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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 have
changed to to an e-mail distribution format that permits several times that content for each issue.
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. In addition to writing about wine,
I also hold another job outside the wine business. 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. In addition to The Fine
Wine Review, I also write for the London publication, The World of Fine Wine (www.finewinemag.com).
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)
Send checks or money orders to:
The Fine Wine Review
1964 Bush Street
San Francisco,
California 94115
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