Should I drink it now or hold it to improve? This is a question that many people have.

While wine labeling laws vary around the world, one thing that remains constant is that the year on the label always refers to the year the grapes were harvested. Some wines might be released right away while others might age in barrels for years before release, but either way, the vintage date is the harvest date.

(Some wines might not have any vintage date on their labels, and these are referred to as “non vintage” releases. These wines are blends of multiple vintages, which gives winemakers flexibility to maintain a consistent house style year after year.)

The aging of wine is potentially able to improve the quality of the wine.

However, the vast majority of wine is not aged, and even wine that is aged is rarely aged for long; it is estimated that 90% of wine is meant to be consumed within a year of production, and 99% of wine within 5 years.Some wine authorities feel that more wine is consumed too old than too young.

 Experts vary on precise numbers, but typically state that only 5–10% of wine improves after 1 year, and only 1% improves after 5–10 years.

Red wines such as Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Syrah all present best capability for aging.

White wines tend to not age or improve, but any with higher acidity levels (such as Chardonnay, Riesling,Chenin Blanc) can indeed improve with proper storage/conditions

“Rose” wines in general do not age well.

Vintage ports, and bottle aged ports & sherries will benefit with some aging

Champagne and some sparkling wines can be aged, but many times have no vintage year the label. (Vintage champagnes can be aged)

Ice wines and most sparkling wines will not benefit from aging.

The thing to remember in aging of any wines, they must be stored and kept under proper conditions.

In most cases and for the average bottle of wine then, the rule of thumb is to take the bottle home, and enjoy it now with friends,and good food ! 

Always new  wines coming on market and to the stores, why not enjoy now