I recall, some years back, when I interviewed for a job with one of Napa Valley’s foremost winemakers. He, too, had an academic background and so posed some intriguing questions during the interview. “What is your favorite metaphor for winemaking?”, he asked. I replied that I had often thought of the winemaker as midwife – Being present to assist at an example of the marvel of creation, not getting in the way too much, easing the transition, and being ready in case of an emergency to do what you must to help bring about a happy ending. This did not rest well with his enormous ego and he said, “Well, the reason my wines are among the best is that I make the wine. Without me and my choices and my talent, there is no wine.” Needless to say, I didn’t get the job.

Following your theory, we would be correct in assuming that this winemaker makes exclusively varietal wines. That is how he puts his individual signature/profile on a bottle of wine. His Pinot or Cabernet tastes like HIS pinot or Cabernet, not like someone elses. He oversees the smallest detail in growing, even though he has a significantly qualified vineyard manager and crew. He micro-manages every detail of the cellar even though many on his cellar team could be winemakers in their own right. He makes all decisions on sales and marketing even though he has no background in these fields. He has issues.

That being said, his wines are often exquisite and their reputation, golden.

When I was just learning about wine, it was easier to learn a few grapes that I liked than it was to learn producers that I liked. When I discovered I liked Sauvignon Blanc, for example, I would then try the same grape by different wineries; I stuck with something reliable, but still got to try new things.

Also, don’t you think that trust comes into it? When you are a varietally-focused drinker, you don’t put your trust in the winemaker/blender, you put your trust in the grape. It’s easier to feel in control when you trust things over people, right?

Thought-provoking post, Jeff! Thanks!