Catharsis is a Greek word defined as a cleansing or purging, and it was first used metaphorically by Aristotle, in Poetics, to explain the impact of tragedy on an audience. He believed that this ‘catharsis’ should be the main goal of a tragic artistic work, to elicit an emotional release that frees the viewer from pity and fear. Our most recent national tragedy, which began four years ago as an unscripted and unscrupulous reality show, appears now to be culminating in a final act carefully crafted to achieve this effect.

The formerly quaint and pompous pageantry of our presidential inaugurations – the anthems, prayers, poetry, and reverence for democracy – felt weighty and important this time around, and, while we can all agree there is much work to be done, by ourselves and our new leaders, yesterday’s swearing-in brought an undeniable measure of relief to much of the populous. How refreshing to hear politicians speak of love and justice, in full, grammatically correct sentences, and with genuine smiles! It is time to move on, to stop watching in fear, but to keep listening with hope, and acting with the generosity borne of love and the wisdom of history.

We’ve already been busy this year at Oakland Yard, finding new and delicious reds to keep you cozy during this welcome rainy season. Recent arrivals include the fresh and funky Les Enfants Sauvages Côtes Catalanes Rouge, two new, well-priced, spicy Côtes-du-Rhones from Clos Bellane and La Cabotte, the super-light and dangerously drinkable FUSO21 CALX Primitivo, the earthy, satisfying Demoiselles de Falfas Bordeaux Rouge, as well as an elegant and affordable Alto Adige Pinot Noir from Wilhelm Walch, and a new vintage of Emilio Moro’s rich and powerful Ribera del Duero.

We’ve picked up quite a few new ‘orange’ wines this year as well, which you may find quite suitable for winter drinking, including Frenchman Louis-Antoine Luyt’s Chilean Portezuelo Blanco Pipeno, and a dry but fruity skin-macerated Scheurebe from Brook Bannister in Sonoma, as well as a pink-hued Purity Pinot Gris by Noel Diaz, the talented Marc Isart’s Spanish Maldicion made from Malvar, Scarbolo’s Friulian Il Ramato, and the much anticipated return of the inimitable Elizabetta Foradori’s Tuscan Ampeleia Bianco.

Until next time, stay masked, disinfected, and hopeful. There will be hugs at the end of this tunnel.

Cheers,

Max