We have a duty to support and encourage winemakers who have an authentic dedication to wine production in a variety of formats. The early-maturing quality of wine stored in half bottles provides both advantages and disadvantages. The advanced flavor profile that half bottles offer can create opportunities to enjoy the wine earlier, or to project the progression of larger formats as they age. This remains especially the case for tannic red wines and ports. Winemakers often concur by creating half bottles for just that purpose.
Winemakers are also aware of the pitfalls.
The treachery of some half bottle production occurs when more delicate wines, despite perfect storage conditions, rapidly deteriorate into faded or oxidized representations. Even in the case of sturdier wines, a watchful eye must be maintained. Meanwhile, the full bottles still required more time before they were completely accessible. For these reasons, your inventory of half bottles demands that you monitor their status more aggressively. Remember, keep tasting.