My Mentors

My Father, Néné

Through his remarkable, lifelong commitment to the vineyards and to the earth itself, my father has been an incredible inspiration to me. The vines are his first priority, and whenever they call, he is ready and willing to attend to their needs. After watching the evolution of agriculture from his early childhood to now, he has acquired a wealth of invaluable information, and his passion for Cahors has made him one of the staunchest defenders of the underdog appellation.

He is selfless, too—after a 2017 frost (the first in 25 years), 2019 & 2021 (that’s another blogpost), he was first in line to provide information and assistance to his fellow winemakers. He did not get paid for this arduous work—he simply saw it as necessary. That’s the kind of man my father is.

My Wife, Eileen

Eileen inspires me with her unparalleled passion for (and sheer delight in) the fruit of the vine. The joy she experiences when tasting a special bottle is contagious. She is deeply dedicated to our family & her own career, and, at the same time, constantly pushes me forward in my own.

Harvey Fry

Sadly, Harvey passed away not long ago, but his effect on my life has been indelible. I met Harvey, a portly whiskey aficionado with suspenders and a long white Santa Claus beard, at a bar in Washington, DC. He took me under his wing and taught me everything he knew about whiskey—which was a lot. He was truly passionate about the drink, especially in its most potent forms, and had a massive collection to show for it. Harvey opened my eyes to an entirely new taste profile, and I felt like I had met god in a glass.

Thanks to Harvey’s education, my tasting ability and range simply exploded. When I taste wines that have been aged in oak, I can pick up on so many nuances of spice, flavor, and aroma that would have otherwise eluded me. It’s a bit ironic that I owe so much of my wine comprehension to an education in whiskey—but then again, Harvey also taught me to expect the unexpected.