Winemakers talk about "hang-time" with considerable passion. A vintage with hang-time has had the advantage of stable, cool temperatures allowing the grapes to stay on the vine. This slow, steady duration gives the fruit a chance to fully mature their flavors and tannins without losing their natural acidity and balance. Sudden warm spells or heat spikes can force a winemaker to pick before full flavor development, fearing an elevated alcohol level. Wines with hang-time possess, subtly, more depth...