Query: Need to choose a gift wine for a wine geek with a pretty diverse palate that leans toward Old World. Budget is roughly $200. What would you buy someone in this price range?
Obviously there are a thousand great options. For whatever reason, the following come to mind as safe, impressive options:
Krug MV / Pierre Peters Chetillons / Taittinger Comtes / Clos due Goisses
Chave Hermitage (slightly over budget)
Second-growth Bdx
'10 Bartolo Mascarello or Conterno CF Barolo
Ridge Monte Bello from a good vintage
Thanks for the suggestions Ryan.
I was thinking that something with age might be a bit nicer since he can actually enjoy his gift a bit sooner. I think the Chave might be very much in his wheelhouse…actually I think all of the above would fit.
You could get some pretty nicely aged Lopez de Heredia Gran Riserva Rioja too. In fact that would be a great option in my view.
Exactly what I would have suggested. Along with LdH, CVNE, Murrieta, etc. Also, any thoughts to older Vintage Port (or 40 Yr. Tawny) or VSOR Jerez?
1996 or 1998 Clape Cornas should fall in that range.
Cristal
+1…2006 version
Plenty of aged Barolo and Tuscan wines available in that price range. I recently received a 1995 Fontodi Flaccianello as a gift - beautiful wine.
How about a custom wine barrel lazy Susan with the family name on it? Lasts forever and they will forever be reminded of your gift.
Depending on how much of a wine geek he is…vintage Madeira! D’Oliviera 68’ Bual goes for under $200 perhaps? Or find a good Terrantez or Bastardo to get even crazier.
My personal belief for gifts is to get something that the recipient wouldn’t necessarily splurge on for themselves. Something interesting. Most wine geeks have what they want from new releases, and might have a cellar full of the usual suspects. A wine geek will always appreciate something out of the ordinary.
My thought when giving gifts is to consider what someone would like (or wants) but might not necessarily buy themselves. In that vein, why not something like Sauternes? Hart Davis Hart has a 750 ml 2001 Rieussec for $170. That might be something that they would appreciate, but would be easy to share with family as well and make for a memorable evening.
I think Champagne is also a good suggestion. Many lovely red wines out there as well and there’s no shortage of good options, but something a bit different can sometimes make for a better gift.
I know someone who knows someone who might have a bottle of 2002 or 2006 Pierre Peters Chetillons that they might be willing to part with, but you’d have to change your avatar.
I thought everyone LOVED my avatar.
City fans have about as much taste as they do history.
Get an old bottle of Madeira from RWC. The HH Inauguration wine at $195 is a great example and something your friend probably hasn’t had experience with before.
Thanks to all for your suggestions. Seriously, y’all are great. I need to run this by a certain elf and I’ll let you know what the final decision is.
Barbeito Mae Manuela 40 year old Malvasia from the Rare Wine Company.
2011 Maison Ilan, dealer’s choice.
Seriously, a mag of CDP from 1998.
1997 Chave is a total winner, drink now or age, and in your budget.