From the Cellar …

How Long Can a Wine Age?

This topic may appear from time to time and is more to give an indication (through reviews) to the age-old question, “how long will a bottle of wine age for”? I get asked that a lot in the course of my day and the answer is of course not simple.

Over the course of my journey in the wine business, and before that as well (in another life) you somehow, through the experience of drinking hundreds of wines a year develop a 6th sense about a wine and its ability to age. You then add winemaker, vintage, region, weather etc. to the equation and all that stuff you take for granted hones that time frame down ever further.

There is of course another factor to add into the mix, do you like to drink wine that has been aged or younger and fresher. This will vary with grape varietal and point of origin and will be determined ultimately by personal choice honed by experience.This period of social distancing has given all of us a chance to hit the cellar and fine that bottle you have been keeping for ‘such an occasion’.    

Molly Dooker ‘Two Left Feet’ 2008.The wine I pulled from the cellar was a bottle of Molly Dooker “Two Left Feet” from 2008. It is a blend of 68% Shiraz, 17% Merlot and 15% Cabernet added into the mix. Was enjoyable upon release with cellaring potential but today … it was impeccably stylish despite its hefty 16% alcohol displaying wonderful balance with impressive depth and complexity. Raspberries, plums, dark fruits and chocolate still very much evident, just more integrated and relaxed giving the impression I’ve arrived at the point I always knew I would be. Enjoy!   

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Benton Lane Winery: All Estate grown fruit from Willamette Valley

Benton Lane Winery: All Estate grown fruit from Willamette Valley

Founded by Steve and Carol Girard- yes, you guessed it, one and the same people that established Girard Winery in Napa- one of my favorites. In the course of producing some amazing wines in Napa, Mary discovered, and fell in love with Pinot Noir and convinced Steve on the grape’s merits.

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Just a short note …

I wrote a monthly newsletter for 6 years and my dilemma was always how long should the story be and how much information. The same question arose when I was convinced to start this blog. All of that being said, I will post both longer articles and shorter ones and welcome comments. The focus will be on all things wine but occasionally, I will include semi related topics. I want this to be a broad discussion forum on wine, written in English, albeit an Australian version, and not ‘winese’ and with a sense of humor. In others words, let’s not take ourselves too seriously. I look forward to this journey!

I also have a few friends in the wine business who have an urge to write thoughts down on occasion so I may feature them from time to time.  

There is something magical about swirling a glass of wine, allowing the aroma’s to give you an impression of what your about to taste or better yet issue an invitation to indulge in a wonderful experience that you will never forget … and to that end I might suggest we are collectors of experiences, and memories, rather than just bottles of wine.