One of the keys to good wine, is good grapes (duh!), one of the keys to good grapes is growing them as far north as possible where they will still ripen often enough to be economically produced. Two of the northern most producers of fine wines are Germany and France. Now look at the record:
Germany:
2001 to 2004 -- Four consecutive years of vintages rated above 90 (Wine spectator)
1988- 2000: 12 vintages, only four of which were rated above 90.
France (Bordeaux)
1995 to 2005 -- Four vintages rated 95+ (Three of which are after 2000). Yes, I am including 2005, which may be premature)
1961 to 1994 -- 34 vintages of which only 5 scored 95+
As 'global warming' continues, we can look for this trend to also continue which will give us more high quality wine and lower prices! (due to the glut)
It damn well better be 95+ or all those saps who bought Bordeaux futures at $500+ per bottle will be the biggest chumps ever.
-ccm