They say that about ninety percent of the wine sold in America is consumed within 48 hours of purchase. We couldn't actually find a reference to quote, but we have heard this statistic quoted so many times that it is at least an Urban Legend.
When we opened a bottle of Keswick Vineyards Merlot 2010 the other evening, we were greeted by a wine which is at its peak. It is fabulous with its smooth depth and nose. The winemaker's notes suggest this wine will be good for up to 8 years and I believe that this will definitely be true.
The experience reminded me that saving the right wine for the right amount of time significantly improves the enjoyment. It is a bit sad the wines are sold before they are ready to be consumed--especially when certain ones age so well.
We had enjoyed other bottle of this vintage a few weeks ago and were ready to fully enjoy this one when it was opened.
Not every wine is designed to be aged--but those that benefit from "laying down" can be very special when they are finally opened.
-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD
Looking for something special to enjoy on an evening after the Thanksgiving holiday has ended and while looking forward to the chaos of Christmas, we chose a wine that we bought earlier this year while in Ithaca, NY.
The wine is Six Mile Creek's 2012 Quintessence at $22.
Who says that New York Finger Lakes vineyards can't make a nice, deep, Bordeaux-style red wine? Six Mile Creek has figured it out!
The wine has a nice deep ruby color. Hints of plums and dark berries on the nose and consistent with the complex flavors and mild tannins. There is a hint of acidity in the taste which has a medium finish. Decant it for an hour and let it open up and it becomes a dynamic wine. Right out of the open bottle the flavors are a bit sharp--but they mellow out quickly.
RECOMMENDATION: At a $22 price point--this is a good wine!
Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD