Mr. E. on Mount Eden

1991 Mount Eden Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Pinot Noir, $27.99, 12.2% alc.: The ’91 is a little lighter in color than the older model, though again with a rusty tinge to it, and Kim immediately commented that it is more fruit forward than the first. It’s also less vegetal, showing more smoky plum and less black cherry in its flavors and aromas, along with accents of licorice/Brasso/forest floor/earth. This is still fairly tannic, with plenty of acidity, but it really opens up with extended air. Kris noted “a little sulphur/rotten egg on the nose and a little bubble gum on the palate,” but I detected none of these. There’s no doubt that this has yet to show its best, and may have as much as five years of improvement.

Record Collector Magazine in England called Beatles Undercover: "ONE OF THE TOP FIVE BEST ROCK BOOKS OF 1998! His discographical detail is remarkable, making this a must-buy book for any serious Beatles collector." And Goldmine Magazine described Beatles Undercover as "A Herculean attempt to separate truth from the myths to produce the foremost volume on this often neglected aspect of The Beatles’ musical legacy."

Levon Helm of The Band said, "Kris Engelhardt knows more about us than we do!"

When asked why he wrote a book with this particular slant, he replied, “Because it’s one area where most people aren’t familiar with their work. It’s an area where they weren’t in the spotlight and were able to stretch themselves musically.”

Engelhardt has made a number of lasting friendships as a result of his research, including Levon Helm of The Band, Ronnie Hawkins, Delaney Bramlett, Mark Farner, Peter Frampton, Jackie Lomax, Doris Troy, Jim Keltner, Jeff Lynne, and Lennon recording engineer Roy Cicala.

“I’ve paid my dues, I’ve done my homework, and I suppose I’m where I’m at because of the amount of work I’ve put into it,"  he told me.  "I don’t take friendships and relationships for granted. When you get to meet brothers, sons, girlfriends, producers and managers, it gives you a rounder picture of what the whole thing’s about than just the usual *star* response to whatever question.”

Kris is currently at work on The Authorized Biography of Mark Farner (left), the singer/songwriter/guitarist who gained fame as a member of Grand Funk Railroad. “He is an interesting, complex individual, and has a fascinating story. He’s outspoken, and very Michigan, which I like. I really want to tell this Michigan story, because I grew up with it. Every good book really needs comedy, tragedy, and redemption; it needs a love story, a villain, a hero and a heroine, and this biography has all of those qualities.”

Having grown up with that Michigan story myself, I know something of what he says.   Along with Bob Seger, Farner was one of my favorite state rockers back in the heady days of the late '60s, before either had broken through to the big-time.   

Both wines are big boned with good structure and plenty of guts; somewhat Syrah-like, they also show more terroir than most California Pinot Noir. Though not quite as big, they are a bit reminiscent of the ’89 and ’90 Calera Harlan Mills we’re so fond of, and are terrific buys for the price paid. We enjoyed them thoroughly as we caught up on old and new times.

Besides research and writing, Engelhardt keeps himself busy with concert photography and teaching cooking classes. He also teaches writing to kids in an alternative education program who “somehow fall out of the norm of the public education system; kids who are in many cases very bright, and just need someone who sees life from their perspective. Popular music is a common ground; it’s a sounding board. They talk to me about Kid Rock and Creed, and I can really relate to what they’re saying.”

Beatles Undercover is an impressive compendium of information that will grab and hold the attention of the serious and casual fan alike. It gives ample evidence to the fact that Kris Engelhardt has made his mark as a legitimate Rock ‘n’ Roll historian, but we're also glad that he dragged Madame and me kicking and screaming into the Pinot Noir camp.

It paid off in the long run.

B A C K  T O   T H E   T O P

© George Heritier

Mr. E.
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