In 1998,, I made a deal on about 600 cases of Chateau Potelle Napa Valley Zinfandel. The proprietor was Jean-Noel Fourmeaux, a Bordelaise with wine family history. On a recent trip to Napa I reached to catch up...yes, 27 years later; we vowed to not wait that long for the next encounter.

Jean-Noel shared some fascinating insights on how he views wine as an emotional experience rather than something that can be rated like a sports event. He even humorously compared rating wine to rating the experience of making love, quipping that you wouldn't tell your spouse it was a "87" and hope for a "95" next time!

A core part of Jean-Noel's wine philosophy is about authenticity and passion. He emphasizes the importance of terroir, ensuring that his wines reflect the true nature of the grapes and land they come from. His chateau, Chateau Potelle, sells wines directly to consumers without retail or restaurant distribution, allowing for a unique and personal connection with his customers.

Jean-Noel also humorously described his approach to wine ratings, coining the term "VGS" for "Very Good Shit," which became a defining quality standard for Chateau Potelle wines.

Despite the challenges, including overcoming serious health issues and restarting his business, Jean-Noel's passion for wine and life remains undeterred, and his story is as rich and complex as the wines he produces. If you're a wine enthusiast or just love a good story of resilience and passion, this episode is definitely worth a listen!

🍷 Wine rating is an "American disease": Jean-Noel humorously notes that while Americans are fond of rating wines like they do Super Bowls, wine should not be rated because it evokes emotions and pleasure, which are beyond numbers. Just like you don't rate an intimate moment with a score, wine's joy cannot be quantified.

🍷 Provence over pretension: Jean-Noel's philosophy for Chateau Potelle revolves around producing wine that's an honest reflection of its terroir, without succumbing to the pressures of becoming a high-score chasing brand. It's not about creating ego-driven trophy wines, but about crafting an experience that's remembered for its authenticity and emotion.

🍷 Wine = Art + Pee: Laughter ensues when Jean-Noel mentions that while a wine is a piece of art meant to be shared and savored, inevitably, just like art, it'll eventually be "admired," consumed, and turned into a different "liquid memory."