Perhaps the attrocities only further fueled my love. For autumn here is a time of, paradoxically, rebirth. After the quiet, late summer months, New York City blooms with energy. Students flock to the many universities, publishers flood the markets with books, and food and drink events happen by the hundreds. It's a marvelous time, and I was just itching for the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau and the extra dollop of levity it brings.

Some have asked me why AlcoholReviews.com makes a big stink over beaujolais Nouveau. Well, let me say this: No Beaujolais Nouveau is not Bordeaux, it's not some super expensive wine that one sips in silence while pondering the universe adn one's place in it. The opposite is the case- it's wine made for whoop ups, wine made for knocking back by the glassful, straight or on ice. That said, one shouldn't conflate inexpensive wine, which Beaujolais Nouveau is, with cheap wine. Cheap wine is just that- it's nasty, hot, awful; its raison d'etre is profit for the maker and a high for the consumer with the throat and belly to take it. Inexpensive wine, on the other hand, is democratic wine. It is for the many, who crave bread, circuses, and a good time with others. Thus- Beaujolais Nouveau, a wine which each year touches off near-bacchic fests.

Last year's vintage was impressive- good fruit with suprising baking spices on the close. This year's is much different- booming raspberry and fruit notes along with a floral plume. It's quite a delight, and well worth the $5-$7 a bottle.

Reviewed 11/15/01