[For the long and fascinating correspondence that has resulted from this, see your turn.]
David Schildknecht was moved by one article in the current World of Fine Wine magazine to write the following detailed and as usual highly articulate rebuttal. (Incidentally, I happen to know that the subject of the essay that current potential MW candidates have to write is 'What and where is Terroir?' I suggest all prospective MW students read the following closely.)
Granted, "terroir" may be one of the most irritatingly vague and slippery words in the wine growers' and wine critic's vocabulary. But it won't remedy...