For almost a decade, Joel Gott, Charles Bieler, and Robert Scommegna have been selling wine under the “Three Thieves” label.  The concept is simple: they seek out the best quality juice they can find, often from very reputable wineries.  Since they bottle and sell the wine for a fraction of what it would normally cost, most wineries that actually provide them juice don’t want to be associated with the brand.  So it is...

A new bill (HB 1550) proposed by Washington State’s Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson would not only legalize marijuana for the state, but also suggests it be sold in liquor stores to those 21 and older.  Many other states have similar bills pushing for full-on legalization, but this is the first to suggest weed be sold in liquor stores.  The original bill can be found HERE. Here in Denver, we’re no stranger to the multitude of...

[UPDATE:] Looks like this was just one big rumor after all.  But another important change has occurred in Colorado’s distribution system.  Wine Merchants of Colorado has been absorbed by Wine Cru.  So essentially two smaller distributors, both with wonderful portfolios, have become one. Big rumors spreading around Colorado these days.  It looks like Beverage Distributors (Charmer Sunbelt Group) might be set up to purchase National...

For years I’ve expressed my displeasure with Colorado’s wineries.  Don’t get me wrong, there’s lots of hard working farmers and winemakers here.  But for one reason or another, their wines just don’t cut it.  From what I’ve tasted over the years, two wineries have recently emerged above the rest. The first is Sutcliffe Vineyards.  I’ve tasted their wines in the past, but recently tasted through...

I don’t often rant about stuff, but this has been bothering me for a while.  I’ve worked in restaurants and wine shops for years.  I’ve managed wine lists with hundreds of selections, and done over $1 million in wine sales per year at the last restaurant I worked at.  As a wine buyer, you become aware of the concept of “buying power.”  It’s kind of a game really, one of those “you scratch my...