How long do I wait...?

[SGohn]

I have a very small collection of reds and ports...How long should I wait to enjoy some of the following? Is there a good source of information where I can gather information...

1996 - Benzinger - Merlot
1996 - Leasingham (Bin 61) - Shiraz
1997 - Frog's Leap - CS
1984 - Warre's Late Bottled Vintage - Port
1997 - Ojai Vineyard - Syrah

[Bucko]

1996 - Benzinger - Merlot
Now and over the next 3-4 years
1996 - Leasingham (Bin 61) - Shiraz
Same
1997 - Ojai Vineyard - Syrah
Same
1997 - Frog's Leap - CS
Now and over the next 6-7 years
1984 - Warre's Late Bottled Vintage - Port
Now and for many years to come

Bucko

[SGohn]

Bucko, Thanks for the quick reply! Are there any "rules" or "guidelines" for aging wine?

S

[Bucko]

Yes, there are no rules..... track record is the most important thing to me. There are a lot of generalities, but no hard and fast rules. For instance, Zin "should be drank within 5 years" but I am drinking 12-14 y/o Ridge Geyserville. It is track record.