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- Elaine Marshall
Wine/Expert Profile
Expertise
I am a specialist in wines from California, the Pacific Northwest, Australia and the Rhone. My specialties are the business and marketing of wine, professional wine evaluation, and wine writing. I have experience in winemaking for the home enthusiast but a broader knowledge in viticulture and the wine regions of the world. PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME VALUATION, COGNAC, or SPIRITS QUESTIONS.
Experience in the area
Currently the Wine Director for Sunset Magazine's Wine Club, I founded the First Street Wine Company in Livermore, California. As former restaurant sommelier, I have over 10 years of experience in the wine industry and am an Advanced Certified Wine Professional of the Culinary Institute of America. As a specialist in New World wines, especially Syrah/Shiraz, I have studied extensively the wines of California, Australia, the Rhone Valley, and the Pacific Northwest. Accepted to the Institute of Masters of Wine program in 2006, I taste hundreds of wines annually. I have served as a wine judge for many California and Oregon wine competitions. A graduate of the University of California at Davis, I have produced and bottled my own private-label wine for four vintages. My wine reviews have been published in Diablo Magazine and in various on-line newsletters, including Sunset Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Intowine.com and others.
Publications
Sunset Magazine, Diablo Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Intowine.com
Education/Credentials
Certified Wine Professional Advanced, Culinary Institute of America Master of Wine Candidate
Past/Present Clients
Sunset Magazine Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott | 11/09/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks! I guess I'll keep my wines ..... |
| margherita | 11/08/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Adam | 11/06/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | I appreciate the answer, not good news ..... |
| Matthew | 10/01/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you, I wish I was more ..... |
| Matthew | 10/01/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you very much. |
Recent Answers from Elaine Marshall
2009-11-22 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru:
Hello Chris- Thanks for the question. The consumption recommendation is a useful item, and frankly, a rare one to be found on a wine label. A "drink by" date would be a great idea as an industry standard!
2009-11-21 1984 Opus One:
Hello JE- Never underestimate your value as a wine consumer; it is our collective whole that is interesting, compelling, and why wine is made in the first place! But beyond that, your special bottle
2009-11-21 wine:
Hi Craig- My short answer is no, sorry, they aren't worth much. The Soave is completely dead and I wouldn't even open it. The Bolla Valpolicella is made by a mass producer (like the Soave) in the
2009-11-16 mercier:
Hi Kay- For the 1995, yes, it's a good time to drink this. I'm a little worried that this particular wine will be beyond its youthful expression, though. 1995 was a good year, but earlier maturing
2009-11-16 mercier:
Hi Kay- 1990 was an exquisite Champagne vintage, most of the top flight wines having blooming acidity and terrific concentration. For the Mercier wines, it's my opinion that even though Champagnes
Answers by Expert:
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