Held Too Long

[winecollector]

With regard to your comment of there being more danger in holding a wine too long, than in opening it too soon: This is where it really pays off to know your producers and the best vintages for long term duration. I tend to be more cautious not to open a wine too soon. In the past three years that I have been back into wine collecting, I've probably opened about 300 bottles. Of those, there has not been even one that I have opened that has been past peak due to my keeping it too long. On the other hand, I have had several experiences where I wish I would have waited to open a bottle because I ended up opening it too soon. I still hesitate to open up most of my 89'& 90' Bordeaux's as well as any of my 82's. Same thing with most of my 1990 Italian Piedmont's. I hate it when I open up a bottle prematurely. It's a real waste of a good wine- much the same as holding one too long.