RE: An Interview with Axel Borg of the UC Davis Library

Stevie Stacionis — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 17:17:21 GMT

Axel is incredible. One of the most passionate people I've ever met. Nice interview and great recognition!

RE: An Interview with Axel Borg of the UC Davis Library

Mary Margaret McCamic MW — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 23:41:25 GMT

Axel is absolutely phenomenal. He helped me find the resources that I needed to write my Master of Wine research paper on historical Napa Valley, acreage data during U.S. Prohibition, and so much more. I spent many, many hours combing through publications that I would never have found without Axel's help. Wonderful interview, Kelli. Great to see Axel get this well-deserved recognition.

RE: An Interview with Axel Borg of the UC Davis Library

Robert Mandeau — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 14:52:43 GMT

I was working as a somm in the early 1990's when I acquired some bottles from Fountain Grove Winery. Deciding to use the 1938 Cabernets for a wine dinner, I searched for info about the wines. I couldn't find anything about the wines or winery as it was slightly after post prohibition. I called UC Davis and ended up talking to Maynard Amerine who sent me articles from the library. It was one of the most interesting stories I have ever encountered. The ability to track down information in an age where reference books were scarce and pre google/internet was invaluable. I have held UC Davis and their library in awe since.

Fountain Grove was founded in the 1870's as a commune by Utopian visionary Thomas Lake Harris who was kicked out of New York for lewd practices. They made wine and advertised it as having electric cosmic properties. The winemaker was of Japanese samurai decent who ended up owning the winery after prohibition and hiring a German immigrant as winemaker. A gentleman named Hans Kornell who went on to found a winery producing well regarded sparkling wines under his name.

P.S. - The 38 Cabs were spectacular and in great condition even after 50 plus years. I drank the 1936 Pinot Noir a couple of years later with Armand Cottin of Laboure Roi thinking it would be dead but amusing. It was showing great also and blew some Grand Crus away. For a Frenchman to ask to take the empty home was true praise.