When do wines peak, and how do you know?

Question

I bought a Tucks Ridge Pinot Noir, 2000. How do I know when it will be peaking? How do you determine something like that?

Answer 1

I'm assuming that you know this already, but only certain wines will have the structure and balance to age for an extended period of time. Otherwise, the majority of wines on the shelf are intended to be enjoyed within a year or two of release.

Since each wine is different, the best way to estimate the peak drinking time is:
1) Use ratings and descriptions in wine publications like Wine Spectator Online, Decanter, or Robert Parker's web site as a general guide to the drinking window.
2) Buy your wines in quantities of at least three bottles so that you can open one bottle at the beginning of the estimated window and see how the wine is faring. If it is still really tannic and the nose is still closed up, you will have an idea of how long to cellar the remaining bottles. If it's already singing, then there is no reason to wait.

Cheers!

Addendum:
Harvey Steiman of Wine Spectator rated this wine 83 points and suggested serving after 2006, but does not give a "drink by" date. I think you would be wise to drink this wine soon to avoid disappointment.

Answer 2

Drink it now - it will be delicious! I reckon good pinot is ideal after 5 years, good Cab Sauv and Shiraz keep for ten (but the not so good wines will not improve with age, and should be drunk early). Many wineries are making good red, specifically for drinking shortly after release.
The top drops are OK drunk young, but take some years to show their full range of flavours. They often go through an awkward 'teenage' period fron, say three to seven years, so either drink them young, or wait (provided thay you have an area suitable for keeping wine, that is reasonably stable in temperature, and doesn't gt too hot (much above 20 deg c).)

Answer 3

I would keep in touch with Tucks Ridge Winery.
Try
http://www.thebeveragepeople.com
I think there is a forum