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Y, Novcmbcr 1] For a while, it looked like 1994 would be one of the best vintages in Burgundy, as the past summer has been just perfect for growing ; grapes. Since then, the rains came, atastrophic harvest for Burgundy wines 00% almost constantly for two weeks, and throughout the critical final ripening stages. Not only did the grapes not fully ripen, but worse, the berries started to rot right on the vines. There was nothing to do but wait and hope. Well, almost nothing. Using a helicopter based at Beaune, it could be hired for 3000 fr. an hour to fly slowly and very low over the vineyards, dryâ€" ing out the vines somewhat with its downdraft. Unfortunately, such an undertaking is rather expensive and was used only for selected parcels of Beaune ler cru belongâ€" ing to the famous Domaine des Hospices de Beaune. I‘ve not heard the final verdict, but it is quite possible that from an expected excellent harvest, it has to be downgraded to a catasâ€" trophe in some areas. In a world where 60â€"million hectolitres of wine remain unsold, it would be a real shame if the great wines from the Burgundy were not available in the 1994 vintage. The wines have suffered enough in the past due to high prices. BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU I suggest that the Beaujolais Region did somewhat better this year. As every year, on the third Thursday of November, which falls this year on the 17th, the 1994 Beaujolais Nouveau will be released. The regular stores will sell the Louis Chaudoy at $11.95, while Vintages has the Bichot Villace Nouveau for $13.95. Italy enters the Novello market, the Italian cousin to the Nouveau, with the Cavit Novello for $9.95 at Vintages and the ‘I‘ Basalti at the regular stores for $6.95. I tastâ€" ed the Italian one and actually found it quite acceptable for such a young wine. NEW LISTINGS From Germany, the white and semiâ€"dry Morio Muskat, in the new and eyeâ€"catching sapphire blue bottle, is a quality wine from the Pfalz Region. A Muskat is a pleasant wine with a fragrant bouâ€" quet and a flowery and fruity taste. I feel that this wine is excelâ€" lent as an aperitif, but should go well with fowl, and of all things, Not newly listed, but often undiscovered is a dry white wine from California, which I personalâ€" ly consider to be one of the best Sauvignon Blancs. Not as raw as one expects from a New Zealand Sauvignon, but neither as mellow as they are produced all too often now, the Raymond Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent example of how a Sauvignon Blanc should taste. With its very pleasant gooseberry nose, this wine, listed under CSPC 210534 for $9.20 is probably a perfect companion to seafoods, but I like it on its own. I have really taken a liking to the Pinotage red wines from South Africa. This newly listed Zonnebloem Pinotage, CSPC 345306 for $8.89 should go well with seasoned meats, especially pork and lamb. I have not tasted this one, but expect a deep colored wine, rich in berry aromas and a full fruit flavor. Servus Burgenland (does that mean "goodâ€"bye Burgenland?") is a newly listed dry white wine from Austria. A wine that sells one million bottles in six months must be good. One wonders only why it took so long before it became available here. Servus Burgenland is a blend of Gruener Veltliner, Welsh Riesling and Pinot Blanc. Listed under CSPC 359067 for $7.20, it is a young fruity wine that accompanies many meals and even salads. sausages. Listed under CSPC 356667 for $7.65, the wine should be in the stores about now. EBERSPAECHER