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+--- Thread: Good or Great years for wine??? (/thread-16183.html)
- eduardozertuche - 01-04-2006
Probably you have had this question before, but I want to know how can I tell what year has been good or great for wine in a certain region. For instance, I bought a bottle of 2001 Santa Helena Chardonnay from Chile, and it tasted great. So I bought another one, but I could only find 2004, and this one didn't taste quite as good. Is there a guide somewhere or do I have to find out by sampling each year until I find what I like and what I don't?
- hotwine - 01-04-2006
Welcome to the board.
Vintage charts are available from several sources. One of the most widely-read is contained in the magazine "Wine Spectator", found in most bookstores here in the States.
You're right.... a given producer's wines do indeed often vary in quality from one vintage to another, so consulting a reputable source for vintage information can save a consumer a lot of time and money.
- Kcwhippet - 01-04-2006
Here's another source for a vintage chart.
www.erobertparker.com/info/vintagechart1.asp
- wondersofwine - 01-05-2006
Also, even if a year is generally regarded as a "good" vintage year, some producers wines from that year may not be to your taste. It helps to find a producer whose wines have some consistency and high quality from year-to-year. It's also possible that the 2004 Chardonnay was too young and would taste better in a couple years. Keep trying wines to find producers you like in almost any vintage.
- eduardozertuche - 01-05-2006
Thank you very much for your answers. This gives me some ideas of what to look for.
You know, I have a very hard time buying wine, since I always forget which ones I liked. For instance, the other day I picked up a bottle of Riunite Lambrusco and found it too fruity and sweet for my taste. So I play it safe and go for Cavernet-Sauvignon or Chardonnay, most of the time chilean.
I like older, stronger-tasting wines, specially reds, to go with strong cheese or a good pot of cheese fondue. Any ideas or hints on what kinds of wine, or regions, or vintages should I look for?
- wondersofwine - 01-05-2006
Many Spanish wines from Rioja at the basic level are good with food and affordable. You might also try Cote du Rhone or Gigondas wines from France. With cheese fondue I prefer a lighter white wine such as Pinot Blanc or an Italian white wine. A muscular Pinot Noir or Burgundy can stand up to bleu cheese.