Robert Parker on 'some scandals' in 2011-2012

Robert Parker was the keynote speaker at the 10th anniversary of The Symposium for Professional Wine Writers at Meadowood, Napa Valley (18th-21st February 2014). On Wednesday 19th February he gave a wide ranging speech followed by a question and answer session. 

In a post called Lion in Winter: Robert Parker Addresses Wine Writers Richard Jennings (RJonWine.com) gives an impressively detailed account.

In the section called 'Defining Personal Success', Parker alludes to 'some scandals' in 2011-2012. He generously acknowledges that "I was certainly at fault for not watching as carefully as I should have" and says that "our writer in Spain, although he didn’t do anything seriously wrong, surely wasn’t careful."    

The relevant passage from Richard Jennings' account: 

'Defining Personal Success

Parker was asked, “What does success at this point mean to you?”

Parker explained that TWA “went through a transitionary stage with staff where there were some scandals.” Those scandals were “damaging and embarrassing and I was certainly at fault for not watching as carefully as I should have.”

“Now there are strict rules. Our writers are no longer independent contractors. And we’re not done hiring.”

“I think The Wine Advocate is as brilliant as it’s ever been. No one covers more wines under $25. We have a great team now and I’m excited about it. 2011-2012 were troublesome years. The appearance of doing something wrong is just as bad as the reality, and our writer in Spain, although he didn’t do anything seriously wrong, surely wasn’t careful.”'

Another view here of Robert Parker's session, here (Katie Bell, Forbes) and here from David White (Terroirist)

Now with video of the session by Alder Yarrow Vinography.