Another John fan here. I think he views and reviews wines very fairly (although he really doesn’t like my screwcaps). He’s also been more than willing to taste new wines that I am involved with (some writers are not doing that much any longer) and I appreciate that.
Adam Lee
Clarice Wine Company
He doesn’t like anybody’s screw caps. Never has. Never will.
If I was going to subscribe to anything (I’m not because I’m avoiding anything that would encourage me to buy more wine) I’d reup for VFTC.
Usual disclaimer, I also consider John a friend.
The parts I enjoy the most are the lead-in’s to each section. John writes very well and everything rings of authenticity. In the last issue we got twenty pages about Burgundy and the Hill of Corton. It’s a lovely read.
I will have a bias, intentional or not, because he does like my wines.
Not sure how you put those thoughts together. I have never seen him rate roadkill wines highly since he stopped doing the articles. I would be shocked if he is looking for free samples of wines he dislikes. I think he just eventually found the articles to be meanspirited and unnecessary, although I found them a lot of fun to read and very informative on ways NOT to spend my money.
I should say I go back to Issue 1 with A View from the Cellar, bought wines from John when he was with Bentley Wines before he started the newsletter and participated in the tastings that led to his Jacky Truchot retrospective in Issue 2 (I think it was Issue 2). I am a big fan of John and his work. I only subscribe to two wine newsletters - A View from the Cellar and the Wine Advocate (where I resubscribed a couple of years back after a long absence solely because of William).
Me too. I was sorry when he stopped reviewing “modern” Bordeaux vintages, but am really happy that William is now covering Bordeaux for TWA.
I find it really neat the attention John gives to California wines - at least the ones he likes. He has really turned me onto some great California wines, like Mount Eden Cabs. There really needs to be a mouthpiece to publicize the guys in California who make what I think of as real wine and I am glad he has chosen to do it. Frankly, without him, I would be afraid to buy much modern California wine.
John is a very kind man and very articulate. His periodical has a unique point of view. He covers lots of areas especially some off the beaten path bottlings. It would be well worth your money and time to subscribe. Thanks for this thread. It was time for me to reup with John.
I’ve always gotten a chuckle from Gilman’s 50+ year drinking windows. And I’m not saying he’s wrong- he’s just one that puts it in print. I’ll test his windows on my 2019 Schafer Frolichs when I open them for my 100th bday in 2070. I say that in jest, with respect, as I think Gilman is great!
Both John and I are older than you. It would be great if we can all be there in 2070 to taste the wine together. Happy to bring other 2019s.
Ha! We should all be so lucky. Let’s make it happen!
2070 will be my hundredth too! Let’s start planning the party!
Also don’t forget that John will call some wines 80-100 year wines. Like certain Huets. God bless him. And having had the great pleasure of tasting a number of said wines 75-90+ years old, some with John, he is not wrong. 
This is going to be one helluva party!
I will be long gone, but look forward to watching from my angelic perch, who makes it to the dance floor.
I’ll be 114. So just put me down as tentative. Not sure what else I’ll have going on at that time.
I’ll be 79, certainly the young one at the party, but I’ll have some properly aged Riesling by then to contribute
I recommend collecting deposits for the dinner now. I might be a little forgetful at 110.
It’ll basically be a tontine at that point 
I will only be 103. That said, if I happen to still be alive I expect to be well pickled.
This thread is getting to be a hoot! I hope to see you all at my party.
Pretty good chance Rodrigo will be the only one attending
Unless Ray Kurzweil is correct and we’re all immortal cyborgs at that point. 