Vintages

Question 1

What are the best vintages in California in the 2010s?

Answer 1

2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016*, 2018

Question 2

How would you describe the 2010 vintage in California?

Answer 2

A very cool start to the season, then sudden heat in August followed by torrential rain. Greatly reduced yields, but some very good quality wines in a more restrained, higher acidity and lower alcohol style than the Californian norm. - JR

Advocate - 95
Spectator - 96
Enthusiast - 87

Question 3

What is the worst vintage(s) in California in 2010s?

Describe

Answer 3

2011 - Miserable conditions made for a very challenging harvest, with mildew and botrytis rife in Napa and Sonoma. Volumes are therefore low for the second consecutive year, with the best quality found only where growers managed to pick ripe fruit before the rainstorms in October. However, for those producers who managed their farming well and avoided overworking their wines in the cellar, the ageing potential is quite high and quality good. - JR

2017 - High rainfall in winter meant vineyard work could not start until after soils had dried again later in spring. Canopies were abundant as a result, allowing a surge of early growth. A series of heat spikes in summer was followed by a large surge of heat in early September. Earlier-ripening varieties were harvested prior to the hotter weather, though Pinot Noir is hit and miss in the vintage depending on its proximity to the higher temperatures. Later-ripening varieties generally recovered. Wines can show less detail than those from 2016 or 2018.

2020 - A profoundly difficult vintage thanks to the combination of COVID-19 protocols throughout the growing season, and wildfires beginning in August and continuing through the rest of the year. Prior to the fires, fruit quality was promising thanks to a mild spring followed by a temperate summer. Producers able to harvest before the fires had good quality but many lost their wines (especially reds) to smoke impact.

Question 4

Describe the 2012 vintage in California

Answer 4

The 2012 harvest came earlier than normal, and especially after the later 2010 and 2011 vintages. Yields were also higher than normal. Growing conditions through the vintage were relatively even. The vintage was seen as a relief after the challenging prior two vintages. Wines tend to have lighter structural presence with pretty aromas and fruit but less structure for ageing. - JR

Enthusiast - 95
Advocate - 96
Spectator - 96

Question 5

Describe 2013 vintage in California

Answer 5

A very fine vintage on the West Coast with optimal weather conditions throughout the growing season. The second high-quality bumper crop in a row. Wines from 2013 tend to have a strong structural presence and are both profoundly long-ageing as well as often needing more time in bottle before being ready to enjoy. JR

Enthusiast - 95
Advocate - 98
Spectator - 97

Question 6

Describe the 2014 vintage in California

Answer 6

Drought made itself felt in Napa and Sonoma, but ample ripeness led to a relatively early harvest of grapes in good condition and with plenty of flavour. There is a general sense of positivity across most regions and varieties for the potential quality of 2014 in California.

Enthusiast - 95
Advocate - 93
Spectator - 95

Question 7

Describe the 2015 vintage in California

Answer 7

Thanks to cool weather and rains through spring, yields were down throughout California. The result was a much earlier and faster harvest period than usual. Quality as a result is varied depending on how quickly harvest teams were able to bring in fruit in relation to their ideal balance. In Lake County and Mendocino wildfires affected vineyards, further reducing the volume of wines released from the vintage in those regions.

Enthusiast - 95
Advocate - 97
Spectator - 94

Question 8

Describe the 2016 Vintage in Calfornia

Answer 8

The summer of 2016 offered even temperatures and growing conditions, followed by slightly cooler temperatures in September allowing less pressure during harvest and a good combination of elegance and structure especially in red varieties. Rain arrived in mid October creating issues for some producers focused on later-ripening varieties. For the most part there are numerous high-quality wines from 2016. And it is one of the strongest vintages for Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.

Enthusiast - 95
Advocate - 98
Spectator - 98

Question 9

Describe the 2018 vintage in California

Answer 9

Rains early in the year gave vines a healthy start. Then a cool autumn allowed more prolonged ripening and delivered a vintage with slightly larger yields than 2017. The result throughout the state and across varieties is generally good-quality wines with good ageing potential.

Enthusiast - 94
Advocate - 95
Spectator - 99

Question 10

Describe the 2019 vintage in California

Answer 10

Thanks to abundant rain in spring, vines were given a healthy start. The weather through the growing season was even with only moderate heat events, followed by cool and steady weather through harvest. As a result, producers had the opportunity to make wines with more natural acidity and elegance if desired.

Enthusiast - 94
Advocate - 96
Spectator - 97

Question 11

What were the best of the 1990s in California?

Answer 11

1994-1997, 1999

Question 12

What were the best of 1980s in California?

Answer 12

1985, 1986

Question 13

What is the worst vintage of the 2000s in California?

Answer 13

2000

Long, late, ‘European’ vintage thanks to an unusually cool, wet summer. There were very real concerns that Cabernet Sauvignon would never ripen in some vineyards. A particularly good year for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Question 14

What are the best vintages of the 2000s in California?

Answer 14

2001 - A respite for growers plagued by unusual conditions in both 2000 and 2002 with most varieties ripening evenly when expected, although some Cabernet vines shut down in August. A coolish September was a boon. Red wines from the 2001 vintage are among the longest-lived of the decade in both Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

2007 - Harvest began early, mid August in the warmer regions, then a cool September slowed ripening to a crawl, allowing physiological maturity to catch up with sugars. October warmed up, and most had their grapes in before late-October rains. Elegant, balanced wines. Yields down 15 to 25%.

Question 15

What are the best vintages in Spain in the 2010s?

Answer 15

2016 - Unlike Catalunya, Rioja enjoyed an abundant harvest – the largest since 2005, and many producers had to discard fruit to meet the permitted yield. Quality is excellent, with modest alcohol, full ripeness, relatively light tannins, good aromatic range and no bitterness. Certainly the best recent vintage. In Ribera del Duero, the outlook is also positive, with quality as good as the strong 2015 vintage.

2010 - Exceptional for Ribera del Duero with no excessive weather patterns, uniform ripeness and quality as promising as 2004. Good quality in Rioja also, considered better than 2009.

Question 16

What ares the best vintages in Spain in the 2000s?

Answer 16

2005 - Another good vintage with high temperatures but with (just) enough rain.

2004 - Very good year, especially for Rioja, with wines that should mostly be drunk before their 20th birthday.

2001 - Smaller-than-usual crop because of spring frosts but distinctly superior quality accentuated in some cases by further deliberate crop thinning. Some very fine wines that are maturing magnificently – if you can find them!

Question 17

What are the worst vintages in Spain in the last 30 years?

Answer 17

2017 - One of the toughest years in living memory, with the frost and drought reducing yields by 25% at least. What was left has resulted in wines with elevated alcohol, tannin and extraction. Approach with caution.

2013 - Despite a cool, wet start to the year, a long dry summer in Ribera del Duero heralded full fruit ripeness at harvest, with below average temperatures promising fine flavour development. Frequent bouts of wet weather in Rioja, together with the cold spring, resulted in some uneven ripening and a delayed harvest that slipped into November in some parts, yet yields here were slightly up on 2012 and producers are optimistic.

2003 - Small, early, drought-plagued harvest of often unbalanced wines.

2002 - Exceptionally cold winter and spring was followed by nasty wet weather during summer – disastrous for both quality and quantity. Rain persisted even during harvest. Truly a severe test for both regions.

Question 18

What vintages in the last 30 years were commonly declared by Port houses?

Answer 18

2020, 2016, 2015, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1997, 1995, 1994, 1991, 1970, 1966, 1963

Question 19

What are the worst vintages in Port in recent memory?

Answer 19

2014 - Rain caused significant damage in the first half of the year, then a cool August didn’t help matters. Yields will be low, quality is not remarkable, and vintage declarations are most unlikely.

Question 20

What are the best vintages of Barolo and Barbaresco in 2010s?

Answer 20

2016 - Piemonte produced excellent quality wine in 2016, with ripeness to match the very good 2015 but firmer tannin and higher acidity. Ideal harvest conditions allowed the Nebbiolo to ripen fully, and yields were higher than average too. Arneis also fared well, producing precise, juicy white wines.

2010 - A wet spring caused irregular fruit set and was followed by an early summer with lots of rain. While Dolcetto suffered most from the short, cool growing season, Nebbiolo proved resilient thanks to its small berries and thick skins. August proved hot, but cool nights helped retain acidity. Some cooling rain in early September ensured a slow but steady development in the berries. Irregular fruit set meant that some producers had to do a severe selection during harvest, but the overall result is considered outstanding: a classic vintage with plenty of acidity, firm but ripe tannins and near-perfect balance in many wines.

Question 21

What are the worst vintages for Barolo and Barbaresco in the 2010s?

Answer 21

2018 - A cooler growing season yielded fresh, elegant Barolos, open-knit with vibrant acidity, light tannins and expressive fruit and floral flavors for earlier drinking (See all ratings) - Spectator

2014 - The second year in a row when a wet, cool spring followed a very wet winter. Mid May saw temperatures soar, resulting in a regular and quick fruit set that seemed to promise an early harvest and generous yield. But the weather changed to cool and very wet from early July with some violent hailstorms, notably in the commune of Barolo, dashing all hopes of a great vintage. Quality is expected to be irregular, but those who dared to delay harvest were rewarded with a sound, if notably small, crop of Nebbiolo. Likely to be a light year with limited cellaring potential.

Question 22

What are the best vintages in Barolo and Barbaresco in the 2000s?

Answer 22

2008 - Overshadowed by the plush 2007 wines from a hot vintage, 2008’s austerity was not immediately recognised as the stuff great vintages are made of. Although not without challenges to the growers, a long and cool growing cycle resulted in healthy, thick-skinned Nebbiolo grapes full of extract and high sugar levels, balanced by great acidity. Although in most cases the tannins are still unyielding, these powerful wines have all the ingredients for a significant gain in complexity and depth over years to come.

2004 - Very promising with few extremes of weather and well-balanced wines.

2001 - Excellent quality (and quantity) from an early vintage slightly more in the voluptuous mould of 1999 and 1997 than particularly long-term. No shortage of ripeness or structure, but great balance overall.

Question 23

Describe the 1996-2001 vintages in Barolo and Barbaresco

Answer 23

All considered good to great

Question 24

What are the best vintages in the Northern Rhone in the 2010s

Answer 24

2017 - Very challenging climatic conditions – like the seven plagues of Egypt, according to Michel Chapoutier – nonetheless resulted in very promising quality, with high levels of concentration yet with fine natural balance among the Syrah. 2017 Seems to be the third good vintage in a row for the northern Rhône. Particularly strong for both colours of Hermitage.

2016 - Hail in April damaged some of the crop in Hermitage, meaning yields are reduced – though quality isn’t necessarily compromised. Indeed, there is a lot of enthusiasm for both reds and whites, despite some tricky weather throughout the year. Alcohol levels are in general slightly lower than in 2015.

2015 - Universally viewed as a vintage with top quality potential, although it has been overshadowed by the even better 2016 and 2017 vintages. Guigal will produce their special Condrieu cuvée Luminescence for only the third time (previous vintages were 1999 and 2003). For reds, maintaining freshness and avoiding over-extraction is the key to quality with such ripe fruit.

2010 - Low yields of exceptionally good quality. Hyped as one of the very best years in the northern Rhône – possibly the best in history – on early release, although some of the best names perhaps haven’t blossomed as you might have expected.

Question 25

What are the worst vintages on the 2010s in the Northern Rhone?

Answer 25

**2014** - A challenging growing season for reds in which grapes struggled to reach full maturity and particularly vigilant sorting was required thanks to the Drosophila suzukii fruit fly. A successful flowering resulted in a decent crop, swollen in many cases by rain during the summer and red wine harvest. Whites fared better and benefited from a late rush to maturity but retained good acid levels. With age, most reds appear relatively thin and unexciting. **2013** - Very promising reds which may well have excellent longevity. Despite a slow start and problems with mildew in June, the 2013 growing season came good with fine warm days and cool nights throughout the summer. Rain prompted a speedy harvest (one of the latest ever). Most whites are best enjoyed within the first five years, but the best reds could last for decades more.

Question 26

What are the best vintages of the 2000s in the Northern Rhone?

Answer 26

**2009** - Warmer and drier than average: volumes were down and harvest was early. Ripening was quick but complete, and quality looks to be very good. The reds are generally ageing well, and will reach their peak in the 2020s. **2005** - As successful as elsewhere in France. A long-term prospect which may rival 1990, it attracted high scores on release, but has shown some fallibility after a decade – although there’s no doubt that some great wines have been made. **2003** - Some exceptional heatwave wines with enormous concentration and good ageing potential, although it has been upstaged by 2005, 2016 and 2017.

Question 27

What are the worst vintages of the 2000s in the Northern Rhone?

Answer 27

**2008** - Lots of rain gave a disappointing and dilute vintage. Some producers opted not to make their top wines at all. Largely best to avoid. A very few examples have bucked the trend and aged rather well, but they are definitely the exception. **2002**- Poor weather at flowering dramatically reduced the potential crop and paved the way for a thoroughly horrid summer resulting in rotten, unripe grapes. Some growers declassified a large proportion of them although the odd late-picked bottling may surprise. Reds should have been drunk. Good white wines at the time though.

Question 28

What are the best vintages in 2010s in the Southern Rhone?

Answer 28

**2016** - According to Michel Chapoutier, 2016 could be better than 1990 in the southern Rhône – praise indeed. Warm conditions throughout the year along with reduced yields has resulted in wines of great concentration – in colour, tannin and flavour. Certainly one of the great vintages, for reds anyway. Should be a safe cellaring prospect into the 2030s. **2015** - Grenache suffered from coulure at flowering, meaning lower yields but the quality is extremely promising. Alcohol levels are likely to be higher than in the two previous vintages. Not likely to be as long-lived as the 2016s. **2010** - A very successful vintage, with precision and freshness allowing great expression of terroir. Equally outstanding for whites and reds. While both reds and whites were described as excellent on release, they perhaps haven’t matured as spectacularly as first expected.

Question 29

What are the best vintages in the Southern Rhone in the 2000s?

Answer 29

**2009** - Hot and dry throughout August, but decent levels of rainfall too, and plenty of wind to keep the vines healthy. Very satisfactory quality fruit at harvest. Impressive. Sometimes over-alcoholic. Ageing very well at ten years old, with the Beaucastels looking particularly impressive, and capable of lasting another ten years at least. **2007** - Very wet spring but the region had a much drier summer than most of the rest of France. Wines and tannins are very ripe. Most should be reaching their best in their teens. **2006** - Some very lusciously fruited wines have aged remarkably well, with many Châteauneuf-du-Papes capable of providing pleasure well into the 2020s. **2005** - Great concentration and potential coinciding with increasing consistency of winemaking quality, although with maturity, the supposedly inferior 2006 vintage is looking the better long-term prospect. **2001** - Lauded vintage, the result of a very hot, dry summer. An unusually prolonged mistral at the end of August resulted in thick-skinned berries and accentuated tannins. Later harvesting resulted in better balanced wines – especially in higher-yielding vineyards – but acid levels are dangerously low in some cases. Drink within the first 20 years.

Question 30

What are the worst vintages of Southern Rhone of 2000s?

Answer 30

**2008** - Quite gutless reds, thanks to the rain, and not worth drinking past their 10th birthday. **2002** - So wet that there was flood damage just before harvest. Much downgrading of fruit into humbler bottlings than usual. Definitely not a vintage for the cellar.

Question 31

What were the worst vintages of Southern Rhone of the 2010s?

Answer 31

**2014** - A relatively light vintage in terms of alcohol and phenolics, even if not in terms of quantity. A mild winter and wet early spring built up water reserves. The growing season started unusually early but a cool, wet summer put on the brakes so in the end the harvest was one of the latest ever and some red wine grapes struggled to reach full ripeness. Sorting was essential. Maturity doesn’t seem to be improving them either. **2013** - Coulure was this year’s bugbear for the vignerons of the Southern Rhône, drastically reducing the Grenache crop: 2013 Côtes du Rhône may well be in short supply. As is often the case where low yields are matched by careful selection, overall quality is good, but generally speaking for medium-term maturation only. **2011** - Reasonably good quality and good yields, but won't be as brilliant as the preceding two vintages. Often drying tannins. With age, even the best names seem to be under par.

Question 32

Describe the 2018 vintage in Champagne

Answer 32

2018 was a bumper year for champagne, with ample yields to compensate for the smaller 2017 vintage despite substantial losses to hail. Hopes are high that the generous ripeness of the raw material will translate into single-vintage releases in due course. Total acidities were relatively low. Enthusiast - 97 Advocate - 92 Spectator - NYR

Question 33

Describe the 2017 vintage in Champagne

Answer 33

Very tricky conditions, with a warm, humid autumn facilitating widespread grey rot throughout the region. The quality of Chardonnay was better than both Pinots, but whether any of them are released as single-vintage wines is by no means certain. Enthusiast - 95 Advocate - 87 Spectator - NYR

Question 34

Describe the 2016 vintage in Champagne

Answer 34

As happened widely across France, frost and hail conspired to lower the yields, and potential alcohol, in the Champagne region in 2016. Quality is generally above average, with Pinot Noir preferred to Chardonnay. The vintage is likely to be declared for several luxury cuvées, including Cristal and Comtes de Champagne. Enthusiast - 93 Advocate - 94 Spectator - 93-96 NYR

Question 35

Describe the 2015 vintage in Champagne

Answer 35

Very little disease pressure, thanks to dry, sunny conditions over the summer months – the driest on record. Rain arrived in the final week of harvest, but most grapes had already been gathered. The berries tended to be small but with good uniform ripeness, and potential alcohol levels were relatively high at harvest. Richness characterised the vintage, and Pinot Noir did particularly well. Some excellent vintage champagne should be produced. Enthusiast - 95 Advocate - 93 Spectator - 94-97 NYR

Question 36

Describe the 2014 vintage in Champagne

Answer 36

A warm, dry September saved the crop from a damper, cooler August. The resulting fruit has good levels of potential alcohol, indicating ample ripeness. Enthusiast - 93 Advocate - 95 Spectator - 93

Question 37

Describe the 2013 vintage in Champagne

Answer 37

Coming up on the outside lane in terms of qualty and longevity. A cool spring led to uneven ripening and one of the latest harvests in 20 years. Summer hail caused widespread damage in the summer months but overall the Champenois fared better than many of their compatriots. The vintage releases show great tension and will probably outlast the 2012s. Enthusiast - NV Advocate - 95 Spectator - 93

Question 38

Describe the 2012 vintage in Champagne

Answer 38

An exceptional vintage in Champagne. Despite low yields thanks to frost, hail and disease early in the season, August saw conditions improve dramatically resulting in exemplary maturity, acidity and grape health at harvest. Enthusiast - 98 Advocate - 96 Spectator - 95

Question 39

Describe the 2011 vintage in Champagne

Answer 39

Notable for its erratic growing season, which started warm and dry but then became cooler and wetter in June and July. Conditions improved briefly in August but the (early) harvest was problematic and the potential alcohol of the musts was the lowest for many years. Enthusiast - 91 Advocate - 87 Spectator - 79

Question 40

Describe the 2010 vintage in Champagne

Answer 40

A taxing year with dry conditions retarding grape development early in the season. When rain arrived in August it was torrential, causing widespread disease pressure. The return of dry conditions in September helped some producers over the line, but sorting in the vineyard and winery was crucial. Enthusiast - 90 Advocate - 89 Spectator - 88

Question 41

Describe the 2009 vintage in Champagne

Answer 41

After early complications a superb summer produced a clean crop of high quality, with particularly good Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims. Wines are plump and were approachable quite early on. Enthusiast - 94 Advocate - 92 Spectator - 93

Question 42

Describe the 2008 vintage in Champagne

Answer 42

Initially a difficult, damp year with widespread mildew; drier conditions in August and a fine, warm September proved many producers’ saving grace. Classically styled wines with fresh acidity balanced by sound ripeness achieved late in the season. Regarded as a standout vintage - until 2012 and 2013 arrived. Enthusiast - 97 Advocate - 99 Spectator - 97

Question 43

What were the best vintages in Champagne in 2010s

Answer 43

**2012** - An exceptional vintage in Champagne. Despite low yields thanks to frost, hail and disease early in the season, August saw conditions improve dramatically resulting in exemplary maturity, acidity and grape health at harvest. **2015** Very little disease pressure, thanks to dry, sunny conditions over the summer months – the driest on record. Rain arrived in the final week of harvest, but most grapes had already been gathered. The berries tended to be small but with good uniform ripeness, and potential alcohol levels were relatively high at harvest. Richness characterised the vintage, and Pinot Noir did particularly well. Some excellent vintage champagne should be produced. **2016** - As happened widely across France, frost and hail conspired to lower the yields, and potential alcohol, in the Champagne region in 2016. Quality is generally above average, with Pinot Noir preferred to Chardonnay. The vintage is likely to be declared for several luxury cuvées, including Cristal and Comtes de Champagne. 2017/2018 have potential. Jancis doesn't like 17

Question 44

What were the worst vintages in Champagne in 2010s?

Answer 44

**2013** - Coming up on the outside lane in terms of qualty and longevity. A cool spring led to uneven ripening and one of the latest harvests in 20 years. Summer hail caused widespread damage in the summer months but overall the Champenois fared better than many of their compatriots. The vintage releases show great tension and will probably outlast the 2012s. **2011** - Notable for its erratic growing season, which started warm and dry but then became cooler and wetter in June and July. Conditions improved briefly in August but the (early) harvest was problematic and the potential alcohol of the musts was the lowest for many years. ---- Spectator gave this vintage 79

Question 45

What were the best vintages in Champagne the 2000s?

Answer 45

**2008** - Initially a difficult, damp year with widespread mildew; drier conditions in August and a fine, warm September proved many producers’ saving grace. Classically styled wines with fresh acidity balanced by sound ripeness achieved late in the season. Regarded as a standout vintage - until 2012 and 2013 arrived. **2004** - Unusually, quality and quantity were both hallmarks of 2004. Structured, well-balanced wines which have exceeded expectation. **2002** - A magnificent vintage for champagne with near-perfect growing conditions, capped by fine dry weather at harvest. Ageworthy wines with plush fruit held in check by keen acidity.

Question 46

What are the worst vintage in Champagne in 2000s?

Answer 46

**2001** - A generally poor vintage characterised by rot and underripeness thanks to a wet and gloomy September. **2003** - Spring frosts followed by one of the hottest summers on record led to small volumes and typically very ripe wines of middling quality. Some fine Pinot Noir-dominant blends.

Question 47

What are the best Champagne vintages of the 90s?

Answer 47

**1996** 1995 1990

Question 48

Describe the 2018 vintage for White Burgundy

Answer 48

After plentiful rain and a perfect flowering an exceptional quantity of grapes were picked pretty early after the long hot summer. They yielded a surprising amount of juice but, generally, no lack of concentration. The unexpectedly crisp wines charmed early tasters. It remains to be seen how they will age. Enthusiast - 94 Advocate - 91 Spectator - 92

Question 49

Describe the 2017 vintage for White Burgundy

Answer 49

Chablis suffered greatly from frost in 2017, resulting in very reduced volumes. As ever, the irony seems to be that what remains is very good quality, as it is in the Côte d’Or. Cooler nights across the region have resulted in higher-than-usual acidity, with good conditions throughout the harvest season allowing for ripe, healthy fruit. Enthusiast - 94/95 Advocate - 97 Spectator - 94

Question 50

Describe the 2016 vintage for White Burgundy

Answer 50

Damaging hailstorms and frost meant that yields are down across the region, by as much as 50% in Chablis. However, what remains is considered good quality in a classic style – that is, without any particular extremes of acid, alcohol, body or fruit concentration. Enthusiast - 95/93 Advocate - 87 Spectator - 92

Question 51

Describe the 2015 vintage for White Burgundy

Answer 51

An early vintage with a very warm, dry summer. Chablis was affected by hail in early September, damaging 300 hectares of vineyard. Lower acidity levels make the wines richer but less precise than the 2014s. Enthusiast - 95/95 Advocate - 94 Spectator - 95

Question 52

Describe the 2014 vintage for White Burgundy

Answer 52

Rather promising wines have emerged from a season that started unusually early after a mild winter and usefully wet early March followed by a very dry spring. Weather during flowering was almost too hot and dry. A cool, damp summer slowed ripening so that a fair quantity of grapes with good acid levels were picked at the usual time. Enthusiast - 95/96 Advocate - 97 Spectator - 96

Question 53

Describe the 2013 vintage for White Burgundy

Answer 53

A disappointment to Burgundy’s Chardonnay growers who had hoped for higher volumes than 2012. Instead, a short crop thanks to the cold spring was diminished still further by the careful fruit selection required after an erratic summer. All in all, producers intent on quality have acquitted themselves well. Enthusiast - 90/94 Advocate - 90 Spectator - 90

Question 54

Describe the 2012 vintage for White Burgundy

Answer 54

Produced very low volumes of Chardonnay in Burgundy. What there is, however, is being welcomed with cautious enthusiasm. As with the reds, poor quality was expected after such challenging weather conditions, but the first tastings indicated the wines are very good. A triumph against adversity, perhaps? Enthusiast - 95/95 Advocate - 92 Spectator - 92

Question 55

Describe the 2011 vintage for White Burgundy

Answer 55

Less ripe than the previous two vintages, needing chaptalisation in many cases. Chaotic weather made this a tricky growing season overall but the resulting wines tune out well balanced with both fruit and definition. Enthusiast - 94/94 Advocate - 91 Spectator - 92

Question 56

Describe the 2010 vintage for White Burgundy

Answer 56

High acidity, after the more opulent style of the 2009s. A small, ripe crop – although a storm in early September did produce some rot, so sorting was crucial – as ever. Enthusiast - 96/96 Advocate - 94 Spectator - 93

Question 57

What are the best White Burgundy vintages in 2010s?

Answer 57

**2016** - Damaging hailstorms and frost meant that yields are down across the region, by as much as 50% in Chablis. However, what remains is considered good quality in a classic style – that is, without any particular extremes of acid, alcohol, body or fruit concentration. **2014** - Rather promising wines have emerged from a season that started unusually early after a mild winter and usefully wet early March followed by a very dry spring. Weather during flowering was almost too hot and dry. A cool, damp summer slowed ripening so that a fair quantity of grapes with good acid levels were picked at the usual time. **2012** - Produced very low volumes of Chardonnay in Burgundy. What there is, however, is being welcomed with cautious enthusiasm. As with the reds, poor quality was expected after such challenging weather conditions, but the first tastings indicated the wines are very good. A triumph against adversity, perhaps? **2010** - High acidity, after the more opulent style of the 2009s. A small, ripe crop – although a storm in early September did produce some rot, so sorting was crucial – as ever.

Question 58

What are the worst vintages for White Burgundy in the 2010s?

Answer 58

**2013** A disappointment to Burgundy’s Chardonnay growers who had hoped for higher volumes than 2012. Instead, a short crop thanks to the cold spring was diminished still further by the careful fruit selection required after an erratic summer. All in all, producers intent on quality have acquitted themselves well.

Question 59

What are the best vintages for White Burgundy in 2000s?

Answer 59

**2009** Good, healthy and high quality across the region. Warm conditions and fairly large yields have given balanced grapes, and most agree 2009 whites are at least on a par with 2005. **2008** Challenging climatic conditions abounded throughout the season, leading to high acidity that gives these whites a particular freshness. Challenging, then, but as ever the best producers have made some spectacular wines. **2005** Very concentrated wines that should last much longer than most white burgundy vintages. Promising indeed. **2002** Good quality and quantity.

Question 60

Describe the 2018 vintage for Red Burgundy?

Answer 60

A usefully wet winter preceded a very hot summer. This heatwave vintage at last produced relatively generous volumes. The fruit ripened to such a reliable extent that distinctions between climat and even quality levels seemed a little blurred in some cases, so this is a vintage where village and even regional wines are worth exploring. Juicy, generally fruity, flattering wines with a question mark over their potential for ageing. Enthusiast - 95/94 Advocate - 93/94 Spectator - 93/92

Question 61

Describe the 2017 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 61

Like Alsace, most of Burgundy celebrated a bounteous harvest in 2017, in contrast to much of frost-stricken France (and unlucky Chablis). A relatively early harvest has resulted in fruity reds with moderate acidity and soft tannins. Some optimists made tentative comparisons to 2002 or 1999. Regardless of quality, the growers were certainly happy with the yields. Enthusiast - 96/95 Advocate - 93/92 Spectator - 94/93

Question 62

Describe the 2016 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 62

Hail, frost and mildew all made 2016 an extremely difficult year for makers of red burgundy. Yields were universally low, and the fruit had less concentration than in 2015. Beyond that, generalisations are impossible due to the complicated meteorological patterns throughout the year, creating very varied conditions in each sub-region. Enthusiast - 94/93 Advocate - 97/92 Spectator - 97/94

Question 63

Describe the 2015 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 63

Low yields and warm weather allowed for ample ripeness, small berries and an early harvest. Quality is looking extremely fine, with some people whispering comparisons with the outstanding 2005 vintage. Acid levels in individual wines may be crucial. Enthusiast - 98/96 Advocate - 98/96 Spectator - 98/95

Question 64

Describe the 2014 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 64

An unusually mild winter (this was the year of the Asian fruit fly) preceded an unusually early start to the season. Flowering took place in settled conditions and all seemed set fair for a year of good quantity at last, and an early harvest. Except that the summer was miserably cool and wet (and a dramatic hailstorm on 28 June wreaked havoc on the Côte de Beaune for the third year running) so that growers needed every ray of sunshine in a fine September to recoup their losses. Wines are relatively light. Enthusiast - 95/91 Advocate - 92/91 Spectator - 95/92

Question 65

Describe the 2013 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 65

A frigid spring delayed flowering and led to uneven ripening. Producers battled with hail (particularly in the Côte de Beaune) and summer downpours, but, despite the naysaying, a drier September allowed a small crop of balanced fruit with good potential. Enthusiast - 92/90 Advocate - 92/89 Spectator - 92/89

Question 66

Describe the 2012 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 66

Blighted by rot, as a damp summer across Europe made conditions hard for vignerons, with mildew a particular problem. The weather was erratic and bizarre, with heatwaves, hail, a cold spring, thunderstorms and all manner of meteorological mischief. The net results are very low volumes of variable quality – but overall vignerons are surprised and delighted by what resulted. One hallmark of 2012 looks to be soft tannins. Enthusiast - 94/90 Advocate - 95/91 Spectator - 95/91

Question 67

Describe the 2011 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 67

Disappointing quality was expected from this early season plagued by summer rain but the wines turned out surprisingly well and a tasting of top wines in 2022 was very encouraging even if 2010 may be more consistent. Enthusiast - 91/92 Advocate - 91/90 Spectator - 91/90

Question 68

Describe the 2010 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 68

A return to the high acid norm after 2009, and some very good quality – especially in the Côte de Nuits – but volumes up to a third lower than average. Enthusiast - 95/94 Advocate - 96/94 Spectator - 94/91

Question 69

Describe the 2009 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 69

Finally, the Burgundians enjoyed a comparatively dry growing season with consistent warmth and no early season hail damage. Low acidity and ripe tannins should make these reds drinkable early. Enthusiast - 97/95 Advocate - 95/95 Spectator - 95/93

Question 70

Describe the 2005 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 70

As in Bordeaux, a quite exceptionally good vintage, although many wines may go through a prolonged stage of chewy adolescence. Enthusiast - 96/95 Advocate - 98/96 Spectator - 98/95

Question 71

Describe the 2002 vintage for Red Burgundy

Answer 71

Good vintage. Summer was not especially hot, though it was reasonably dry. Sugar levels were boosted in September but some grapes were adversely affected by scattered rains then. Sugar levels were quite respectable in the end and most wines showed their charms at an early stage. Enthusiast - 97/96 Advocate - 94/92 Spectator - 96/92

Question 72

What are the best vintages for Red Burgundy in the 2010s?

Answer 72

**2019** **2017** - Like Alsace, most of Burgundy celebrated a bounteous harvest in 2017, in contrast to much of frost-stricken France (and unlucky Chablis). A relatively early harvest has resulted in fruity reds with moderate acidity and soft tannins. Some optimists made tentative comparisons to 2002 or 1999. Regardless of quality, the growers were certainly happy with the yields. **2015** - Low yields and warm weather allowed for ample ripeness, small berries and an early harvest. Quality is looking extremely fine, with some people whispering comparisons with the outstanding 2005 vintage. Acid levels in individual wines may be crucial. **2010** - A return to the high acid norm after 2009, and some very good quality – especially in the Côte de Nuits – but volumes up to a third lower than average.

Question 73

What are the worst vintages for Red Burgundy in the 2010s?

Answer 73

**2013** - A frigid spring delayed flowering and led to uneven ripening. Producers battled with hail (particularly in the Côte de Beaune) and summer downpours, but, despite the naysaying, a drier September allowed a small crop of balanced fruit with good potential. **2011** - Disappointing quality was expected from this early season plagued by summer rain but the wines turned out surprisingly well and a tasting of top wines in 2022 was very encouraging even if 2010 may be more consistent. Like 2004, considered "green" or pyrazinic, which some blame ladybugs.

Question 74

What are the best vintages for Red Burgundy in 2000s?

Answer 74

**2009** - Finally, the Burgundians enjoyed a comparatively dry growing season with consistent warmth and no early season hail damage. Low acidity and ripe tannins should make these reds drinkable early. **2005** - As in Bordeaux, a quite exceptionally good vintage, although many wines may go through a prolonged stage of chewy adolescence. **2002** - Good vintage. Summer was not especially hot, though it was reasonably dry. Sugar levels were boosted in September but some grapes were adversely affected by scattered rains then. Sugar levels were quite respectable in the end and most wines showed their charms at an early stage.

Question 75

What are the worst vintages for Red Burgundy of the 2000s?

Answer 75

**2007** - A dank summer led to rotten Pinot Noir grapes and the need for extremely strict selection. The vintage is unlikely to notch up record scores. **2004** - Large vintage of far from flashy but pretty serviceable and certainly good value wines. Relatively light and crisp, for early drinking though the best may surprise in the long run. This is considered the "ladybug" or pyrazine vintage. **2001** - Wet summer with some heat spikes. As for red bordeaux from this vintage, a gentle hand was needed in the winery to retain delicacy and not emphasize the already notable tannins. Quite varied quality. Wines from low-yielding grapes will provide exciting long-term drinking but others are gawky. August hail in Volnay. **2000** - A difficult vintage for growers, with rain and rot during harvest. Rather soft, easy wines that were more successful in the Côte de Nuits than in much of the Côte de Beaune. Useful early drinking but showing signs of losing fruit by 2008.

Question 76

Describe the 2021 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 76

A warm spring encouraged early budbreak followed by sometimes devastating frost in early April. Very small crop and a cool, damp growing season beset by problems, with Merlot a particular casualty of downy mildew but some communes and estates dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon produced lightish but very satisfying wines. St-Estèphe seems to have been notably successful but this was a very, very different vintage from the warm, ripe years that preceded it. Alcohol levels were back down to about 13% and some chaptalisation and concentration was employed for the first time in many years. The optical sorters came into their own. Right/Left Enthusiast - 94/95 Advocate - NYR Spectator - NYR

Question 77

Describe the 2020 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 77

A particularly early growing season characterised by heatwaves and drought - and some downy mildew pressure in June - until mid August when thunderstorms played a (sometimes usefully diluting) part in the northern Médoc. Merlot was picked in ideal conditions in early September but then the weather turned cool and particulatry damp so some Cabernet Sauvignon had to be picked before absolutely perfect ripeness. Small grapes meant lots of tannin, and a relatively small crop. In November 2022 the wines were appealing but some seemed a little too sweet for the acid levels. Right/Left Enthusiast - 95/97 Advocate - NYR Spectator - 92/93

Question 78

Describe the 2019 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 78

This was a pretty wonderful vintage for producers, with quantities slightly reduced by cool weather at flowering, until the time came to launch the primeurs in a pandemic. The wines, generally pretty consistent, were clearly made from fully ripe grapes with a good charge of tannins but also, considering how hot and dry the summer was, with a surprising degree of freshness. Price reductions led to a surprisingly successful primeur campaign. The wines shone in a blind retasting in January 2023 and the vintage was voted by tasters the best in the previous 10 years. See this guide to our coverage. Enthusiast - 95/98 Advocate - 96/96 Spectator - 92/93

Question 79

Describe the 2018 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 79

A year of extremes with a very wet winter and spring, very damaging hail in some areas, severe down mildew threats in most. A very hot, and dry, summer and autumn allowed vignerons to decide on their own harvest dates. Powerful, deep-coloured wines with no shortage of (generally well-managed) tannins suggest this may be one of the region’s longer-lived vintages. Enthusiast - 95/97 Advocate - 94/94 Spectator - 94/96

Question 80

Describe the 2017 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 80

Frost is the major headline for Bordeaux in 2017, resulting in the lowest yield in over 25 years across the region. What was left of the crop had very mixed fortunes. The top appellations in the Médoc generally fared well, while the right bank had much more variable ripeness levels. Even though some very good wines were made, and quantities were limited, this is a vintage that failed to sell well en primeur but provided pleasant drinking relatively early. Enthusiast - 94/96 Advocate - 90/91 Spectator - 93/91

Question 81

Describe the 2016 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 81

The quality of red Bordeaux in 2016 was universally lauded – although the response to the en primeur campaign was muted. Quantity was high too, with the equivalent of 770 million bottles of wine produced. An exceptionally dry summer with cool nights eventually, thanks to mid September rain, resulted in small, thick-skinned, ripe grapes, and the wines are marked by high tannin and acidity, with superb aromatic fragrance. This is without doubt one of the finest recent Bordeaux vintages but may lack a little of 2019's freshness and intricacy. Enthusiast - 97/98 Advocate - 97/97 Spectator - 94/97

Question 82

Describe the 2015 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 82

Would this vintage adhere to Jancis’ rule of five, whereby any vintage divisible by five is of good quality? It seems so, with particularly healthy, uniform fruit at harvest. A generous flowering and hot, dry early summer was followed by a slighty cooler, damper August. Harvest was generally earlier than in 2014. Optimists were already calling it the best vintage since 2010 with early reports favouring the right bank. With time in bottle the tannins became a little more insistent and it began to be overshadowed by 2016. Enthusiast - 97/98 Advocate - 95/94 Spectator - 97/94

Question 83

Describe the 2014 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 83

Exceptionally cool, damp July and August but the vintage was saved by an unusually dry, warm September and October that (just about) ripened the grapes though autumn concentration has resulted in relatively high-acid wines. Reds have fragrance, medium body and supple tannins but are not for long term cellaring. A vintage for drinking rather than investing in, and one that is in danger of being overlooked in favour of the more glamorous 2105. Enthusiast - 95/94 Advocate - 93/94 Spectator - 91/93

Question 84

Describe the 2013 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 84

A universally poor vintage, beset by uneven ripening and dilution. Rot forced relatively early picking. Even at their best, the wines are pretty light – though perhaps a benefit of this is lower alcohol levels, as compared with some of the 15% bruisers of recent years. The best of a bad lot can be found in Pomerol, St-Julien and St-Estèphe. At 10 years old the wines were almost universally disappointing and should certainly not be kept. Enthusiast - 87/88 Advocate - 83/80 Spectator - 86/84

Question 85

Describe the 2012 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 85

Tricky across many European wine regions, and none more so than Bordeaux. Generally speaking, it was a wet, late year with a hot mid-summer. Bad weather in October compromised quality at the crucial moment, meaning that the earlier-ripening Merlot-based reds were less adversely affected. Making good Cabernet-based wine was achievable, but only by those who had the resources for micro-management in the vineyard. Top properties made small quantities of outstanding wines that were drinking well at 10 years old but most have a lack of depth and persistence. Enthusiast - 90/90 Advocate -93/91 Spectator - 90/88

Question 86

Describe the 2011 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 86

Generalisations are difficult in this variable year, but there is agreement that quality is back down to earth after the excitement of 2009 and 2010, with lower alcohol and generally higher tannins too. A forgettable year. Enthusiast - 90/91 Advocate - 88/87 Spectator - 91/91

Question 87

Describe the 2010 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 87

Another stellar vintage, with higher tannin and more freshness than 2009 but comparable intensity. More appealing to classical palates than the 2009s and likely to last well, but in retrospect the wines were overpriced on release. Enthusiast - 97/100 Advocate - 96/98 Spectator - 98/99

Question 88

Describe the 2009 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 88

'Vintage of the decade/century'? This growing season seemed to have it all. A long, fine, warm summer but, crucially, with refreshing nights to help retain acidity. Dramatically ripe, voluptuous wines, especially on the left bank. As with the 2010s, prices were inflated by sudden (and temporary) demand from China. A vintage likely to be compared often with 2010 and to lack a bit of structure compared to the subsequent vintage. Enthusiast - 96/97 Advocate - 98/98 Spectator - 96/97

Question 89

Describe the 2008 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 89

Another ungenerous summer saved by some better weather at the end of the season. Yet again, those properties at the top of the tree managed to field enough good fruit to salvage some pretty impressive grand vin but life was increasingly tough lower down the food chain. Enthusiast - 92/93 Advocate - 94/91 Spectator - 88/87

Question 90

Describe the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 90

Textbook perfection during the growing season in all respects other than price. Best kept for many a year. Quite marked tannins are too marked in some wines, notably the more modernistic St-Émilions, in which the then-prevailing fashion for extraction was taken to the limit. Enthusiast - 98/100 Advocate - 97/96 Spectator - 97/98

Question 91

Describe the 2001 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 91

Extremely varied, large crop which depended on crop-thinning and extremely careful selection to produce exceptional wines. Hot August was followed by dangerously wet September, which sometimes resulted in dilute Merlots and tart Cabernets. Some good value to be found here, and with time the 2001s showed better and better – especially on the right bank where it can be superior to 2000. Enthusiast - 95/96 Advocate - 90/89 Spectator - 89/90

Question 92

Describe the 2000 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 92

Nature's benevolence coincided with the commercial imperative to have a good vintage in this numerically exceptional year. Great consistency and balance. The petits châteaux represented some of Bordeaux’s best value for many years though most are ready to drink or even starting to decline. The best wines should last well into their second or even third decades. Enthusiast - 97/96 Advocate - 96/96 Spectator - 93/95

Question 93

Describe the 1998 vintage in Bordeaux

Answer 93

Very good on the right bank but a less starry performance in the Médoc, whose 1998s are a bit stolid, means that these wines, and their equally successful counterparts in Graves have tended to be overlooked. Enthusiast - 92/90 Advocate - 96/89 Spectator - 95/88

Question 94

What are the best Bordeaux vintages of the 2010s?

Answer 94

**2019** - This was a pretty wonderful vintage for producers, with quantities slightly reduced by cool weather at flowering, until the time came to launch the primeurs in a pandemic. The wines, generally pretty consistent, were clearly made from fully ripe grapes with a good charge of tannins but also, considering how hot and dry the summer was, with a surprising degree of freshness. Price reductions led to a surprisingly successful primeur campaign. The wines shone in a blind retasting in January 2023 and the vintage was voted by tasters the best in the previous 10 years. See this guide to our coverage. **2018** - A year of extremes with a very wet winter and spring, very damaging hail in some areas, severe down mildew threats in most. A very hot, and dry, summer and autumn allowed vignerons to decide on their own harvest dates. Powerful, deep-coloured wines with no shortage of (generally well-managed) tannins suggest this may be one of the region’s longer-lived vintages. **2016** - The quality of red Bordeaux in 2016 was universally lauded – although the response to the en primeur campaign was muted. Quantity was high too, with the equivalent of 770 million bottles of wine produced. An exceptionally dry summer with cool nights eventually, thanks to mid September rain, resulted in small, thick-skinned, ripe grapes, and the wines are marked by high tannin and acidity, with superb aromatic fragrance. This is without doubt one of the finest recent Bordeaux vintages but may lack a little of 2019's freshness and intricacy. **2015** - Would this vintage adhere to Jancis’ rule of five, whereby any vintage divisible by five is of good quality? It seems so, with particularly healthy, uniform fruit at harvest. A generous flowering and hot, dry early summer was followed by a slighty cooler, damper August. Harvest was generally earlier than in 2014. Optimists were already calling it the best vintage since 2010 with early reports favouring the right bank. With time in bottle the tannins became a little more insistent and it began to be overshadowed by 2016. **2010** - Another stellar vintage, with higher tannin and more freshness than 2009 but comparable intensity. More appealing to classical palates than the 2009s and likely to last well, but in retrospect the wines were overpriced on release.

Question 95

What are the worst vintages of the 2010s in Bordeaux?

Answer 95

**2013** - A universally poor vintage, beset by uneven ripening and dilution. Rot forced relatively early picking. Even at their best, the wines are pretty light – though perhaps a benefit of this is lower alcohol levels, as compared with some of the 15% bruisers of recent years. The best of a bad lot can be found in Pomerol, St-Julien and St-Estèphe. At 10 years old the wines were almost universally disappointing and should certainly not be kept. **2012** - Tricky across many European wine regions, and none more so than Bordeaux. Generally speaking, it was a wet, late year with a hot mid-summer. Bad weather in October compromised quality at the crucial moment, meaning that the earlier-ripening Merlot-based reds were less adversely affected. Making good Cabernet-based wine was achievable, but only by those who had the resources for micro-management in the vineyard. Top properties made small quantities of outstanding wines that were drinking well at 10 years old but most have a lack of depth and persistence. **2011** - Generalisations are difficult in this variable year, but there is agreement that quality is back down to earth after the excitement of 2009 and 2010, with lower alcohol and generally higher tannins too. A forgettable year.

Question 96

What are the best vintages in Bordeaux of 2000s?

Answer 96

**2010** - Another stellar vintage, with higher tannin and more freshness than 2009 but comparable intensity. More appealing to classical palates than the 2009s and likely to last well, but in retrospect the wines were overpriced on release. **2009** - 'Vintage of the decade/century'? This growing season seemed to have it all. A long, fine, warm summer but, crucially, with refreshing nights to help retain acidity. Dramatically ripe, voluptuous wines, especially on the left bank. As with the 2010s, prices were inflated by sudden (and temporary) demand from China. A vintage likely to be compared often with 2010 and to lack a bit of structure compared to the subsequent vintage. **2005** - Textbook perfection during the growing season in all respects other than price. Best kept for many a year. Quite marked tannins are too marked in some wines, notably the more modernistic St-Émilions, in which the then-prevailing fashion for extraction was taken to the limit. **2001** - Extremely varied, large crop which depended on crop-thinning and extremely careful selection to produce exceptional wines. Hot August was followed by dangerously wet September, which sometimes resulted in dilute Merlots and tart Cabernets. Some good value to be found here, and with time the 2001s showed better and better – especially on the right bank where it can be superior to 2000. **2000** - Nature's benevolence coincided with the commercial imperative to have a good vintage in this numerically exceptional year. Great consistency and balance. The petits châteaux represented some of Bordeaux’s best value for many years though most are ready to drink or even starting to decline. The best wines should last well into their second or even third decades.

Question 97

What are the worst Bordeaux vintages in 2000s?

Answer 97

**2007** - An extremely difficult year for growers, with rampant mildew, not enough sun, too much rain until September. Thanks to an arsenal of modern techniques, not least rigorous selection, those who could afford it managed to make attractive wines for relatively early drinking but high prices left the primeur market as flat as a pancake. **2003** - Exceptional heatwave resulted in many raisined grapes and uncomfortably dry tannins. A handful of stunning wines for the long term but most are probably best drunk while the bloom of youth can distract from that dryness. **2002** - Smallish crop dogged by an uneven flowering and a grey, humid summer which meant uneven ripeness in far-from-uniformly healthy grapes. Growers concentrated on the rescue effect of pretty fine weather from 9 September. The wines are correct and, in a 21st-century context, are not expensive, but they may not last all that long.

Question 98

2021 Good? Bad?

Answer 98

**Good** - Austrian Whites - German Whites - Piedmont - NZ PN - Barossa Shiraz - Coonawarra Cab **Bad** - Chilean

Question 99

2020 Good? Bad?

Answer 99

**Good** - NZ - German Whites - White Burgundy - Bordeaux - Champagne **Bad** - Chile - Napa Cab

Question 100

2019 Good? Bad?

Answer 100

**Good** - Germany - Austria - Bordeax - Red & White Burgundy - Beaujolais - Northern Rhone - Champagne **Bad** - Chile

Question 101

2018 Good? Bad?

Answer 101

**Good** - Port - Bordeaux - Beaujolais - Washington - Australia (Clare Valley and Western Australia Cab/Chard) - Champagne **Bad** - NZ (Marlborough) - Spain - Piedmont

Question 102

2017 Good? Bad?

Answer 102

**Good** - Clare Valley - Yarra Pinot - South Africa - Bordeaux - Red Burgundy - Beaujolais **Bad** - Tuscany - Spain - Port - Chile

Question 103

2016 Good? Bad?

Answer 103

**Good** - Bordeaux - Southern Rhone - Loire White - Piedmont - Brunello - Spain - Port - Clare Valley - California **Bad** - Hunter Valley - Chile - Argentina

Question 104

2016 Good? Bad?

Answer 104

**Good** - Bordeaux - Northern Rhone - Southern Rhone - Loire White - Piedmont - Brunello - Spain - Port - Clare Valley **Bad** - Hunter Valley - Chile - Argentina

Question 105

2015 Good? Bad?

Answer 105

**Good** - Bordeaux - Red Burgundy - Beaujolais - Northern Rhone - Southern Rhone - Loire - Mosel - Port **Bad** - Hunter Valley - Argentina

Question 106

2014 Good? Bad?

Answer 106

**Good** - White Burgundy - Hunter Valley Semillon - Hawke's Bay - Napa Cab - Port - Loire Whites **Bad** - Spain - Port - Argentina - Chile - Marlborough SB - Yarra Valley PN - Southern Rhone

Question 107

2013 Good? Bad?

Answer 107

**Good** - Hawke's Bay **Bad** - South Africa - Chile - Spain - Port - Bordeaux - Southern Rhone - Loire - Champagne

Question 108

2012 Good? Bad?

Answer 108

**Good** - Champagne - Barossa/McLaren Shiraz - Anderson Valley Pinot Noir **Bad** - Beaujolais - Sauternes/Barsac - NZ - Chile - Argentina

Question 109

2011 Good? Bad?

Answer 109

**Good** - Port **Bad** - Australia - Chile - Argentina - California (sleeper)

Question 110

2010 Good? Bad?

Answer 110

**Good** - Piedmont - Tuscany - Bordeaux - White Burgundy - Southern Rhone **Bad** - California - Oregon - Chile - Argentina

Question 111

2009 Good? Bad?

Answer 111

**Good** - Port - Bordeaux - Beaujolais **Bad** - Argentina - Chile - California

Question 112

2008 Good? Bad?

Answer 112

**Good** - Champagne **Bad** - Spain - Northern Rhone - Southern Rhone - California - NZ - Chile - Argentina

Question 113

2007 Good? Bad?

Answer 113

**Good** - RRV Pinot Noir - Germany - Brunello - Southern Rhone **Bad** - Bordeaux - Red Burgundy - Spain - Australia - Argentina - Oregon

Question 114

2006 Good? Bad?

Answer 114

**Good** - Brunello - Southern Rhone **Bad** - Spain - Loire - California

Question 115

2005 Good? Bad?

Answer 115

**Good** - Bordeaux - White and Red Bordeaux **Bad** - Argentina - Piedmont

Question 116

2004 Good? Bad?

Answer 116

**Good** - Piedmont **Bad** - NZ

Question 117

2003 Good? Bad?

Answer 117

**Good** - Port **Bad** - California - Oregon - Australia - NZ - Spain - Piedmont - Bordeaux

Question 118

2002 Good? Bad?

Answer 118

**Good** - Red and White Burgundy - Champagne - RRV Chardonnay **Bad** - Oregon - Spain - Port - Austria - ITALY - Bordeaux

Question 119

2001 Good? Bad?

Answer 119

**Good** - Bordeaux - Piedmont - Tuscany - Napa Cab **Bad** - Oregon - NZ - Argentina - Port - Red Burgundy

Question 120

2000? Good? Bad?

Answer 120

**Good** - Bordeaux **Bad** - California - Washington - NZ - Argentina - Spain - Germany - Sauternes/Barsac - Red and White Burgundy - Rhone (Northern and Southern)