THE FINE WINE REVIEW Text from a recent issue of The Fine Wine Review
 
 
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THE FINE WINE REVIEW
Claude Kolm, Editor and Publisher
The Fine Wine Review is an independent review of wines that began in 1986 and appears approximately six times a year. Previously, each issue ran between 16,000 and 22,000 words. Lately, however, I have found that I have more material to write than that limit permits me. As a result, I am switching over to an e-mail distribution format that will permit greater content.

The emphasis is on wines in all price ranges that are well-made and reflect the individual character of their place of origin and maker. The following factors set The Fine Wine Review apart from other publications: (1) concern for typicality with respect to geographic origin and grape type; (2) appreciation of balance and finesse in wines; (3) consideration of wines for their place at the table; and (4) preference for tasting wines in small groups to emphasize their individual qualities, as opposed to “industrial” tastings of large numbers of wine at a single time.

Coverage is primarily of French (especially Burgundy and Northern Rhône) and German wines, with developing coverage of Barolo and Barbaresco. I travel to Europe three times a year to visit producers and discuss and taste their wines with them. Coverage of wines from other areas is more limited. Just as a music critic cannot be well-informed in all areas, so, today, a wine critic is more useful specializing in certain areas. As space permits, I do review wines of interest from other regions on a less systematic basis.

I, Claude Kolm, do all research, tasting, and writing for the publication. Up to now, I have also held another job outside the wine business, although I anticipate leaving that job in 2008 in order to devote full-time to wine coverage.  I publish this review out of love of wine and to express my passionate views on the current state of wine and where it is heading. I believe that as a result, my commentary is more consistent and independent and less inclined to writing what may be trendy in order to garner readership.

Subscriptions rates are as follows:

One year foreign or domestic by e-mail (pdf)  $55
(or 40 euros for checks made payable to Claude Kolm)  


Two years foreign or domestic by e-mail (pdf)  $110 (or 80 euros for checks made payable to Claude Kolm)


One year by domestic first class mail $115


Two years by domestic first class mail  US$230


One year to Canada by air mail   US$145                      


Two years to Canada by air mail  US$290          


One year foreign by air mail $165 (or 110 euros for checks made payable to Claude Kolm)                                         


Two years foreign by air mail $330 (or 220 euros for checks
made payable to Claude Kolm) 
                  


Send checks or money orders to:

The Fine Wine Review
2443 Fillmore Street #455
San Francisco, California 94115


E-mail contact: kolm@finewinereview.com