Hey Bob - thanks for pointing out the spam comments. They grow like weeds.

And thanks for continuing the conversation about QPR comparisons.

First off, I agree it doesn't make sense to compare scores between critics. Some just tend to throw big numbers around more readily than others and you have to account for that and normalize the scores if you're going to trust the critic at all.

The second article is interesting as well, most memorably for me how I myself am unsure how much I'd like a critic to alter their score based on differences in the wines they taste. Specifically: Say a critic from Spectator is tasting a bunch of California Zinfandel. 80% of them roughly taste the same. 10% probably stand out as being better, 10% of them probably fall short/have some off notes. How would I like the critic to rate these wines? 90-91 for the winners, 86-88 for the mid-range, and 82-84 for the losers? I think that's what we get. But what if the critic distibuted them more widely within say the 94-78 point range? That would certainly get my attention more but would, I think, be inconsistent with the way Spectator has historically done things. So what we get is a big clump of wines tightly clustered together in their ratings. And perhaps that's as it should be - because they're really quite similar in quality.

However you slice it whether the standout wines, when purchased, are "good" in my estimation will determine whether I come back and buy them again.

Is all of this an effective means of discovering value wines? Hard to say. I've played that game with varying degrees of intensity over the years and results are mixed. I will say I've discovered a reliable stable of producers that I consistently enjoy. But over time those producers might trail off in quality and I'll miss out on some new up and comers. And that's where you have to get out and refresh the categories you're shopping in and the producers you're trying.

Lots of different ways to find these value wines. Going off scores is just one of them.

My email address is: wellesleywinepress@gmail.com

If you have 20 AmEx cards with the offer on them, you can only get 40% off $1,000 if you break the purchase up into 10 separate orders, each with a $20 off $100 promo code.

So it takes some finagling with the denominations. It only really breaks down when you try to order very expensive single bottles.

That's a good point - buying the first bottle with StewardShip and paying with GCs is the way to go. Thanks.

Not all states are as restrictive as MA. And it's better now than it's been in the past. Part of the New England charm I guess? Hope you can find some good wines nonetheless. Big fan of NZ Pinot Noir and Sauv Blanc here. Cheers.

Congrats Cori! You're the winner. I'll drop you an email now with instructions on how to get your tickets.

Thanks Sam! Got it. Good luck.

Will do!

Totally agree with that sentiment, Jameson and I was looking forward to your comment as you're so knowledgeable in this category. Any specific bottlings I might be on the lookout for that I might not have had before? Seems like they're always inventing new labels in that region.

I've had the Caronne St. Gemme before but never L'Estang.
I'm headed down to DC this weekend. Let me see if I'll be near Calvert Woodley.

You called it before I did, Jameson. The date stamp on the Instagram post proves it.
Nice to hear from you!