Anyone who has perused the Thirsty Reader “Mission Statement” surely knows that I harbor a serious love-hate relationship with Wine Spectator. Basically, I do enjoy receiving the magazine every three weeks (and I think the current “Cheese” issue is great), but I also resent how many people put so much stock in just one publication’s opinions. The magazine’s far-reaching clout is all fairly ludicrous to me, in the same way that the Food Network’s Guy Fieri has a growing fan-base (idiots, one and all).
Naturally, I was pleased to see someone recently put one over on the Wine Spectator, since I do enjoy a good practical joke. A writer named Robin Goldstein masterminded the entire ruse, and I only wish that I had come up with something so calculating, subversive and revealing. How very delicious. Goldstein’s book, “The Wine Trials,” which is not related to this hoax, will surely be my next read.
And please click here to read Wine Spectator’s side of the story:
http://forums.winespectator.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6826053161/m/835102245
I’m glad to know about the “love” side of your relationship with Wine Spectator, and appreciate the kind words about the current issue on cheese (Sept. 30, 2008). But I’m sorry to learn that you admire the dishonesty behind the wine list scam. It’s much easier to tear things down than build them up, but not really so admirable.
Thomas Matthews
Executive editor
Wine Spectator