Wine

I'm reading a book about wine: The Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting that Revolutionized Wine by George M. Taber. I find it very, very detailed when it comes to the exact wines that were tasted on that historic day in May, 1976. The author was a Time Magazine reporter who attended the event, so his perspective is very interesting. I'll be doing a more thorough review of the book soon.

Related news about California wine at the present moment is that the recession is causing pain in the wine industry there. As of course it is everywhere. There's a silver lining on this as on so many economic clouds:

Consumers still interested in high-end wines may find great discounts now as everyone is trying to move inventory. Those who don’t want to spend a lot on wine may also be drinking better in the near future. Premium producers who need to make room for the new vintage may sell their wines on the bulk market, even at a loss. These premium wines in turn will be repackaged and sold inexpensively, though it will be difficult for consumers to identify which bottles benefit from a premium wine infusion. (from "Where Anxiety Is All That’s Flowing" by Eric Asimov, New York Times, July 28, 2009)

We were drinking some very enjoyable California wines while we were living in San Diego this spring. I hope we are lucky enough to get some of the good stuff when it's lower in price.