Even with a cool and wet summer warmer weather in autumn ripened the grapes and most estates reported good to excellent results. There are lots of “ifs” regarding the 2008 Bordeaux futures, due to the worldwide financial crisis. U.K. and U.S. markets are suffering from little demand as they are trying to sell what they currently have in stock while trying to maintain a lower inventory. It is possible that we may see heavy discounting soon.
Bottom line: although Americans are drinking the same quantity of wine it is of the less-costly variety and drunk at home rather than at bars or restaurants.