Question a journalist's integrity? Careful, now!
27th May 2009 16:50

A most colourful debate has been provoked by an article in the Wall Street Journal this week. The piece looks at the ethics of wine writers accepting invitations from wine trade bodies, using wine-writer extraordinaire Robert Parker's belief that “It is imperative for a wine critic to pay his own way” as a barometer.

Two of Parker's colleagues have been rumbled as having accepted press trips, and the piece has provoked claims that this would compromise their impartiality.

I find this a fascinating discussion point – look here to see that I'm not the only one.

Now, it's fair enough to say that just-drinks has had its fair share of invitations to far-off places, so the same accusation could squarely be placed at our door.

Indeed, one recent trip had a competitor of the company that took me away suggesting that I should clearly inform you, dear reader, who it was that was taking me away. We've also had one instance when the firm that entertained us – at great expense, of course – voiced its concern that our subsequent coverage of them was not as positive as they'd hope.

My two penn'orth on the matter? Here it is.

There is no way that I could afford to pay to visit some of the places I've been to in my time at just-drinks. At the same time, if our writing had any kind of slant to it, I'd expect you, dear reader, to vote if not with your vocal disagreement, then certainly with your feet.

I won't insult your intelligence, then, if you won't insult mine.

Your Comments

So, Norman, I would assume that you would take Olly's advice and either let Parker and Wine Spectator know of your concerns, or simply stop reading them. Yes?
Lew Bryson, United States

 

In my opinion, there is a very close relationship between many of the writers and growers. As an example, Robert Parker has for years called Georges Duboeuf "The King of Beaujolais", and has always praised ALL of his growths as outstanding...when in fact some of them were just "fair". Another example of growers and publications ratings is, when Gallo submitted one of their new Imports to the wine Spectator for a rating, it received a "72". Gallo then, over the next 6 months spent quite a bit of money in ads in the Spectator and then submitted the SAME WINE & VINTAGE within 2 months after the ad money...and low and behold the same wine received an "89".I guess money talks, B.S. walks.
Norman Weiner, United States

 

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