How Long does it last?

[AxMan]

I am new to the site and quite happy to come across it. I have just completed a new wine closet that will hold aprox. 300 bottles. I have about 100 (97 to be exact) at this time from Italy, France, Chile, SA, Cal., Spain.... I am curious on what the shelf life is for these wines? I certainly do not want to miss their prime. Is there a rule of thumb for cellar time for Zins, Cabs, Rioja, Chianti, ......?

[Innkeeper]

Hi AxMan, and welcome to the Wine Board. We are happy that you found us. The wines you mention with the exception of the cabernet are usually ready to go within three to four years from harvest. Cabernet can be in the same category or be of the type that needs a decade or more of maturation. You need to get familier with the aging characteristics of each of your wines. Sometimes hints can be found on the bottle. Sometimes you need to contact the winery, as I do on occasions.

Recommend you try to learn more about wines by perusing this and other sites on the net, and by reading a few good books. One of the so called "encyclopedias" should be in every wine home. Two others currently in print that would be helpful to you are Andrea Immer's "Great Wine, Made Simple" and Michael Schuster's "Essential Winetasting." A good periodical can also be very helpful. My favorite is "Wine & Spirits."