In 1976, a Paris-based English expert in wines decided to arrange a blind tasting of top California wines and a selection of fine French wines in honor of the American bicentennial. Th e outcome of that blind tasting by French wine experts shocked the wine world and put Napa Valley on the map worldwide.This movie, whose title puns on the term for damaging wine in transit by jostling, is the story of that tasting, how it was conceived, put together, and published 'round the world. And it's not just "inspired by" the true story, but really does tell the story - at least in the historical particulars - of the people and wineries that were involved, complete with a update on what they're doing now. Judging by the credits, the film was a labor of love for Randall Miller, who directed, and also shares credits for writing, producing, and editing.
His story focuses on one winery, its ex-lawyer owner (Bill Pullman), and his sometimes rebellious, sometimes lazy son (Chris Pine), who is definitely a representative of '70's youth. The Englishman, Steven Spurrier, is tartly played by Alan Rickman, best known for his oily embodiment of Snape in the Harry Potter series. Rachael Taylor rounds out the cast as winery intern Sam. All perform creditably and without reservation.
Rated PG-13. 110 minutes. Randall Miller - Director / Writer (screenplay) (story) / Producer / Editor, Jody Savin / Writer (screenplay) (story) / Producer, Ross schwartz - Writer (screenplay) (story), Lanette Pabon - Writer (story), J Todd Harris - Producer, Brenda Lhormer - Producer, Marc Lhormer - Producer, Marc Toberoff - Producer, Mike Ozier - Cinematographer, Mark Adler - Composer, Craig Stearns - Production Designer, Dan O'Brien - Editor. Distributed by Freestyle Releasing.
Principal actors: Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, Bill Pullman, Rachael Taylor, Freddy Rodriguez, Dennis Farina, Eliza Dushku, Bradley Whitford.
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