The Virtues of Bottle Age

You often hear people talk about older vintages but until you are able to experience them firsthand and multiple times I don't think you appreciate the amazement you can experience. Now I realize that when we talk about vintage wine most of you will think expensive Bordeaux or out of reach Burgundy or Barolo. But it doesn't have to be just that. Try some older wine from any where, and with a modest amount of years. There is a certain something about an aged wine. There is an integration that can only come with time. And if the components started with depth and balance they only get better.

We brought in some Ojai Syrah direct from the winery with 9 years of bottle age. The 2002 Syrahs were like drinking silk. A real treat. More recently we have brought in some 5-6 year old Napa Cabernet. And even they are in a much better place a few years after release. And yes, there have been some 15+ year Bordeaux and Burgundy that have been off the charts too. But all in all, the common thread is some bottle age.

I don't advocate buying cheaply and poorly made wines and waiting 10 years to drink them but my suggestion is to find a wine shop and proprietor that looks for older vintages and cares about what they do and you will find some gems. Or buy a wine fridge and start squirreling some decent wines away.

You will not be disappointed.