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When I started collecting wine some time ago, I was advised to hold a wine until it reached its prime. Now what does this mean?

BTWG Cellar

There are some wines which don’t improve with age – let’s call them PNP for “Pop and Pour”.  But most fine wines have a drinking window (starting and ending year) when the wine is best consumed.

I find this information at CellarTracker.com  where I also maintain an inventory of bottles in my cellar. The dates are not scientific but a guide to avoid the common mistake of holding wine past its prime, especially that special bottle we all have tucked away.

It was Saturday night, an opportunity to check vintages in my cellar and these 2 Washington state Cabs were ready to go. With a hot climate similar to California, Washington state has ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah varietals. California dominates US wine production with 85% but Washington state has 2nd most production with 5%. Can you name the other 3 states that together with California comprise 96% of US wine production? (see answer below)

LONG SHADOWS Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Cabernet Sauvignon 100%
Columbia Valley, Washington
The Long Shadows collection brings together reputable winemakers from around the world with the best fruit in Washington State. Randy Dunn makes full-body Cabs from his esteemed estate vineyards on Howell Mountain, Napa Valley. During my recent visit to Howell Mountain, I heard often heard this phrase “iron fist in velvet glove” to describe their bold, full throttle red wines.

JB NEUFELD Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc
Yakima Valley, sub-appellation in Columbia Valley

Ranking of states for 2021 wine production

  1. California (84.4%)
  2. Washington (5.1%)
  3. New York (3.5%)
  4. Pennsylvania (1.5%)
  5. Oregon (1.4%)

Cheers, Bob the WineGuy