And the winner is.............

[Drew]

>>Isn't "too much terroir" kind of like "too much jazz" or "two much sex"??? Wine is not supposed to be fruit juice, it is supposed to trancend that and be a lens into the soil. But then, that's just a thousand years of Old World crap, right?<<

For me it's balance. I've had many French wines that I would describe as having "too much terroir", I like the balance of flavors and don't like wines that taste like "a thousand years of Old World crap!"

I don't think WS or Parker's Advocate or any other "rag" exists for the sole purpose of running up prices either, I mean lets all kill the messenger. Just as with your business, I have the choice to follow your advise or Spectators or any one elses. I have primarily 2 wine shops that I visit as a REGULAR customer. They both specialize in different types of wines and have similar, but not identicle, tastes and recs and I respect them both. They'll exchange bad wines, no hassle. I don't know if they would exchange or replace wines solely on a "just not my cup of tea" response on a frequent basis. You know there are many people out there that demand perfection, according to their tastes, and I think some would take advantage of your policy. On the other hand, I don't expect perfection and if I drink wine purchased on your recommendation that is ok, but I wouldn't buy again, I would never think to ask for an exchange. Most people that I know follow this thinking also. Wine selection is a crap shoot....even with good recommendations.
Your statement about Marv standing behind his recs also doesn't hold water. Do you expect your stock broker to refund failed investments or at least those that only slightly satisfy? If failed speculations occur too frequently then you find another broker and it's the same with wine shop owners and critics. You find one that's consistantly good, and don't expect perfection....there's always bumps on the road.

Drew