When to open?

[PinotEnvy]

Hello all,

I have been silently reading and learning much for a while. My question is I have a bottle of 1998 Aida merlot I bought on a recomendation from a local wine shop. When should I think about opening it vs letting it continue to age? Also, what kind of meal would you reccomend planning around it?

Thanks for your help.

[cheeps]

Hi! I can't answer your question but I just wanted to say I love your user name lol!!

Lisa

[wineguruchgo]

Hi!

Welcome to the wineboard!

While it's really hard to say, what I can tell you is that 98' California was a really disappointing vintage.

I went to spectator.com and clicked on the vintage chart, then went to subcatagory of California Merlot and it's saying to drink now.

If this wine was 97' - that would be a different story.

Enjoy it.

[This message has been edited by wineguruchgo (edited 01-30-2004).]