Back on May 9, 2018, I authored an article on fine wines in my wine blog. As my wine team began to taste wines for my 530 Wine Bar wine list, the term “Fine Wine” came up a number of times. As we were tasting, if the three of us (Stan Minden, Tom Welsh, and I) did not all vote “yes” on a wine, it did not make the list. Are all of the 170-plus wines on the wine list “Fine Wines?” Of course not, but there are a few that are. Wines, such as Brilliant Mistake, Hundred Acre, Kelly Fleming, and Chateaux Margaux, to name just a few, that are on the “Fine” list, to be sure.

What Are Fine Wines?

In my 2018 article, I put together a definition which is:

“The term ‘fine wines’ is a term reserved for collectable or exceptional wines that are produced from outstanding vintages from the best vineyards throughout the world. Although some of these wines may sell for thousands of dollars per bottle, the broader definition covers bottles typically selling in excess of $50.00 per bottle. These wines are also typically made of the highest quality grapes and the most acclaimed or famous wine labels.”

When reading Decanter magazine several months ago, there were a couple of paragraphs on “defining fine wine.” The author gave a one-word description of wines. He broke it down as follows: Fine, Good, Quite Good and Poor. My opinion is you concentrate on Fine and Good and forget the last two.

A couple other articles defined fine wines as:

• The wine must be true to its origin and have the capacity to age. (I personally believe the capacity to age is an especially key factor.)
• It must always surprise you.
• A wine worth talking about.
• A wine worth paying for.

One of my short descriptors is “a wine that is of higher quality or superior to most other wines.” I have come to believe over the past years many use the term “Fine Wine” as more of a marketing term, than anything else. Many times, you just need to taste the wine to know if it truly is in this special category.

Brilliant Mistake is a brand that is considered a “Fine Wine” by our standards. You can try it at the 530 Wine Bar in Elkhart.

I have tried extremely hard over the last five years to make all the wines I craft what I consider “Fine Wines.” My Adler’s Blends, my Cabernet Sauvignons, and my new Noah’s Cabernet Franc, I am told, are in the “Fine Wine” category. They really do taste good and are fun to talk about.

Defining fine wine is difficult, but we all know it when we see it and drink it.

As always, I appreciate your support of our wine blog and encourage you to share it with family and friends. If you care to share your comments on this blog posting or other topics, please do so in the comments section below.

Until next week,
Cheers

Upcoming Wine Events at LEX 530!

Friday, February 25 – Wine Talk & Taste

Wednesday, March 16 – Wine Dinner

Friday, March 25 – Wine Talk & Taste

Friday, April 8 – Wine Dinner

Friday, April 22 – Wine Talk & Taste

Friday, May 13 – Wine Dinner

Friday, May 27 – Wine Talk & Taste

Friday, June 10 – Wine Dinner

Friday, June 24 – Wine Talk & Taste

Friday, July 8 – Wine Dinner

Friday, July 29 – Wine Talk & Taste

Friday, August 12 – Wine Dinner

Friday, August 26 – Wine Talk & Taste

Friday, September 9 – Wine Dinner

Friday, September 16 – Wine Talk & Taste

Tuesday, October 11 – Wine Dinner (Oktoberfest)

Friday, October 28 – Wine Talk & Taste

Friday, November 4 – Wine Dinner

Friday, November 18 – Wine Talk & Taste