August 14, 2026
winespeed-by-karen-macneil

Dear Kelly,

Sadly, no. It would be great if you could at least count on the more expensive wine being markedly better, but I have sometimes found that the reverse is true. For example, I recently tasted two Pinot Noirs from the same producer in the same vintage. One, the “regular” wine, cost $40. The second and theoretically more special wine cost $80. But I thought the $40 wine was far, far better.  So sometimes it makes sense to spring for the most expensive wine from a given producer, but unfortunately, not always.

—Karen

A. Red wines made in Tuscany from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes

B. Red or white wines made in Tuscany from any variety except Sangiovese

C. Red blends made in Tuscany from Sangiovese plus any other red variety

D. Red wines made in Tuscany in an “international style”

STICKIES

The affectionate name Australians give to their sweet wines. Ther term is broadly used to cover late-harvest wines as well as Australia’s phenomenal sweet FORTIFIED Muscats, topaques, and fortified tawnies.

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