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| Vintage Example: Bordeaux the single largest contributor of Merlot followed by Cabernet Sauvignon. While the vintage scores are consistently high, the drinking recommendations vary depending on the year and the weather. |
| The Wine Spectator is the most comprehensive resource I’ve found for tracking vintages and it’s a helpful tool for any wine lover with a collection going back more than a few years. Click here for an online version of their charts. But rather than simply rely on the charts, it’s helpful to think about your own wine preferences. Do you like wines when they’re young and fresh rather than mature and more understated. If so, then don’t wait until The Spectator says a wine is peaking. If you prefer the complexity and softness that can come with age, then wait a little longer. Another great technique is to buy a case of a wine that has aging potential. Open and drink one bottle each year, keeping notes about what you taste. This will help you determine what aging you prefer. I have several cases of 2000 Bordeaux I purchased six years ago and while I frequently get the urge to crack a bottle, I’m going to wait until 2010 to start my consumption. Fortunately, I also have some 2001s that I can drink when I need a Bordeaux fix. Sean Essex |
| Life is too SHORT to Drink BAD WINE!!! |