when the '88(maybe 89) burgundy came out, parker was the only person working at parker, inc(other than mom, who typed the newsletter, mailed it, and answered the phone). parker gave a very good review to the '88 barrel samples(i do not know where he tasted them). when the wines came out, he thought them grossly inferior, and did state so. in fact he then rated the '88's far below anyone else. his reviews and comments killed '88 sales in the usa. (i bought 47 cases of the '88 as distressed merchandise. most was grand cru).

it greatly enhanced his rep, but also got him thrown out of burgundy. i do not think he has ever reviewed burgundy wines since. one of the main reasons to hire Pierre Rogavani(sp) was to have a burgundy reviewer.

miller should have shouted immediately, particularly since parker's action was done so famously.

Bordeaux, by the way, is a particularly problematical area, as many chateau grade by barrel, and maybe mix a few in to stretch product. certainly the best barrel is used for the trade tasting.