drinkable?

[njp107]

Wondering if anyone can offer me some feedback on how long certain wines will keep, as I get mixed answers from people. I have a 1990 and a 1992 cabernet, from Rutherford and from Raymond. I know the only way that I'll know if they're still good is to open them up, but wondering how long cabs and merlots usually last. I know Bordeaux have a long life, and had always thought that applied to all "reds",but apparently that is not the case??? Can anyone offer any advice? Thanks.

[winoweenie]

Hi NJP and welcome to the board. Both the Rutherford and Raymond are at their aging limits. The Rutherfoprd is vinified to be drinkable on release and the Raymond( If it's their Generations will probably be OK ) regular bottling will normally age fior 2-4 years. The key is how you have stored these bottles. If they've been kept at optimal conditions, 55* and 60-70% humidity, they have a chance, Either way they need quick attention. Good Luck. WW

[Glass_A_Day]

Hi njp107 and welcome to the board. WW will chime in with more specific details I'm sure but I can give you an idea. There three important factors. The first is the producer. Some make wine specifically to drink now which are usually inexpensive. Others make wine intended to ageing and actually taste quite bad until they do so. Two examples I can think of off hand are Dominus Estate and Chateau Montelena Estate. However after 5-10 in the bottle they really start to shine. The second issue is the vintage. This is largely based on the growing season. Some years produce wines that are approachable sooner even from producers who make wines that are intended to benefit from ageing. If you post your email address I can send you a vintage chart that gives your a general read on this. The third is how a wine is stored. If the temp has fluctuated a great deal or if the wine was stored at room temp it will age much too quickly and will be shot in no time. If the wine is stored where the temp are too low, ageing will be delayed. I hope this helps and post your email address if you want that vintage chart. G_A_D

[Glass_A_Day]

Looks like we were typing at the same time! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[njp107]

Thanks for all of your input...sounds like it's not looking good that this wine will still taste good...but I'll look at the glass half full..in fact, why don't I just open it up and fill up my glass half full and check it out. For the person who offered to send me a listing on this very subject, my email is now part of my profile, so I would appreciate the information. I'll let you all know how things work out. Again, I appreciate the comments.

[Glass_A_Day]

Best way to do it is crack it open. You are right about that. About the vintage chart, email viewing is turned off for this board much to the dismay of many here. You will have to post it or beg Jackie the administrator to turn it back on. Maybe if the new guys complain bucko and I won't have to. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[njp107]

I thought by going to my profile and making my email visible it would help...guess not...so I throw caution to the wind and list it here...npowell468@aol.com Thanks for the help...by the way...I opened the 1990 and it was awful...there goes my theory about saving the good stuff for special occasions...if you wait too long, there's nothing special about a good wine gone bad! The 1992 library reserve is now open...and it's good..but I think I opened it when it's just on the edge. Oh well..nothing like a primo bottle of wine on a "school night".

[Glass_A_Day]

Live and learn my friend. Storage and timing are everything. I just sent off the vintage report. Let me know if you have any problem receiving it.

[njp107]

Haven't seen the vintage report yet, but perhaps there's just a delay via aol. Will let you know when I receive it. Thanks for the info, and believe me..."I learned"...won't be saving those nice wines for long periods of time anymore. Life is short...eat dessert and drink wine first.