It takes time, money and monkey business to seek wines you think you may like. Don't be disappointed by ratings, as they may leave you ill-informed and at a loss. In your own work, your recommendations to others must be taken with a grain of salt, and you are accountable for bum leads. Likewise, popular wine recommendations based on one individual's numerical score are not only syndicated but irrelevant.

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Who says you can't empower yourself to buy wine intelligently? We all desire to access information in as fluid a manner as possible. Stepping back to consider our choices is what enriches the human condition. Chances are that if the window of wine availability is a narrow one, the wine is superior. However, is it the correct selection for you? The restaurant sommelier certainly doesn't pace frantically, glancing at her watch as you waffle over numerous wine selections. You have time, as in a game of darts. The proper guidance can enable you to score 100 points for yourself more often, and when your criteria are identified thoroughly, your palate becomes loosened up and more enlightened.

Never lower your standards. How? ...

If the best vintages are your aim, it's not a secret what to seek. Filling in the holes of a vertical has its value, but get advice first because it's about the end result. There are many more sources for vintage quality information than you read about in the press. Conversely, your palate has many physiological nuances that will allow you to really dig in with several varietals. The "strictly cab guy" has options, and after a few conversations and feedback sessions, I can key you in unless you've tried everything. (I hear that one twice a week; humor is good for cardiac health!)