Recent content by Michael Lewis

It is a little like billiards, I figure. Up to a certain point, more bottles improves performance, and then at a certain later point, more bottles causes performance to fall off a steep cliff. If one is pushing corks in at that stage of the evening, it is a signal that no more bottles are...

Thanks for the data point, Maureen. I have just recently been considering when to open my magnum of that precise wine. I suppose "soon" is the correct answer.

Yes, user error is an exception, of course. But I cannot be responsible for that, and I was assuming the comrades on this bored have long ago mastered the proper technique.

Wow, can't say it has ever been an issue using a regular ah-so on a 15-20 year old bottle. In fact, sometimes I feel downright silly after having used a regular ah-so on those when the cork comes out looking pristine and obviously a plain, old, double-hinged corkscrew would have worked just...

Depends on your conception of what constitutes an older bottle. I can typically get away with only an ah-so for anything within 30-35 years from vintage. Older than that I agree a Durand is safer, but even then it depends on the condition of the cork and comfort level - sometimes an ah-so is...

I do think it's time we get the Southern Jeeb going again. It has been at least 3 years since we've pulled some corks together. Should we aim for this spring?

I've used a Franmara ah-so for at least 15 years at this point. I think it was around $10 when I got it. No good ancedotes comparing it against other makers, but I've never felt I needed a different one. I do have a Durand, but rarely reach for it.

I'm occasionally around as well.

I guess I stand corrected.

I've been collecting at a good clip for more than 15 years (I know, I know, this is a pittance compared to some of the comrades, but I assure you that the volume of wine purchased in those 15 years is at least respectable). A couple of months ago, for the first time in my career as an...

All good options! I'm doing well - just busy. When are we doing the next Southern Jeeb? It's been too long.

Sounds good to me!

I was a fan of the early vintages of Coudert GdM, but I have not tasted any recent vintages (although I admit to picking up a few 2021s). I have a bottle or two of the 2010 left which I am happy to open with anyone who is around and curious.

That is an absolute steal off of a restaurant list.

No, I have been priced out of everything world-class except Briords. It's a little boring to drink at my house these days. Your only choice is which vintage of Briords to drink. Briords is my cheap crap.