One for the oakophobes

[Bucko]

1999 Columbia, Sangiovese, Red Willow Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington, $27. Made in a light style using neutral barrels, the delicate cherry fruit is allowed to express itself. The wine is supported by modest tannins and zippy acidity, improving over time in the glass. 86/86.

[Botafogo]

Bucko, now you've got my attention: do you actually PAY for the wines you post on or are you getting samples as a reviewer? A very high quality but "light" Sangiovese with nice cherry flavors and zippy acidity can be had for $10 from Tuscany, $7 from the Marches and De Majo Norante has one from Molise that rocks for $5......

The only thing I am questioning here is value for money not quality.

Roberto

[Bucko]

I'm just comparing to other US Sanjos -- not imports for which I have no price base.

[Botafogo]

Again, I am not trying to get in your face but do you buy cars or clothes or furniture like that? We live in a global economy and those people need to know what the competition is getting for their comparable products and consumers should make choices based on the full scope of the market. You post on a lot of wines, do you get some as samples??? Or did you hit the lotto?

[Bucko]

I rarely buy ANY wine anymore since I receive about 120 bottles a month in samples. As previously stated and I reiterate, I compare prices to the neighbors. You can't compare home prices in Seattle with those in Amarillo.....

[Botafogo]

Wheeew! That relieves me greatly...I would shudder to think someone I kind of know and DO respect was getting reamed like that.

We keep a bottle of a really nice and expensive looking Sangiovese di Romagna in the store to let the American wineries compare theirs to. AFTER they decide that ours is better than their $18 net wholesale Cal Ital and they say "well, we're getting there, don't you think?" we let them know it is $7.99 retail.....

Cheers, no harm no foul, Roberto

[This message has been edited by Botafogo (edited 09-08-2001).]