Wine Retailer Wednesday: Daniel Posner

[Published October 2nd, 2019] By Lettie Teague

Dan Posner of Grapes Wine Company, North White Plains, New York

Anyone who’s received one of Daniel Posner’s daily email missives knows that he loves great wine (especially Burgundy) and the New York Jets, and not necessarily in that order.

Posner has been in the wine business for a decade (he started life as a paralegal with an eye towards law school) and in that time has become one of the country’s most influential wine retailers. That’s thanks in part to his superb palate- and those emails.

“Our old store was so small we realized we needed a way to show our customers what we had,” Posner explained, who began his email campaign some seven years ago. The emails invariably feature top wines at some very good prices – though sometimes in a breathless tone reminiscent of those television ads that counseled viewers to “Call right now – supplies won’t last!”  And that’s in fact true of most wines that Posner sells via email.

WSJ: Tell me a little bit more about those emails.

DP: In the beginning we sent them to our private clients and they emphasized points (from wine critics) but in 2005 I started talking about other things that are important in life too.

WSJ: Such as football?

DP: Football, yes but also information on what’s going on in the wine business. We wanted to give our clients insight into aspects of the business, like HR5034 (WSJ: the proposed legislation to restrict interstate shipment of wine). Consumers need to become aware of what’s going on – and how their ability to buy wine might be dramatically changed (with the passage of this bill).

WSJ: On a happier note, tell me about the wines that you’re particularly enjoying right now.

DP: The 2008 Oregon Pinots really blew me away. After 10 years in the business I’ve never come across a vintage like this. And because the prices have also come down, there are a lot of great values- like Brooks makes a great every day wine for $20-$25. And Tony Soter, Evening Land and St. Innocent all made terrific wines in ’08.

WSJ: What other wines are you loving?

DP: The 2007 Napa Cabs are another category. I went to Napa in 2008 and tasted the wines in barrel and was really impressed. And there are some great deals. We just sent out an email offering a 2007 Cab from Richard Betts’ new Napa project C&C Projects that’s a great deal at $27 a bottle-and $22.50 to our email clients.

WSJ: And the wines you may not be loving- or not selling?

DP: Australian wines are still in a state of flux – and Spain is going through a similar state. California Syrah isn’t selling unless they’re trophy wines and I love California Syrah.

WSJ: The most obvious question, since it’s the day before the big feast- what will you be drinking with your Thanksgiving meal?

DP: I’m going to my brother’s house. He’s a big Riesling guy so we’ll be drinking Riesling and Pinot. I haven’t decided yet if I’m drinking domestic Pinot or Burgundy.

WSJ: And you’ll be giving thanks for .... what?

DP: Personally I’ll be giving thanks for my newborn son Andrew. And in terms of business I’ll give thanks that 2010 has been better than 2009. But family comes first. Jets are second.