Welcome to my blog.
It’s dedicated to finding decent wine under $20 a bottle.
In other wine producing countries that wouldn’t seem like such a challenge – 8 Euros will get you something very reasonable in Spain, Italy or France – but in Australia it is becoming increasingly hard to fine a decent, interesting wine south of twenty bucks.
Any search is inevitably also about the searcher, so that’s the life over 50 bit.
I worked in the wine industry for five years, in retail and wholesale. I even had the good fortune to do a vintage at Mount Mary in the Yarra Valley (heaven). I think I have a diploma somewhere and I’ve never stopped drinking it.
Wine under 20, life over 50 
Hi Ben,
Have I ever send you this newsletter? http://finewineclub.com.au A really good independent reviewer and a great name.
Mostly over $20, but gems to be found if they haven’t been sold out.
Two I’m loving (under $20 btc) for the last few months – 2014 Paddy Borthwick Paper Road Pinot Noir and pinot is not really one of my go-to grapes, then BLACK Mudgee Shiraz, $25 on the site (and he has to be losing money), but Chippendale Cellars had it for under $20. Putting at least one down to be undrinkable in 20 years. Note to self: read winemaker’s cellaring recommendations, then remember to follow them. So many good wines, so many with too much time.
Focusing on drinking upwards from the ‘80s and early ‘90s. Still plenty of good ones and surprises, though I’ll be glad to see the last cork pulled. Conversely, Italy has been my guilty pleasure for the past decade, though they’re gradually coming around to screw caps faster than the French.
Talking about guilty pleasures, we shot another Intercontinental Hotel job at Chateau Angelus in December. The owner even catered the crew lunch with her toqued chef and breaking a cardinal rule, their wines as well. Definitely a career highlight.
Hope all’s well,
Best,
Mike
LikeLiked by 2 people