when to drink a 1991 cabernet - advice please

[sierra_moon]

Someone gave me a bottle of 1991 Woodward Canyon Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It is described as Dedication Series #11, dedicated to James McAuliff.

I think this is worth about $75, but my more important question is: when should I drink it? Should I keep it in storage for awhile, or should it be drunk soon to not lose quality?

thanks
sierra_moon

[Kcwhippet]

What a nice screen name. Welcome to the WineBoard. If your 91 WC was well stored, it just may still be drinkable. The 91 vintage in Washington was good, but not great, and for the most part the Cabs have hit (or passed) their peak. The 90 and the 92 were better. Open it now, but have a more recent vintage handy, just in case.

[sierra_moon]

Thanks very much! I'm making chicken cacciotore tonight, so I think I'll open it up. When my father moved to Spain, he left me with a number of bottles of Napa wines that I stored too long. Most were undrinkable when I finally opened them. I don't want to make that mistake with this one.

Is there a short answer as to how one can know/find out when a particular wine is likely to reach its prime? Do you have to research each individual wine?

I know enough to know what I like, but that's about it. Maybe I belong in another forum, for newbies.

Again, thanks.

sierra_moon

[winoweenie]

Hi Sierra and welcome to the board. You're in the rite forum. Most wines (approx 95%) are meant to be drunk on or near their release dates. Don't know which Napa cabs you had but the majority of them need ageing. Any time you have a question on a wine, drop in. WW