How widespread is the bad 2002 harvest?

Steve Timko wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@news.sf.sbcglobal.net:

2002 was great in the Loire Valley, specially for whites. All the Burgundy I have tasted has been more than nice, no matter if they were white or red.

I have also tasted several 2002 red Bordeaux and, while the less famous properties have shown green notes and lack of maturity, good properties have done quite well. Actually, I have purchased some, that will drink sooner than those in bigger vintages.

In Spain, I have also found lack of character in many wines but 50% of the crop (specially the south part) did not change much from dry years. It was quite bad in Ribera del Duero and, to a lesser extent, in Rioja. Since wine prices do not change with good or bad vintages in Spain, I still prefer to buy 2001s instead of 2002s.

Best,

S.

I opened a 2002 Argiolas cannonou (Sardinia) last night. Superb!

Steve Timko wrote:

As far as German wines are concerned it was a very good year and in some cases better than 01. Good producers in the Mosel and Rhiengau made some outstanding wines.

Salut/Hi Mike Tommasi,

le/on Thu, 29 Sep 2005 09:58:04 +0200, tu disais/you said:-

SHUSH, the more people make such generalisations, the better chance there is to get bargains.

How's Lord St. Helier? Did you let him sleep in your cellar?

Salut/Hi Mike Tommasi,

le/on Sat, 01 Oct 2005 13:04:42 +0200, tu disais/you said:-

He seemed to be suitably amused by the brief visit. At least he's talking about coming back! And no, I did NOT let him sleep in my cellar, the gravel wouldn't have done much for Kathryn's back!

We had some agreeable meals and pleasant picnics and I even started training him to notice mushrooms in fields as we drove past! The Esk Valley Terraces he brought was magnificent and he seemed to like the burgundies we served - at least he was polite about them, which is uncharacteristic! We've got "Sojourner" coming for a night tomorrow, which should be fun. The French onion soup and Terrine de Campagne are ready and the magrets and tarte tatin (I didn't do one for his lawdship) ought to please, with luck.

IIRC, there isn't much room on the floor in there anyway. Besides, would you think it safe to leave him alone in there with all that fine wine? ;^)

The Esk Valley Terraces

So I've gathered from exchanges on this NG. Rather feisty chap, sounds like - although I've never met him in person. Perhaps a trip to NZ is in order for yours truly. OTOH, perhaps he (and his S.O.) will show up here first.

We've got

I'm _envious_, and wishing I were there too. Bon Apetit to all!

Tom S

P.S. - Just to drag this back on topic, the 2002 harvest here in California was very good, so the "bad 2002 harvest" isn't all that widespread. :^)

Let me know when you'll be in the Los Angeles area so I can have the red carpet laundered. :^)

Tom S