Welcome

“It’s the economy stupid” is a phrase expounded by political pundits before during and after each election in recent times.
It is also a phrase that those involved in every level of the wine industry are all too familiar with since the recent (do not call it a depression) economic downturn has impacted the U S and the rest of our world’s economies.

The good news for wine drinkers in these troubled economic times is that a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon previously priced at $150 can now be had for $75.

The bad news for wine drinkers is that many of us still have considerable consternation at the thought of spending $75 for a bottle of any type of wine much less a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.  That is not to say that I have not in the past without pause spent $75 or more for a wine that I thought merited that price.

That was in the good old days, way back in 2007 and 2006 when the economy was bullish and bright.

Now in 2011 the average wine consumer is likely to continue the buying trend that crystallized in 2010.  Price points for this class of consumers appear to be settling in to the $10 to $18 per bottle range with a few forays in to the $20 to $25 range for the ubiquitous special occasion bottle of wine.

What we will do with our initial postings is to present our readers with a selection of wines that we feel offer the best value within various price ranges.

We will not initially place numerical ratings on the wines that we discuss nor will we attempt to give you a migraine with pedantic and / or erudite descriptions of the wines. 

We will also try to match the wines to the seasons of the year and we will also occasionally offer some suggestions on food pairings that we have enjoyed with the wine that we are discussing.

Your feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

We look forward to sharing the wonderfully interesting and varied world of wine with you.