Regular vs. Vintner's Reserve

[JoyInWineTasting]

What's the difference between regular wine and vintner's reserve?

[Kcwhippet]

You would think it might indicate the relative quality of a wine. However, there are no legal or regulatory requirements that would govern what the term "vintner's reserve" must mean. It's just a wine marketing term made to make you think the vintner's reserve is better than a wine which doesn't carry that term on the label. Plus, they can charge more.

[JoyInWineTasting]

Thanks for the response.... I have an opportunity to purchase a case of Markham '97 Merlot, along with 6 more bottles of Markham '95 Merlot. All of these bottles are not Vintner's Reservse, so if I store them well will taste just as good as a Reserve?

[winoweenie]

JIWT, welcome to the board. KC`s answer only partially correct. In the case of Most of the major producers, they take their best lots of wine from their best vineyards and store them separately from the other barrels. They then check the juice to make sure it`s superior to their other juice and bottle ir under some special designation;ie Special Selection, Reserve, Private Reserve etc. Then they charge more but in most cases the wines ARE superior and worth every penny. In the case of Markham I can assure you their Reserve Cabs, Merlots, Chards,etc are superior wines. In the case of some of the larger producers like Glen Ellen they only make a "Reserve" which means diddly. So in reply, Yes and No. winoweenie

[JoyInWineTasting]

thanks winoweenie!

[Kcwhippet]

Good clarification, WW. I guess if I had known the distinction was between the regular Markham and the reserve, I'd have had a more definitive answer. When I read the term "vintner's reserve", I immediately thought of the KJ line. Oh well.

[JoyInWineTasting]

There's a liquor store in San Dimas, Ca that is selling some pretty good wines for cheap. Example, the store has about 6 bottles of Sterling Vinyards '94 Cab for about $30 - but it's not the "Vintage Reserve" wine. Also, he's has about 6 bottles of Markham '95 Merlot for about $18 a bottle - I'm grabbing the Markham deal! I'll toast to you two during x-mas with a fine glass of Markham! Cheers, and Merry Christmas!

[winoweenie]

And may Santa spread joy over Irvine. WW