While a good one-to-three-hour aeration will help lift hidden flavors and aromas in a great young wine, it still cannot compete with a wine that has spent more time in a dark, cool place.
Wines that get a chance to shed their “baby fat” will produce a subtler, more complex set of flavors—the result of the gelling of tannins, phenols, glycerols, and sugars. Then there are the secondary aromas, as well as the development of texture and balance, that is not unlike a fine work of art.
Below are 6 wines, which can be laid down for 3-4 years. Upon opening you may wish to have more “Do Not Disturb” signs dangling in your cellar.
William Downie Pinot Noir Gippsland 2014, Victoria, Australia
Bill lived and worked in Burgundy before establishing his own label in 2003. He intends to produce wines of purity and detail that reflect their place of origin. Each of his cuvées are from Pinot Noir, however the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland are more different than they are similar. They are made in the most natural way possible, not pushed or shoved in any direction. William was the Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Young Australian Winemaker of The Year for 2006.
Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 2010, Tuscany, Italy
This small, traditionally-minded property is located near the hamlet of Sant’Angelo in Colle. Wine Spectator “Menthol and eucalyptus notes shade the core of black cherry and plum in this broad, densely textured red. Balanced, in a powerful style, with dusty, mouthcoating tannins on the lingering finish. Needs grilled beef. Best from 2019 through 2032. 1,800 cases made. BS (5/2015)”
Niepoort Redoma Tinto 2011, Duero, Portugal
“Niepoort is an independent family business since 1842. Through five generations, the business passed successfully from one Niepoort to the next Niepoort and in most cases older and younger generation worked side by side for a long period. At this time, we are enthusiastically looking forward to the future sixth generation, anticipating close collaboration. Redoma tinto is Niepoort’s original Douro wine, first released in 1991. It is like Douro: “extreme, with a rigorous character”. Old north-facing vineyards from Quinta de Nápoles and Pinhão Valley form the basis of Redoma. Its main varieties are Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca.” source Niepoort website
Stephane Ogier Cote Rotie Reserve 2011, Northern Rhone, France
The family-owned estate was previously a supplier to Chapoutier and Guigal. Today, this domaine ranks top in the region, and their wines express themselves with elegance, complexity and the purest definition of Syrah and Viognier. The grapes grow on extremely steep slopes, which rise up in terraces shaped of ancient stones. “the leading craftsmen from steep hillsides vineyards”– Robert Parker
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2013, Central Otago, New Zealand
Is an integrated farm which replete chickens, sheep, cows, beehives and growing wines by using biodynamic methods since 2002. Despite its relative youth, the winery has seen a rapid rise to success, mainly due to the owner’s mission to produce honest and pure wines from top notch soil, and the help from an all-star team including Ted Lemon of Littorai (California) and Claire Mulholland, formerly of Martinborough Vineyards. “Burn Cottage …produces one truly great [wine]“ – Lisa Perotti Brown, MW for Robert Parker.
Hacienda Monasterio Crianza 2011, Ribera del Duero, Spain
An explosive and ripe wine made from local Tinta del Pais (aka Tempranillo) with some Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec to provide an extra dimension. Love this for its pure and polished appearance, and fine mineral aromas with notes of licorice and currants. “93 points. A gentle giant, a triumph for the vintage.” – Luis Gutierrez for Robert Parker.
