It’s the week of May 25, 2026.  

It’s Memorial Day week. Time to reflect. We’re coming up on 250 years of the American experiment. Many wars. Many lives sacrificed. Many opportunities to come, if we can keep it.

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Above, John Legend performed at the grand reopening of the Robert Mondavi winery on May 14, 2026. What an absolutely special thing for the iconic estate. Just Legend and his piano. A man and his music. The simplicity got me thinking about the late Robert Mondavi. Just a man and his wine, and waves were made. 

And, ICYMI: I rated and reviewed the 2026 Willamette Valley Wine Auction wines from the 2024 vintage for Decanter, and am soon off to New York City for the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter, and after, will taste a boatload of New York State wines to see where things are since my last visit.

Upcoming: Big news about Cristaldi’s elevated role for American-based trade magazines Tasting Panel and Somm Journal, and what it means for C&Co. subscribers.