The current economy, radically different from the pre-October 2009 version, has had some dramatic effects on wine sales and wine in general out in the so-called real world and much of what you might well have intuited out there is likely to be true. Let’s explore.

According to an October positing on Decanter Online, “Napa Suffers at High End,” ultra premium wines, especially those higher end babies from Napa Valley, are taking a real hit out there. Continue reading »

Though I haven’t been counting and ranking the actuality, it seems to me that one of the most frequently asked questions I get is about who, price be damned, is making the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the Northern California wine country. A tall order question indeed, as, firstly, there’s ample wonderful wine being made, secondly, it’s nearly impossible to get the experts to agree and finally, much of it depends on winemaking philosophy and what you like (e.g. does your palate agree with the signature style of one of the difference-making Cabernet producers out there, of which there are many). Inquiring minds want to know, where can you go to begin to learn comparatively?

Well that last question is at least one I can answer. If you have the time, interest, and money, and happen to be in the Napa Valley this Saturday, April 25^th. It’s called ‘Atelier’ and will be held at Acme Fine Wines from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Atelier will feature the ‘who’s who’ (and their wines) of contemporary Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines and their makers featured are mind boggling: Continue reading »