Thursday, April 14, 2022

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2019 (Freshly opened bottle compared to 3 day old bottle)


Question: How long should you drink a wine that has been opened?

Answer: Depends for how long it has been opened and how it has been stored.

I compare two bottles of the same wine but one was opened three days ago and the other just uncorked.

3 day old was on the kitchen counter and kept at room temperature: There are aromas of Jellied cranberry sauce, some spices, dark berries, a little more alcohol in the bouquet. A touch of cocoa in the bowl.

Palate--rather flat, bitter, nearly unpleasant and strained with all fruit being subdued.

Freshly opened:  The bouquet has a fuller bowl with a melange of mixed berry aromas versus more of a singular dark berry fragrance with a touch of fresh asparagus in the opened wine. A hint of vanilla and  chocolate berry cream candies permeates the bouquet.  Overall there is just more depth of what is there, compared to the wine opened for 3 days. 

Palate--A touch "sweeter" more balanced, vibrant dark berry flavors are more intense and no sense of bitterness in the mouth. Just drinks easier...

*Wines begin to go downhill as soon as they are opened. If you refrigerate them, they might last a day or two longer. Fortified wines like Port and sherry will last a bit longer! 

This Bogle Zin was drinkable even after 3 days at room temp but it was clearly on its way out. If you plan to use an old wine in cooking --Do Not-- unless it is still drinkable. 

This Zin is around the $12 price point but I found it for $7.99 and I bought the last 6 bottles they had. Bogle makes solid value wines so raise a glass!



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