Steve Woodward in Santa Barbara County, Calif.

Let it be known that HinsdaleCellars.com represents a collaboration by two “formers”. Co-founder and merchant extraordinaire Sean Chaudhry is a former executive from the ranks of corporate America. I am a “reformed journalist”, although it seems I might never entirely liberate myself from excessive typing.

The point of this explanation is that for as much as I cherish premium wine and its inspiring qualities, I am equally fascinated by the people working behind the scenes in this business, as well as their passion for it and the stories of how they came to it. That is why we were thrilled late last month when Sea Smoke general manager Victor Gallegos (below right, explaining the region’s geography) agreed to show us around the magical vineyards and practical production facilities where some of the most coveted Central Coast Pinot Noir is created.

In mid-February, influential wine importer Eric Solomon did something during a Chicago tasting event that not everyone in his position would be inclined to do. We know. We were there.

He ventured a prediction about a yet unreleased vintage (2004) from Spain. As reported in our February 19 Vintelligence blog post, Solomon declared, “You will see the first 100-point wines from Spain.” Solomon, like many, was anticipating this week’s latest issue of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate that includes reports from a historic series of tastings in Spain by Parker field expert Jay Miller between September 2006 and January 2007.