But for me to buy the Hofer Zweigelt, its excellence must derive from the smell and taste of the wine, and from its expression of place, not from the mere fact that it is palatable and costs $10. That great Beaujolais that sold for $12 in the 2002 vintage costs $17 now. I'm talking about wines that cost between $8 and $12 a bottle? MORE >>

Tasting with friends: 12 Year Old Long Island wines with Lenn and company. Industry tasting : Terry Theise Grower Champagnes at the Michael Skurnik tasting. Most expensive wine I tasted that is worth every penny, without even the slightest question : NV Henri Billiot Champagne Cuvee Laetitia (about $75 retail). So good. MORE >>

Clearly one of the places to start would be with 2005 or 2006 Loire reds - they will age along the lines of a top-flight Bordeaux and offer tremendous value. As far as red wines go, Cru Beaujolais and Loire Valley reds are neck and neck for this honor. If its not a tasting night with samples, usually red Burgundy. MORE >>

The 2011 London International Wine Fair was fabulous, an extremely well-orchestrated event with many simultaneous tastings, presentations, and lectures that took place in theaters, 'Access Points,' and even 'freestyle' in high-topped chairs within the display of a geographic region or winery. Masterclasses. More Excitement. The "Access Zone". MORE >>

For example, winemakers now generally kill off natural yeasts with sulphur and replace them with designer strains that can add flavours of, say, strawberry, cocoa or banana.The yeasts are often fed urea when they get tired, to keep fermentation humming at ever-higher sugar and alcohol levels, thereby creating bigger bodied wines for todays tastes. MORE >>