Lessons from the Coalface

At the Restaurant
or
Please stop sending me samples!

A good wine list should be affordable,

(expensive) accessible, diverse,
and profitable, while taking into account the food,
ambience and general style of the restaurant.

Affordable
Accessible
Diverse

KAY BROTHERS 1998 SHIRAZ AMERY VINEYARD

McLAREN VALE (AUD$150.00) RED 98+

Fabulously concentrated and unctuously textured, with a

finish that remained on my palate for 60+ seconds, this
large scale, classic Australian Shiraz from old, unirrigated,
head-pruned vines should age effortlessly for 20-25 years.
If you can find it and afford it,dont hesitate!
ROBERT M. PARKER JR. The Wine Advocate

GIACONDA 1998

CHARDONNAY

VICTORIA (AUD$170.00) WHITE 86

It is undoubtedly exciting to see so many new wineries

represented in the United States. However, with wines
such as this, the pricing seems, at the minimum,
comical and frankly absurd. In short, this is a good glass of
Chardonnay, the likes of which there must be thousands
available that would rate this well.
ROBERT M. PARKER JR. The Wine Advocate

The price of wine

Competition from abroad
New producers in the market place
The importance of relationships

In this ever more plastic and concrete society, wine is an

expression of the earth, the seasons, the personality of the
maker. It is an essential truth which human beings need to
keep themselves in touch with nature, in touch with art, in
touch with magic, in touch with God. As such it is
essential.
PAUL DRAPER, Ridge Vineyards