Wine advice

Linford

I want to buy a good bottle of wine for my daughter that I can give to her on her 21st birthday - she is 4 months old.

So I am looking for something that will mature nicely in 21 years.

Apart from drinking wine I am a total novice when it comes to wine. I would prefer to buy red wine and I am willing to spend a few hundred euros.

If there are any wine experst out there, any advice what to get and where to get it would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Cameraman

Over that length of time, correct storage would be important, as otherwise the wine will deteriorate rather than mature.

If you're in Dublin I would suggest you try Mitchell's in Kildare St. or Berry Brothers in Harry St (off Grafton St.) for advice.

For a few hundred euros, you could also consider a case of wine. Storage via a wine shop would be about €10 pa + VAT.

Sleipnir

Well you're asking a lot of a wine if you want to keep it for 21 years unless you have a eurocave or similar perfect conditions to keep it in. Obviously some wines are more resilient than others and can withstand temperature variation and vibration better. Also, a wine of that calibre would be completely wasted on a 21 year old, REALLY! You would want something that they could appreciate so I would consider keeping it for 25-30 years.
Also, don't forget that, like any investment, there are no guarantees and it could be vinegar when opened, no matter what you buy!

2000 was a great year for bordeaux so that might be a year to look at. (Last year was also pretty spectacular but you won't see those for about 2 years at least)

Really, you'll be looking at one of the big chateau like Margaux, Haut-Brion etc etc but you need to go to Mitchell's! to see what they have as I couldn't get in to it here; there are far too many! The staff at Mitchell's are quite passionate about their wine and I've always preferred them over Berry Brothers for that reason. They also love if you show any interest at all, even if you have zero knowledge. Simply tell them why you are buying it and they'll pick out a few good ones that will last well.

Also, I would like to suggest that you buy her a glass to put the wine in to as it really does make a difference. I have a few "Riedel Sommelier Grand Cru" glasses which are just fantastic and I love them! They are about €70 a pop though. (Berry Bros don't stock them either!)

have fun!

Sleipnir

Actually, as already suggested, you might be better off buying a case or half a case as if you have just the one bottle you have all your eggs in one basket. If you bought a selection of different wines you spread the risk.

1carrot2

You might consider a bottle (or 6) of Vintage Port. They should ideally be kept 18 to 20 years before opening. The best will improve even beyond that. There are usually 3 or 4 vintages declared each decade with 2000 and 2003 already having been generally declared this decade.
If you would like to get a port from your child's birth year, there is a second tier of vintage ports called 'single Quinta' vintage port. These are made almost every year but the quality is lesser than the real deal. The best of these 'single Quintas' should also be good to drink when your child is 21.
Best producers are Dows, Taylors, Niepoort among others. Expect to pay 70 plus for vintage and 40 plus for single quinta.
Another option is Madeira - a great fortified wine which can last for several decades. This may suit as your child will be more likely to appreciate the wine in his thirties rather than at 21. Unfortunately it is hard to get a good selection here. Maybe try mail order. A producer to look out for is Blandy's.

Sleipnir

Port does keep longer than wine the problem with buying port is that no 21 year old on the planet likes it!

C Fodder

the problem with buying port is that no 21 year old on the planet likes it!

I loved it when I was 21 almost as much as I love it today however my taste in port is now too expensive to drink more than once a year.

A idea may be to buy Champange as some of the finest vintage Champanges do keep but need very tender loving care. Again talk to an expert in a fine wine shop who may be able to store it for you. Another thought would be a top notch Chateau Neuf du Pape as they keep well and taste wonderful.

Winelover

Actually someone mentioned buying a case of wine.

Buying a case En Primeur could be an interesting option. The bordeaux 2005 en primeur price lists have just been released. 2005 is rumoured to be the best vintage in over 20 years. Much better than 2000.

Also 2005 happens to be the year your child was born :-) Sounds good to me.

This is an excellent investment too..

Cameraman

Another suggestion - less romantic, but possibly more realistic, is to just invest the money and let them buy whatever they like when they are 21.