Ratings, articles and buying habits...

Being a Wine Steward in the retail/grocery business is interesting to say the least. What I'd like to talk about is the power of ratings and articles to influence buying habits. I had one of my first encounters just last week.

Matt Kramer, who writes a weekly wine column for The Oregonian, generally goes on about wines that are practically impossible to find. We're talking quasi-obscure wines where maybe 500 cases were made, etc. He is fairly well followed. And let's not kid ourselves, it's always fun reading about a wine from an expert. He describes it, talks about the region, the aromas and so on. When we surely can't find whatever wine he's talking about (generally the case for the at least casual wine drinker) we can still live vicariously through him. Last week, however, he wrote about a wine that is actually fairly well distributed (i.e. in my store). Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages 2005. It;s a french table wine which retails around $10. The article came out Sunday and by noon that day I had sold through my stock (a measly 6 bottles, but all purchased by one person). It wasn't until another customer mentioned the article to me and we went rustling through an Oregonian near the check stand did I figure it out.

It was just intersting to see what kind of influence he has over consumers. He writes one article and I'm sure most Safeways/Freddy's/Alberston's were sold out that day by consumers looking for a solid deal.

In closing, I'd like to throw a couple of my current value picks out there for the internet world. These are a few of my under $10 choices of the moment:
- Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (New Zealand)
- I know I mentioned it already in my first post, but I think it bears repeating. A crisp white wine that goes great with salmon. Really zesty nose and clean finish. This wine made me believe in sauvignon blanc after a good number of bad experiences... I suggested it to one customer and he came back the next week and bought six because he liked it so much. Matty like...
- Sagelands Four Corners Cabernet (also Merlot) 2003 (Washington)
- really solid choices. Some say the Merlot drinks a bit bigger than other Merlots but I wouldn't necessarily go that way. Both are solid varietal interpretations and great value under $10
- Rosemount Southeastern Australia 2005 Merlot
-Another solid merlot for $10. Good finish, nice nose which translates into very acceptable flavors. Nice if you want to go with an import. Great food wine, too.