Free the grapes!
"A decade ago, just four states allowed for interstate direct shipments. Now, that number has increased to 22 states. But 28 states still prohibit interstate shipments, and seven states have made interstate direct shipments a felony. In some states, the penalty for a burglary conviction is equivalent to that of shipping a bottle of Chardonnay to an adult over 21 years."

Some friends of mine were going to sign me up for the Beer of the Month club for my birthday a few years ago. They found that they could not do this, because I live in Texas. Being from Oregon, they were floored that this was the case. Dammit I hate this state sometimes. Too damned many trucks, shit-kickers and trucks. Did I mention trucks?

Anyway, someone apparently did not hear that the United States was a free trade zone according to interstate commerce. Look it up. It is in the Constitution. One smart U.S. District judge by the name of Melinda Harmon realized this in her February 2000 ruling. However, progress on this issue seems to have stalled. The latest news I can find is from Wine Spectator dating back to 01 February 2002. Since the Texas Legislature is only part-time (lazy bastards), don't count on any fix anytime soon. The only real hope is that the Supreme Court take this issue up (fat chance) and rule once and for all that while you can regulate alcohol trade among state borders is free according to the Constitution.

Who should you be pissed at? Your state alcohol wholesalers (bastards). Yep, once again the plague of lobbyists and special interests are to blame. Well, we have our own special interest, good drink!! Additionally, your state wineries benefit at the cost of your consumer choice. Yet, even they understand that trade goes both ways. Stand up and fight for your right to that special reserve Pinto Noir from that little winery that doesn't get shelf space in your town (or state).

Dammit, this extends beyond wine! Try finding a Courage beer anywhere in Austin. It cannot be done. Courage makes beers some of the finest ales you can get out of England. Where was the last time I found one? A German restaurant in Atlantic City last fall. If they can get it there, why can I not purchase it from here? Well, if it were not for this damned law, I could likely order it online. Not fair. Bastards.

Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi Chianti Classico Riserva 1997 - This is a pretty good Chianti. They want $32 a bottle at Piccolo's.

Straccali 2000 Chianti - A good Chianti for only $6. Drink now :-) But, of course. Actually I can see this is a case candidate. I can tell no difference between this and some other Chianti's I've purchased for $12-18.

Santa Rita Reserva 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon. My favorite Chilean! If I ever get around to purchasing a case of wine, this will be first on my list. About $10 today give or take a buck.

Rosemount Shiraz is a nice $10 red wine. A little fruity? I really liked the 1999 vintage. The 2000 seems about the same.

Kevin Hutson: Good Wines