Big Shake-Up at Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

WSJ ^ | 12/9/12 | Lettie Teague

[LibWhacker]

Robert M. Parker Jr., widely regarded as the world's most powerful wine critic, has some far-reaching changes planned for his 34-year-old newsletter, the Wine Advocate.

Mr. Parker intends to phase out the print version of the newsletter, which he built over the past several decades into one of the most influential voices on wine. He also said he intends to step down as its editor in chief, turning over editorial oversight to his Singapore-based correspondent, Lisa Perrotti-Brown.

[LibWhacker]

The newsletter also will put more emphasis Asia's nascent wine industry. Ms. Perrotti-Brown plans to hire a new correspondent likely to be based in China... "The correspondent will cover wines produced in China, Thailand and other Asian countries," she said... "We want to have more control over the reviews," said Ms. Perrotti-Brown...

Why do I think Snake Head Wine will garner a 100pts soon in some future WA review?

Parker is a big lib, no doubt, and so ordinarily I couldn't care less, but this will be the death of a great newsletter, imo.

[TheRobb7]

First of all, I’m not a “Junior”.

Second of all, I can’t even AFFORD a bottle of wine.

Third, I’m not a lib.

Oh, wait....THAT Robb Parker....

Nevermind.

[LibWhacker]

I'm sorry. WSJ is blocking access and requiring one to log on. So... click here on this Google News search page and look for the WSJ article near the top of the listings (at least near the top at the moment). You'll be granted access and won't have to subscribe or log on.

[Charles Martel]

It is a fact that Asia is the area rising fastest in demand for quality wines (and other beverages, as this guy has mentioned a number of times in his whisky reviews).

[Mase]

I used to live down the street from this guy in Maryland back in the early 90's, and would run into him all the time at the Monkton post office. His arms would be filled with the latest newsletter, that he had just printed out on his dot matrix printer, and I would help him apply stamps to the envelopes while discussing his latest wine find or how the O's were playing.

he was a nice guy, at least back then, was very knowledgeable about wine. He created an incredible business from his basement, based on his passion for wine, and became the most influential man in the industry while making a fortune. Good for him. I still base a lot of my purchases on his reviews.

[G Larry]

I don’t know what Parker’s politics are, but his behavior is pure Capitalist!

He’s taking his money off of the table before the tax policies of our Communist is Chief, kick in.

[concentric circles]

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