by Hoke » Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:40 pm
Tom, I echo your thoughts on both Carole and Gerald.
Haven't seen Gerald in years now, but back in my Texas days we had several contacts, and did some business together. I ran a very large tasting society for several years, and had Gerald appear at three of the events, and he was a great success each time. He is so very literate, witty and erudite as to be always charming and entertaining. Plus, he introduced me to Gavi di Gavi, with the La Scolca, which he first imported to the US. And he was a Barolo man very much to my own liking.
We had him as guest/host of a dinner of pros once, in the private room of a restaurant. That night I observed a tour de force performance, as Gerald flawlessly kept the conversation going, made it all inclusive, and kept the entire evening a delightful and participative time for all. Gerald had that touch; he was capable of engaging any one he came in contact with on a very personal basis. And he related such delightful stories with a wicked dry sense of humor.
Carole I have only met the once, and that briefly, but I've corresponded with her and of course seen her appear here and there on various forums. She has done some groundbreaking work on viticulture, of which we're all aware. But one of her greatest (and most frustrating) journeys was the establishment of the Lagier-Meredith Vineyard and Winery in Napa. Give her a moment and she'll bend your ear about those trials and tribulations. Of course, now L-M appears to have been all worth it, as the Syrah they are turning out is pretty remarkable.
Reported in Monday's blog by JonBonne.