Bottle Shock
by allthebest • 14 Aug ’08 • movie, wine • 13 Comments
I love French wines, but as many of you know, I have a soft spot for Napa and Sonoma. Before leaving Texas my husband and I slipped away for an early lunch and afternoon movie.
Bottle Shock, one of the best films I have seen in a long time, is a charming fictionalized version of the early days of California wine making. It revolves around the historic 1976 blind wine tasting in Paris in which wines from Napa Valley scored a shocking victory over France’s noble varietals. The gorgeous cinematography captures the rustic beauty of Napa and it is hugely entertaining to boot. Bottle Shock scored big on the film festival circuit and at Sundance.
Director Randall Miller, who co-wrote the script with his wife Jody Savin, keeps the plot flowing with spirit and intelligence. One of the funny and more memorable lines comes from Alan Rickman who plays Steven Spurrier, a British wine snob based in Paris who travels to Napa to find the underdog vineyards. “I know that you think I’m an asshole,” he says to one of the locals, “I’m really not, it’s just that I’m British and, well, you’re not.” I enjoyed every moment of this magical movie.
My only complaint is that the character of Gustavo Brambila wasn’t better developed. I really loved his passion and genuine nature. So I felt a bit slighted not to learn more about him and his future. As a nod to Gustavo and the GustavoThrace Vineyard, we stopped by Spec’s and bought a bottle of his wine. Oenophile or not this is a must see in my opinion.
This movie is totally going on my list! Have you read the book Napa: The Story of an American Eden? It’s an incredible novel about early wine making in CA, I think you might like it!
So glad you shared this, sounds like a movie that’s right up my alley!!
~Kate
I’d love to see it! I hope it comes out in France, too.
Oooh, can’t wait to see this. Unfortunately, it hasn’t made it to Tampa yet.
-Lana
Being a resident of Sonoma County I can’t wait to see this!! I’m on way to Netflix to put it on the list.
Cheers
Tampa: It is opening Friday the 15th at Veterans Expressway 24.
Also on Friday the 15th, it is opening at a bunch of theaters in the Sonoma/Napa/Santa Rosa areas.
Looks brilliant!
It’s just opened here and we plan to see it! Love, love Alan Rickman!
It’s on my list! I heart snarky Alan Rickman.
Thanks for all of the comments!! This is such a great “feel good” film…so see it while you can! If you miss it, get it on DVD!
Best,
Ronda
ps Alan Rickman rocks in this roll!
ooooooo…I am dying to see this film and can’t wait for it to be in full release…I love Alan Rickman, I think he’s hilarious, and really looking forward to hearing him deliver many funny lines in this movie.
You said you saw it in Texas {I live in Ft. Worth}, may I ask where? I’m hoping somewhere near me…I don’t think I can wait until October to see this, which I believe is when it will be released nation wide.
Hi Erin we saw it in Houston. Alan Rickman was so great in this film!!!!
I’ve been meaning to see this movie. Glad you gave it a good review.