Bottle Shock - Go For the Real Deal

Caught a screening of the much anticipated (locally at least, here in Wine Country), Sundance Film Festival offering of "Bottle Shock".

Not exactly the next "Sideways" and certainly not up to the "Mondovino" status of wine movies, but nevertheless, a pleasant little tipple of a based on true tale, set right over the hill in the Napa Valley of the dusty, rustic, nineteen seventies.

That is if you don't mind the odd "Hallmark" movie moment every now and again - bit heavy on the Doobie Brothers and saturated, panoramic sunset scenes on broken-backed kitchen chairs, with upturned barrels and bottles of Napa's best. Bit like an extended episode of 'All My Children" on special location in the Wine Country...

Thank heavens for the talents of Alan Rickman, who undoubtedly carried the film with his acerbic wit and superbly carved brand of distinctive European wine snobbery as the pivotal character Steven Spurrior.

Scrutinizing monumental French wine competition winner, Chateau Montelene's website for bio photographs, I seriously doubt that wayward hippy award-winning wine heir Bo Barrett was ever remotely as good looking as portrayed by Brad Pitt look-alike actor Chris Pine! But never mind, for the young set of Pine, Rachel Taylor and Freddy Rodriguez were certainly not painful to watch as they dashed enthusiastically through their paces amidst the ripening grapevines!

Not convinced that any of the French scenes were actually shot in Paris, or anywhere East of California, for that matter, although where the producers would find such a collection of vintage citroens, I have no idea.

I could see this movie been played on a loop in La Dolce Vita and wine bars across the country. My recommendation would be to pay a visit to the tasting rooms of Chateau Montelene and Gustavo Thrace Wines  and meet the real people behind this otherwise awesome story.

Then again, the DVD might be just what the doctor orders on a rainy Sunday evening in January or February. Make sure to have at least one bottle of fabulous California Chardonnay on ice for this fireside, armchair occasion!

Comments

[Brenda Lhormer]

Hi there.. I am so glad you saw the movie. My name is Brenda Lhormer and my husband Marc and I produced the film, and we live here in Sonoma. I have to give credit for all those vintage French cars to American Eagle Studios in Santa Rosa who cast the extras AND rounded up those cars from all over Sonoma County, and beyond. We shot most of the film in Sonoma (not Napa) - at Kunde Estates Winery, Buena Vista Winery, E. Napa Street in Sonoma, in and around the Sonoma Plaza, in Glen Ellen - we have a great "Bottle Shock Tour" itinerary for visitors to follow! Would love to answers questions or comments about the movie. We started this project in 2005.. and now we are in theatres nationally and plan for a Feb DVD release! I hope wine and film lovers will check out this locally produced little independent film that we made with love (and sweat). Cheers, Brenda and Marc Lhormer

[Frances Rivetti]

Brilliant, thanks so much for taking a moment to comment on my post, Brenda! I kept looking for familiar local extras all the while, as I knew it was quite a big deal during filming in these parts. Fantastic that you actually shot here in Sonoma County. The scenery was gorgeous! I also enjoyed the Toscana Hotel shot and the boxing ring. We have a flat area at the top of our little vineyard hillside, and I suggested to my husband that he may like to duke it out with our three boys up there every once in a while. I am wondering if the judging scene was shot at Jack London State Park. Beautiful spot. Congratulations on making the film and thanks for spotlighting our fabulous regional wines for the whole entire world!

[Lesley]

Wow! Great comments. I have to say that my absolutely favorite line in the movie was Alan Rickman's (Steven Spurrior) " You probably think I'm an arsehole, but I'm not I'm just British and you're not." Brilliant! Perhaps we should take that Bottle Shock tour?

[Frances Rivetti]

I think we should take the Bottle Shock Tour! How do we get a copy of your wonderful itinerary, Brenda?

[Suzanne]

Count me in too!