Deciding what to put on your wines by the glass list is a critical part of running a successful wine program. Selecting wines that are ready to be uncorked and are at their peak is a big part of this. However, without a master sommelier preparing your wine list, it can be hard to know when it is or isn’t the right time to open any given wine. We consulted some of the best sommeliers and wine lovers we know to compile some recommendations of vintages and varietals you should be uncorking and popping into your WineStation as 2019 comes to a close.
Our resident sommelier Jeffrey Weinstein in partnership with Wente Vineyards, says, “Napa Valley Cabernets from 2012 are a very good vintage and are now getting ready to drink. Wente’s Nth Degree Cabernet from 2012 is an excellent example of what to open this fall.”
Our personal favorites at Napa Technology include current vintages of Heitz Gringnolio, Raen Pinot, Overture by Opus One, Qupe Syrah, and Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon. These expressive wines are great for pairing with the fresh, seasonal dishes you’ll encounter during the holidays. Another thing we love about these wines is that they have quite the reputation among consumers as being fantastic wines, and many would jump on the chance to try these wines by the glass.
Another one of our favorite resources to consult is Wine Enthusiast’s 2019 wine vintage chart. This guide shows you what wines are recommended to be opened, cellared, and even dumped as of this year.
For many California wines, vintages from 2010-2012 are at their peak and ready to be enjoyed now. This includes wines from Napa, Sonoma and even the Russian River Valley. Some of the vintages from 2007-2009 are already past their prime and may be in a decline. If you have these wines on hand, it is best advised to enjoy them soon; however, you may want to test them and make sure they haven’t turned before serving them to guests. California Pinot Noirs prior to 2004 are likely undrinkable.
International wines like Bordeaux’s and Burgundies from France are best enjoyed with a bit of age. Vintages from 1998 – 2008 are currently at their peak and would be perfect to pop into your WineStation this year. Most vintages prior to 1995 are likely undrinkable at this stage, but several wines could still hold value from 1996-1997 depending on storage conditions of the individual wine (PRO TIP: that’s where WineStation Cellar comes in handy- keeping those precious vintages cellared and safe for years to come).
Some wines can stand the test of time. Very old wines that should be enjoyed in 2019 include wines from the famed Riberia del Duero region in Spain (vintages: 1991, 1985, 1983, 1982, 1980, 1979, 1970, 1968 and 1962). Wines from the sought after Rhine region in Germany (vintages: 1990, 1983, 1976, 1975, 1971, and 1959). There are even some ports from Portugal from the 1940s that would be perfect to open this year!
Now that you have the makings of a great wine list take your wine program to the next level with WineStation Cellar- North America’s #1 wine dispensing and preservation system. Preserve, pour, and store your wines.
When you have a wine that you want to cellar for years to come or high-end luxury bottles – storage conditions are critical! Extend the life of your wines and keep opened wines fresh as long as possible with WineStation Cellar.
Two Solutions In One
Now you can dispense, preserve, and store your wine. Our best-selling WineStation 3.0 is now integrated with an 80-bottle commercial-grade wine cooler. Large capacity design has a 24” width with five shelves that can comfortably store 80 bottles, 16 per shelf (double stacked).
Clean-Pour Dispensing Head Technology
Designed to improve dated industry standards and provide the most effective, accurate, contamination-free wine delivery system in the world.
AccuServe Smartcard Access Control
Our patented software affords the highest level of product security, access, and accuracy to every pour.
Programmable Portion Control
Each operator’s definition of a taste, half and full glass pour can vary. The WineStation allows a wide range of options from .25 – 9 oz.
Fully Customizable LCD Display
Allows you to share so much more than varietal, region, and date. Utilizing the customizable LCD screens, you can share a wide range of tasting notes or menu pairings.
Learn more about proper wine storage here.
What is your advice on decanting an older bottle with sediment, cleaning the bottle and putting wine back in the bottle verses just installing the bottle with sediment?
Hi Pete,
That’s a great question! We recommend installing as it sits for two reasons. First, the pickup tubes are designed to wrap around the bottom of the bottle and then face-up so they avoid the sediment. Second, if you decant first, you prolong the exposure to air, and start the oxidation process. I hope this helps, feel free to email in if you have further questions.