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Not long ago (February 13, episode #407), Gary Vaynerchuck gave a very negative review of Long Shadows Pedestal 2004 saying the heavy oak monster, the “bricks and bricks of wood” ruined it for him. He completely disagreed with Jay Miller (of Wine Advocate) who gave Pedestal a 94, and scored it 82 points! Wow. I haven’t seen Gary dog a Washington wine like that in awhile.

I am so impressed by Long Shadows founder Allen Shoup for how he handled Gary’s very negative review. Normally, I’d have no idea how a winery/winemaker responds to such reviews, but Gary was so impressed that he gave a shout out a week later during the 2nd Anniversary episode (about 18 minutes in).

Shoup has a distinguished reputation and is incredibly embedded in Washington wine history and culture. He is considered a founding father of the Washington wine industry. A founder of the Washington Wine Institute, Shoup also helped organize the American Vintners Association and sits on numerous boards and councils.

His email to Gary was a letter of support, encouraging the show, the way in which Wine Library is “changing the wine world” and he voiced his strong support for how the show helps people learn to trust their own palates rather than relying on the voice of a reviewer. He did not defend Pedestal or disagree with Gary’s review. Again, it’s all about personal taste. And although I’ve always thought well of Shoup, I was truly impressed by how he handled the situation.

I was also impressed that Gary mentioned Shoup’s email on air. Not only did he laud Shoup’s behavior, he also said he was taking home a case of the Pedestal and would taste it over the next decade or so, seeing if perhaps the “oak monster gets scared” and the wine somewhere down the road becomes something he likes.

This is a lesson in manners, grace, and open-mindedness. Yes, we all have our personal tastes. We should always make up our own mind about whether or not a wine is right for us and our individual palate. We should trust our own judgement. However, that does not mean that we should project our opinion onto others. Remember, it is just our own opinion. They must form their own. And wouldn’t the world be boring if we all liked the same thing?

I’m going to try the Pedestal. Truth is, sometimes I like a little oak monster. And you can tell Gary. He’ll be cool with it.