December 2012 – THE GRAPE BELT

Out With The Old…

The blogosphere today, the last day of 2012, is rife with wrap-ups and recriminations, and countless writers making predictions for the coming year. I myself have no prognostications to offer, but I do have a brief, modest list of things I’d like to leave behind in 2012; three issues that I hope are no longer […]

by Tom Riley

2012 In Review

I‘m confident that 2013 will see greatly increased activity here on The Grape Belt. ___________________ The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. Here’s an excerpt: 600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 6,500 views in 2012. If every person who reached the […]

by Tom Riley

Thirty Wines For $10 Or Less

Back in June, Wine & Spirits magazine did a big favor for bargain shoppers everywhere with its “Top 100 Values of the Year” edition. Most interesting for the hard-core coupon clippers were those selections at $10 and under. With the holidays in full swing, and the need for potent potables looking like a run-away train, […]

by Tom Riley

UPDATE Tasting Notes

This latest entry looks at three red wines from France, the United States, and Italy. All delicious, all great values. RED 11/16/12 2010 Christopher Buisson Bourgogne Saint-Romain Cote d’Or (12.5% abv., $25, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants): Brilliant, light ruby in the glass, this pinot noir offers ample aromas of strawberry and damp earth, with hints of […]