When are certain vintages "released"?

[leslie423]

Hi foodie, thanks for the input. I had also just read the rating for the 98/99 vintages. I don't necessarily put too much stock in the spectator ratings on individual wines (I think it would be easy to get hung up thinking a 91 is soooo much better than an 89) but since I am new to the whole vintage chart thing am really curious to decide for myself if there really is that noticeable a difference. In your opinion is there that big a difference or am I driving myself crazy for naught?