Underground Wine Line
Hear Ye, Hear Ye: Flash Report Issued By “Big” Numbers Wine Critic On 2009 Beaujolais
John Tilson • 2/16/11 
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Last week it seems one of the “big” numbers wine critics sent out a notice entitled “The 2009 Beaujolais Hysteria: Is it Justified?” Forget the fact that most 2009 Beaujolais has been in the bottle and on the market since last summer/fall (see our reports beginning last summer). Forget the fact that the question posed is never answered. And most of all, forget some of the absurd comments. How about “freakishly large-scaled” or “fruit bombs?” Hah! What a joke! This is the same “big” numbers critic who anoints “big” Syrahs and Pinot Noirs (or is there a difference? But, more on that at a later date) with “big” numbers.
Poor little ol’ Beaujolais tipping in at 12-14% alcohol vs. the “big” numbers “big” wines at 15-17% - Beaujolais just can’t get a break. It is called freakish, large scaled, and a fruit bomb. The other “big” numbers wines, what are they? Well, once you get past the “big” numbers and open the bottles they are, for me, often undrinkable. So the question is “do you taste wine or drink wine?” As for 2009 Beaujolais, you have to look really hard to find anything that is not delicious to drink. And even though this “big” numbers wine critic states that nearly every 2009 Beaujolais will be at its best in 5-7 years, I think this has about as much credibility as the descriptions. I have been drinking and cellaring Beaujolais for some 40 years. You can drink some early and some late. It’s your choice. Drink the wines now or drink them later. Evaluate for yourself at what stage you find them most enjoyable. For me it’s a no brainer! Now; later; much later; and much, much later works for me! Beaujolais are some of the most food friendly wines on the planet!
In Vino Veritas,
John Tilson
4 comments for “Hear Ye, Hear Ye: Flash Report Issued By “Big” Numbers Wine Critic On 2009 Beaujolais”
Thanks Mr. B.
We are in agreement. But there is more to do. Stay Tuned!
In Vino Veritas,
John
Thanks Tawfig. It is great to hear from you. You, like me, and an increasing number of others are just disgusted with the numbers derby and the over extracted, alcoholic wines that have been the result. But, the calvary is on the way! There are a lot of wines that are being discovered or re-discovered that are more classical and offer drinkability as a first requisite. No one can come up with repeat numbers on the same wines if they are not looking at the names. It is just a lot of nonsense. Your wife is right. Like it or don’t like it should be good enough for most anyone. After all, have you had 100 point broccoli? How about 99 point broccoli? How about 90 point broccoli? Who cares? Do you like it or not like it? That is what matters! Stay in touch.
In Vino Veritas,
John
Way to go “Tils” aka John Tilson!
Tawfig it is good to hear your wise words.
Well done,Mr. Tilson.
I’ve been waiting forever it seems to see someone with the courage take on the “big numbers” guru.You are the man!
I believe that he,single handedly,has caused more harm to the cause of making good wine as the phlloxera,if not worse.
Drinking a bottle of the 100 pointers that seduce him with its 16% alcohol is a recipe for ending a dinner and a pleasant evening early,as we fall asleep right at the hostess’s table.
Sadly,we the public,lazy as hell,and ever looking for short cuts,created this tarvesty and made his writings the newest bible.The wine shops need not bother explaining,guiding or discussing.Simply post his number and the price;the sheep bleat and follow.
The wine makers,who after all have to run a business and make a profit,have to kiss the ring,and make the style that gets them the “big numbers”.One Chateau owner in Bordeaux,a good friend whom I cannot name publicly,told me that the difference of 2 or 3 points in the guru’s ratings translate to a 2 million euro swing in his net income!!
I have been tasting,drinking and enjoying wine for over 45 years.I guess am a failure because I still do’nt know how to give a 95 to one wine,a 94 to another,a 96 to a third yet!
In my old age,I have come to realize that my beloved wife has been right all along:Her rating system is best:I like it OR I do not like it.
Cheers,and thank you again.
tawfiq