The Other 46 » Wine Spectator

Dear Wine Spectator

Brian Kirby — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:37:03 +0000

After four years of being a loyal customer, I regrettably inform you that the February issue will be my last. We’ve spent a lot of time together, from plane rides to bedside, I’ve relied on the Spectator to learn the essentials of wine. I still remember the excitement when opening my mailbox to find the latest issue covering the cult Cabs from Napa Valley or a classic vintage of Bordeaux to the up and coming wine regions in New Zealand, Greece, and Hungary. We’ve covered the Four Corners of the World together.

As the years passed and the magazines filled up shelf space, I noticed a change in my wine education. I began to develop a palate for local wines and a great appreciation for the individuals supporting the local movement and pioneering efforts to produce world class wines. Certainly the Spectator would pick up on this trend and include a spotlight on these exciting industries on a regular basis. But issue after issue, the other 46 states went unnoticed. Maybe that last statement isn’t fair; how could I forget to mention the 90 words in the February ’09 issue (read more here).

And so I Bid Adieu and close this chapter on my wine education and in typical Amazon.com fashion, give the Wine Spectator 1 star (out of 5) for lack of clarity and depth.

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A Letter to the Editor

Brian Kirby — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:12:26 +0000

Dear Wine Spectator,

The February ’09 magazine highlights wine values around the world, everything from Alsace to Washington state. You discuss the up and coming wine regions across the globe, for example, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, and Israel. And of course, devote several pages to the tried and true, California, France, and Italy. Not to be outdone, Oregon, Washington, and New York, followed by the other 46 states.

Wine is now produced in all 50 states. After the big four, however, quality and consistency suffer. Virginia’s Linden winery, led by Jim Law, is one bright spot in a state that always seems to promise more than it delivers. The Norton grape, popular in Missouri, delivers a unique iron tang allied to dark and strapping fig flavors; Mount Pleasant is one of that state’s top producers. Gruet sparkling wines from New Mexico, whites from Idaho’s Koenig and sweet wines from Vermont’s Snow Farm also caught our attention this year.

Always seems to promise more than it delivers? Obviously, the tasters have had one to many 100 dollar cabernets from Napa Valley. In case anyone was counting, that’s a grand total of 5 sentences, or 90 words that were dedicated to the other 46 states. I could be upset, cancel my subscription, and boycott your magazine. But instead, I think I’ll take your advice and open that Gruet Blanc de Noirs.