SIPPED: number crunching. Wineries that advertise in Wine Spectator have their wines score better–but only by less than one point. Such is the finding in the lead article in the new issue of the Journal of Wine Economics. WS editor Tom Matthews responds to the research. SPIT: binge drinking; SIPPED: wine tasting. Revolutionary!! Bloomberg ]. MORE >>

In “ The Emperor of Wine ,” Elin McCoy writes that Parker and his friend Victor Morgenroth tried various systems of rating and evaluating wines in their (blind) tasting group in the mid-seventies. ” Ironically, score inflation is the most likely threat to the 100-point system today. Care to guess which they were? MORE >>

They gave 163 volunteers a taste of 2006 Clos de los Siete, a $15ish wine from Michel Rolland’s Argentina property and rated 92 points from the Wine Advocate. Those who knew beforehand that the wine had been given 92 Parker Points also found the wine better than those who only discovered the rating after they had tried the wine. MORE >>

To ease the transition somewhat, in the intervening years, sellers will be able to step up their cost basis by the official rate of inflation.) Foreign owners may pay different rates. It’s not every day that we get to talk about tax reforms on this site. Especially foreign tax reforms! John Boehner must me gnashing his teeth. MORE >>

Although wine is unavoidably heavy, the USPS is already working on 2-, 4- and 6-bottle flat rate shippers. It’s no secret that the US Postal Service is in dismal financial shape. Last week the Senate passed a bill to take steps to right the sinking ship. This is a great idea for several reasons. American wine MORE >>