It's common practice for winemakers to push the limits, and sometimes for common sense, at least at the high-end. The top boutique wines are so fruit intense they need a higher alcoholic content for the wine to have balance and be drinkable.
The alcoholic levels are being broken all the time. You see, after the alcoholic content exceeds a specificity, it is no longer 'wine.' And there the tax-mongers step in.
There is a cruel irony at work. The growers and winemakers are making product govt can't keep up with, which should not surprise anyone.
Great point. It didn't dawn on me about the tax ramifications until you mentioned it. That is a whole different facet to consider. Thanks for the comment.