Volume XXIII – Issue 10

A Two-Part Investigation By Dan Berger Given all the hyperbole and exalted language that seems to have blossomed around the most pricey Pinot Noirs over the last decade, you would think that someone would by now have attempted to do something a… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “What is it About Pinot Noir?”

About 1990, when I was with The Los Angeles Times, I got a phone call from a woman who was bothered about an experience she had had at a Newport Beach restaurant of some renown. She and three friends had gotten together for a Friday afternoon lunc… Want to read more? If you’re already a … Continue reading “An Odd Tale of Bad Wine Service”

At a local restaurant recently, I brought in a bottle of 1961 Dr. Fassi Chianti Classico (and several other old wines) from our cellar. Without asking, the waiter grabbed the bottle off the table intending to “help” by opening it with a standard w… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “The Durand Saves the Day”

I have my issues with restaurant wine programs (oh, do I!), starting with the two most egregious problems: high prices and terrible selection. Not to mention far too many young wines. In so many lists you could argue that young wines dominate so g… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “Restaurant Wine Foibles”