Little change year to year

By Bill Daley

March 8, 2009

I couldn't find a wine you recommended, the 2006 vintage of the Diseno malbec from Cellar Door. I was offered the 2007 but refused it. My partner says I should have bought it.

Solution: Your partner is right. Affordable wines in this price range, under $20, usually vary little from year to year. The 2007 version of this Argentine red might have tasted a tad "younger" than the 2006, but the difference would likely be subtle.

Vintage comes into play with much pricier wines from regions where the climate can change markedly from year to year, if not month to month, such as Bordeaux or Burgundy in France. The Diseno comes from the Mendoza region of Argentina, an area known for its consistent sunshine and dry climate.

Send wine or spirit questions to Tribune food and wine critic Bill Daley at wdaley@tribune.com.