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W. Blake Gray

@wblakegray.bsky.social
183 followers 50 following 1.5K posts

Best Online Wine Columnist in the World! 2013 Roederer Award in that category, and they stopped giving out that award immediately afterward. In perpetuity!

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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 22h
Excellent article from @EricAsimov www.nytimes.com/2026/10/01/d...
nytimes.com
California Wine Producers Are Betting on Good, Moderately Priced Bottles (Gift Article)
Cheap bottles have mostly meant bad, processed wines. The hope is that good wine from well-farmed grapes at a slightly higher price will fill a need.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Last night "The Terminator" played before a packed house at the Alamo Drafthouse in San Francisco. It was a fairly young crowd and I wondered how many of them work in AI. I heard some laughter early in the film at the depiction of 2029 Los Angeles. But, is it really far-fetched?
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Campania has just the kind of wines that consumers today want: three unique whites and even a chillable red. The problem is the region is overplanted with the previous generation's wine grapes: big, tannic reds. Let me help you discover its gems. www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/10/th...
wine-searcher.com
The Four Pillars of Campania Wine | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
Our US editor, W. Blake Gray explores the delightful wines of Campania in southern Italy. Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Tonight I'm planning to see a film that is apparently a documentary from the future. It's called "The Terminator."
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Cinema hot take, re "Digger:" The director won an Academy Award for Birdman, but the movie wasn't actually good. Neither was Amores Perros, which I suffered through earlier this year.
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Reposted by W. Blake Gray
Christopher Webb @cwebbonline.com · 30/09/2026
This is priceless. Check out how local news is reporting on Sen Eric Schmidt’s clown-show grilling of Jack Smith. They found Jack Smith at the game… “Top corner, section 109, row 1. In fact, that seat doesn’t even exist in Atlanta.”
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The NYT story about this murder is nowhere near as interesting as this NY Post story. nypost.com/2026/09/28/u...
nypost.com
Slain New York Times exec was in vicious fight with in-laws over being trans, wife tried to pull medical tubes out of his body: court docs
According to court records, McKinsey transitioned in 2010 from female to male. According to the petition, Chen said McKinsey was a “disgusting queer” and a “pervert.”
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Reposted by W. Blake Gray
Randall Grahm @randallgrahm.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Rampant leafroll virus in Napa Valley in the’60s and early’70s maybe partially responsible for those elegant 12.5% wines of the era.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Ted Hall writes an interesting LONG post about red blotch virus, but skips a very important point. In a warming world, ripening slowed by red blotch virus might help keep wines from becoming overripe. ted241.substack.com/p/the-virus-...
ted241.substack.com
The Virus We Planted
Napa Valley’s Next Phylloxera Crisis?
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"Vins de garde" means wine for aging. Randall is on to something here.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I'm going to a new movie today about a hit man. Top US jobs, according to Hollywood movies: Police, 50% of population Hit men, 15% Scientists, including mad scientists, 12% Superpowered heroes, 9% Prostitutes with hearts of gold, 6% Pedro Pascal, 4%
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
It's not jealousy; it's evolutionary psychology www.realityslaststand.com/p/the-scienc...
realityslaststand.com
The Science of Why Women Hate Sydney Sweeney
Intrasexual competition, guy’s gals, and the vulnerable young men the controversy overlooks.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
A PR firm sent me a list of the 10 US states with the highest binge-drinking rates. What do they have in common? None are major wine producing states. Wine drinkers tend to not be binge drinkers.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I didn't break the story about Artesa being sold. What I DID get right, and I don't believe any other media outlet has yet, is the true identity of the seller. It was sold TO a family-owned company, but it wasn't sold BY one. www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/09/wi...
wine-searcher.com
Wine Country Woes: Crisis or Opportunity? | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
California's recent winery upheavals aren't necessarily the bad news wine story that the media keep pushing. Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This is not a popular position on this site, and that's why I'm posting it here. It IS a popular position among American voters, including among Democrats. Is this worth losing Congress over? www.foxnews.com/outkick-spor...
foxnews.com
Democrat politicians are betraying their own voters on trans sports issue
Jean Chadbourne and other registered Democrats say their party is alienating its own base by refusing to protect women's sports from trans athletes.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In honor of the New York Times publishing its Top 100 TV Shows of the 21st Century, I would like to share the greatest column ever written about such Top XX lists. I have written such lists myself and have received each of these comments. www.npr.org/2011/12/14/1...
npr.org
The 20 Unhappiest People You Meet In The Comments Sections Of Year-End Lists
Now is the time when critics make their year-end lists. Unfortunately, you cannot please everyone, and if enough people read your list, you will eventually run into these 20 unhappy people.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
People on both sides of the pond would LOVE to see Harry Kane attempt some NFL field goals. But don't wait too late, Harry. I wanted to see Carli Lloyd kick field goals, but she was already 37 when she tried. Age matters. www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
nytimes.com
Could Harry Kane really be an NFL kicker? The experts are not so sure
The England football legend is sizing up a possible NFL career but the transition is not as straightforward as it might seem
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Signorello went bankrupt and is being sold at auction. Gundlach Bundschu filed for Chapter 11. Artesa is being sold by a private equity group that bought it just 8 years ago. Is this actually bad news? www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/09/wi...
wine-searcher.com
Wine Country Woes: Crisis or Opportunity? | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
California's recent winery upheavals aren't necessarily the bad news wine story that the media keep pushing. Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The NFL fined a player for pretending to drink while celebrating a touchdown. They called this "offensive" and fined him $14,926. The NFL has beer sponsors. I would like to see them protest on his behalf. nypost.com/2026/09/25/s...
nypost.com
NFL’s double standard over 49ers fullback’s ‘beer’ fine leaves bad taste
We’re throwing the flag on the NFL for this one. Unsportsmanlike hypocrisy. And after further review, the ruling stands. San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk gestures after a play against the…
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
When I (and others) wrote about the consequences of a US trade war with Canada, I don't think any of us imagined this. Mac-and-cheese-flavored soda? Come on, that is clearly something for people in the Lower 48. If it was for Canadians, it would be poutine-flavored.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Any story that generates 1000 subscriptions to any newspaper in 2026 is good. Folks who complain about clickbait: this is why we do it. If you didn't click on it, and you instead clicked on the serious stories on which we worked for weeks, we wouldn't. x.com/maxwelltani/...
x.com
Max Tani (@maxwelltani) on X
Per a note to Boston Globe staff today, the lesbian bar story generated 1,000 subscriptions to the paper yesterday. The Globe’s managing editor said it was “by far our best performing story of the year,” and appears to be “on pace to shatter all sorts of Globe records.”
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Shortest honeymoon ever?
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Conversation of the day. I've seen the top part plenty of times; many online randos issue similar demands. Haven't seen the retort nearly enough.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
Poll: Canadians and Americans agree, Trump was in the wrong with trade war
Americans say President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada aren’t worth higher prices, as Canadians remain in lockstep behind Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Wineries everywhere are struggling to sell wine. In Napa Valley, that has led some wineries to quietly grumble about whether or not they are getting good bang for their buck from Napa Valley Vintners, whose leaders are very well compensated. www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/09/na...
wine-searcher.com
Napa Valley Vintners Faces Questions over Pay | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
Some winemakers have been grumbling that Napa Valley Vintners doesn't offer good value, so what does it offer? Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Some vintners question whether Napa Valley Vintners is providing enough bang for their buck. That's because the leaders of the nonprofit trade association are making a lot of money. www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/09/na...
wine-searcher.com
Napa Valley Vintners Faces Questions over Pay | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
Some winemakers have been grumbling that Napa Valley Vintners doesn't offer good value, so what does it offer? Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I tried to vote for The Sopranos, The Simpsons and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but they were ineligible because they started before 2000.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
One good thing about Nikole Hannah-Jones' story about how she used her daughter to project her own political narrative is this: A lot of grownups today will read it and re-appreciate their own parents. My own late mother thought my education was important. Thanks Mom.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Here's a Harvard-Harris poll from August. Useful perspective for this site. Only 17% of Americans have an unfavorable view of the USA -- but they constitute the core of BlueSky.
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Reposted by W. Blake Gray
American Association of Wine Economists AAWE @wineecon.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Global Per Capita Wine, Beer, and Spirits Consumption, 1961–2025
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Congratulations Politico! You really couldn't ask for better publicity. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/18/b...
nytimes.com
Trump Says He Has Banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico From White House
In an insult-laden post on Truth Social, President Trump said he was instituting the ban because of reporting from the outlets that he deemed “fake news.”
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"The documentary, which has dazzled most critics so far, runs nearly four hours, including a 10-minute intermission." I want to get out ahead of all the other uninformed hot takes with my own. What is the longest documentary you have ever sat through? www.nytimes.com/2026/09/17/b...
nytimes.com
Searing Elon Musk Film Nears U.S. Release Amid Overseas Concerns
Alex Gibney’s “Musk” will arrive in United States theaters next month. Universal says it remains committed to releasing it overseas but has yet to set dates.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Paul Gregutt asks if the Washington wine industry has hit rock bottom. I'd like to quote Seattle giants Soundgarden, from "Outshined": "I'm feeling that I'm sober/Even though I'm drinking I can't get any lower/Still I feel I'm sinking." paulgregutt.substack.com/p/has-the-wa...
paulgregutt.substack.com
Has The Washington Wine Industry Touched Bottom?
Reviews: Corliss; The Walls Single Vineyard Series
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
This vineyard was planted by horse-and-buggy before the first automobiles were built in California. Probably planted by candlelight as well. If you want to taste a wine from vines planted in 1893 made in the style of 1963, I got you covered. www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/09/ga...
wine-searcher.com
Gallo Vineyard a California Time Machine | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
Gallo doesn't just do mass-produced wines; it also has one very old – and old-fashioned – project up its sleeve. Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
What does the world's largest wine company do with underproducing 140-year-old vines of a wine grape that's always a hard sell? www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/09/ga...
wine-searcher.com
Gallo Vineyard a California Time Machine | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
Gallo doesn't just do mass-produced wines; it also has one very old – and old-fashioned – project up its sleeve. Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Good story about an aspect of the wine industry downturn that we (including me) don't cover enough. www.agalert.com/california-a...
agalert.com
Ag Alert
California vineyard workers face job losses and reduced hours as falling wine demand leads to acreage cuts, mechanization, and financial strain for farm labor contractors.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Vegan restaurants are disappearing. I wonder if there are fewer vegans now? www.sfgate.com/food/article...
sfgate.com
California's vegan restaurant scene is in heavy retreat
Meatless eateries are closing all over the state.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I turned off political posts on Facebook. Meta still wants to rage-bait me. Today my feed is full of Sydney Sweeney. Apparently some columnists (all female, coincidentally) are outraged that she appears naked in an ad. I'm supposed to be outraged too! Show me the pics again ...
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
"Figures aren’t available on how much revenue Southern generated through these illegal programs, but I’m confident crime paid off here." Sean O'Leary on the mini-slap on the wrist from the feds earned by the nation's largest wine/spirits distributor. irishliquorlawyer.com/liquor-indus...
irishliquorlawyer.com
Bot Verification
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Reposted by W. Blake Gray
American Association of Wine Economists AAWE @wineecon.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
California Wine Crush by Color, 1975-2025: For the first time since 1996, California crushed more white wine grapes than red (2025).
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Is the world ready for XXL Champagne? www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/09/ch...
wine-searcher.com
Champagne Hits Record Alcohol Levels | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
Champagne could pack more punch in future vintages if this year is any indication. Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A tale of rebirth and hope in California wine. In 2017, the Tubbs Fire destroyed Joe Donelan's favorite Sonoma County vineyard, just one year after he finally purchased it. The smart move might have been to let it lay fallow. But Donelan believes in the land. www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/09/do...
wine-searcher.com
Donelan Brings Vineyard Back from the Dead | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
A labor of love saw Donelan Family Wines resurrect a favorite vineyard after a devastating fire. Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Sept. 11 was one of the worst days in US history but the month or so that followed was one of our best, because as a nation we came together. We can do so again: Put aside our political differences and lock arms as neighbors, friends, and Americans. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/11/n...
nytimes.com
Mamdani and Giuliani Shake Hands at Ground Zero on 9/11 (Gift Article)
The former mayor and the sitting mayor shared a few words at the anniversary ceremony on Friday.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
San Francisco chef reads mean Yelp review. The patron was incensed that their food arrived hot. www.instagram.com/p/Dczha2UtEYm/
instagram.com
Brenda's French Soul Food on Instagram: "We always appreciate y’all taking the time to leave us a review on Yelp. They’re usually sweet, sometimes helpful and, well… every now and then, a little funny...
3,099 likes, 280 comments - brendasfrenchsf on September 2, 2026: "We always appreciate y’all taking the time to leave us a review on Yelp. They’re usually sweet, sometimes helpful and, well… every no...
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
This music documentary about Oasis is surprisingly moving. It made me wish I was a superfan. If you like Oasis at all, don't miss it. www.imdb.com/title/tt3615...
imdb.com
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
25 years later: They knocked down our buildings but they couldn't bring down our nation. 🇺🇸💪
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Fun post. How good is your team's backup QB? too-deep-zone.ghost.io/nfl-backup-q...
too-deep-zone.ghost.io
NFL Backup Quarterback Rankings 2026
Mac Jones. Anthony Richardson. Jameis Winston. Andy Dalton. Find out where your team's backup quarterback falls on the "We're probably screwed" to "We're UTTERLY screwed" continuum.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Decent analysis that lays out Carney's dilemma: Canadian tariffs on US products hurt Canadians but don't make much impact on the US. But Canadians want Carney to hit back harder. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/10/w...
nytimes.com
Carney, at a Cabinet Retreat, Considers Further Trade Strikes Against the U.S. (Gift Article)
Canada’s retaliation this week against President Trump’s tariffs was met with more American tariffs and a closed U.S. border on some Canadian products.
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Yesterday I started my morning with a Zoom with someone in NYC. Me: "How's the weather?" Her: "Beautiful! It's 85 degrees, maybe the last warm day of summer." Me: "San Francisco is different. It's supposed to hit 85 degrees here. We're melting! We're all melting!"
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W. Blake Gray @wblakegray.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Outstanding headline! Newspapers don't prize headline writing today because SEO is more important than being clever. But this one ... my compliments to the anonymous NY Times copy editor who came up with it.
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