This past year was a terrific year to be wine drinker. There is so much good wine being made in numerous regions that are having phenomenal vintages, that it is hard to keep up. Here is a quick list of areas and vintages to look for as you peruse the wine racks at your favorite wine shop (Leary's Fine Wines, of course).

France -

Burgundy - The 2002 vintage was a classic for Red and White, traditionally well-balanced wines that are drinking well now and will continue to age gracefully for 5 -10 years, or more. 2003 was a good vintage for more fruit forward style reds and whites, but in many cases the wines lack the balance and structure of the '02's. They are very accessible wines, however.

Bordeaux - 2000 and 2003 are the vintages to seek here. Any 2000's left on wine racks should be gobbled up. This is an historic vintage and will provide fabulous drinking for years to come. The 03's that are starting to drift in represent another chance to buy into a classic vintage. These are wines of depth and character, and while possibly not as age worthy as the 00's, 2003 will go down as one of the best vintages of the last 20 years. Focus, in particular, on the Cabernet-based wines from the Left Bank (Pauillac, St. Julien, St. Estephe, Margaux and the Haut-Medoc.

The Rhone - 2001 and 2003 are, again, the vintages to look for. Avoid 02's, as it was a cold, rainy vintage for most of the valley. The 2003's are a bit more modern, or "international", in style due to extreme heat. Vintners that took that into consideration and harvested early are intense and well balanced.

Spain -

Rioja - 2001 possibly the best vintage ever for this region. I have been impressed with bottle after bottle of '01 Rioja in every price range. The '01 Riservas are the current vintage.

Other Spanish - In Toro, Jumilla and Ribera del Duero, 2003 is the vintage to catch. Extremeley coiffable Tempranillos, Garnachas and Syrahs are providing some of the best value's on the planet! Younger 2004's are drinking quite fine right now, fresh fruit with little or no oak intervention.

Italy -

Tuscany - 2001's still available should be gobbled up. Most 02's should be avoided except from the most discriminating producers. The 2003 vintage puts Tuscany back on track.

Piedmonte - 2000 and 2001, back-to-back are phenomenal years. Barolo's and Barbarescos from top producers are worth chasing, though prices are getting higher every year. Buy Barolo now for cellaring, Barbaresco for drinking.

California -

Napa - 2001 and 2002 are the best back-to-back vintages for Cabernet since 1996 and 1997. These are exciting wines for drinking now or cellaring, particularly the 02's.

Sonoma - Equally successful vintages for Cab. 2002 also a very successful year for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Sales!

We at Leary's are intent on bringing you some of the finest values available in the wine world. To that end, check out these prices on some of your favorite bottles!

2004 Simi Chardonnay (Sonoma) - 2 for $30 (Reg. $19.99)

1998 Dom Perignon Champagne - $99.95/btl. net (Reg. $139.99)

2004 Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (Valdadige) - $19.99/btl. net (Reg $24.99)

2003 Chappelet "Mountain Cuvee" Red (Napa) - $24.99/btl. net (Reg. $32.99)