Terroir is always a popular topic of discussion whenever oenophiles gather. Does soil imprint a unique flavor profile on wines? Or is the matter more likely in the hands of the winemaker?

Be wary not to confuse this with the “Love Shack” which, of course, commemorates Haight-Ashbury.

At $75,000, 10 cases of Bevan Cellars and Chateau Boswell Winery (Lot 108) was the top earner at the auction that featured over three hours of (mostly) frenzied bidding for 207 lots.

This scene at the “Napa Gras” party was just one of many memorable highlights during the week long Premiere Napa Valley trade event that culminated today in an auction of 207 lots.

Once again Team Stark will be on location in Napa. Juggling the calendar and the deluge of invites is one of the more (pleasing) challenges we face every year.

Also making appearances in this video: mega wine collector Park Smith (81,000 bottles!), winemaker Randall Grahm, sculptor Lawrence Nolan, and patriarch Peter Mondavi Sr. who steals more than one kiss from the Little Loni.

Brand building is a mysterious thing. It’s part science, part art. There’s no repeatable formula that anyone could tech someone on, say, how to become the next Robert Parker.

Total crush for the year came in at a a record high 4.3 milion tons. That’s up 13% from last year and 1% better than the previous record set in 2005.