Wine Glut Gratifies Consumers, Hurts Small Domestic Wineries

Oregon Magazine ^ | April 1, 2003 | Fred Delkin

[demsux]

January 9, 2002

FUNDING OF NAPA MUSEUM IS THE NEW ISSUE;

MONDAVI ENTERS THE FRAY

COPIA officials at the Napa, California museum are insisting that it is “misinformation” to say it has received millions of dollars in public funding; they admit to receiving only a $50,000 grant. Indeed, the Catholic League has been accused of “lying” about the money. The league’s protest is directed at a display of figurines that show the pope and nuns defecating and has created quite a furor. In another development, Robert Mondavi, the museum’s largest private benefactor and chairman of its board of trustees, has entered the fray.

On the January 7 “Tom Leykis Show,” a nationally syndicated radio show that originates in L.A., COPIA spokeswoman Holly Krassner accused Catholic League spokesman Patrick Scully of “lying” when he asserted that the museum has benefited from millions of dollars of public funds. Moreover, several newspapers printed the museum’s charge that the league is spreading “misinformation” about its funding.

Nancy Light, Mondavi’s VP for public relations, is saying that while Mondavi was not involved in the selection process, “The [Mondavi] family supports COPIA’s commitment, as an artistic institution, to presenting the creations of its contributing artists without censorship.”

Catholic League president William Donohue commented as follows:

“According to Napa Sentinel reporter Harry V. Martin, ‘A $70 million loan was negotiated by the State of California, and which even the Napa Valley Register confirms in its January 5 article.’ And this doesn’t count millions in local public funding. So who’s lying?

“As for Mondavi, I have personally defended him for a week, saying he no doubt wasn’t involved. However, now that he is, he’ll have to do better than say he opposes censorship. So do we which is why we never asked for the offending items to be removed. But we do want to know whether he personally approves of his museum’s defecating pope and nuns.”

[Publius]

I was in Trader Joe's last week and bought some Boca Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. They were all outstanding -- and only $2.99 a bottle in Washington state.

I'm back to TJ's on Friday.

[sarasota]

Ever notice how many products have become commodities with a rise and fall in price--just like oil/gas/etc. I see it as payback for too-high prices in the past.

[RobRoy]

A couple of months ago we bought four cases Shaws Merlot after sampling a bottle. We weren't as impressed with the Cab (which is normally my favorite wine). We don't like Chardonay at all so we passed.

The stuff is a steal. We'll be checking back for some more.

[Valpal1]

Well, they've been ripping out orchards and replacing them with vineyards for 5+ years in my area. Sounds like the local farmers aren't going to be any farther ahead than they were before. More low prices for an over abundant commodity.

[anymouse]

Well Oregon politically isn't too different than France. :)

But seriously fellow FReepers it's time to start consuming more domestic wine (in addition to boycotting French wine). It's our patriotic duty. hicup. :)

[Publius]

Check out the Boca. It's not only a steal, but I have a feeling it's one of those wines that will age magnificently.

[irish_links]

Three cheers for Trader Joe's, capitalism's gift to the conneisseur of adult beverages and fine foods.

[RobRoy]

Actually, I forgot to mention that I am DEFINITELY going to try the boca. Your post had me intrigued.

[monkeyshine]

The "two buck chuck" is not great wine, but it very drinkable as a table wine for regular wine drinkers. At $2 a bottle here in California, it's selling like wildfire. I bought 6 cases. They sold out once already.

[RobRoy]

A client of my wife is a professional chef. He was telling her the best places to buy various types of food. He said the best place to buy wine is Trader Joes. I am beginning to believe it. I was doing my workout at the Tower a month ago and these 20-somethings on the treadmills were talking about some "great deal." The mentioned Cabernet and $2.99. I asked if they were talking about Trader Joes - and they were.

Looks like the word is getting around, and this article seems to confirm it.

[Mr. Jeeves]

Hmmm... Maybe the new 'Bachelor', Andrew Firestone, won't be a millionaire much longer after all...

[stevio]

I knew my giving up alcohol for Lent was going to have an effect.

[monkeyshine]

The Shaw Cab is actually pretty good. We did a tasting, blind, for an event to see which one we were going to serve (for free). All of us thought that the 2 buck chuck chardonney was the best of the sub $5 wines we were choosing.

Never tried the merlot, I invariably prefer a cab to a merlot. As I said above, the cab is pretty good for the price as an everyday table wine.

[monkeyshine]

Can you buy it during Lent, and drink it afterwards?

[B Knotts]

Well Oregon politically isn't too different than France.

Is that right?

Did France vote 47% for George W. Bush in 2000?

Is France sending its people to fight and be killed in Iraq?

[RobRoy]

>>The "two buck chuck" is not great wine, but it very drinkable as a table wine for regular wine drinkers.<<

You hit the nail on the head. For us "a glass of red wine a day keeps the heart surgeon away" people, it beats Gallo burgundy. 8^>

[RobRoy]

Ok, OK, I'll give the cab another try!

[WaterDragon]

There are more conservatives in Oregon than anyone knew, and we may just turn this state around!

Cheers! *clink*