I do enjoy the Thursday and Friday updates on the Majors. Yes, I do a bit of the “Tiger Watch” because he already has historical merit in golf. My usual routine is to pour a glass of wine and catch the sportscast. But this year, I will admit that I was a little slow on the uptake for the “proper” wine for the British Open. Please don’t roll your eyes and think I am off my rocker to pair wine with events. We frequently do. Think of weddings and Champagne. So read on and see if you ultimately agree with my thinking.

 

To watch the British Open, I think it is only appropriate to find an American wine. With Tommy Watson leading, it seems like the wine should have some connection with Missouri. If you have ever tried wines made from Missouri grown grapes, this can be a daunting challenge. So, then you begin to look at wineries owned by Missourians or made by Missourians, but not necessarily in Missouri. 

 

For example, David Daine is a native Missourian from the Springfield, MO area. The Pinot Noirs he released last year received ratings from 88 to 92 points from Robert Parker, James Laube and others. By the way, David makes his wines at the CrushPad. Certainly, Daine’s wines should be considered and I do have several in my cellar.

 

I did a little more research and I finally found a winery that really captured the emotion and enthusiasm of the 2009 British Open, Joullian Vineyards. Joullian is in Carmel, CA. They produce a great line of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The owners are originally from Oklahoma. That is at least in the mid-west. 

 

 

Also, Joullian’s winemaker was born and raised in Kansas City, MO, just like Tommy Watson. Joullian’s winemaker attended Stanford, just like Tommy Watson. And if you are not familiar with the winemaker at Joullian, his name is Ridge Watson. He is the older brother of Tommy Watson.

 

Cheers,

 

MikeR