2004’s first shipments of Beaujolais Nouveau have arrrived…and, despite how many wine snobs feel about this ultra-young, ultra-juicy wine, I plan to get a few bottles this weekend.

This was a good year for Gamay grapes (which are what’s used for BN) if the experts are to be believed, so I look forward to tasting the freshest of wines.

BN is an easy, fun wine that isn’t meant to be scrutinized or analyzed. And, while it seems to become more and more about the "hype" every year…I’ll never give up on it. It’s still an event and any excuse to drink wine is a good one if you ask me.

Besides…Beaujolais Nouveau will always have a special spot in my heart. Why? Because it’s the first red wine Nena ever liked…

When we first started dating almost four years ago, she was a pink wine girl (with some Pinot Grigio gulped as well). Had I known such things before I fell head over heels for her, I probably would have moved on right away (just teasing honey).

But, having already been hoooked, I realized I’d just have to teach her about the joys of red wine.

With it’s fruity, grapey flavor and zero tannins, BN is the perfect "gateway" red for people who don’t think they like it. Start there…then move to Pinot Noir or maybe a California Zin…and you’re well on your way to red wine lust!

Now, I can offer Nena a glass of big, "pow" Cabernet…and she’ll snatch it up.

And for that…I’m grateful.

Thank you Beaujolais Nouveau.