Maturity decision: Judgement, not measurement

The standard

A reasoned maturity decision states what it rests on: on tasting, on analysis or on both. It remains a choice that could have turned out otherwise, and makes that plain.

Criteria

• It rests on the tasted state, not on the calendar
• It stays correctable when the wine shows differently than expected
• Responsibility lies with a person, not with a formula

Distinction

Maturity decision ≠ maturity measurement: the measurement supplies values, the decision selects a moment from them. Maturity decision ≠ drinking window: the drinking window forecasts a span, the reasoned maturity decision sets the point of release within it. It is thus a judgement, not a date.