Intended to be consumed on release

[Grape Stuff]

Sheepishly I think this is kind of a dumb question, but what the heck you’re all nice people. Can wines that are "intended to be consumed on release" get any better with age? Even a little bit? Reason I ask is I've got this thing in my head that says older is better (I know vintages play a role, but I'm speaking about year in and year out consistently produced wines like a Columbia Crest Grand Estates for example), so if I had 2 side by side, and one was a 99 and other a 00, I would always choose the 99, but I don’t know if really matters.

I guess in short the question is - Do wines "intended to be consumed on release" change much over a 2-3 year period?

Thanks, hope that makes sense

Harry

[Innkeeper]

I think you are doing the right thing. With the exception of most whites (riesling and Loire SB are among exceptions), wines advertised as consumable upon release, improve with some age. Recently did this with a Collio Merlot purchased two years ago. The one just popped was far superior to its mate two years ago. Can tell by own TNs, not just on fantasy.

It does drive me crazy to buy a wine where the maker says, "Ready to drink right now, but will improve over the next five years." In cases like this I tend to go for the max, but am never sure it is the right things to do.

One thing to keep in mind is that wine does not improve in a straight line. It improves over a negative parabolic curve. The bottom of this curve is known as the "dumb time." Therefore, a two year wait that should be four or five could find you with a wine that is worse than when first bought.