When Wine Is Too Young to Drink

Most of the world's wines are drunk when they’re young (i.e. within two to five years from the vintage date.) At this age, the flavors showcase the main fruit.

Some wines, like Château Pétrus, have a track record of evolving well with extended aging. As the main fruit fades, new flavors appear. In the past, winemaking techniques might have made these ageworthy wines unpleasant when they were young.

Today, even wines that age taste well young, especially after decanting and some aeration.