Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
with James Molesworth
Meet winemaking's biggest stars in each episode of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast with host James Molesworth. Plus, our editors cover the latest news, trends and upcoming events, and we might even get a visit from Dr. Vinny ... Pop a bottle and join us!
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Top 10 Wine Spectator's Straight Talk Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Wine Spectator's Straight Talk episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Wine Spectator's Straight Talk for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Wine Spectator's Straight Talk episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
6: Bordeaux, Napa and the Future of Wine with Dan Petroski, Nicolas Glumineau and Mathieu Chadronnier
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
02/12/23 • 32 min
Napa Valley winemaking iconoclast and Massican winery founder Dan Petroski pulls no punches in this hard look at the wine industry’s newest obstacles and trends. Host James Molesworth and Wine Spectator contributing editor Suzanne Mustacich look at the 2020 Bordeaux vintage and speak with Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande director Nicolas Glumineau and CVBG president Mathieu Chadronnier. Plus, Dr. Vinny administers a Bordeaux booster, and much more.
Thirsty for more? Check out:
• March 31, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator• Bordeaux Tasting Report• More on Dan Petroski• Latest News and Headlines
• Ask Dr. Vinny
• WS website members: More on James' Sneak Peek Pick
A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Guests: Mathieu Chadronnier, Nicolas Glumineau, Dan Petroski, Mitch Frank, Suzanne Mustacich, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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5: The Rhône, Port and Our Value Wine of the Year with Philippe Guigal, Adrian Bridge and Rupert Symington
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
01/29/23 • 31 min
Straight Talk kicks off 2023 with a star-studded trip to France's Rhône Valley, a closer look at Port with two of the region's biggest names, and we reveal Wine Spectator’s Value Wine of the Year for 2022. Host James Molesworth and senior editor Kristen Bieler share tales of their recent trip to France's Rhône Valley, and we're joined in the studio by Philippe Guigal to talk recent vintages and a new addition to Guigal's famous La-La lineup of Côte-Rôtie Syrahs. We also speak with Port stars and friendly rivals Adrian Bridge of the Fladgate Partnership and Rupert Symington of Symington Family Estates. Plus, senior editor for news Mitch Frank tells us how flooding is impacting the California wine industry, we check in with Dr. Vinny, and much more.
Thirsty for more? Check out:
• Wine Spectator's Top 10 Wine Values of 2022• Wine Spectator's Jan. 31 - Feb. 28, 2023, issue• Rhône Tasting Report• Vintage Port Tasting Report• More on the Guigal Family• Ask Dr. Vinny• Latest News and Headlines• WS website members: More on James' Sneak Peek Pick
A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Rob Taylor
Guests: Adrian Bridge, Philippe Guigal, Rupert Symington, Kristen Bieler, Mitch Frank, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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20: The Blocking and Tackling of Wine with Dan Petroski
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
03/22/24 • 24 min
Winemaker Dan Petroski made news when he sold his boutique California white wine brand Massican to Gallo late last year. But that was just the latest step on a wine journey that started ignominiously as a Columbia University football player and began in earnest a decade later after an eye-opening dinner at Le Bernardin in New York. Petroski went on to become cellarmaster at Larkmead, where he worked until 2021 while also building his own brand. "I started Massican because my mother couldn't afford Larkmead," Petroski tells host James Molesworth in the newest episode of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast. "I wanted to do something that would bring more people great wine."
Plus, our beloved educator and advice columnist Dr. Vinny returns!
And don't forget, there's always more free content at WineSpectator.com!
• Read more on winemaker Dan Petroski
• Wine Spectator's April 30, 2024, issue
• Sign up for Wine Spectator's free email newsletters
A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Producer: Gabriela Saldivia
Guests: Dan Petroski, MaryAnn Worobiec
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7: Wine & Wellness with Marcus Samuelsson
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
03/19/23 • 32 min
How do some of the world's most successful chefs, somms and winemakers balance wine and health? Red Rooster chef-owner Marcus Samuelsson and Frasca somm-owner Bobby Stuckey join the latest episode of Straight Talk to share how they keep perspective—and how they keep fit.
Host James Molesworth and Wine Spectator senior editor Kristen Bieler take a closer look at our Wine & Wellness cover story, and senior editor for news Mitch Frank shares an update on how the Silicon Valley Bank collapse is impacting the California wine industry. Plus, Dr. Vinny and podcast director Rob Taylor talk wine tasting etiquette!
You might also like: Straight Talk director Rob Taylor joins Brooke Gladstone on WNYC's On the Media to talk about the "French Paradox"
Thirsty for more? Check out this related content
• April 30, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator
• Full index of Health coverage • Piedmont Tasting Report• More on Marcus Samuelsson and Bobby Stuckey• Latest News and Headlines
• Ask Dr. Vinny
• WS website members: More on James' Sneak Peek Pick
A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Producer: Gabriela Saldivia
Guests: Marcus Samuelsson, Bobby Stuckey, Gaia Gaja, Kristen Bieler, Mitch Frank, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17: Bernard Arnault and Holiday Champagnes
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
12/03/23 • 29 min
It's also the holiday season, which means we've gotta have bubbly. Host James Molesworth welcomes senior editor and tasting director Alison Napjus back to talk about her annual Champagne report, and Möet & Chandon's Benoît Gouez chats with her about rosé Champagnes and much more.
Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny shares more of her most popular sparkling wine tips, and stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick!
Thirsty for more? Check out this related content
• Dec. 15, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator• WS website members: The Story of Bernard Arnault• WS website members: Champagne Tasting Report• Latest Free News and Headlines
• Ask Dr. Vinny
• More on James' Sneak Peek PickA podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Producer: Gabriela Saldivia
Guests: Benoît Gouez, Mitch Frank, Alison Napjus and MaryAnn Worobiec (as Dr. Vinny)
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1: Napa Cabernet All-Stars with Thomas Rivers Brown, Helen Keplinger and Andy Erickson
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
10/14/22 • 34 min
In the debut episode of Wine Spectator’s Straight Talk podcast, James Molesworth hosts an exclusive roundtable discussion with three of Napa Valley’s most in-demand winemakers: Thomas Rivers Brown of Schrader Cellars and Rivers Marie, Andy Erickson of Favia, Mayacamas and the new To Kalon Vineyard Co., and Helen Keplinger of Grace Family, her Keplinger label and others. Plus, we check in with news editor Mitch Frank and our beloved advice columnist Dr. Vinny.
We also explain the difference between Napa Cabernets from mountain vineyards vs. valley floor vineyards, our guests cover recent vintages, the 2020 wildfires, the controversy over "selling out" to deep-pocketed investors, balancing family winery needs against those of big-name clients, and much more.
Thirsty for more? Check out:
• Wine Spectator's Nov. 15, 2022, issue• California Cabernet Tasting Report• More on Napa's Mountain Cabernets• Latest News and Headlines• Ask Dr. Vinny• WS website members: More on James' Sneak Peek PickA podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Guests: Thomas Rivers Brown, Andy Erickson, Helen Keplinger, Mitch Frank, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23: Farming 'Promiscuously' with Napa's Meghan Zobeck
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
06/21/24 • 26 min
A few days after winemaker Meghan Zobeck started her new job at Napa's historic Burgess Cellars, the winery burned down in the 2020 wildfires. With the help of owner Gaylon Lawrence and CEO Carlton McCoy, not only did Burgess bounce back, but Zobeck's followup 2021 Cabernets are outstanding. She tells us about her journey from the NFL to Chile's Clos Apalta to Michel Rolland's team in France to California's Napa Valley, and the "crazy ideas" she's implementing at Burgess—including something called agricultura promiscua ....
Straight Talk host James Molesworth also welcomes Wine Spectator senior editor Mitch Frank to the newest episode to discuss the recent sales of Williams Selyem and Sea Smoke, and what they tell us about the California Pinot Noir industry.
And don't forget, there's always more free content at WineSpectator.com!
• Rebuilding Napa's Burgess Cellars from the Ground Up
• Video: In the Vineyard at Burgess with Meghan Zobeck
• Burgess Cellars Among Napa Wildfire Victims
• Burgess Owner Gaylon Lawrence: Napa's Nashville Newcomer
• Napa Icon and 1976 Paris Tasting Winner Warren Winiarski Dies at 95
• Williams Selyem Sold to Burgundy's Faiveley
• Sea Smoke Sold to Constellation
• Wine Spectator's July 31, 2024, issue
• Sign up for Wine Spectator's free email newsletters
A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Producer: Gabriela Saldivia
Guests: Meghan Zobeck, Mitch Frank
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
28: Growing Up Kistler … And Coming Home to Occidental
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
03/31/25 • 25 min
Occidental winemaker Catherine Kistler grew up with an in-house wine legend: California Chardonnay icon, and also her dad, Steve. But Catherine came home to make Pinot Noir in 2017, and they landed at No. 2 on Wine Spectator’s 2023 Top 10 Wines of the Year.
“In California we’re always self-conscious of being young compared to the Old World,” she tells host James Molesworth. “And to have the opportunity to work with 25-year-old vines now, I’m absolutely excited about it. Are we seeing changes as the vineyard matures? Of course, the answer is ‘Yes.’”.
Wine Spectator senior editor for news Mitch Frank joins the program as well, for a chat about the latest wine and health news, what proposed tariffs on wine could mean for consumers, and more.
And don't forget, there's always more free content at WineSpectator.com!
• 2025 Wine Spectator Grand Tour Tickets & Info
• Occidental: Steve Kistler's Final Frontier
• Opinion: Surgeon General Opts for Simple Slogans Over Solid Science
• Wine Caught in Trade War Crossfire
• Wine Spectator's James Laube: 1951–2025
• Health News: Wine Does Not Raise Risks for Healthy Older Adults
• California Pinot Noir Tasting Report
• Sign up for Wine Spectator's free email newsletters
A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Producer: Gabriela Saldivia
Guests: Catherine Kistler, Mitch Frank
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
25: Crushing It Softly at Kistler Vineyards
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
08/30/24 • 20 min
When it comes to California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, few names command as much respect as Sonoma's Kistler Vineyards. Kistler president and winemaker Jason Kesner joined Straight Talk host James Molesworth to tell us about growing up in the Napa wine industry—including where Robert Mondavi bought the weekly staff donuts—and how he strives to do a little bit less in the vineyard and winery with each passing year.
Wine Spectator senior editor for news Mitch Frank joins the program as well, shedding light on a recent health study that’s made big waves in the mainstream media, for all the wrong reasons.
And don't forget, there's always more free content at WineSpectator.com!
• 2024 New York Wine Experience Tickets and Info
• Kistler's Dark Side: Jason Kesner's Pinot Noirs
• 2020 Top 10 Wines of the Year: Kistler Chardonnay
• Health News: Wine Does Not Raise Risks for Healthy Older Adults
• Vintage Wine Estates Bankruptcy
• California Pinot Noir Tasting Report
• Wine Spectator's Sept. 30, 2024, issue
• Sign up for Wine Spectator's free email newsletters
A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Producer: Gabriela Saldivia
Guests: Jason Kesner, Mitch Frank
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9: 2022 Bordeaux Preview and Pinot Pioneer Tony Soter
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk
05/25/23 • 25 min
Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny tells us about wineglass etiquette, and stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick!
Thirsty for more? Check out this related content
• June 30, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator• James Molesworth's 2022 Bordeaux Barrel Tastings• More on Tony Soter• Latest News and Headlines
• Ask Dr. Vinny
• WS website members: More on James' Sneak Peek Pick
A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Producer: Gabriela Saldivia
Guests: Craig Reid, Tony Soter, Tim Fish, Mitch Frank, and MaryAnn Worobiec (as Dr. Vinny)
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Wine Spectator's Straight Talk have?
Wine Spectator's Straight Talk currently has 31 episodes available.
What topics does Wine Spectator's Straight Talk cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts, Wine, Arts and Food.
What is the most popular episode on Wine Spectator's Straight Talk?
The episode title '6: Bordeaux, Napa and the Future of Wine with Dan Petroski, Nicolas Glumineau and Mathieu Chadronnier' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Wine Spectator's Straight Talk?
The average episode length on Wine Spectator's Straight Talk is 28 minutes.
How often are episodes of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk released?
Episodes of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk are typically released every 28 days.
When was the first episode of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk?
The first episode of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk was released on Oct 14, 2022.
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