This week’s “Wine and Film, A Perfect Pairing” Podcast on reVolver Podcasts, we start off with what Gary is calling the best film of the year, so far, “Arrival.” And, to pair with this story about words and language, and intellect, one of the most beautiful wines I have had a chance to taste, KATA Wine from David Beckstoffer and the heritage Becksoffer Bourn Vineyard in St. Helena, Napa Valley.

More on both below.

To listen to the show, just click here and listen to “Episode 21.” Or check us out on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, and now on I Heart Radio! Cheers! 

The Film: “Arrival”

“Arrival’ is the best film I have seen so far this year. A stunning, meaningful film about the power of language.”Arrival” begins with what appears to be an alien invasion as a dozen enormous “not of this earth” objects park themselves mid-air around the world, including one in Montana. Texas Oscar-winner Forrest Whitaker runs the military operation, and his team includes a mathematician played by Jeremy Renner, and a linguist played by Amy Adams. Their difficult job includes going up inside the pod to try and communicate

“Arrival” is filled with both fear and wonder as the linguist works to establish a rapport with another form of life. This is also a smart, human story told through the eyes of a woman with her own struggles, her own past. She also understands the composure and courage it takes to do her job even when the world appears to be in crisis.

“Arrival” is directed with emotional intelligence by Canadian film-maker, Denis Villeneuve, he directed “Sicario” and “Prisoners.” His latest is based on the novella, “Story of Your Life,” and feels much more real than most sci-fi films. The power of language and patience is on full display.

“Arrival’ is rated an intense PG-13 and features an Oscar level performance by Amy Adams. Movies rarely reach this level of sophistication. Your heart will pound, your brain will thank you, and when all is said and done, what we say to each other does have meaning.

See Gary’s full review of “Arrival” on KXAS-TV here.

The wine: KATA Wines from David Beckstoffer

KATA Wine, in its basic form, was started with the inaugural vintage of 2011 by David Beckstoffer with winemaker Benoit Touquette, Napa Valley rising star and winemaker for Realm, La Ponza, Familiar Air and his own, Fait-Main. Beckstoffer, COO and President of Beckstoffer Vineyards, and son of the founder, Andy Beckstoffer, manages some of the most prized vineyards in Napa Valley, some of which goes into his KATA Cabernet Sauvignon.

From the heritage Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard in St. Helena the wine is bold and powerful, but also finessed, elegant and refined with structure, texture, and incredible character.

But the name, KATA has many meanings.  A Japanese word, KATA are detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial art, like aikido, judo, kendo and karate. A practitioner of martial arts, Beckstoffer liked the connection with the ideology of KATA that practicing kata allowed a company of persons to engage using a systematic approach, rather than as individuals in a disorderly manner, much like any stage of winemaking.

There is also the idea of KATA, referring to any basic form, routine, or pattern of behavior that is practiced to various levels of mastery. Once such mastery is achieved, the theory goes, the doing of a thing perfectly is as easy as thinking it.  Winemaking is never routine, but the process and theories can be followed with repition, year after year, mastering the craft and techinique while always working with what Mother Nature gives you.