"Less than $150 a bottle" is not inexpensive for most of us. I'd sooner pay $150 for 4 or 5 glasses of wine than I would pull my toenails out with pliers. Even if I wanted to spend that much on wine, I couldn't afford it (and I have a good job).

There are plenty of great wines for less than $25 a bottle or even for less than $15 a bottle. That's the article I'd like to read. This article is just way out of touch with what everyday folks can afford.

In case you missed it, HE ALREADY WROTE THAT ARTICLE! This is merely a follow up based on the idea that some people may like to know what wines that might be considered a "splurge" are a good value at that level. Considering that most of the "top quality" wines are priced well over $300 a list of sub $150s is a fair idea, even if these wont be frequent purchases.

And if you do have a "good job" you can afford to once in a while splurge, it is merely a question of whether or not you chose to do so. I know this because I am in a similar position, if not less so, and can afford to once in a while buy a nice wine to enjoy. Simmer down and stop looking to call everyone at Slate a snob!

...I couldn't afford it (and I have a good job)...

If you can't afford $150 for a bottle of wine, you don't have a good job. You have an okay job. Work harder or smarter, or become satisfied with a mediocre palate.

...there are plenty of great wines for less than $25 a bottle or even for less than $15 a bottle...

No there aren't.

Dave, I'd beg to differ about finding excellent wines in the $15 to $25 range. Granted, they are few and far between, but they do exist. I recently came across a Spanish tempranillo/cab sauv blend that cost a mere $12 and drinks like a $30 wine.

Nor does one have to shell out $150 for an exceptional bottle of wine. Arguably, the biggest improvement in quality is to be found between $10 to $50 than, say, $100 to $150.

Bear: Don't beg; it's unseemly. You betray your palate by lauding a $12 bottle of wine by claiming that it "drinks like a $30 wine." That's damning with faint praise.

Excellent wines don't exist at that price point. If you think they do, you haven't had much "excellent" wine.

"If you can't afford $150 for a bottle of wine, you don't have a good job." WTF? In 2007 I made $189k so I can more than afford a $150.00 bottle of wine at any time. However, I am is smart with my finances and spending. I don't need to brag and blow my cash to impress people or my friends. This is also why I have money in the bank and I'll have a nice retirement one day. I work in finance and it never ceases to make me laugh when comments such as this are made because it is the first clue as to why a person is broke and never gets anywhere in life. If I spend $2.97 on a nice bottle of Merlot at Wal-Mart, that leaves me $147.03 I can spend on a date for a nice dinner AND a movie. The women I date appreciate this.

The women I date appreciate this.

No, they don't. They wonder why a guy who makes $187k (in "finance?") buys a $3 bottle of Merlot.

Dave, you're the kind of person who gives wine lovers a bad name. I have had many excellent wines, including premier cru Burgundies and Bordeaux. Price is not an indication of quality, it's an indication of what people are willing to pay, particularly if they are recommended by Parker or the Wine Spectator.