How do I choose a wine for future celebrations?

Question

My friend is getting married this year and I'd love to buy maybe 3 great bottles of wine as a gift- 1 to open at their 5 yr. anniversary, 1 for their 10th, and 1 for their 15th or 20th. Problem is I know nothing about wine. How do I pick wines to open at future dates? Do wines have a specific year when they are at their best?

Forgive my ignorance, I'm not a wine drinker at all!

Thanks!

Answer 1

Ego has good advice.  Go to your local wine or liquor store and ask for advice.  Let them know your budget.

Answer 2

5 year

  inexpensive: a good Napa Cab ($25-35), Spanish Garnacha, Rioja or Monastrell

  expensive: 2000 Barolo, 2000/01 left-bank Bordeaux.

10 year

  inexpensive: Napa Cab ($45-75), 2001/03/04 Syrah from the Rhone

  expensive: 2001 Barolo or Barbaresco, 2003 Bordeaux, 2003 Ribera del Duero

15/20 year

  expensive: 2005 Bordeaux, 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2000 vintage port, 2004 Napa Cab ($125-300), 2005 red Burgundy

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Go to your local wine shop and ask for advice.  Be prepared to spend a bundle.

Answer 4

If i were keeping wine for that long I would suggest three Italian Super Tuscans. Since the first would not be opened for at least 5 yrs, I would buy 2004 vintage.

My choices would be:

Antinori "Solaia"

Antinori "Tignanello"

Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta "Sassicaia"

Be prepared to pay an average of $100 ea. but the wine and the gift of these three is something that will always be treasured.

Well at least till it is all gone.