age of wines

[leosc]

Hi,

I am new here. I have a couple of bottles of wine and I was wondering whether I can keep them for about 10-15years or should I drink them now.

Louis Eschenauer Merlot 2000
Montepulciano D' Abruzzo 1997
Kingston Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Rosemount Estate Cabernet Merlot 2001

I would like to age at least two of these if possible. Could you give me some advice? Thanks.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Leosc, and welcome to the Wine Board. To the best of my limited knowledge, these are all ready drinkers without long legs. Three to five years, maybe, but not ten to fifteen. The sole outside shot, may be the Kingston Cabernet. Am not familiar with it, but being a cabernet, gives it a chance. Why not try to find a third or fourth growth 2000 Bordeaux that you know will go that distance? Remember you need cool and humid storage facilities for proper aging of wine.

[leosc]

Thanks for your reply! I better start drinking them then.

Sorry to ask this question but what do you mean by third or fourth growth? Also, Bordeaux is a place right? Should I be looking for a specific brand?

[Innkeeper]

Talking about the five growths (levels) of Bordeaux dating back to 1855. You can find them in any standard reference including on the web. We are partial to St Julien (a commune with chateaus of different "growths." Some brands a Chateau Lagrange (3d), Beychevelle (4th), Ducru, Gloria (widely distributed), and Leoville Barton (2d). Some these have "second labels" (from the same chateau), but they usually don't have the backbone to go the distance you are looking at.