Team C&J
Wine-Searcher – Robert Mondavi Wine’s Long, Slow Decline
W. Blake Gray sums up the disaster that is lower-level wine that carries a top-tier name and the damage it can do to a label. There is a lot going on over at Mondavi, from the article:
Last week Constellation Brands, which bought Robert Mondavi Winery in 2004, announced that it is selling two of the Mondavi brand’s cheaper labels – Woodbridge and Robert Mondavi Private Selection – to The Wine Group, which is best known for its clever marketing of cheap wine (my favorite brand name of theirs is “Running with Scissors”.)
Constellation is, for now, keeping the flagship Robert Mondavi Winery brand and its showcase winery in the heart of Napa Valley. But it’s hard to see how Constellation will be able to maintain an upscale image for the brand when The Wine Group is poised to put Robert Mondavi Private Selection on the bottom shelf of every supermarket. This is why years ago, Constellation stopped calling the other brand it sold “Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi”. I don’t know the terms of the deal, but it’s likely that The Wine Group cannot restore the Robert Mondavi part of Woodbridge’s name. But with Robert Mondavi Private Selection, that is the name.
“Private Selection” sounds like Mondavi is offering you something special from his cellar, but in fact, these are $7 wines. Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Cabernet is a $50 wine; Mondavi To Kalon Reserve Cabernet is a $200 wine. Why would consumers want to spend $200 when they can get a “private selection” from the same guy for the price of a fancy coffee?
The Guardian – In The Red: Global Wine Sales Fall To Lowest Levels Since 1961
And the good news just keeps pouring in:
Worldwide consumption of wine fell in 2024 to its lowest level in more than 60 years, the main trade body has said, raising concerns about new risks from US tariffs.
The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) said on Tuesday that 2024 sales fell 3.3% from the previous year to 214.2m hectolitres.
The OIV, whose report was based on government figures, said this would be the lowest sales figure since 1961, when sales were 213.6m hectolitres.
Production is also at its lowest level in more than 60 years, having fallen 4.8% in 2024 to 225.8m hectolitres.
Wine Enthusiast – Can Hollywood Please Get Wine Right?
Tom Capo has a humorous piece on wine in film. A few of my favorites:
We’ve all seen it before: A young person brings a bottle of wine to dinner at their in-laws’ house and the MIL looks skeptically at the bottle, sneers and says: “A screw cap…how… convenient.” And the laugh track hits.
The amount of wine poured in a glass should be around five or six ounces. Stop putting three times that much in oversized glasses. Have you ever tried to hold or swirl a wine glass with that much liquid in it?
San Francisco Chronicle – Napa’s Silver Oak winery names surprising new CEO
Maybe this is what the wine industry needs. Someone who knows marketing and thinks outside the box. From the article:
Silver Oak Cellars announced on Wednesday a new CEO, Jared Fix, who most recently served as the CEO of shoe company Toms. Longtime Silver Oak CEO and proprietor David Duncan will move into an executive chairman role.
Before joining Toms last June, Fix had served as chief transformation officer for the buzzy shoe brand Allbirds; as COO for the pharmaceutical startup Alto; and as the chief commercial officer for the e-cigarette company Juul.
Though unusual for the wine industry, Fix’s varied resume will be an asset to Silver Oak, Duncan said. He hopes that Fix can “help us turn the page, which in this environment I think every winery is wanting to do.”
“The whole industry is on its heels right now,” Duncan continued, and Silver Oak is “definitely not immune to the trends.” The current challenges require Duncan to spend more time on the road interacting with customers, he said, and he can’t do that while also managing the day-to-day business.
Gandona Estate in St. Helena (NAPA), CA
Perched high in the hills above St. Helena, Gandona Estate is a hidden gem where world-class winemaking meets a deeply personal legacy. With stunning views, a winemaker with serious Napa cred, and an ultra-exclusive tasting experience, this is the place to go when you’re looking for something truly special.
Anton Van De Plas and The Gandona Winery Story: The Cork and Journey Interview
We interview Anton van de Plas and embark on a captivating journey through one of Napa Valley’s esteemed wineries, uncovering the rich history, passionate vintners, and the meticulous art of winemaking that defines Gandona Vineyards. From the steep slopes of Pritchard Hill to the unique blend of tradition and innovation, this interview offers an intimate glimpse into the world of fine wine, where every sip tells a story of dedication, terroir, and family legacy.
2021 Domaine De Chevalier Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé De Graves
The 2021 Domaine De Chevalier Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé is a classic Bordeaux blend with layers of dark cherry, leather, and a hint of savory olive. Elegant yet grounded, this wine reflects its gravelly terroir with grace. Decant for a couple of hours and enjoy its evolving complexity.
Prime 141 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Prime 141 in Las Vegas is a steak and seafood haven with elevated flair, serving masterfully crafted dishes by Chef Tyler Frederick. From the luxe bar scene to impeccable service, it’s one of the finest off-strip gems around. Ignore the automatic gratuity—this place is absolutely worth every cent.
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