This week’s “Cogill Wine and Film, A Perfect Pairing” podcast on reVolver Podcasts we toast Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with Gary’s review of the film below. Appropriately, to pair we also discuss some of the most iconic female winemakers in the business, from Napa and Sonoma icons, Heidi Barret and Gina Gallo, to dear friend and talented winemaker for Stoller Family Wines, Melissa Burr, women in this industry thrive thanks to their whit, skill and God-given palates and talents.
To listen to the show, click here, or listen through your favorite podcast site, including Spotify, iTunes, IHeartRadio or Google Play.
Also, we are excited to share a special deal with a fantastic new wine website called Wine Access which features hand-selected, premium wines from across the globe. If you are looking for a few great bottles of bubbles to enjoy with this, or any film, Wine Access has offered our listeneners an incredible deal of 20% off their already well-priced selections, just by clicking here or going to their website, wineaccess.com/cogill.
The Notorious “RBG” or Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 85 years young, works out every day, enjoys a good bottle of red, and has been fighting for women’s rights in America since her early days at Harvard. She is also the subject of a remarkable documentary that is currently available on CNN who co-produced one of the best documentaries of the year. Magnolia Pictures (Todd Wagner, Mark Cuban) helped in distribution and partners with CNN on this enlightened film.
Directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, “RBG,” emphasizes the fact that becoming a lawyer, especially at Harvard, was mostly a boys club and they have the photos to prove it. Her small frame and high level of intellect never wavered as she eventually argued various cases in front of the Supreme Court before being sworn in as a member by Bill Clinton in 1993.
Listening to Ginsburg mentor and speak to young women is especially satisfying in “RBG” because it offers a sense of sanity and generosity in a current environment that seems much more focused on the circus of lying and bullying. She is a breath of intelligent, fresh air, and the film constantly makes the point that the loudest voice in the room is rarely the sharpest.
And when Ruth speaks or writes, it’s filled with such wisdom it makes you sit up and take notice. She is a force of nature that smiles, looks you in the eye, and tells you the truth even if the truth hurts.
I read a recent review of “RBG” by a film critic who leans far to the right and argued the case that the film was poorly made, even boring because there is nothing terribly exciting to watch about such a soft-spoken member of the Supreme Court. I disagree. To be subtle on film is to be powerful. The life and times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg never needed a bullhorn and never will.
“RBG” is an Oscar contender, it’s that good.
Cogill Wine & Film 