To Drink or Not to Drink, That is the Question

I have guests for dinner tonight and thankfully they have made themselves comfortable.  I, on the other hand, have a problem.  Looking over my personal wine collection a few things have immediately come to mind.  First, at a glance it isn't much of a collection any more.  The ever decreasing size tells me, that much like my bank account, I've been making more withdrawals than deposits.  Second, I have good taste in wine.  This leads directly to the third and most troubling thought.  Of the remaining wines, what is good to drink?

Years ago, when this blog was in its infancy I wouldn't have grasp the complexity of that question.  Even though I knew some wine can "mature" with age, I hadn't yet to experience the difference.  Even further back in my history, prior to this blog, life was much simpler.  If I was thirsty for wine and if a bottle was in reach, the only debate I'd have about a wine's readiness to drink was if a cork was still in the bottle's neck.  Of course, with the wide distribution of screw tops these days life gets ever easier.  (But that leads to an even bigger debate.)  As I examine each individual bottle remaining in my collection my concern is; is this wine ready to drink or not to drink.

One of my guest, noticing me frozen in thought, hands me an open beer and prepares to listen to the details of my internal debate.

In attempts to bring my quandary to life, I site a few examples from current events to illustrate my point.  On this evening of fun, with good friends and delicious food, I could easily throw caution to the wind.  I could frivolously opening the first bottle to find my hand, all the while thinking, drink it young and enjoy.  Wine for goodness sake is made to be enjoyed not deified.  In fact, their is no better example of celebrating the joy of wine for wine sake than the third Thursday of November.  The day which marks the official arrival of new wine, Beaujolais Nouveau.  However, one must remember for every action their is an equal and opposite reaching.  One need look no further than tomorrow's Sotheby auction to understand the value of patience.  Wine is about passion.  It is not an indulgent tramp to please one's fancy.  Wine was created to enlighten one's experience.  A good wine will make a meal more enjoyable, a great wine makes moments monumental.

After hearing me out, my friend cracks us a couple more beers so we can continue to stare at the wine collection.  As I take a sip I wonder what my other guests are drinking.