I think he was absolutely correct to prefer riper vintages in Bordeaux since I think that will align with the majority of palates. As we age, men especially lose taste and smell. I often wonder if my perception that his affectation for very ripe and high alcohol wines late in his career reflected a change in his palate as a result of this?
Having subscribed from about 1982, I noticed the shift in the late 80s/early 90s, actually. It seemed to coincide with his tasting dozens of a wines at a sitting, which friends in the trade said he was doing more and more at that point. Big wines dominate in such settings, and there’s no time to experience a wine opening up.
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Got a FB message from Bob mentioning that he’s enjoying retirement more than he thought he would - misses tasting new releases but not the stress of deadlines . . .
Cheers
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I blame Parker for getting me into wine. It proved to be an expensive hobby and a wonderful profession.
Apart from family, it has been the source of great memories, and also really close friendships. Maybe later on our palates did not align, but I think how much poorer my life would have been had I not read my first Advocate. I also wish him the best.
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I vote with Mark. Years ago, my wife informed me that I was serving schlocky wine to our dinner guests. So went to a local wine monger and bought two bottles of wine and a copy of one of Parker’s books. Then I subscribed to WA. I have never regretted it. I hope Bob is doing well.
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