Thanks for the note. I just scored a pristine bottle of this for $50, and your note makes me glad.

I am big fan of the 1989 Meyney (once it opened up sometime around 2002-2003), so if the 1986 is better, I'll be very pleased.

Fantastic notes, Ian! Impressive prose and insights. Not much needs adding, really, except that the Coutet was the 2003, not the 2001. I share Ian's lack of enthusiasm for the northern Rhone mainly because of prices; I am a fan of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but they suffered by comparison in this context....

It started to feel like you were Godot, Ian, with your lengthy absence on BWE. Another reason to be glad for the new site!!! To Jim and the new managing committee, thanks! The site looks terrific and it has that new-car look and smell that turns heads. Here's to lots more of BWE in its new home. Inc...