Topical wine lists offer info on ratings, vintages, etc.

The new year requires housekeeping. Here are items of interest. Following is a website which provides vintage charts to aid you when shopping. It is comprehensive but differentiated, and I think it is accurate. As usual with wine, this is a broad overview and there are many factors such as winemaker, microclimates and site-specific problems, aside from vintage, which impact individual products: www.winemag.com/2020-wine-vintage-chart/. Another article, also from WE, is its list of 100-point wines. It includes prices and some description: https://www.winemag.com/2019/12/13/wines-scored-100-points-2019/. I do think WE is generous in its point awards. That said, all those listed are top flight and should appreciate over time. Wait until fall 2020 to buy. History indicates the new release and time delay will cause prices to decline in many instances. And here’s a link that provides several non-alcohol (or less than 1/2 percent) beers that are also lo-cal. Believe it or not, they actually taste pretty darn good. Scroll down on the same page to find a well-written article on cannabis beer. I must admit I have not sampled any; this is just an FYI: www.winemag.com/2020/01/02/nonalcoholic-ipa-beer/. Regulars know the drill; please read the entire paper first including ads. The news hawks and production folks gotta pay da rent.

Marvin Shankin, owner of Wine Spectator, is trying to make the case for European wine producers and a host of threatened tariff products including autos. I actually know several of the folks and I am sympathetic that tariffs will hurt them. As I wrote last week, I’m opposed to tariffs, except when they are leveling the playing field, and promoting free and balanced trade. Very few complained when Euroland, Japan, Mexico, several South American countries, China and much of the rest of the world were imposing VAT, fees, taxes, tariffs etc. vs. the U.S. They also ripped us off by reducing fuel production, with the over $100/barrel oil. So far, it seems the tactic with tariffs has brought a pact with Japan, 3 South American countries, USMCA and the first tranche of the China deal. It is too early to see if these will actually break the logjam of 60 years of (in my opinion) bad U.S. trade policy. I’m hoping they do. In the meantime, if you are one who enjoys Euroland wine, now is the time to stock up. If France, Germany, the Low Countries and Italy become intransigent, we could be looking at 100 percent price increases. Prudent folks who can both cellar and afford the expense will be well served. Worst case, you will have properly aged wine to drink. Best case, the prices will spike. This could be a moon shot for resellers. My guess is this latest move will actually cause the Euros to fold. I’m guessing the next big deal is a U.S./Great Britain trade pact as soon as the Brexit smoke clears. As I wrote last week, I flunked calculus.

Ken Wright Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir 2014 rates 93 McD points. Under $50 it is a steal. His 2016 Canary Hill PN under $60 is better but needs time, 94 McD. I’m seen these on sale under $50. For my money, the 2014 Shea Vineyard is best, perfect now. It will take some effort on your wine shop pal’s part but a worthwhile endeavor. Pay up to $60. Woodland, floral and red fruit nose. On the palate, raspberry, cherry, pomegranate flavors ride a balancing acidity/tannin frame through to a long, black pepper-spiced, clean, mineral finish; drink now thru 2025. 

OK, so the winter doldrums are rapidly approaching and for some reason you can’t fly south for a month. Here’s a doable day or two that is very worthwhile: The Tropicana in Atlantic City is doing its annual wine festival from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, in the Grand Expo Center. Sample 100 wines for $35/$10 for designated drivers, includes music, artisan tables, etc. You will also be able to buy wine by the bottle or case at the event. You can take the ferry, but be sure to check the return schedule carefully, or you can stay over. Those wishing to see more, go to www.tropicana.net. Those wishing to go as a group can contact Ashley Obrikis, aobrikis@tropicana.net.

News flash - President Trump, in another tour de force trade move, got Macron and PM Edouard Philippe to backtrack at Davos. There will therefore be no tariffs on vino, queso or escargot. Germany held fast! Buy your Benz or Audi now.