John Lasseter is the creator of my favorite adulthood cartoon character – Lightning McQueen. As the creative genius behind Pixar and the Walt Disney Animation Studios, his work is beloved by millions and twice earned him an Academy Award. To me, the hallmark of John’s storytelling is great characters that achieve against the odds. In his own personal story, he and his wife Nancy are seeking to overcome odds to turn a neglected Sonoma winery into a world class producer of wine in the French style. While not the first Hollywood insiders to make great wine (Coppola, Frank Family, Smothers Brothers), the Lasseters own Rubicon involves their doing so in an environmentally friendly manner. The vineyard they purchased in 2002 has been converted to organic farming practices, and they are slowly moving forward with the winemaking process.
Lasseter Family Vineyards’ label includes a smiling bee (John’s first cartoon character) approaching a rose (representing Nancy) over five grapes (representing their five sons). They currently produce a Syrah Rose, a St. Emilion-style red blend (40% Merlot, 32% Cab, 24% Malbec, 4% Cab Franc), and a Rhone style red. I had the good fortune to try the St. Emilion-style red, and it was very enjoyable. It had muted cherry, plumb, and spice notes, with a cedar and smoky finish. It was balanced red wine in the French style that they are trying to pursue.
Okay, here we go. Focus. Speed. I am speed. One winner, forty-two losers. I eat losers for breakfast. Breakfast? Maybe I should have had breakfast? Brekkie could be good for me. No, no, no, focus. Speed. Faster than fast, quicker than quick. I am Lightning.
Bravo!
Best, Joe Plonk
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