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What’s the Hurry?
Written By: Curt Christiansen | Issue: 2016/08 - August
December 2015: I order a domestic red wine in a nearby city. I was presented with a bottle of 2014. I was surprised to see a high end producer release a fine wine so early. I accepted the wine. Was it enjoyable? Yes. Was it ready to drink? Not even close.
I understand that there are factors like low crop yields or poor growing conditions that force wineries to release their wine prematurely. Over the past few years I have seen some popular wineries release two and sometimes three vintages in one calendar year. Under these circumstances, I don’t mind cradle robbing a few bottles here and there.
This, however, is not always the case. There are many wineries that are releasing their wines so early that the only way to offer their wines at a reasonable stage, is to be lucky enough to be a property that can purchase a backlog. Or inflate the price so the wine lingers on the list long enough to mature.
Americans in general are not known for our patience. I myself am guilty of drinking wines so young that they could double as an effective paint remover.
So next time you are faced with a young version of your favorite wine on a list – Resist. Order something that can be readily enjoyed and buy your favorite young wine from a retail store.
Drink well, Curt
