Stags Leap Cellars Fay 2000

[njjchiro]

A X-mas gift from my Father, can anyone give me an idea as to when this wine will be at it's best? Is it ready to go now?

Thanks

[Kcwhippet]

It is ready to go now, but it will stand a few years of aging, though not too many. The winery suggests splash decanting to aerate the wine if you're drinking it young.

[Drew]

KC, Fay's have been known as very good agers, matter of fact I have a few
97's that I won't open until at least 2005. Was there a problem with the 2000 vintage to suggest a short aging window?

Drew

[This message has been edited by Drew (edited 12-28-2003).]

[winoweenie]

Hi Njjchiro. If you have good storage I'll side with Drew as I tried this a couple of months ago and , even tho not as strong as the 99, is still a very good wine and will reward some near term cellaring.WSW

[Kcwhippet]

I got that advice from someone at the shop who follows these wines. He said that the 2000 Fay is a wonderful wine, but the growing conditions that year didn't give the wine the structure to age for a really long time. He suggests they will be ready at the same time as, or slightly ahead of the 1997 vintage, but they are drinking well now with aeration.

[njjchiro]

thanks to all, I think I'll put it to rest for about a year. My wife bought me a 20 bottle wine storage unit for the holiday! I'll be needing a few more bottles to stock it.....suggestions anyone!

[Innkeeper]

For long term look for any remaining 2000 Bordeaux. They will be ready in 2010. For longer term, look for 1998 Brunello di Montalcino. They will be ready in 2013. For two years or so look for wines such as Rosemount Hill of Gold Cabernet Sauvignon or Bortoluzzi, Merlot, Isonzo Del Friuli DOC. These two will run between $15 and $20. Bordeaux of aging quality with go from $20 to the sky. Brunellos will run over $40.