Editor:

I am writing in reference to the article by W.R. Tish entitled "Dare We Critique the Critics? Why Not?" ("Off the Vine," Sept. 2006). I don't understand why a disgruntled ex-employee would be given a forum to disparage our organization. The story is riddled with omissions and insinuations--not surprising, given that in recent years this writer has waged a personal vendetta against our company.
We welcome scrutiny and criticism from objective sources. We hope that future stories on consumer wine magazines will be written by responsible, unbiased journalists.

s/ Tim Moriarty
managing editor
Wine Enthusiast magazine
Elmsford, N.Y.
via e-mail


Editor's Note: A table accompanying this article contained an incorrect caption that referred to the circulation figures as sourced from the latest circulation audits. However, the circulation figure for Wine & Spirits was not based on an audit but on information provided by Wine & Spirits to Standard Rate & Data Service. As for W.R. Tish's appropriateness to address the subject, we point out that the article was an opinion piece, that Tish acknowledged his former relationship with Wine Enthusiast, and that we confirmed key facts in the article with Wine Enthusiast before going to press.


Editor:

I found it interesting that your May issue contained both a discussion of Pinot Gris/Grigio styles and of potential wine label requirements. While in general I also am opposed to forcing wineries to include nutritional information a lá FDA, putting residual sugar contents on bottles of wine would be insightful. Your article on gray Pinot (by Norm Roby) is a case in point.

s/ Michael Moyer, M.S.
instructor, wine science
Walla Walla Community
College
Walla Walla, Wash.
via e-mail