Have you ever gotten to know someone by their handwriting?
Chris was left-handed, and his penmanship was so distinct I can see it in my mind as I type.
It had a slant to it, and it was remarkably neat with immaculate perfection. No smudges, no erases, just perfect penmanship with a very distinct slant.
I grew to love that writing along with the man who owned it.
When I started working at Windows on the World in March of 1998 as an assistant cellar master, I reported directly to Chris Goodhart, the Assistant Beverage Manager. His one request of me when I received the wine in the morning was to write down every single ounce of information recorded on the wine label, regardless of how insignificant I believed it to be.
Little did I know at the time, but this was a very important job, and a job that should not be taken lightly.
For instance, if the Nuits St. Georges from Daniel Rion had “Vieilles Vignes” underneath the appellation, it was quite different than the bottles that said “Les Vignes Rondes” or “Grandes Vignes.” Even now as I write this blog, I am double checking my spelling for the label’s exact wording.
And of course, vintage was imperative. The 1993 Nuits St. Georges cost much more than the 1994, and if the vintage wasn’t recorded correctly or at all, for that matter, Chris would have to page one of us so that updates on the 1500 label wine list were 100% correct.
Chris was thorough and exact and close to perfect in every way possible, but more than that, Chris was compassionate. He listened to me when I worried about making a mistake, and he cared about my love life that was not panning out the way I thought it would. When my older sister came to Windows to dine with a friend, he chose an affordable bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for them to enjoy with their dinner, all the while making them feel as if they were drinking the best bottle of wine on the list.
Chris continued to be a friend well after he left Windows. He procured places for me to stay in Napa when I went out to take the introductory exam, and he even made the trek to Tarboro to eat at On the Square and spend nights with us in Tarboro.
Chris took time to be a friend, and his love for people and his knowledge of wine were not challenged by anyone.
My dear friend Mark called me on Thursday to tell me Chris had left our world. The news took my breath away, and four days later, I am still asking why.
Why is this gentle, loving soul no longer with us?
Chris taught me many, many life lessons. He taught me the significance of detail when it comes to anything you do, the basics of wine service in a fine dining setting, not up-selling wine when you don’t have to, and above all, the importance of friendship.
Chris will be missed by all who knew him. He truly made a mark on me as well as countless others who were fortunate enough to know him.
Tonight, when I raise my glass, I will raise it in his memory. The bottle of the wine of life just became a little more empty for all of his friends.
Cheers to you, Chris. We love you and we will miss you.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Inez!
I’m in Sweden and just found out that Chris is no longer with me.
I didn’t meet many of his friends, but knowing that you loved him is comforting to me. Let’s stay in touch. Lots of love, Lina
Once again Inie, I sit here at work and go over my bookmarks and see On the Square and click to see if you’ve added any new stories…and happily you have..for me that is…but not for you..I’m sorry about your friend, but I’ve come to believe that if you liked him we all would have….I’ve come to look forward to your words….so comforting to my soul….thank you…cathy
btw, you are wise before your time…..
Well said Inez…
Remembrance is a sweet sorrow that keeps those we love close to our hearts everyday.
God’s peace Inie.
Very saddened to hear of this. Didn’t know Chris well but had the greatest repect for his work. Thank you for your tribute Inez.
So beautiful what you wrote. I knew Chris Goodhart thru his relationship with my brother Les. They were partners for over 13 years. He was so kind and loving to my family. He treated us all with respect and kindness. We had dinner twice with him at Batlthzar and those two dinners I will recall for the rest of my days. I too will toast my glass of wine this eve, and echo what you wrote so well about him.
Inez,
I was told of your blog last night and so appreciate your remembrances of Chris. He talked often of his friends and of their importance in his life. It is immensely comforting to read your kind words. Thank you….Sally & Bob Goodhart, Chris’s parents
Thank you for this. Chris and I became friends in college, and I’ve never met anyone else quite like him. He made day-to-day life at a tiny boys’ school in nowhere Virginia much more fun than it otherwise might have been.
Ines what a wonderful tribute. We all adored Chris and each have our stories – wouldn’t it be lovely to establish a digital library, a book of sorts where each of us shares our favorite memory of him. Thank you for sharing yours!
Inez,
My aunts and parents told me about your blog about Chris. You captured so much of what he embraced and was passionate about. I took my role as his big sister with great seriousness and adored my little brother. His compassion, passion for the simple details in life, his love of people, his legendary storytelling, his commitment to his profession in the world of wine, and his love of family will forever leave a mark on this world. Chris was a loving brother, son, and uncle. Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful tribute to him and for being his friend. Your words bring me so much comfort as it is a blessing to see how he impacted so many lives. Kirk (Chris’ sister)
Dear Inez,
Your blog was forwarded to me by my dear friend. I heard of this sad news a week before Thanksgiving and I could not and did not believe that such a gentle soul had left us so suddenly! I met Chris over 12 years ago in one of our casual wine tasting group that he was so great at assembling, he was a Maestro in gathering friends and share his love and passion about wines.
Thank you for your precious words in describing a dear friend that we are all going to miss.
Cheers let us all raise a glass and toast Chris.