Hi Streuth,

On Fri, 15 Apr 2005 09:34:05 GMT, "Streuth Cor Blimey" > said:

] I read ocasionally "BIN xx" on a label.
] Is this of any importance and what is it?
]

This has some obscure aussie meaning relating to lot number at crush, IIRC.
I believe it's really just marketing now. Someone else may comment here,
or google the group to find the full discussion.

] What are "BIN ENDS"? My mail order supplier
] offers these, and I need to understand, I think.
]

Bin ends are what's left from a larger order, that can't be sold in cases
or supply large quantities any more. Basically price is being knocked
off to move the inventory out. So if a retailer orders 10 cases, sells 9.5,
the last 6 bottles are the bin end.

] How do you know if a wine is suitable for keeping?
] I suppose that a well known supplier is the key?

Supplier helps of course. Experience helps more! And even then
the most expert sometimes mucks up. Reds with lots of tannins and
acid, and sufficient fruit over big structure often have what it takes.
Some varieties (e.g. Cabernet Sauv.) age better than others (e.g. Gamay).
Acid is a key here, that's why some "new world" (read hotter climate) wines
will age less gracefully (read won't necessarily improve, no comment intended
on overall quality of style here) than some "old world" wines.

] What on the label gives the clue, if anything?
]

Not really anything, except the basic info of appellation and vintage. Some
vintages age better than others. Sometimes a producer will put a guideline
(e.g. will get better during 5 years, or will hold for 3 years) on the back label,
I've never really seen anything useful there.

HTH

-E

--
Emery Davis
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by removing the well known companies