depth
A wine with flavor depth is full-bodied (see body) and intense and has multiple dimensions of flavor and bouquet. In this context, depth is similar in meaning to complexity. depth of color refers to the color intensity, a quality indicator that, in most instances, accurately predicts (particularly with red wine) how full-bodied a wine will be. The intrinsic degree of color in various grape varieties most certainly influences the depth of a wine’s color. The rule of thumb when comparing like wines is that the deeper-colored wines are generally made from higher-quality grapes and will therefore have fuller flavor and body. A pale color intensity, especially in a red wine, can have several meanings—from overplanted vineyards to underripe grapes—any of which diminish a wine’s character and flavor. See also deep.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.