Re: TN: Bordeaux (& Burgs, Austrian SB, etc) at Triomphe

Michael, Can you tell me what '04 in Austria is looking like? Any regions really stick out? I've liked a variety of '03s, but in almost every case if I had the same wine in '02, I preferred the 2002.

Very good in Burgenland, rather late in other regions except Thermenregion.

Wait until you get the better 2003s in red - the best ever!

2004: The top names once again did an exceptional job. Generaly spoken, it's rather classic with good aciditiy levels, very fresh, the fruit having a texture you can almost feel on the palate, nearly like a mousseux. I have to confess to like them a lot. The whites have a distinct vintage note: A fruit that reminds of stone-fruit, but also fresh white pears. Many Veltliners hav a hint of riesling in that vintage.

HTH a little,

Michael

We should have our first container arrive with some of the 2004 vintage in just a couple of months, and I am REALLY excited about these wines! I'll let you all know first when I have them available.

e.

Got some screw-capped bottles?

M.

Not in this container. Some of our Steinfeders and Classics have the synthetic cork, but none of our wineries are doing screw caps yet. It's something we'll explore with the bigger producers in the future, though (maybe Sabathi, for their Sabathini?)

We ordered a bottle of the Hirsch GV at dinner not long ago, to see how our dining companions reacted to the screw cap. These were not exactly "novice" wine drinkers, but not too seasoned either. They were, of course, very surprised (and very skeptical, which they tried not to show) This screw-cap revolution is going to be a long education process!

e.

It's certainly the hot topic, and I think that everyone who either posts on wine-related boards or reads wine publications (even just occasionally) has either made up their mind about it, or are at least aware that screw cap does not equal cheap bad wine. What I'm talking about is the huge bulk of wine consumers who don't know a huge amount about wine, but know enough to tell when a wine is good or foul, and are willing to spend a little more money per bottle for the drinkable stuff. I don't think they necessarily know that some good wines come under a screw cap, and they may not have the confidence to serve up a screw capped bottle to friends. This is where I think the education process will take some time. But as more of these stories hit the mainstream press, things will move along.

The vintners of Austria are special. They seem among the most willing to combine the latest technologies with centuries of tradition, so long as it serves to create great wines.

e.

HTH indeed.

You meant Hope That Helps. And indeed it did, a good concise informative answer.

But I could regard it as Hope That Hurts, as I contemplate damage to my checkbook of a good Austrian vintage. :)