It seems like I’m obsessed with value these days. Not really. But I am getting a bit pissy about the giant balls it takes for some wineries to charge what they’re charging for their product (notice I use the word product, and not wine). If we weren’t so brand obsessed, they wouldn’t be able to get away with it. If more people had the confidence to shop by recommendation, wine writers like Jabba the Critic wouldn’t have the power to artificially increase the prices of mediocre products, er, wine.

Wines I liked today:

Scott Paul Pinot Noirs

A pleasure and a joy to drink. The regular cuvee Marie…(I forget) was my favorite. I’m sick of Pinots that look and taste like Syrah. Stop doing that, please. This wine has a complex aroma, and lovely, textured body. Instead of an unremarkable fruity fruity finish, like most $20 Oregon Pinots, this wine has an incredible acidity and liveliness. It is heads above its peers. Their higher end La Paulee was also an overachiever for its category. I think Oregon producers that have a love for Burgundy and commitment to expressing true Pinot Noir character will win out in the end, but I sure am having to kiss a lot of frogs in the mean time.

Allan Scott Vineyard select Sauvignon Blanc

Just because Cloudy Bay charges through the nose for their Sauv Blanc doesn’t mean it’s the only one that tastes like that. This producer always manages to be one of my favs, every vintage. Around $15, it has that bit of pithy grapefruit/lime rind, a bit of soft herbal goodness. The fruit carries through on the very dry finish.

Rotari Blanc de Noirs

I’m such a girl. I love bubbles. And every time I take a bottle of this home, I find myself saying, “Damn, I can’t believe that’s $10.” Hey I think I just invented a new column title.