RIP Joe Dressner

Just heard via Brad Kane that Joe Dressner finally succumbed to brain cancer.

Joe was a complex and often controversial figure (an understatement), and contributed significantly to the world of wine through Louis/Dressner. Condolences to his wife Denyse and the family.

What a shame. I never met him or had any personal dealings with him other than reading what he wrote on his blog and in various forums, but he brought in the best array of wines -- to my palate, at least -- of any importer out there. Condolences to all his family and friends.

Very sad to hear this. Only met him once, but his personality came through in spades. His blog on his adventures with cancer is an amazing read. Can't imagine how many glasses will be raised in his honor tonight, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Very sad. Condolences to his family and friends. I'd only met him in passing, but certainly the work he did and wines he brought in have enriched my life.

Really sad news. The world has lost a real character.

RIP Joe. And thanks for all you've done for us wine drinkers.

I've drunk some of the wines the company carries, so although I probably didn't buy any in the States, I'll consider myself an honorary customer.

Very sad. He seemed to have been quite a character, but he left a legacy, in both words and special wines made available to wine geeks who don't care to always ride in the middle of the main highway. Not many can claim that.

[Robin Garr]

A true character, for sure, perhaps best judged by the quality of the wines he represented, which I almost invariably loved.

I just saw it on the twitterverse ...

Eric Asimov
RIP Joe Dressner -- blunt, honest, ascerbic, provocative, dedicated, and crucial to the development of US wine culture. Condolences.

and came to post, but I see the forum is way ahead.

[Jenise]

Sad. He sure put up a good fight, though.

Shit.
Along with Terry Theise, the most influential importer in my wine development.
Thanks for the turning me on to the crazy stuff.

Cheers Joe.

Extraordinarily sad news for his family, and to our larger "wine" family.

I was fortunate to be at a dinner in NYC where he showed up (sadly, I was at the other end of the table). But, I can say I had dinner with Joe!

Like Robin, haven't run across a Louis/Dressner import that I didn't enjoy.

One other little story about the man. I had purchased a number of his wines over the phone at Chambers Street one day about 8 or 9 years ago (I did get a few other bottles besides Joe's imports). I'm sure I mentioned that I enjoyed Joe's imports... I think I was abusing David Lillie on the phone. "Someone" must have been talking to Joe shortly after my purchase and I get an out-of-the-blue phone call from Joe (at first, I didn't think it was him!). He thanked me for the purchases, and we chatted for a few moments. I've never forgotten that brief moment.

I'm sorry that after buying my house many of my "fun" wine purchases have dried up, as I love supporting both the wineries in the US and abroad who work hard to make "real wine," and the importers who discover and bring in those overseas products.

Yes, RIP Joe. I will fish out something tonight to make a small attempt at honoring someone who deserves it.

Mike

Also, a great post on the import site by one of Joe's kids:

http://louisdressner.com/

Very sad .... once again. Life is unusually hard at the moment with all these passings .... GaryB, Daniel Rogov ... now the irrefutably outspoken but insightfully forthright Joe Dressner. Followed his battle with brain cancer over the last years with admiration for his incredible bravery and positive thinking. His wacky humour always had me rolling on the floor. My sincere condolences to his family and many friends. May his battle be remembered by all those who don't realise how lucky it is to be blessed with good health.

I met Joe And his wife Denyse about 11 years when SF Joe Daugherty invited us to his place for dinner in NY. Since then I've been fortunate to have broken bread and sipped wine with Joe in NY and here in CA on many occasions. Joe could be very acerbic, emotional, opinionated, but he contributed greatly to the world of fine wine. He had a big heart, I'll miss him.

[quote="Lou Kessler"Joe could be very acerbic, emotional, opinionated, [/quote]

Lou, I've never met Joe, but based upon your descriptors, he seems like a guy I'd like to have a beer or real wine with.
Hopefully, Gary, Rogov and Joe are sipping something good right now.
I miss them all.

Damn. Sorry to hear of his passing.

Joe's wines really brought a lot of pleasure into my life and helped to broaden my experiences in some formerly overlooked regions. He will be missed.

As Joe would say, "Fuck!" Truly, a man of conviction and humor, talent and profanity, who will be sorely missed. The anti-flavor wine élite have lost a champion. Let me have sip from something in the cellar in his honor.

2004 Mas Saint Joseph Costières-de-Nîmes Cuvée Aventure - A wine unafraid to let the savory, meaty, charcoal character outshine the fruit, giving all aspects balance. Joe Dressner, who imported this wine and in whose honor I opened it, gave those of us in the U.S. access to many "real wines" of character. RIP.

[James Roscoe]

with the passing of each person who has touched this forum in some influential way I become introspective. What does i all mean in the end. The passing of such amazingly talented and great people such as Gary B., Rogov, and now Joe Dressner should make us all realize how wonderful it is to have such people in our lives. Bless them all. Especially Joe!

Salil's post on the other thread reminded me of something about Dressner. While he may have followed in the footsteps of Kermit Lynch, Joe was relentless in bringing affordable wines to these shores. Kermit imports gobs of stuff I will probably never be able to afford, but Joe focussed like a laser on stuff with character at a low price tag, much of it ageable to boot. Pépière, Clos de la Roillette, Closel, Pinon, the list goes on and on. He was really remarkable.

Walt

His obituary from the NY Times:

Joseph Dressner Obituary

ETA: Eric Asimov's tribute

Mark Lipton

Very sad news indeed. I've long enjoyed wines from his skilfully chosen import portfolio.

-Paul W.

[Robin Garr]

Good piece about Joe by Jon Bonné in the SFO Chronicle.

http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/20 ... ovocateur/

I don't believe in this sort of thing, and Joe certainly was plain that he did not, but if it is possible, Joe is certainly enjoying a glass of wine and Buster's company.

Very sad news - a great man left us way too soon. Among wine importers, Joe was certainly one of my favorite wine personalities, along with Terry Theise. I had the opportunity to attend a pair of Louis/Dressner tastings over the past couple of years, and Joe was a great host both times.

Joe did an excellent job bringing in a generally well-priced selection of individualistic, terroir-driven wines, each with their own story to tell. I rarely ever had a disappointing bottle from his portfolio.

from Mike Steinberger
http://winediarist.com/joe-dressner/