When I began writing about wine in 1979, almost every fine-quality California chardonnay sold for $4.50 a bottle. Occasionally I'd find a bottle at $3.75 and considered it a bargain.
Times change, obviously. As wine reputations grew exalted, and as the number of potential buyers worldwide for the best exploded, the demand for the top wines escalated and all of today’s top wines now are in high demand -- which has increased prices to levels that seem absurd.
