#9 Barking Squirrels

Now 1 week post the final presentations, and no doubt influenced by Richard’s charismatic portrayal of the Barking Squirrel’s embodiment of mid-western grit, it is interesting to note that it is the only presentation, other than our own, that I remember with any sense of clarity. Yes it was funny, and yes the wine-induced humor certainly added to the flavor, but there was something more. It was catchy. I was intrigued. There was a symbol. There was identity. There was location. It was provocative. And it was iconic.

So I googled barking squirrel, and turns out that there is a barking squirrel brewery. That said, I prefer the wine barking squirrel more. Was it authentic? Perhaps. But it was authentic in its self-deprecating humour, rather than a carefully curated perspective on the origins of Norton red wine in Missouri. It wasn’t anything other than it sought to be. Does that mean all wines are subject to the life they are born into? Through hard work, strategy, and perhaps a bit of luck, can they not punch above their weight and force their way into other leagues? Yes of course, but those will no doubt be the exception, rather than the norm. And while we, here at the GSB, all no doubt seek exception rather than the norm, in doing so, and with regard to a paternal wisdom that wineries in pivotal moments must surely seek from all those who do offer, one must ask whether the juice is worth the squeeze.

So in 5 years time, what will I remember? Will it be the three-tier system, Granholm v Heald, interesting global emerging wine regions, the Mondavi fight, the Wheatley confidence, Yarrow Tourettes, authenticity, the Bordeaux classification, global trends, the 1976 judgment, an exceptional class taught by a super smart inspiring business person? Or will I simply remember Barking Squirrels. I hope you remember to ask.