Being that 2018 is now history and another year has started anew, my first inclination was to reflect on what we experienced and what we may have learned about wine over the last 12 months. Then, I suddenly felt a pop and heard a swoosh as a chilling image from way back shook my brain. It was 1972, and the best wines available were Mateus and Lancer’s. The wine industry, particularly domestically, has come a long way, but there are many discoveries yet to find.

The big story of 2018 may have been Meiomi Pinot Noir. Originally created by winemaker Charles Wagner, Meiomi has enjoyed great consumer appeal. The packaging is sophisticated, and the flavors are deep and rich; the finish is smooth and lasting. A few years back, Wagner Family Wines sold the “property,” and the new producers exploited the already popular wine, making it one of the most sought-after brands on the shelf through a combination of marketing, availability and price. Retail pricing should be under $20.