Actually, I'm pretty sure it happened for the 2002 vintage. Firsts came out at... wait for it... $90!

I don't/didn't recall that. I haven't followed RMP's reviews and timing of release for years. Details?

IIRC, he published some comments about not feeling safe traveling so soon after 9/11, wasn't sure about airline / airport security, wasn't comfortable about the possibility of further upheaval and unrest, and just stayed home. The Bordelais went white as sheets, and the prices were puny.

Telling, but not conclusive with only one data point.

Especially since the wines weren't very good compared to 01,00,99,98,96,95,etc., anyway.