WineLovers Discussion Group

So the Wine Doctor is no longer a free site? It's a good thing I managed to finish my purchases in Amboise while I could still access the tasting notes.

I've actually been reading Chris for longer than I ever have Parker or WS.

Chris offered an explanation elsewhere.

It's too bad, as in an effort to limit my purchases I am jettisoning all pay publications/sites.

Yes this is disappointing news. He is IMO one of the finest wine writers around. I hoped that as a practising doctor, paediatrician I believe, he would continue to regard wine writing as a hobby, albeit an expensive and a time consuming one.

I wish him well but I will not be subscribing. There is still a plethora of both good and free wine writing out there.

David M. Bueker wrote:Chris offered an explanation elsewhere.

It's too bad, as in an effort to limit my purchases I am jettisoning all pay publications/sites.

Why would not subscribing to those publications reduce your purchases, David? The only thing that would reduce mine would be to unsubscribe from those email lists that daily proclaim the fabulous bargains to be had on such outstanding wines.

Mark Lipton

I have unsubscribed to most of those e-mails as well.

Reading stuff such as what Chris puts up entices me to buy.

I wish Chris the best, good writer.

I'm down to one paid subscription (View from the Cellar) and not planning on adding. I've certainly visited Chris's site semi-regularly (once or twice a month?), and will miss it. But for me is was more about a handy factual reference for Bordeaux and Loire producers, and if I want to know normal cepage of a Graves producer I can find elsewhere.

I certainly believe people should be paid for their labors, and wish him the best of luck.

Mark Lipton wrote:The only thing that would reduce mine would be to unsubscribe from those email lists that daily proclaim the fabulous bargains to be had on such outstanding wines.

I'm a sucker for any email blast that offers free shipping - "... But honey, they would only ship at no extra charge if I bought at least 5 cases of the Blue Nun!" The WTSO mobile app does me in as well. It is one touch purchasing... not to mention "free shipping."

I'm also a dupe for bargains in wine shops. One of the 21st Amendment Wine Galleries in Indy is offering 30% off select wines and an additional 20% off the discounted price for any wine with a price ending in "7". We have spent hours combing through their wines. I never pass by a cut-out bin without eye-balling at every single wine either.

Sam Platt wrote:I'm also a dupe for bargains in wine shops. One of the 21st Amendment Wine Galleries in Indy is offering 30% off select wines and an additional 20% off the discounted price for any wine with a price ending in "7". We have spent hours combing through their wines. I never pass by a cut-out bin without eye-balling at every single wine either.

That's a behavior, Sam, that I developed browsing book stores and record shops in my misbegotten youth. If I had more interesting wine stores at my immediate disposal, no doubt I'd do the same thing. Fortunately for my pocketbook, no such stores are at hand.

Mark Lipton

Tim York wrote:Yes this is disappointing news. He is IMO one of the finest wine writers around. I hoped that as a practising doctor, paediatrician I believe, he would continue to regard wine writing as a hobby, albeit an expensive and a time consuming one.

I wish him well but I will not be subscribing. There is still a plethora of both good and free wine writing out there.

I am with you Tim. I have written to Chris about my disappointment and he replied with a very nice response. I will miss the Loire stuff for sure.