In today's New York Times, Eric Asimov has written a VERY insightful article about vintages and the "hype" that surrounds them. Over the past decade we, the wine lovers of the world, have been blessed by a string of really good vintages across the world. Yet as more and more people begin to focus only on those "pointed" years vintages that are good, get over looked. It is here where those of us who drink our wine for pleasure and not for points need to be looking for those wines to have wine dinner and share with friends tonight, tomorrow or next week. There is no doubt that great vintages are worth buying but those wines are generally not for immediate consumption. Late last year saw the release of 2005 Bordeaux and Burgundy. These wines ARE legendary, amazing, but are very expensive and not ready to drink. Yet if you look to 2001 Bordeaux and 2004 Burgundy you will finds wines from really good vintages that are tasting great and will offer a great value.

Below is the link to Mr. Asimov's article. It is a must read for all wine drinkers. So as you go out and buy wine, think, "Am I going to have this tonight or in 15 years?"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/dining/13pour.html?_r=1&ref=dining&oref=slogin

Cheers!