Forgive my ignorance--I am still learning about wine!
I would like to buy a special bottle for myself (and for two friends for Christmas).
The three of us are first year law students. I'm looking for something that wouldn't be as good now as it would be in May of 2011 when we graduate. Alternatively, it could peak in May of 2012 when we finish articling.
People tell me it's not worth "cellaring" wines unless you can store them in very specific conditions. I can appreciate, also, that it may be worth spending a certain amount of money for something worth saving. Also, they tell me that most of the wines sold in liquor stores today are ready to be opened right away. I'm looking for something a bit more special than that.
To add to the mix, I live in Ontario and our Liquor Control Board runs a little cabal. I've been looking for the Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Châteauneuf du Pape 2005 and I think they're sold out.
Can anyone make me a recommendation? I would really appreciate your opinions and advice...
Perhaps others who live in Canada may answer your question on purchasing wines that are sold out at your local LCB better than me. But try winebid.com for seeking out a specific bottle(s) that you mentioned. Also, you can post a thread in the "Buying/Selling" section indicating your desire to purchase a specific wine.
As for which wine to open when you've reached your milestone in May 2012, that's a tough question to answer. You mentioned the 2005 VT CdP. I'd be careful with which vintage you choose for opening in 2012. In my limited experience with CdPs, they tend to be closed or in a dumb phase at age 7. I have some 2001s (not VTs) that I probably don't want to open for at least 3 more years. If you like or are intrigued by the producer, I would target a much older vintage.
Other wines that should be drinking well in May 2012 include: 1997 - 2001 Brunello, 1997 - 2001 Barolos, non-first growth 2000 Bordeaux, 2001 CdPs. I know these are generalizations. Perhaps others can chime in.
Posts: 1452 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: Aug 05, 2007
Agreed. I wouldn't go for the 2005 Vieux Telegraphe as it can tend to go into a dumb phase but not all Cdp's are like that. I just tried a 2005 Andre Brunel Les Cailloux Cdp that was drinking well now and not backward at all that I dont think will shut down. California Rhone blends and Cabernet should show well as would Oregon Pinots from Willamette Valley in 2012 for the 2005 0r 2006 vintage.
Posts: 5218 | Location: minneapolis minnesota usa | Registered: Dec 17, 2003
I'd seek out a current release (2005 if possible) of Andrew Will Vineyard-designate blends. My favorites are Champoux and Ciel du Cheval. Andrew Will wines age very well and, while they'll be able to age past 3 years easliy, they'll be darn good then too. And, as a law student, these won't break your bank at around $50-$65 per.
Don't overlook Washington wines!
Cheers!
Posts: 1647 | Location: Seattle, WA, USA | Registered: Mar 22, 2004
I ended up with a CdeP, Domaine de Vieux Lazaret 2005. I hope it doesn't shut down...but waiting a few more years won't be so bad. In this market it might take that long to get a job!
I'm going to look into these other suggestions for something else to put down...
