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+--- Thread: To wine, or Not to wine.. (/thread-18732.html)
- WineDilemma - 08-02-2005
I've been struggling to think of a nice gift for a 25th Anniversary. Finally thought of getting a wine from that vintage (1980).
But, did some research and found that year wasn't particularly good (better in US & Australia). Which I thought might still be OK since I'm in Australia. Went on Wine-Searcher.com and found some wines on sale from that vintage.
However, I'm still anxious to commit. How will I know that the wine's been stored properly? I've found Vintage Charts that score wine of that vintage according to region. How well can I follow these? Will price be a good measure of drinkability?
Any suggestions? I've heard that Penfolds Grange is a safe option? I prefer red wine, but there's been suggestion that port or champagne keep better, so are safer options?
I know I could just have a back-up younger bottle, but it would be a bummer on the night if the bottle turns out off (especially after I've paid good money for it!).
Thanks in advance!! I'm a real newbie to the art of wine. Correct me if anything I've said is wrong.
- hotwine - 08-02-2005
Welcome to the board WD. Your questions are the same ones we all ask ourselves when trying to decide whether to buy a premium bottle of wine. There are no easy answers and no guarantees. All any of us can do is do the research and use a reputable retailer whom you know to have good storage and his own sound relationships with reputable vendors.
Grange sounds Jim-dandy, but I can't vouch for it or the vintage since I don't buy the stuff myself.
- sharon001 - 08-02-2005
You seem to sense the answer, actually - something like port or a sweet wine (sauternes, etc.) will be a safer bet for having kept 25 years. But of course, it's exciting to drink an aged wine that has really matured deliciously, rather than becoming a brownish disappointment.
- WineDilemma - 08-05-2005
Thank you for your replies!
Don't really like port or sweet wines, so finally decided on Penfolds Grange Shiraz. Hopefully it won't be a let down..
