Almost nothing has more influence on agriculture than weather, and vineyards are no exception. So it makes simple sense that wine lovers ought to consider vintage in making wine-buying decisions. Buy this wine. Avoid that wine. Accordingly, vintage charts abound.
Weather varies widely around the world, so no two wine regions fare exactly alike.
In 1989, record heat produced large, ripe harvests throughout much of Europe, resulting in vintages generally considered fine. But the same year brought rains at harvest in California's North Coast wine country, causing a vintage that many buyers avoid. And even there, much depended on whether individual producers picked early, bringing in grapes before the rains came. Vintage charts also depend on the knowledge and skill of the author, and opinions may vary widely. Some vintages are simply hard to like.