Wine Questions

Joseph,

Not sure you mentioned where the wines came from. Some grape types do much better than others in terms of aging-- or even withstanding incorrect stowage. For a complete list of vinifera, hybrids and really all varietals, check out Appellation America's Varietal Index here:

With regard to each bottle, the ullage is easily determined by checking the fill lines at the neck of the bottle as another poster has mentioned. I'd probably open the least full bottles as soon as possible, as these are generally the most at-risk for oxidization.

Otherwise, depending on whether the bottles saw a great deal of temperature variation, the wines may actually be drinking fine. Most wine bottles are actually much tougher than critics give credit for-- as retailers often have fine bottles of wine that site on a store shelf for lengthy periods of time (many boo-boo's by even the "experts" here: upright storage, lighted store rooms, excessive handling, etc.) and yet many of these bottles still drink well.

A useful strategy might be to pick the bottles in best shape, store them at cellar temperature for a week or two before opening and then decant for at least a half hour before drinking.

Good luck!

Best,

EQ Wine Reviews, Notes and Tastings:

Joseph Coulter