The first generation of wine critic Robert Finnigan's death

The first generation of wine critics, October 1, 2011 in San Francisco died, aged 69.

Today, the same wine, like art, is business as is "liquid gold" to invest. In the 40 years ago, Robert Finnigan (Robert Finigan) but rely on their professionalism and passion for wine, a wine lovers' first consumer advocate. "

Robert Finnigan, American wine and restaurant critic, was a 1970 self-published bi-monthly wine newsletter, is considered the first wine tasting of one of the authorities. October 1, 2011, the first generation of wine critics in their home in San Francisco, died at the age of 69 years. According to his wife, Suzanne said, Finnigan's death is still not able to detect.

Finnigan was in a Harvard student, began to generate interest in wine tasting, but also from his own class of students at home is the production of French wine. So apart from the academic, Finnigan began traveling in France, and leisure time to learn and understand the wine and the wine industry.

After graduating from Harvard, Finnigan moved to San Francisco in 1967, and, like most other students at Harvard, became a management consultant, led a prosperous and stable life. However, Finnigan is still obsessed with the study of wine, because living in San Francisco, he began to understand from the local Napa Valley wines. At that time, California wines are not what is known in the United States, but some people will be spending in the West Coast.

The experience of travel to Europe several times, to the Finnigan familiar France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain wine regions of the opportunity, the amount of his own wine collection is growing. This time, Finnigan, though far from what is wine tasting authority, but also considered a minor celebrity in local, so that in four travel back to San Francisco's wine business consulting his views on wine quality.

Because they do not know whether the purchase of wine, the wine company in San Francisco asked Finnigan year of 1969 Bordeaux wines views. Primeur (en primeur) refers to a senior wine is not listed, first sold in the form of futures, every spring, many chambers of commerce to market wine en primeur, especially in the Bordeaux region. At this winery wines from around the world, will remove the previous year, a small amount of wine in oak barrels, held a grand tasting of wine, so that the committee of international goods, traders, distributors, and wine correspondent this year to better understand quality. This wine tasting year period derived from the quality, will become an important factor in bargaining, but also will determine this year's spot prices. Discount prices for consumers of wine, after the payment of taxes and freight aging can receive cash. For wine, the amount of cash advances to keep the wine cellars partially differentiated investment risk transferred to the consumers. For the consumer, is based on low price to buy their favorite wine of great opportunity.

Bottling from the oak barrels not yet tasted the wine of the year after, Finnigan think this wine is very general, it is recommended wine "from" Bordeaux 1969 vintage. Finnigan was right, he's the evaluation and subsequent identification of other homes on this year's wine is the same view. Since then, Finnigan fame.

Finnigan's wine publication was named "Robert Finnigan private wine guide", in 1972, released in September, to the thousands of wines in California expert mail. At that time, Finnigan he is still  restaurant private guide," the subscribers. It can be said to follow the object of his Shelton. Shelton and I was moved from New York to San Francisco and began advertising in the mail, but because "San Francisco is a wonderful city so unique and worth having a unique and wonderful guide," the psychological, Shelton first published "in 1-10 days to enjoy San Francisco," the book, after a few years, the authority will be out of the restaurant guides, has a 13,000 paying subscribers. Finnigan want to run this publication can be like a restaurant guide Shelton as its impact on the wine industry. This report covers the wine guide San Francisco Bay Area of ??California to the restaurant to buy California and Europe produced wine.

Finnigan's publications with his vision as to his reputation in the wine industry has brought. To 1977, "Robert Finnigan private wine guide" has become an American wine publications nationwide. And then with popular values ??or percentile score in different ways to the wine, wine publications Finnigan assessment criteria: excellent, above average, middle-, lower than average. He tried to consumer-oriented publications, afraid to criticize those who Finnigan wine that is very general, and therefore quickly became popular.

"Finnigan is certainly the first attitude of critics who never forgive." "Wine Spectator" columnist  said that he had called the Finnigan wine lovers, "the first consumer those rights advocates, "" He is a particularly harsh critic, and does not leave any room. "

Finnigan has relentlessly called Burgundy 1976 vintage as "junk." "For Finnigan, he has been a Pinot Noir and Burgundy's supporters call it trash really unprecedented," Kramer recalls, "but it hurt, because he is right."

"Chicago Tribune" reported in 1986, when Finnigan highest rating given to a wine, the "readers will flock to the sale of wine shops are opened in a wallet." And his view is so important, "that the French Wine Chamber of Commerce called him one of his views on the theory.
 food critic wrote in 1980. Finnigan was an early proponent of one of California wine. Here the output of wine had been unable to rise to the importance of the U.S. wine enthusiasts.

In addition, he Yali Si Li Xing (Alexis Lichine) The early supporters of the Russian wine merchants. Fortunately, experience playing different varieties of wine label promotion of this procedure, has played a crucial role, he is also a skilled wine seller, has a Li Xian winery and vineyard Lux ??gold shares.

Finnigan often together in the Li-Li Xing Xian winery and tasting his New York apartment. Fortunately calendar also supports Finnigan, praised his old friend has a "no fault of the judge and taste of training subjected to the absolute." Relationship between two people so close, that the French manor house calendar Nice to meet you the key to Finnigan. Fortunately, even if the calendar was not at home, also told the steward to serve as their own home as Finnigan.

But by the 1980s, Finnigan Wine Tasting as a result of their position of authority a mistake, or because of his too insistent to be weakened.

March 1983, Finnigan is able to travel to the United States several rare Bordeaux 1982 vintage tasting of appraisers. In fact, also in 1982, Finnigan had in their own publications on the Bordeaux wine to give a high evaluation. But when he tasted this wine a year later after the person, but disappointment, he believes this year's wine alcohol is too heavy, less of the aroma, "very sluggish." Although this year's wine was then known as the "War may be the best Bordeaux wines," Finnigan still on March 30, 1983 issue of the publication of this year's wine to a negative feedback, recommended his readers might as well save the money to buy the year 1980 and 1981 Bordeaux.

Finnigan's the point of view so that he and Robert M. Parker opposed. At that time, Parker is among America's most influential wine critic, also own a wine newsletter "wine advocate."

Parker Bordeaux wine Year 1982 given the highest rating, calling it the best Bordeaux wines which century a year to those who have not purchased en primeur 1982 wine lovers predicted that this year's wine prices will soar. The end of 1983, "Wine Spectator" and author, wine and cigar tasting by James Nicolas and Parker are given the same forest views, but this time, Finnigan still stick to their position, hold the wine of the year negative evaluation.

Unfortunately, a growing number of critics agree that Parker's view, at the same time, this year's wine prices really rise. Even today, according to Kramer estimated that the year 1982 Bordeaux wine sold at auction can already 10000-20000 U.S. dollars the price of a box. Finnigan as a wine connoisseur this influence faded. To the late 1980s, his position has been far less than the Parker and other critics of the. Parker is soon to enter the U.S. wine "leaders" of the list.

Because of their mistakes, Finnigan publication's credibility has also been implicated, stopped publication in 1990. However, Finnigan has been maintained as a San Francisco restaurant critic of his influence.

Despite setbacks in the wine industry, Finnigan has not given up the study of wine. He continued to write wine review articles, and published several related books, including "Robert Finnigan wine must have" (1987) and "cork and fork: 30 years of wine and food" (2006). Previous work is considered to be a very comprehensive guide and a cultural enrichment.

Finnigan wrote in the book, "Do not be afraid of wine, but a warm welcome to embrace it. Like painting, architecture or other art forms, as it can provide unlimited for curious diversity if You want to try the wine, you will realize the fact that, after all, it's just grape juice. "

2011 Year of the French Beaujolais wine region for the third consecutive good year

 2011, the ideal weather conditions created a French Beaujolais wine region has a good year: starting from the spring sunshine, summer rainfall is rare (very rare in France), so the weather ahead of last year compared to grapes 3 weeks fully mature, but also makes the 2011 a few years to harvest a year earlier.

 This year's Beaujolais grape harvest began on August 24, September 16, around about the end of the tree in good health and grape vines, grape stems and seeds are mature, thick skin and plenty of sugar balanced acidity, high quality. Natural fermentation process is extremely stable. Retain all the aroma and flavor, gradually show a pleasing color and tannin release.

 Brewery, the brewing is over, this vintage reveals rich, fruity strong, delicate, charming qualities of wine deep skirt. Is neither a pure red fruit, not a single black fruit. Or a combination of both beautiful. Bertrand Chatelet * commented. "2011 Year show palette as rich as the aroma characteristics of a rich, strong, does not affect its refreshing new character. Mouthfeel round, entry is very pleasant."

 2009 and 2010 is blown away by the quality of grapes, the continuation of this trend in 2011 is a year full of hope. 2009 was a fabulous year. Very high concentrations. Maturity and a perfect balance between acidity, the 2010 is a classic, fragrant, rich and delicate entrance. This year, Bo Wakana then ushered in a full-bodied, rich and silky year. The last chapter as a trilogy, the year 2011 will be the integration of various qualities, strong and full of architecture, but lack the rich aroma and delicate tannins, not inferior to any other areas of the vintage.

The history of the best wines of Bordeaux 100 models

Famous wine magazine "Fine Wine
      Magazine "has developed a" history of the best Bordeaux wines "list, covering detailed background information and tips to identify alcohol. The following is a press conference yesterday, magazine content:
      We believe that in the selection of wine, for the average consumer, the most important criterion is the quality of wine. No matter what kind of marketing tools and award-winning history, not a bad wine can become a good wine.
      And different from other list, we will not only record as a tasting criteria. Since 2000, we have all the tasting record into account, many are into the list of tasting more than 100 times, also have at least 3 times. This excludes time to open bottles, storage defects, alcohol and other accidental events caused the error, so that we get a more comprehensive evaluation.
      Our wine tasting mostly of the 20th century, while the 19th century we have tasted hundreds of bottles.
      "Fine Wine" magazine editor Juha
      Lihtonen said: "The spread of the market with a wine, have a different status and history, and alcohol even more flooding. Only to determine the origin and wine in good health, the list can be elected. In order to determine these conditions, this We shall ENTRY 100 wines were tasted 18 times the average, we can guarantee the quality of the 100 wines, absolutely worthy of their position in the list. "
      For centuries, Bordeaux wine, enjoying the highest rating, this producing fine wines produced anywhere in the world other than the place. Countless legendary estate in the glorious history, the pilgrimage as a wine lover. So far, Asian upstarts to spend big bucks for the Bordeaux wines, especially in China, they are often not yet mature too early to enjoy the wine.
      We created this list of the main purpose is to help consumers find the wines reflect the best quality and value of its time.
      List is as follows:
      100 (1-17)
      Chateau Cheval Blanc - 1947
      Chateau Haut-Brion - 1945
      Chateau Lafite - 1953
      Chateau Lafleur - 1947?
      Chateau Latour - 1961
      Chateau Margaux - 1900
      Chateau Mouton-Rothschild - 1945
      Chateau Mouton-Rothschild -1959
      Chateau Petrus - 1947
      Chateau Petrus - 1961
      Chateau Petrus - 1989
      Chateau Le Pin - 1982
      Chateau d'Yquem - 1811
      Chateau d'Yquem - 1819
      Chateau d'Yquem - 1921
      Chateau d'Yquem - 1937
      Chateau d'Yquem - 1945

      99 points (18-31)
      Chateau Cheval Blanc 1921
      Chateau Cheval Blanc 1990
      Chateau L'Evangile 1947
      Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc 1929
      Chateau Haut-Brion 1989
      Chateau Latour 1928
      Chateau Latour 1982
      Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 1945
      Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 1989
      Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1949
      Chateau Palmer 1961
      Chateau Petrus 1921
      Chateau Petrus 1959
      Chateau d'Yquem 1967

      98 points (32-64)
      Chateau Ausone 1947
      Chateau Calon Segur 1928
      Chateau Cheval Blanc 1950
      Chateau Cheval Blanc 1982
      Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc 1985
      Chateau Haut-Brion 1929
      Chateau Haut-Brion 1959
      Chateau Lafite 1870
      Chateau Lafleur 1950
      Chateau Lafleur 1982
      Chateau Latour 1929
      Chateau Latour 1949
      Chateau Latour 1959
      Chateau Latour 1990
      Chateau Latour-A-Pomerol 1961
      Chateau Margaux 1928
      Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 1959
      Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 1961
      Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 1975
      Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 1982
      Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1961
      Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1982
      Chateau Palmer 1966
      Chateau Petrus 1950
      Chateau Petrus 1970
      Chateau Petrus 1982
      Chateau Petrus 1990
      Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande 1982
      Chateau Le Pin 1990
      Chateau Suduiraut 1921
      Chateau d'Yquem 1847
      Chateau d'Yquem 1959
      Chateau d'Yquem 1990

      97 minutes (65-100)
      Chateau Ausone 1982
      Chateau Calon Segur 1945
      Chateau Calon Segur 1947
      Chateau Cheval Blanc 1952
      Chateau Clinet 1989
      Chateau Cos d'Estournel 1929
      Chateau Cos d'Estournel 1953
      Chateau L'Evangile 1961
      Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste 1945
      Chateau Haut-Brion 1961
      Chateau Lafite 1982
      Chateau Lafite 1864
      Chateau Lafleur 1975
      Chateau Latour 1924
      Chateau Latour 1945
      Chateau Latour-A-Pomerol 1950
      Chateau Leoville-las Cases 1945
      Chateau Leoville-las Cases 1982
      Chateau Lynch-Bages 1989
      Chateau Margaux 1982
      Chateau Margaux 1990
      Chateau Margaux 1996
      Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 1955
      Chateau Montrose 1990
      Chateau Petrus 1929
      Chateau Petrus 1945
      Chateau Petrus 1998
      Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande 1961
      Chateau Le Pin 1979
      Chateau Suduiraut 1928
      Chateau d'Yquem 1896
      Chateau d'Yquem 1900
      Chateau d'Yquem 1928
      Chateau d'Yquem 2001