Retrospective Review: Volume I, Number 5 (April-May, 1980)

We are currently reproducing a copy of the fifth issue of The Underground Wineletter. Below you’ll find an updated review of each article, where I will go over what we got right and what we got wrong. We will follow this format with each successive issue. So Volume I, Number 6 will be coming next. […]

2009 Rosé

Summer is here and the Rosés are arriving. The 09s are especially fruity and rounded this year. Ranging in price from $8-$34, they are quite affordable and are especially nice with the lighter foods of summer – think grilled foods, fish, salads, etc. In fact, for me, along with Champagne, they are the most versatile of all wines to match with food.

Ah, Spring, The Vintage of the Century Is In the Air!

Ah, Spring, The Vintage of the Century Is In the Air!

Last November when we were in Burgundy, we were impressed with the 2008 red wines. They showed better balance and richness than the 2007s tasted from barrel (our review will follow shortly – stay tuned). But nearly everywhere we went, when tasting any 2008s and expressing a positive opinion, the reaction was “just wait for the 2009s.” Later, this year we will go back to Burgundy and taste some of the 2009s. But even without tasting the wines, it seems obvious that given the quality of the harvest, that there will be many lush and concentrated Burgundies of great appeal. And, more recently, at the opening tastings of the 2009 Bordeaux, the cry is echoed. Here are just a few of the early proclamations: “2005 a great vintage or better,” “the best young vintage I have ever tasted,” “Best wines ever.” So it looks like we are in for another “Vintage of the Century.” Again? OK. In my 40 years of tasting wines, I have only heard this about 10 times. Wow! I am not that old!!

ANSWER TO WINE TASTING OF THE MILLENNIUM

2009 Ponderosino De Pruno”Le Devil’s Belly Hot Flash” Ultra Reserve Selection of Clone Number AZXV23968 from Ancient Pre-Roman Vines April Fool! Now, have a celebration to good taste with your friends and family by matching YOUR favorite wine with YOUR favorite food.

Rating Scale

ABOUT OUR RATING SCALE & QUOTED PRICES Rating Bottled Wines For wines that are bottled we use a rating system as described below. Perfection — This is an absolutely perfect wine, the ne plus ultra. Extraordinary — A Extraordinary wine is nearly flawless. Outstanding — A Outstanding wine is a wine of clearly superior quality […]