By Karen MacNeil
July 10, 2026
Originally 3/18/2026
(A version of this piece originally appeared in Decanter magazine in May 2026.)
The Wine Bible author Karen MacNeil analyzes the paradox of Bordeaux and Napa Valley, which are simultaneously revered for producing great wines and vilified by industry insiders due to high prices and elite branding. MacNeil argues that this love-hate dynamic stems from “optimal distinctiveness,” where the need for differentiation drives criticism despite the regions’ undeniable resilience and the quality of the wines.
It takes a long time to become hated.
First you have to become desired. Deeply desired.
Such is the psychological paradox of Bordeaux and Napa Valley in 2026. The regions are simultaneously revered and vilified. But how can this be? How can regions that are so commercially successful, regions that have such long track records of producing great wines, also be places that some in the wine community love to hate?The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.
