The average wine drinker and industry professional lacks patience when it comes to wine. How many times have you been at an industry event and it is a pop and pour from a newer vintage. A 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet is not designed to drink now so the 3 Day Wine Approach will shed light on its aging potential and when this wine will perform at its peak. I will list many wines here that have benefited with some age:
2015 Liquid Farm Chardonnay La Hermana – USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley (1/28/2019)
Day 1: Not as good as the last bottle. Saline, tangerine, minerals and really acidic. Almost Sauvignon Blanc like. Really tastes like a poorly made New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Will return this bottle if no improvement on day 2. Gut impression 84 points
Day 2: This is more similar to the first bottle experience. Had one dumped this out they would have lost out. Always try a bad wine on day 2 or 3. More Chablis like with shells, lemon, orange peel and mild oak. Short to medium finish and acidity is not as sharp. Much more balanced and back in the Chardonnay style one would expect. 90 points
Day 2.5: Really coming together and now is a Premier Cru like Chablis. Shells, minerals, lemon, subtle spice and match stick. Based on day 1 this wine needs a few years of aging. Unless you are a day 2 drinker hold until 2020. 91 points
Day 3: Holly transformation! Even better than day 2.5. More intense on the palate featuring shells, orange peel, mild oak, lemon and sour apple. Balanced and medium plus finish. Similar experience to the first bottle. 92 points
Recommendation: If you are going to drink this on day 1 2 plus hour decant. I would hold these for a few years. One of the biggest transformations from day 1 to day 3 in a good way to date! (92 points)
2013 Spring Valley Vineyard Frederick – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (2/14/2019)
Big Top Closeout Deal Wines; 11/22/2018-2/24/2019 (Minneapolis/ St. Paul MN): Day 1: Pop and pour. Perfect serving temperature as it was pulled from the passive cellar. Something I always need to remind others and myself when drinking red wine. Not the most balanced effort featuring earth, leather, subtle fruits and spices. Shorter finish and just not that interesting. I am thankful I spent only $27 for this wine. Maybe more promise on day 2 or 3. 85 points
Day 2: Better and more open for business. Perfume, floral, spices, chocolate, dark fruits and tobacco. Classic case of a wine that is not ready to drink but most would discard it. Day 2 shows a lot of potential and this could be a blockbuster Washington State Bordeaux Blend. 90+ points
Day 3: Dust, chocolate, spice, dark fruits and floral notes. Medium plus finish and balanced. 90 points
Recommendation: Hold until 2021 and beyond. (90 points)