Jack’s approach to wine:

First of all, I do not consider myself a wine expert in the usual sense, but I know what I like, what I enjoy, and have my own approach to wine selection. I drink a glass of wine most days, usually red, and commonly a Pinot Noir as it is food friendly and enjoyed by so many people.

A bit about the wines of the world:

Though I do review wines from other countries, there are so many good and drinkable wines from the United States, especially from California and Oregon, so I most often review and purchase from them. However, as I review wines offered from several “clubs,” I may purchase wines from other countries that represent an obvious bargain in price and taste. Offers often come daily.

A word on wine clubs and how to get the most value:

Early on I joined two wine sales organizations that alert me to new wines, and tell me about their characteristics, cost, etc. I have learned over time how their tastes correspond to mine. These organizations are very useful and dependable and are willing to discuss wines if you wish. Furthermore, if you buy 3 bottles or spend over $50, there is no shipping charge {less the cost per bottle}. Also, as you increase the number of bottles further, the price per bottle decreases. The two wine sales organizations I use are WTSO (Wines Til Sold Out), and Wine Access. If for some reason I really want more of a certain wine and they’ve sold out, I may go to sale offerings at wine.com or Vivino.com as they may have what I want. There are many such sales organizations similar to these. Wines that I choose are delivered within a week unless I choose otherwise or weather dictates.

Let’s talk Pinot Noir:

As a general rule, the Pinot Noir wines from Oregon are lighter and resemble French burgundy, whereas those from California are fruit forward and bolder. This influences the food I pair them with. With time and experience, I learn which wineries produce the wines I enjoy, so I find myself going back to them. '

A given year’s quality may vary, usually because of weather. I depend on the experts to tell me this and direct me to other vintners. Or, I may stay with the previous years vintage of that winery which was of higher quality.

On the economy & wine:

It may be obvious to everyone that wine prices have risen with inflation.

First stop on Jack’s wine tour - Oregon

Pinot Noir Wines that I have enjoyed from Oregon include:

• Solena, Grand Covee 2015 and 2020

• King Estate, Inscription 2018, 2019, 2020

• Willamette Valley, whole cluster 2019, 2020

• Other wineries in Oregon that I review include Lemelson, Stoller, Ken Wright, Sokol Blosser

Next stop, California

Pinot Noir Wines that I have enjoyed from California include:

• Angeline Vineyard , 2019, 2020 [ and reserve]

• Mer Soleil reserve 2019

• Bench Wines, 2019 , Sonoma Coast

• Bench Wines 2020 , 2021, Russian River Valley

• Other wineries that I review in California include Acacia Carneros, Rodney Strong, Meiomi, La Crema

Cheers to you, Jack! Thank you for sharing your expertise!