Having just returned from a week in France, split between the regions of Bordeaux and Champagne, I have the business of wine in mind, and what a big business it is. We went in search of some of the excellent “grand cru classés” of 2003 to keep until our son is old enough (by French standards) to appreciate it. Yes, he is only 4 years old, so the wine needs to last for many years.
We went to hunt and gather in Bordeaux, armed with spread sheets ranking our targets primarily based on ratings by renowned wine critique Robert Parker and price references. This research was conducted and complied exclusively by my husband, who is first of all passionate about wine and secondly is blissfully unaware that wine is produced outside of France. Surprisingly, the undisputed authority on Bordeaux wines and all wines around the world is not even French, but American Robert Parker.
Referred to as “The single most influential person in the world of wine”, the price and sales made by the Chateaux are directly dependent on how many points out of 100 Robert Parker grades their wine each year. I was in awe in the midst of the rolling vineyards of these historic Chateaux, and became curious to know more about Robert Parker, the man who holds as much control over their business and bottom line as the annual weather conditions.
I found an hour long feature interview with Robert Parker with Charlie Rose on YouTube and discovered that the assumptions I had made about Robert Parker were dead wrong. Based on the fact that prices of some vintages reach into the hundreds and even thousands per bottle and the elitist culture that often surrounds fine wine, I assumed Parker must be an old, arrogant, stiff, snob. Shocked to discover that Parker is down to earth, slightly younger than imagined and wildly passionate about wine in the most genuine and true way was refreshing. His love of wine and the way in which he discovered his special gift for sniffing and tasting wine while pursuing the love of his life and now wife of nearly 40 years is special. His million dollar nose (as it is insured) is remarkable and the quantity of wines he meticulously samples and grades is unmatched. He has written several books and the guide we use is 1700 pages and over 40 cm thick!
But it all started with The Wine Advocate, a newsletter that he first printed 30 years ago to directly and independently inform consumers without influence from the industry insiders. Within a few years, Parker had revolutionized the wine industry through The Wine Advocate and brought about a significant improvement in quality by holding the Chateaux accountable. He has earned respect and built his reputation through his talent, dedication and his principles of commitment to the consumers. He has been honored by 2 French Presidents and 1 Italian president. I admire his passion and his Consumer Advocacy makes him a hero to me. Power to the people -even if many of his followers are wine snobs!
Suzy Ogé is an American born business woman living in The Hague, The Netherlands. 
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You have shattered my opinion too.