Robin Garr vs Robert Parker

I found an article that did my heart good. Robin Garr took Mr. Parker to task for his comments on California's Edmund St. John winery offerings. These wines are in Robin's opinion, terroir-driven and at their best with food (I haven't yet found them in BC-- but I'm looking. If you've seen them here, please let me know).

Robin not so much tried to convince Mr. Parker of the attractions of terroir but more chastised for the mean spirited manner in which Mr. Parker ridiculed the wines. Bravo! I'm sure you agree that at the end of the day there is room for both points of view.

Here's the article, you can decide for yourself.

http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor2/tswa20071207.php

What is Terroir?

You can find dozens of definitions of terroir but here's one I like:

Having a taste of the earth or soil. Gout de terroir describes the characteristic aromas and flavors of wine from grapes grown in a particular vineyard or region, incorporating the contributions of both soil and climate to the wine's unique style.
www.st-kathryn-cellars.com/glossary.htm

Like a slap to the head...

More like a shovelful of gravel.

I first understood terroir while on vacation in where else .. France, Chablis to be precise. It was at a cooperative, La Chablisiene. I tasted through about a dozen wines and it hit me, this was terroir--Les Clos, Blanchot and Montée de Tonnerre. Not only the region but the individual vineyards were clear to me. Just like when learning varietals Gewürztraminer was my "beginner" wine, Chablis was where I first understood the meaning of terroir. It's unmistakable wet stone, gravel character was something I could finally put my head around.

I've never looked back. I'm still a unrepentant "terroirist". Cheers.