's cool for you to try something new...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13849290999060380035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-35089527200137001422014-03-10T11:39:41.171-07:002014-03-10T11:39:41.171-07:00"Don't worry, I'll be funny on Thursd..."Don't worry, I'll be funny on Thursday."<br /><br />We'll be the judge of that. <br /><br />Meanwhile, this was a nice piece and a nice break in the routine.Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07322028233207741737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-39326117322581100602014-03-10T11:25:17.236-07:002014-03-10T11:25:17.236-07:00Nice piece Ron.. makes you want to try the wines, ...Nice piece Ron.. makes you want to try the wines, just joking, instead of Hosemaster how about the Brown nose master?? There used to be a scandal rag in Canada called Frank and one of the features was the braunose of the week, I submitted one from this music rag I used to write for, Ivan Fecan has improved CBC music programming, then some slobbering praise for Sandra Faire's Anne Murray special... the cutline said, Grealis doing a double header on Ivan Fecan and his wife Ivana...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11992278224164669829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-34207723756886837792014-03-10T10:53:43.312-07:002014-03-10T10:53:43.312-07:00Bill,
Hey, that was me and Randall Grahm at Bistro...Bill,<br />Hey, that was me and Randall Grahm at Bistro Ralph with Dave! I'm not matronly, those are man boobs.<br /><br />Hope to see you in Riverside?!<br /><br />Alexandra,<br />Thank you, and Dave, for indulging me, and spoiling me with your gorgeous company, and those amazing wines. There are tastings when one has to try to like every wine, and then there are tastings when one can just sit back and savor wines that are simply thrilling. This was obviously the latter. Same time next year?<br /><br />Jack,<br />Exactly. I just wish everyone could sit and listen to a smart, proven, talented winemaker like Dave opine about the wine business, about current trends in winemaking, and everything else under the sun. I know my share about that stuff, but I learned a lot. So refreshing after reading so much Poodle crap.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-5642595326698572562014-03-10T10:18:18.153-07:002014-03-10T10:18:18.153-07:00And the best part of Ramey Winery is him. Awsome g...And the best part of Ramey Winery is him. Awsome guy and its great to drink wines made by great people. Well done my friend!Jack Edwardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08736211199513422112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-16162801850299048172014-03-10T09:52:44.343-07:002014-03-10T09:52:44.343-07:00Thank you Ron for this kind and well written post....Thank you Ron for this kind and well written post. Both David and I enjoyed our afternoon with you and for no other reason than to share great wine with great company. You're a pleasure in person and in writing. Thank you Ron!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14219692972118527152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-40514142467612049492014-03-10T09:34:48.028-07:002014-03-10T09:34:48.028-07:00Great take on the wines and the man. He's a ge...Great take on the wines and the man. He's a gem. Next time we cross paths, remind me to tell you about his shocking two matronly sorts at Bistro Ralph.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16330605164319332601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-16694117671146865112014-03-10T09:03:17.548-07:002014-03-10T09:03:17.548-07:00Gabe,
As I've often written, it's very dis...Gabe,<br />As I've often written, it's very disingenuous to rate wines when you've tasted them in the company of the winemaker. I don't assign scores anyway, I don't like them, and I don't think anyone cares about numbers I'd assign. The only way I want to seriously evaluate wine is with a meal, and over the course of a day or two. I can do that because I'm not trying to replace STEVE! at Wine Enthusiast, I'm simply an old comedy writer with a small audience.<br /><br />Anyhow, this was kind of a new format for me, and I wrestled with it. So it's clumsy, really. But if you come away with a good impression of a visit to Ramey Wine Cellars, and an appreciation for how genuinely great his wines are, then I've at least accomplished that. <br /><br />Don't worry, I'll be funny on Thursday.<br /><br />And thanks for the kind words, Gabe. And for being a reliable common tater.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-86229181255277517032014-03-10T08:53:39.199-07:002014-03-10T08:53:39.199-07:00I really liked this piece. It felt like I was vis...I really liked this piece. It felt like I was visiting the winery myself. And I really appreciated the lack of scores or flavor descriptors. Well doneAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13849290999060380035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-15849004174353657952014-03-10T08:52:52.630-07:002014-03-10T08:52:52.630-07:00Hey Charlie,
Even for me, the satire gets tiresome...Hey Charlie,<br />Even for me, the satire gets tiresome. I realize that's why everyone comes to HoseMaster, for the laughter, or to hate me, and a post like this is a huge disappointment. It's really just self-indulgence. But that's the very definition of wine blogging, isn't it? Self-indulgence? No other reason to do it for free.<br /><br />It was a blast to spend two-and-a-half hours with Dave. And to listen to him wax poetic about all kinds of topics dear to my HoseMaster heart, as well as sit and taste his great wines with him. Writing about it was fun. It means nothing to Ramey Wines--he certainly doesn't need my help or approval--but it was fun for me to capture my impressions, and reminisce a bit.<br /><br />Thanks for the kind words.Ron Washam, HMWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238869156614617705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745003136564123305.post-89992093420684487062014-03-10T08:41:18.537-07:002014-03-10T08:41:18.537-07:00Okay, so you want to be serious for a moment.
Ok...Okay, so you want to be serious for a moment. <br /><br />Okay. <br /><br />David Ramey is simply one of the handful of California masters. His style is a little richer than your other favorites, Mayacamas and Mount Eden, but this is California and if we do not honor the fruit we get from our vineyards, then most of the wines are ersatz French having nothing to do with their own provenance.<br /><br />David Ramey has proven, year in and year out, that one can make tasty CA Chards with big flavors and keep them gloriously in balance.<br /><br />Maybe the Hosemaster should have yet another identity. The Nosemaster.<br /><br />Or to put it more succinctly: Amen, brother, you have it spot on.Charlie Olkenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02513782687786106137noreply@blogger.com