“With the alcohol clocking in at 5.9%, I think we’ve finally achieved balance.” Rajat Parr teams up with Hirsch Vineyards to create the world’s first “diet” Pinot Noir. Jon Bonné scores the scoop.

“Without question, this is the best vintage I have ever tasted in my 34-year career as the world’s most important wine critic.” Robert Parker heads back to Burgundy to visit Domaine Faiveley, and decides to to rate the wines on a 110-point scale, because 100 points is “no longer enough.”

Over at Vinography, “The Essence of Wine: Manure.”

“Many California winemakers can learn from these producers — low acid and residual sugar results in tastier wines.” In the New York Times, Eric Asimov writes about a tasting of $8-and-under Zinfandels.

Steve Heimoff announces plans to leave Wine Enthusiast and dedicate more time to social media. “Before launching SteveHeimoff.com,” he explained, “no one had any clue who I was.” In addition to blogging more frequently, Heimoff plans on opening a social media monitoring firm to compete with VinTank.

As part of his efforts for Playboy, Joe Roberts will pose nude for the print edition of the magazine.

“I know my regular readers will be surprised, but after much contemplation, I have concluded that the three-tier system is Constitutional.” Tom Wark is headed to Washington, DC, where he’ll head up the National Beer Wholesalers Association.