Release of Australian vintages

[MontereyRick]

Why is it that Australian 2001 Cabs are already on the market and in the US the 2000's are just showing up?

I realize that when it is winter here it is summer there and vice versa, but that would only explain about a 6 month difference. In other words, I wouldn't question if Australia's 2000's were released 6 months ahead of our 2000's, but it seems as though Australias 2001's hit the shelves even before the majority of US 2000's. Do they bottle sooner? Put them in oak barrells for shorter periods?

What's the deal?

[Innkeeper]

Keeping in mind the six months differential, the list of Southern Hemisphere Cabs at www.southernwines.com is not very different than the California Cab list at www.popswine.com. Pops even has a couple of '01s from CA available (Hahn Estates and Frey, Redwood Valley). I think that the 01' Oz Cabs you are seeing are not a lot different from the American '00s that have been out six months or more. These are mainly approachable easy drinkers that need no more than six months to a year in the rack to reach full potential.

[MontereyRick]

The 2001 Marquis Philips S2 Cab is a big wine and while approachable, will certainly continue to evolve for a long, long time.

[Innkeeper]

Was writing in generalities, and there will certainly be exceptions, that would have to be individually explained.