overripe
Used to describe wine made from grapes that have remained on the vine too long before being picked, which makes them high in sugar and low in acid. In some wines, such as zinfandels, slightly overripe grapes can be desirable; a Chardonnay made with such grapes, however, can be heavy and out of balance. See also pruney.
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.