JV by name, but in the wine world, it’s varsity league

November 6, 2:16 PMDetroit Wine ExaminerChris Kassel

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In this whacked out economy, do we really need technological advancements to help us spend our money faster?

Yet, Napanese wine purveyor JV Wine & Spirits has launched just such an innovation—a sleek, sophisticated on-line store that promises to relieve us of our drinking dollars at cyber-speed.

‘User-friendly’ is the press release’s vogue word for JV’s revamped web site—although to me, user- friendly means that the time between dropping the dough and popping the cork does not require a wait for the UPS brown shirts.

Unless, of course, I happen to develop a hankering for, say, a 2003 Silver Stag Cabernet or an ’06 Mara Pinot Noir or—God forbid—a hundred dollar plus bottle of Cakebread Benchland.

In which case it’s the JV way (web site) or the highway (drive to Napa and pony up in person).

That’s because these boutique, limited production wines are only available at JV, making it one of the Bay area’s most exclusive outlets. Says JV company president Ray Sercu: “With our special location in the heart of Napa Valley, many of our most loyal friends and customers are local winemakers.”

The fact that JV Wine & Spirits comes wrapped in California makes it a somewhat inconvenient venue for Midwesterners to frequent—but that may be a blessing-in-disguise for those of us with a wicked wine jones.

Now, all of the sudden, forking over those benjamins is as quick as a pick and a click.

www.jvwine.com is well designed and easy to navigate, offering a wealth of amuse-bouches beyond the extensive wine selection, including expert answers to wine related questions, beverage assistance for party planners where advice and quotes can be had on line and, if you are traveling to Napa, information on local events and wine classes. I found the site to be engaging, pretty and yes, user friendly. Drop down menus are smooth and all the vital information is precisely where you want it to be.
 

Everything in its place, that is, except my credit card—which I have conveniently destroyed after my first bout of conspicuous, user-friendly (but bank draft antagonistic) JV consumption.

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As I watch out for the mailman, here’s a brief list of some JV wine exclusives:

Silver Stag Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003. $49.99

Carrera, Red Bordeaux Blend, 2006, $60.99

Mara, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2006, $56.99

Penche Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2005, $71.99

Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon, Vine Hill Ranch, Napa Valley, 2004, $108

Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon, Benchland Select, Napa Valley, $110