From Sigi Hiss
, at 17. October 2011 12:39
As Robert Parker winds down his contributios to Wine Advocate, the magazine he founded, many are wondering whether the age of the great critic is over, or if there is someone new waiting in the wings.
What is the single biggest impact you believe you have made on the wine industry and on Bordeaux in particular?
Honesty, independence, a democratic point of view, and an elitist free attitude.
Is the Wine Advocate structured in such a way as to continue with the same influence after your retirement, and if so, how?
Difficult to say, I have a strong team of writers but consumers will be the judge of them.
Do you have plans to retire or slow down and if so, could you give us an idea of what to expect and when to expect it?
I have been slowing down since the mid-1990s. Today I only cover Bordeaux and the Rhone Valley, and good health permitting, will continue to evaluate these regions for at least four to five more years.
You have several critics tasting for the Wine Advocate. Is there anyone you have in mind for Bordeaux?
Of the critics working for me, only Neal Martin is well informed and has a very good grasp of Bordeaux.
How do you feel your retirement from tasting Bordeaux en primeurs would impact the en primeurs campaign?
I have no idea. It will have some influence, but probably not as much as many observers believe. Bordeaux produces too many great wines that will sell out regardless of who reviews them.
How do you feel your retirement from tasting Bordeaux might impact prices?
I think there will be little, if any, impact.
How do you see the role of the wine critic evolving in the future?
Today there is two schools of wine writing/criticism — 1) The paid professional who is usually independent and well-trained and 2) the bloggers who offer their opinions for free, and for the most part lack seriousness and professionalism.
Have you accomplished what you set out to do or do you still have challenges before you? Any regrets?
I have had a very gratifying and satisfying career. I have no regrets other than too many people pay too much attention to what I do.
Australia is associated with rich, high alcohol wines, often favored by the Wine Advocate, and some feel the decision to make this style of wine is one of the reasons why the Australians are in so much difficulty now. What’s your reaction? Do you think they should move towards cool climate, more acidic winemaking?
To say Australia is associated with high alcohol wines is an insult and a totally incorrect view that ignores most of the country’s wine producing regions other than Barossa, which is the one region that does produce routinely rich and generally 14.5% alcohol wines. I, as well as my colleagues, have given very high scores to many different styles of wines from Riesling to Grenache. Alcohol is not a factor in our judgment, the wine’s balance and overall quality is.
How important, unique or useful is the WineFuture conference? At the last conference, did you find any surprises? In terms of location, the last one was in Rioja and the next is in Hong Kong – why is it important to bring the conference to Asia?
You need to ask Pancho Campo this question, as he is responsible for Wine Future. I do believe all civilized countries should have an opportunity to taste the world’s finest wines.
Larry Walker in California and Suzanne Mustacich in Bordeaux have taken the temperature in their regions and asked influential people what they think the impact of Robert Parker’s eventual retirement will be. Their stories are available in the Issue 5, 2011 edition of the magazine, only available to subscribers.
|
Share | Tweet |
