When or long to wait before opening a bottle

[Dial]

I'm not sure if there is a general answer to this, but, how long should you wait before opening a bottle? Assuming you have stored it correctly in a wine cellar, is there a rule of thumb on when to open the bottle? Is there a rule of thumb by type of wine? Longer for reds? Is there a chart for this? Or are there just too many variables?

[californiagirl]

IMHO, there are entirely too many variables. Considering, specific winery & grape varietal would be the obvious. Is there a specific wine or winery you have in mind?

[Dial]

No, I don't have a specific wine in mind. Some bottles will advise you when to open (although, I understand the suggested year is often a bit too early). I was hoping there were some basic rules to go by; i.e., for a Merlot wait 3 years, or from France wait 4 years, or from 2004 wait 5 years, etc. Oh, well - thanks for your reply.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Dial, and welcome to the Wine Board. Every wine by vintage is different. Having said that, well over ninety percent of the wine made in the world is ready to drink upon release. The small number that you would lay down (age out) you should be able to manage either by learning about it before hand from magazines or on line in places like this, or by asking your retailer when purchasing. The best line is, "How approachable is this wine?" There are no hard rules on one country's or one region's wines need to be aged for X years.