Volume XXV – Issue 2

By Dan Berger The worldwide surplus of table wines (and all wines, really) is having a monumental impact in just about every corner of the wine community – so much so that I’ve given serious thought to writing at least one long analysis article f… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “The Glut: Opportunism”

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could always afford to buy a dozen bottles at a time and take advantage of deeper case discounts that are often available from discount shops across the United States? We are not talking here about 10% or 20% discounts,… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “Buying Strategies”

All wines below tasted double-blind except where noted Exceptional 2018 Navarro Chardonnay, Mendocino County ($22): Brilliant fruit unadorned by intrusive oak, though the wine’s complexity shows that it was in some (probably used) barrels brie… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you aren’t a subscriber, sign … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

If you’re not quite ready to invest $750 and at least a decade of patience, in a bottle of 2016 Chateau Margaux, perhaps you are ready to try a basic Bordeaux that will set you back $23! And which doesn’t require more than a couple of years of patie… Want to read more? If you’re … Continue reading “A Quality/Value Bordeaux”

Coronavirus update California Gov. Gavin Newsome announced Sunday that all bars, brewpubs, nightclubs, and wineries will shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19.  A result: most wine tasting rooms, sit-down restaurants, bars and so forth… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you aren’t a subscriber, … Continue reading “News Notes”

2017 Olema Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County ($28): For those who really want to have an exceptional Cabernet experience that displays the grape’s herbal varietal aroma, complete with traces of dried herbs like thyme and sage, and still has bright c… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If … Continue reading “Wine of the Week”

2016 Patient Cotat Le Grand Caillou ($13): This light white wine (100% Sauvignon Blanc) is not quite as Loire Valley-authentic in terms of minerality in either the aroma or the finish. But this wine nonetheless delivers a charming level of varietal … Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “Bargains of the Week”