Pinot Noir: Consume within 5 years. Merlot: Keep no more than 3-5 years. Zinfandel: This red wine will last for 2-5 years. Ageing is typically a red wine’s game; most whites don’t have the tannins to keep for more than 18 months or so.Among the more age-worthy whites: Chardonnay: 2-3 years. Better ones can keep for 5-7 years.infandel: This red wine will last for 2-5 years. Ageing is typically a red wine’s game; most whites don’t have the tannins to keep for more than 18 months or so. Among the more age-worthy whites: Chardonnay: 2-3 years. Better ones can keep for 5-7 years.