He Was Told To Get His Affairs In Order. Not So Fast Says Jean-Noel of Chateau Potelle
Release Date: 03/25/2025
August Sebastiani on Gen Z, Wine Innovation & 100 Years of Sonoma Legacy
Wine Talks with Paul K.
If you have spent any time at all in the wine trade...even if you have just visited the wine section of your favorite market; you know, have seen and recognize the name Sebastiani. They are one of the original Sonoma county wine families and August is the 4th generation. He makes an interesting point that traditionally in the Italian culture, the firstborn son that gets the name of the founding family member, in this case, it was the 4th generation son. But don't let the family history fool you into thinking this is old school, archaic thinking wine approach; nothing could be further from the...
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Armenian-Mexican Fusion with Chef Ara Zada: From Lavash to Laughter| Wine Talks
Wine Talks with Paul K.
When I told my wife I was interviewing Chef Ara Zada...she was like..."I follow him!""He is great!" She never says that about me. I guess I need to learn how to make "fusion"cuisine with Mediterranean food!. Chef Ara Zada has a storied career and now turned food influencer. We had a blast together. Ara Zada is the kind of guest who makes you wish your phone had a “smell-o-vision” app—and by the end of this episode, you’ll know why. Step into the kitchen-turned-studio where Ara, chef, content creator, and avid bow hunter, cooks up much more than what’s on the plate. You’ll discover...
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She Is Bringing Back The Emotion Of Wine. Meet Stephanie Morton-Small
Wine Talks with Paul K.
I forgot her exuberance, energy, and love of wine and music. I'm so glad I had the chance to remember. The wine world needs more Stephanie Morton-Smalls; she helps us keep our eye on the ball. If you’ve ever wondered why some wines taste better when paired with heartfelt stories or Adele ballads, “Wine Talks” with Stephanie Morton Small and Paul Kalemkiarian has your answer (and maybe your calling as an emotional sommelier). Stephanie, a four-time founder and true wine globe-trotter, dives headfirst into the intoxicating marriage of wine, song, and feeling. She shares how her new...
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Prosecco? Try Lo-Secco. Meet the brand stratigest and Founder, Monika Elling.
Wine Talks with Paul K.
I keep an eye on this girl. She makes this happen. As a college athlete, mom and wine brand manager, Monika is always "shaking the tree."I am inspisred by her tenacity and I am impressed with her no-nonsense approach to branding wine. Monika Elling doesn’t just swirl her wine—she stirs the conversation and upends what you thought you knew about what’s in your glass (and your grocery cart). She brings both a sharp palate and a sharper intellect to Wine Talks, joining Paul Kalemkiarian for an episode that pulls no punches on food, drink, and health. You’ll plunge into topics most...
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If You Can Sell Coke, Can You Sell Wine? Courtney O'Brien Explains.
Wine Talks with Paul K.
Sometimes when you speak to a consultant, you get consultant gobeldy gook. I can't tell you how many consultants I hired along the way at the WIne of the Month Club, but suffice it to say, most did not perform as expected. Why? Because selling wine is different than anything else in the world. Courtney O'Brien is different. She knows wine, she knows branding and she brings corporate America along for the ride. If you’re looking for a lighthearted yet informative take on this episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, here’s a quick summary with a wink: This episode is like a...
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Admittedly Lazy Until She Found Wine And Hospitality. Meet Master Somm Stefanie Hehn
Wine Talks with Paul K.
The Master Sommelier is a commitment to hospitality. So it makes you wonder what a young girl, who admittedly called herself lazy, would take on such a commitment. As life would have it, the challenges became clear to Stefanie Hehn, and each ladder rung became the next challenge. And I get it. I love hospitality. Here is her story on getting to the utmost revered degree in the subject. Stefanie Hehn—master sommelier extraordinaire from Hamburg’s fabulous Fontenay Hotel—brings a whole philosophy to wine service that goes well beyond being just an order-taker. She tells her...
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With $25 In His Pocket, He Left Iran at 13 Years Old. This Is His Story. Zaya Younan.
Wine Talks with Paul K.
I was asked to taste a wine and give an opinion of its quality. It was very good. A St. Emilion from a Chateau I did not know. The wine had never been in the US, and the wholesale company was new to the idea of even carrying a St. Emilion. My curiosity required me to ask the wholesaler, "Maybe the Chateau owner will come on the show?" "Let me check." "He would love it" So then I though I'd best look up the guest (this was one hour before his arrival). OMG..this Zaya Younan is a formidable businessman with over 1200 patents, 5 hotels, three golf courses, a fine cigar company, and now 2...
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Investing Part Of Your Portfolio In Wine? Speak With Marc LeFleur First. He Gets It.
Wine Talks with Paul K.
Investing in wine might seem risky. Might seem like a horizon uncrossed. There is growing success rate in wine investments and it takes a trained and experience broker/agent to know where and when. Marc Lefleur might be the only man who can make a conversation about asset classes as delicious as a glass of aged Barolo. In this episode, you’ll travel from the sun-dappled slopes of Piemonte to the bustling banking circles of Geneva, all while unraveling the mysteries of wine investment with someone fluent in four languages and even more terroirs. You’ll learn why not every cellar-worthy wine...
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Make The Best That Represents New Zealand. Meet Josh Hammond of Tiraki WInes.
Wine Talks with Paul K.
When you hear a New Zealand accent, what do you try and do? I try to figure is it Aussi or English? Maybe South African. Regardless of where you land with this interpretation, you always settle into a nice comfort zone with New Zealanders. There is a certain warmth and instant camaraderie. Tiraki wines are new to the United States and it was an honor to sit with Josh and hear his plans. On today’s episode of Wine Talks, I sat down with Josh Hammond of Teraki Wines, who’s redefining what it means to build a family wine brand with global reach. We dove into the challenges of launching...
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The Man. Steven Spurrier. No Longer With Us, But His "Judgement of Paris" Has Changed Wine Forever..
Wine Talks with Paul K.
In 1976, the Americans beat the French in their own tasting. Meet the architect of this famed event, Steven Spurrier. You will never sip another glass of wine and not think of this story.
info_outlineI went back into my archives and found a newsletter from 1998. I had featured the Chateau Potelle 1995 Zinfandel and I remember the wine well. On a recent trip to Napa, after 28 years, I decided it would be nice to check in with Jean-Noel. I am not sure why I waited so long!
In this episode of Wine Talks, I sit with Jean-Noel and dive into the world of wine with a sprinkle of humor and a good dash of philosophy. Jean-Noel, a seasoned veteran, opposes the American habit of rating wines, comparing it to rating one's most cherished moments. He emphasizes that wine should celebrate emotions and culture rather than serve as an ego booster. With a vineyard history as rich as a well-oaked Chardonnay, Jean-Noel's approach is all about making memories—not just products. Passionate about wine and life, he quips that wine, like art, is made to share and enjoy, even if it ends up as fond memories and...well, you get the drift! Cheers to wines that speak of places and times, and people who embrace life's finer pleasures—just like a warm puppy on a cool evening.
🍷 Discovering the Art of Wine with Jean-Noel Fourmeaux 🍇
1/ 🎙️ Just had the pleasure of diving into the world of wine with Jean-Noel Fourmeaux on Wine Talks with Paul K. Jean-Noel's take on wine ratings as an "American disease" sets the tone for a refreshing perspective on this age-old craft.
2/ 🇫🇷 Born into a Bordelaise family, Jean-Noel shared a remarkable journey from France to Napa, embracing the pioneer spirit of America while holding onto the deep-rooted culture of wine. 🍷 A true testament to blending tradition with innovation!
3/ 🌍 The French have a captivating way of viewing wine—less about ratings and more about emotions. It's about the connection, the shared joy of opening a bottle with a friend. 🥂 As Jean-Noel puts it, "You don't rate pleasure."
4/ 🌿 His commitment to terroir, respecting the birthplace of wine, stands out. Chateau Potelle's wines are vineyard designated, ensuring every bottle reflects the true essence of its origin. 🍇
5/ 💡 Faced with immense challenges, including severe health battles, Jean-Noel's resilience shines through. Selling off everything but the family name, he emerged stronger, redefining his wine philosophy under the VGS (Very Good Shit) label.
6/ 🍇 VGS wines embody perfection without pretension. From vineyards on Mount Veeder, Jean-Noel promises wines that are memorable, sharing stories of passion and quality that resonate with every sip.
7/ 💬 A powerful reminder: "Wine is about enjoying life. Every bottle deserves to be opened, cherished, and shared." So, let's raise a glass to celebrating the art of wine—it's more than a drink, it's an experience.
8/ 🥂 Cheers to Jean-Noel and the ever-evolving world of wine. May every bottle you open tell a story you’ll cherish forever! #WineLovers #VGS #ChateauPotelle #WinemakingWisdom