Welcome to another edition of the Chicago Wine Report! This week’s podcast includes reports on several Chicago wine venues and events, plus a quick tip about a favorite budget-friendly rosé. Note about subscription options: The Chicago Wine Report will remain a free podcast here on Substack. Soon, however, we will begin a subscription model for longer newsletters and bonus content (such as wine reviews and video commentary.) We are moving to a subscription model so that we can provide better and more frequent news and information for our listeners and readers.You can start a subscription now (and we are grateful for your support!) though all content will remain free through the end of June. Never fear, however, the podcast as well as links and information for all venues reported, will always be free and you’ll get these updates online, through social media, and email, as you do now. Wine MusingsChip and I recently tasted a wine that neither of us liked very much. Something was decidedly off and Chip’s face screwed up a bit as he struggled to figure out what he was tasting.“There’s something, but I can’t quite figure it out, it’s like I’m tasting steel.”I didn’t initially disagree, but I still wasn’t quite sure. I sipped, sniffed, and sipped again.“Rubbing alcohol!” I blurted. “It tastes of rubbing alcohol!”“Yes!” cried Chip, “That’s it, rubbing alcohol!”Chip wondered why he confused steel with rubbing alcohol. I noted that the two are often associated when we make trips to the doctor: The furnishings are stainless steel and the scent of rubbing alcohol is ubiquitous.Our senses can be tricky: When we drink wine, initial impressions are filtered through our memories and, of course, the flavors and scents that we are familiar with.One of the reasons why I love to drink wine with others is the sharing of impressions, connections, and then the winnowing down to what we might actually be smelling and tasting. Each of us has different memories that we associate with tastes and smells, so the way we describe the same wine can be very different.Have you had a similar experience?Podcast Field Trip ReportsLainie and Chip like to meander around town in search of wine shops, wine bars, and restaurants that serve and sell great wine. Here are our field trip reports for this past week:Joe's Wine Cellar (soon to be Le Midi)2108 West Division StreetChicago, Il, 60622(773) 303-4884I (Lainie) had heard much of Joe’s Wine Cellar in Wicker Park but never quite made it over to visit. It turns out that Joe’s is now under the ownership of Craig Perman (Perman Wine Selections) and Seth Wilson. They are in the process of rebranding the operation, which means that they’ll be shutting down for a few weeks for renovations.Fortunately, I was able to check out the place before it shut down for a facelift: It’s a lovely storefront with a patio and an incredible selection of wine by the bottle and the glass. The WineStation© (see the photo above) is a wine dispensing and preservation machine that allows bars and shops to dispense precise pours while keeping the wine pristine. Seth and I had a friendly conversation about the direction of Joe’s. When it reopens as Le Midi, it will continue to use The WineStation© for glass pours (and yes, half glasses will be available!). The wine selection will be more pointed, however, with an emphasis on France, Spain, and Italy, along with wines from Portugal (Craig Perman’s specialty). There will also be a much more extensive food menu. A transitional tasting is scheduled for this Wednesday, June 15th. The cost is $60 and must be paid in advance. More information is available on Joe’s Wine Cellar’s website.Door 24 Wine2124 N Damen Ave 1st floorChicago, IL 60647(773) 697-3345I...