My wife and I are expecting our first child later this year, and would like some opinions on what wine(s) would any of you recommend to lay down over the next 20-30 years. The intent is to purchase a wine that is going to be age worthy when our child is of drinking age. So, what wine would you recommend and why?

Assuming that you dont mind if the vintage of the wine isnt 2004 (the same as your child's birth-year) I would opt for a 2000 Bordeaux 1st growth or perhaps something along the lines of a Penfold's Grange. If you can find any 1998 Grange, it is a sure bet to age a good 20/30 years. I know these wines might come off as typical or cliche, but hey, they are only that way because they are known for aging. Your other option would be a higher end dessert wine. Some of the 2001 Sauternes being released now should age that long and not be too expensive. Hope some of this helps, but if nothing else, congratulations!

Miami Wine Nut,

Long time no hear, hope everything is well. Don't be a stranger.

As FSUwineguy said, it would be a good idea to determine if birth-year is important. If so, then we should revisit this topic in couple of years.

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2003 Whirlwind Tour

FSUwineguy, thanks for your comments. I never thought I would be taking advice from an archrival Nole, but here's the thing...

Regarding the issue of vintage/birth-year, isn't that part of the fun in doing this? I mean, I can convince the lady of the house that this is important now, and then again later when our child's birth year roles around!

Bordeaux isn't my style. Maybe it's because I haven't had any that are worth remembering, or maybe it's because they just don't do anything for me. Maybe the few bottles I have had were opened too soon to appreciate, or maybe I don't understand the complexity of the grape. To be honest, I have never been much of a Bordeaux fan and I can't see myself paying top dollar (at this point in the game) for an additional case or two of first growth Bordeaux.

The Grange sounds interesting, as I have a few mixed Aussie cases in the arsenal to which a case or two of Grange may look quite well next to.

However, I'm looking for something unique. Something that will age just as well as a first growth, but not necessarily from that region. Does anythign from California come to mind? I've been concentrating my efforts 01 California Cabs lately, but my gut (and tastebuds) tell me that these badboys will be well pass their prime come 2024.

pyang... how are you? Please accept my apologies for the brief disappearance act. I've been meaning to post to the group and thank you and everyone else for the wonderful (and crazy) offline @ Del Dotto this past November. The wines everyone shared with us were incredible and I would like to say that I left with a friend or two from that encounter. Anyway, I'll try calling you later on in the week.

Regarding 01 California Cabs, is there anythign you think would stand the test of time?

Hey there Miami Wine Nut!

So far from what I've tasted:

'01 Philip Togni should be a solid bet. And, when it comes out, the '01 Dunn Howell Mtn. should last well past 2024.

I thought you want '04 wines though? In which case....as Pyang said....you'll have to wait a while.

-DRAB

So much wine.....so little time!!!

MWN;
If you're not into Bordeaux as a 'future', I'd suggest some of the limited production old-vine grenache coming out of Spain, or perhaps a big Temparanillo/Cab blend. The '00 Val Llach (RP96)is an outstanding example of old-vine (70+ yr.) grenache that exemplifies both old-world style and new-world drinkability, but should last at least 20 yrs. properly stored. I'd check the anticipated outcome of the current vintages.

Then there's the obligatory bottle of vintage port, and I here that 2003 will be a classified 'vintage' year. Or Austrian stickies, reislings, etc., etc.

"This wine should be eaten, it is too good to be drunk."
Jonathan Swift

I agree with DRAB on the Togni. I also think Neal Family's Howell Mountain Estate may be able to make the long haul.

If you are intending to keep some '01 Cal Cab for your future child, look for mountain fruit in general, likely your best bet.

There is one producer that does not source from mountain fruit I am willing to gamble on, and that is Portfolio. Check them out.

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2003 Whirlwind Tour

for another long-lived 01 Cab, consider Chateau Montelena.

pyang, if the Portfolio tip turns out as good as Neal, my wife is gonna kill me. is this a new producer as of 01?

Youndo,

Portfolio has been producing wine since 1998, their first vintage was a mere 80 cases in production.

The production level increased to 220 cases since 1999, and has been holding steady and will remain the same for the foreseeable future.

Their wine is a bordeaux style blend, very different in style vs. Neal Family.

Take a look at their website, let me know if you have additional questions.

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2003 Whirlwind Tour

thanks pyang, I'll check em out. 2001 is really looking good so far, top to bottom.