My fiance's birthday is 9/29. He was born in 1976, so I though it would be interesting to try wines from this year. I work at a restaurant where the sommelier has a huge cellar of his own. He is willing to sell me some wines from this year. I was wondering if I could get some suggestions on which ones I should pick. which ones might be in the best shape? Here are my choices: 1976 domaine du vieux telegraphe chateauneuf du pape, 1976 paul jaboulet "les jumelles" cote rotie, 1976 robert mondavi reserve cabernet sauvignon, 1976 felix clerget beaune "greves", or 1976 chateau leoville "las cases". i'm thinking the 2 rhones. i tried a 1979 la fortia chateaneuf last week, and it was drinking pretty nicely. any suggestions. (i know '76 german and alsace rieslings were/are great, but i believe we're looking for a red.)
-stanfillcc1

The two Rhones, providing excellent provenance, should be fine. I'd guess the Beaune and Leoville to be well over-the-hill. The 1976 Mondavi might still be alive, but it was never an outstanding wine. If the sommelier's got a 1976 BV GdL grab it! It's one of the best BV ever made.

Second the 76 BV GDL.


I have also heard that the Diamond Creeks from 76 are holding up pretty good.

Third on the BV!

thanks for the suggestions. i believe we'll go with the rhones. (he doesn't have the BV.) i'll let you know how they taste.