IN PURSUIT OF BALANCE 2013

Featuring California Chardonnay and California Pinot Noir Los Angeles, CA  February 6, 2013   This is the third year for this event which was conceived by Rajat Parr of Sandhi Wines and Jasmine Hirsch of Hirsch Vineyards. This year the event was held in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Previously, the events were held in […]

RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW: VOLUME III, NUMBER 4 (FEBRUARY– MARCH, 1982)

In the early months of 1982, Volume III, Number 4 offered the following articles: One Winedrinker’s Opinion – To Decant or Not to Decant?, Coming Attractions, 1976 Sauternes, California Chardonnays, California Cabernet Sauvignons, Selected Tasting Notes, More 1978 Red Burgundies, More 1978 Rhones, and Barrels and Bottles. We are currently reproducing a copy of Volume […]

IN PURSUIT OF BALANCE: A TRADE TASTING AND MORE

   WITH VIEWS OF CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY AND CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIR FROM TWO PERSPECTIVES – IN PURSUIT OF BALANCE AND THE UNDERGROUND Introduction     This was the second annual In Pursuit of Balance event which was conceived by Rajat Parr of Michael Mina and Sandhi Wines and Jasmine Hirsch of Hirsch Vineyards. The goal was […]

Retrospective Review: Volume I, Number 4 (February-March, 1980)

In Volume I, Number 4, February-March 1980, we began with why the “Underground Wineletter? Are We Terrorists?” In this edition I wrote why we began the wineletter, what we set as objectives and our approach. Then, as now, our interest is in drinking wine and reporting on it’s merits as objectively as possible. We expect criticism, especially when our comments may be unfavorable. But, our only objective is to offer opinion that is constructive and in the end everyone – producer, distributor, retailer and consumer – should benefit. The “Underground” reflects our commitment to be as free from outside influence as possible. As we said then: “This is our battle.” Not exactly the stuff to satisfy Genghis Khan, but we think Thomas Jefferson would approve. And, far away in some remote and well-stocked, sub-celestial cellar, Bacchus smiles, nods approvingly and proclaims “Finally on earth, The Underground Wineletter, Veni, Vidi, Vici.”

Retrospective Review: Volume I, Number 2 (October-November 1979)

California Chardonnay

After taking California Pinot Noir in our first issue, we turned to California Chardonnay as the focus of our second issue. But, unlike Pinot Noir, Chardonnay was already wildly popular as a generally fruity, oaky, easy-to-drink beverage.