Wine experts talk about vintage wine, but how much do you know about it? Big Hammer Wines wants you to know when vintage matters and which vintages are promising before you buy. Using Bordeaux and Napa Valley to illustrate, we share our insider secrets, so you can enjoy better wine and spend less money.

Vintage Unveiled

Simply put, the term “vintage” refers to the past and the style of something typical from the time, or the high or lasting quality or value of something.

With wine, vintage is the date shown on the bottle. This date refers to the year of the grape harvest and the wine made from those grapes. It is not specifically a quality designation.

Most wines carry a vintage date, but not 100% of the grapes come from that year. Regulations, which differ by country, allow small percentages of grapes from other years.

Wines without a vintage date, called non-vintage wines, include grapes harvested from two or more years.

Because grapes are an agricultural product, how they grow is subject to the weather. As goes the weather, so goes the vintage and the wine.

A year with excellent weather generally translates into excellent wine and vice versa. A good weather year yields a wider variety of enjoyable wines than a poor weather year.

But other factors influence the quality of wine, so you can’t depend on vintage alone.

Vintage impact varies dramatically around the world. For example, Bordeaux famously suffers from challenging weather and vintages. Napa Valley, blessed with warmer, drier weather, tends to have consistently easier vintages.

Does this mean Napa Valley vintage wines are better than Bordeaux vintage wines? No. Each vintage and region stands on its own, but let’s take a look at the vintage year 2011.

Vintage Bordeaux

Bordeaux experienced a volatile weather year in 2011, coming after two fantastic years in 2009 and 2010. We should discuss the impact of climate change here, but that’s another topic.

The weather turned upside down in 2011. Spring was hot, summer cooler, and fall warm. Rainfall was lower throughout the year, except in the fall when you don’t need it. Rain at harvest leads to grapes filling with water, diluting the juice. It also breeds conditions for mold.bordeaux vintage variability

Bordelais winemakers outshine their California compatriots at times like these. Most producers in Bordeaux know how to manage difficult vintages. Growers who were aggressive in the vineyard made enjoyable wine.

At the end of the season, the white wines excelled, including the famous sweet Bordeaux, instead of the reds. Certain grape varieties thrive under certain weather conditions. White grapes tend to prefer cooler weather.

Heat-loving Cabernet Sauvignon, California’s favorite, struggles to ripen in cooler temperatures. Wines with higher amounts of Cabernet Franc, though, came through well.

Not a ripe vintage, 2011 wines exhibit a lighter profile and won’t age well. You can drink this vintage while young, but you need to be selective when buying. Choose a good location with the right varieties, and an excellent producer.

Vintage Napa Valleynapa valley vintage variability

People assume that due to the Napa Valley climate, it has never had a bad vintage. Most Napa wines, vintage or non-vintage, drink just fine. So, does vintage even matter here? Well, 2011 arrived with some surprises.

The 2011 growing season challenged winemakers in Napa. They had to employ tactics well-known to their friends in Bordeaux: adjusting the canopy, monitoring mildew, and delaying harvest.

Napa’s spring weather was colder than usual, and a lot of rain fell in May and June. The cool weather continued into summer, which is generally hot, so grapes did not ripen as expected. Rain fell with another cool spell in early October. A delayed harvest began late in the month after a welcomed heat spike.

Because this was so unusual, critics expected the wines to be less impressive and gave lower scores. Wine buyers, listening to the critics, stayed away.

But many producers believe the wines from 2011 show more character, which can be concealed during hotter vintages.

Wines tend to be lower in alcohol with good acidity and ripe flavors and tannins. Subtle and fresh, they were different from typical lush Napa wines.

When grapes develop slowly, they increase in complexity. The powerfully rich Napa style comes from rapidly maturing grapes.

As in Bordeaux, the producer matters. Talented winemakers made good wine in 2011.

Buying Vintage Wine

When should you buy a vintage wine, and which vintages should you buy?

Vintage doesn’t matter with under $20 mass-produced and commercial wines. Producers want to reduce costs, get to market fast and turn inventory over quickly. The work is mostly mechanized. If you buy these wines at your local grocery or convenience store, drink them soon.

Vintage matters when you buy wine over $20. Quality producers care about the craft of wine, regardless of size. A vintage wine costs more because of the care taken to produce it.

When to Buy Vintage

Most wines, including vintages, are ready to drink when you buy them. Buy vintage when:

1. For special occasions, gifts, or bringing to a dinner party
2. If you want to impress someone
3. You collect or age wine
4. You enjoy wine’s variability year to year
5. You just like better wine

If you’re buying cases of wine for a big event, buy non-vintage to save money. Don’t serve vintage wines to a bunch of people drinking all afternoon by the pool. If you prefer your wine to taste the same, we advise against buying vintage.

How to Buy Vintage

Here’s a few tips for buying vintage wine
  • Forget the critics unless you follow one who has the same taste as you
  • Find a retailer who knows the region you want to buy
  • Do your homework - research trusted sites online
  • Look for vintage charts on winery websites, not on critics’ websites
  • Find favorite producers or ask about quality producers
  • To balance quality and price, try a second label from a top winery or a top wine from a less well-known one
  • Instead of a great year, look for a good year with a great winemaker
  • Avoid years with a combination of poor conditions
  • Look for de-classified wines from great producers (wines sold under a lesser classification in a weaker vintage)
  • Buy the style and wine you like from the best vintage you can afford
  • Don’t buy based on trends
  • Ask questions
Final Hammer Wines

Vintage Variability

One of the joys of drinking wine is how they are different every year. Drinking different vintages allows you to learn about the process and decide which vintages you prefer. For example, you might like lighter wines from cooler vintages or robust wines from warmer vintages.

You also build your palate as you learn how weather conditions influence the flavors and aromas in wine.

Big Hammer Wines encourages you to explore the world of vintage wines!

Big Hammer Wines

The wine experts at Big Hammer Wines taste thousands of wines every year from around the globe, looking for quality and value. This special offer reflects the passion we have for our clients.

Discover the world through its wines, Click Here! Visit Bighammerwines.com and become a wine expert! 

Comments Section

1 comment

  • Elizabeth Nellis
    • Elizabeth Nellis
    • September 7, 2021 at 12:38 pm

    This blog was so helpful. I have always wondered about the difference in a wine’s Vintage and how this influences the wine. Thank you!

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Why is There a Worm in my Tequila & Mezcal?

READ FULL ARTICLE

Antonio Galloni’s Five Key Characteristics to Evaluate a Vintage

READ FULL ARTICLE

The Breakfast Price Index: Where Morning Sustenance Costs More Than a Decent Bottle of Wine

READ FULL ARTICLE

So, What is the Difference Between Barolo and Barbaresco?

READ FULL ARTICLE

BHW Discusses the 100pt Scoring System with Dr. Rusty Gaffney, The Prince of Pinot

READ FULL ARTICLE

Spring Awakening: The Best Spring Wines to Sip This Season

READ FULL ARTICLE

Wine Speak Made Easy: A Simple Guide to Wine Terminology

READ FULL ARTICLE

Vinous Media’s 10-Year Retrospective: How 2014 Napa Cabernet Became a Dark Horse

READ FULL ARTICLE

How to Remove Wax Tops on Wine Bottles: A Simple Guide

READ FULL ARTICLE

Elevate Your Holidays: Your Guide to Wine Pairing Perfection

READ FULL ARTICLE

The Ultimate Holiday Food and Wine Pairing Guide

READ FULL ARTICLE

Top 12 Festive Wines to Pair with Your Holiday Feasts

READ FULL ARTICLE

Wine Industry Advisor - Stop Decanting Your Wines

READ FULL ARTICLE

Top 12 White Wines to Buy at BHW Now

READ FULL ARTICLE

Perfect Wine Pairings for Your Día de los Muertos Celebration

READ FULL ARTICLE

The Ultimate Guide for Thanksgiving Pairings, Selected by Big Hammer Wine Experts

READ FULL ARTICLE

10 Best Red Wines Under $25 You Can Buy Right Now at BHW

READ FULL ARTICLE

Exploring Regional Food and Wine Pairings: What to Drink with Italian, French, and Spanish Cuisine

READ FULL ARTICLE

9 Reasons Why You Should Consider Having a Wine Club Membership

READ FULL ARTICLE

Uncorking the Secrets of Kosher Wine: A Simple Guide

READ FULL ARTICLE

Toast to Labor Day: Must-Have Wines for Your Festive Gathering

READ FULL ARTICLE

Summer’s Last Hurrah: Top Wines to Celebrate the End of the Season

READ FULL ARTICLE

The Rise of Rosé

READ FULL ARTICLE

Sipping for Gold: Wine Pairings for Olympic Moments

READ FULL ARTICLE

Wines from Argentina

READ FULL ARTICLE

Uncork the Best Wine for the Fourth of July

READ FULL ARTICLE

Spice Up Your Summer! Wine Pairings That'll Level Up Your BBQ

READ FULL ARTICLE

Happy Father`s Day Inage - Big Hammer Wines

READ FULL ARTICLE

Top 10 Portuguese Wines of 2024 Oporto Tasting & Judging

READ FULL ARTICLE

12 Eclectic Red Indigenous Varietals People Are Afraid to Try. But You Shouldn't Be

READ FULL ARTICLE

Wine Trends 2025: The Wines You Need to Try This Year

READ FULL ARTICLE

Celebrating International Syrah Day: A Guide to the World’s Boldest Red

READ FULL ARTICLE

The Top 15 Cult Wine Producers in California You Need to Know About

READ FULL ARTICLE

BHW's Most Loved Wines – Together in One Ultimate Case

READ FULL ARTICLE

Top 12 Festive Wines to Pair with Your Holiday Feasts

READ FULL ARTICLE

Italian Ambassador's Top 12 Italian Red Wines to Buy Today at BHW

READ FULL ARTICLE

Top 12 White Wines to Buy at BHW Now

READ FULL ARTICLE

Greg's Picks Founder's Favorites Available Now

READ FULL ARTICLE

Top 15 Bestselling Wines at BHW That Are Still Available

READ FULL ARTICLE

Top 12 Bordeaux Wines Available at BHW Now!

READ FULL ARTICLE

12 Best Red Wines Under $50 from California To Buy from Big Hammer Wines

READ FULL ARTICLE

10 Best Red Wines Under $25 You Can Buy Right Now at BHW

READ FULL ARTICLE

EU Winemakers Heading for the Hills: Climate Change Rewrites the Wine Map

READ FULL ARTICLE

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: The Tuscan Wine That’s Redefining Excellence

READ FULL ARTICLE

How the Judgment of Paris Shook Up the Wine World

READ FULL ARTICLE

What is Port Wine? Learn More About Port Styles, History and What to Pair it With

READ FULL ARTICLE

Bordeaux Travel Guide 2024: Walking Tour in Bordeaux City - Local's Ultimate Food & Wine Insider Tips

READ FULL ARTICLE

A True Wine Insider’s Guide to Napa Valley: The Ultimate Guide to Napa Valley 2024

READ FULL ARTICLE

Wines of Croatia: A Taste of the Adriatic

READ FULL ARTICLE

Italian Wine Ambassador’s Insider Notes on the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vintage Blog - Big Hammer Wines

READ FULL ARTICLE

A Wine Lover’s Guide to the Bordeaux Wine Region

READ FULL ARTICLE

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Oakville vs. Rutherford

READ FULL ARTICLE

Barolo Brilliance: Unraveling the Mystique of Piedmont's Noble Nebbiolo

READ FULL ARTICLE

Bordeaux Beyond the Classics: Exploring Lesser-Known Appellations

READ FULL ARTICLE

A Detailed Review of Italian Wine Regions, By Italian Wine Expert

READ FULL ARTICLE

Exploring the Marvels of The South African Wine Regions

READ FULL ARTICLE

Talosa Vino Nobile Cantina Storica in Montepulciano

READ FULL ARTICLE

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Embark on an Unforgettable Tuscan Adventure Sangiovese wine

READ FULL ARTICLE

The Ultimate Guide to Baja California Wine Region

READ FULL ARTICLE

Talosa Winery Montepulciano Etruscan Underground Cellar Tour

READ FULL ARTICLE

Raise a Glass to National Prosecco Day: Celebrating the Bubbly Elegance

READ FULL ARTICLE

72 Perfect Hours in Verona: Where to Eat, Drink, Tour, & Stay

READ FULL ARTICLE

Aglianico Lovers: Meet the 99-Point Wine Named “Barolo of the South”!

READ FULL ARTICLE

Feeling ⛓️Like a Wine Prisoner? Break Free with This Top-Rated 2019 Napa Blend

READ FULL ARTICLE

Love Rhône Valley? This is the sample pack for you!

READ FULL ARTICLE

Verona Sampler

Verona Sampler

READ FULL ARTICLE

Red Burgundy Sampler

READ FULL ARTICLE

Calling All Bordeaux Rouge Fans!

READ FULL ARTICLE

The Right Bank Bordeaux Sampler, Experience Epic Wines

READ FULL ARTICLE

Love Rhône Valley? This is the sample pack for you!

READ FULL ARTICLE

Escape to Summer with this Rosé Adventure!

READ FULL ARTICLE

Pop The Bubbly & Embark On A Global Fizz Adventure!

READ FULL ARTICLE

Premier Wine Club 6pk Sampler: Greg Martellotto's Personal Favorites, Perfect for Sharing with Friends and Family!

READ FULL ARTICLE

Big Bold Reds 6pk Sampler: Perfect for Those Who Crave Bright, Fruity Wines with a Bold Punch!

READ FULL ARTICLE

Talosa Rosso Toscano Di Montepulciano

READ FULL ARTICLE

Fun, Italian Fizz. Unfiltered Prosecco that is NOT Sweet – BHW's Best Bargain!

READ FULL ARTICLE

For Bordeaux Lovers: The Right Bank Bordeaux 6pk Sampler. Experience Merlot and Cab FrancBased Epicness

READ FULL ARTICLE

A BudgetFriendly Journey through Enchanting Bordeaux Right Bank PetitChateaux!

READ FULL ARTICLE

2022 RaimbaultPineau Exception Sancerre

READ FULL ARTICLE

READ FULL ARTICLE

2015 Château Bourseau Lalande de Pomerol Reviewed by Big Hammer Wines “French” Wine Expert

READ FULL ARTICLE

Quality, Style, and Convenience. Get this EasytoUse ItalianMade Corkscrew Today! Sommelier Approved.

READ FULL ARTICLE