Also, Sauv Blanc is the favorite wine of 22-34 year olds in America ...

Here's more:

"Blazon presented the results of a survey of 32 top US restaurateurs on attitudes to New Zealand wines, which found that up to 60 per cent would pick New Zealand sauvignon blancs if they had to serve just one line of that varietal.

However, he said few would know the difference between a Martin-borough and a Marlborough sau-vignon blanc.

New Zealand wine exports to the US have grown rapidly in the past decade, from just $4 million in 1997 to $138 million last year. In the 10 months to April this year, the US accounted for $145 million out of total New Zealand wine exports of $600 million.

Statistics suggested the US would lead the world in wine consumption by next year, Blazon said.

"We're still a young wine-drinking nation that's taking wine consumption more seriously than ever before, fuelled by our younger folks."

Sauvignon blanc had become the varietal of choice for American 22- to-34-year-olds, and beer consumption was down, he said."

Here's a just -today published reviews of my experience at Eleven Madison Park, one of Danny Meyer's restaurants in mid-December. We had three really great wines with this price-fixe meal, including:

2000 Château Mangot (France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru)

First impression upon opening was that it appeared young, with an aroma of violet, fresh tar, earth, some sort of elusive mineral, slate, truffle, and tobacco. On the palate it seemed a bit thin, with flavors mirroring aroma.

1998 Château Deyrem Valentin (France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux)

Preferred wine. Darker purple and more intensely aromatic with a floral aroma hinting at minerals and a deep vegetal scent, and something akin to crushed violets and leaves. Loved the perfumed nose of violets and blackberries. Very silky on the palate with nice balance and a long, sweet finish.

You probably noticed we choose two Bordeaux wines ... this reflects a trend of people ordering the wine they like, rather than pairing it to go with specific dishes - rather difficult when four people are enjoying different tastes and textures.

Happy Valentine's Day!