Volume XXIV – Issue 2

By Dan Berger Anyone who asserts that the greatest wines in the world are flawless may be creating an unattainable target. It may seem logical to assume that truly great wines must have no flaws. But what if, within the context of universally acc… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “Tension and the Flaw of Perfection”

In the mid-1970s, Mary Ann Graf and her business partner, Marty Bannister founded Vinquiry as a sophisticated wine laboratory analysis company in Healdsburg. Both winemakers had a strong background in chemistry, and what the company did to assis… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you aren’t … Continue reading “Bannister is Back”

Having been on an anti-high-alcohol crusade for the last 20 years or more, I have often faced people who criticize my constant harping on the issues that most negatively impact many wines,  not the least of which is the alcohol. The main pro… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you … Continue reading “Alcohol Intrusion”

POPE VALLEY, Calif.–The appellation on a bottle of wine is supposed to convey details that help consumers. But when do-gooders offer proposals that “improve” the system, the results can confuse consumers. At least one issue has been going on for… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If … Continue reading “Are Sub-Appellations Necessary?”

Perhaps nothing in the wine world is more disappointing than when a bottle of wine that consumers have high hopes for is ruined by cork taint. Through the 1990s, the problem was widely discussed, which soon led to a solution of sorts (the screwca… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “Prevalence of Cork Taint”

2016 Davis Family Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley  ($45): This is one of the most interesting of the Davis Family wines not only because it is so nicely structured, but because it is reasonably priced and offers a look into the grace that the Russi… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

2017 Domaine de Beauregard Muscadet, Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie ($11.95) at Woodland Hills Wine Co. https://www.whwc. You may not find a more typical example of this wine at any price. Dried flowers, tea, minerals, salt air, and a hint of anise delivere… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you … Continue reading “Wine of the Month”

Tip 2017 Wagner-Stempel Rosé Trocken, Rheinhessen ($11.99) for signed-up members of K&L (San Francisco). This sensational dry German pink wine had been $17, and the 2018 is already out at that price. Sign up (no fee) at www.klwines.com. The 2… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If … Continue reading “Tip of the Month”