On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 22:27:40 +0900, "Dave Fossett"
<reply@via.newsgroup> wrote:

>I didn't realize it was just us in Japan that were getting excited.

There was a Beaujolais Nouveau (or, as it was known here, "nouveau
Beaujolais") trend in the US about a decade ago, when people would
wait excitedly to be among the first to sample the new crop of wine.
It's not quite as "hip" nowadays nor anywhere as prevelant as once
was.

The hip wine this year was Pinot Griggio, although you still hear a
lot about Syrah (especially of the Australian variety) and Shiraz
wines which were trendy 2-3 years ago. Pinot Noir from the California
vineyards were also written up by the tastemakers this year.

I'm still a Bourdeaux drinker and hear that the crop, too, was very
good this year. However, if all else fails, there's always port!