Are there any wines from 1970 worth shipping/drinking for $200 or less?
August 10, 2010 7:07 PM Subscribe
Is there a point to buying and shipping a 1970 vintage wine to Texas for less than $200? Or will it just taste terrible?
I've found a site which seems like it's able to do this exactly. From what I'm reading in the Oxford Companion of Wine, though, wine really shouldn't be aged this long. What say ye? It doesn't have to be amazing or anything, just not terrible. The year is the important part; it would be for an anniversary present.
I've found a site which seems like it's able to do this exactly. From what I'm reading in the Oxford Companion of Wine, though, wine really shouldn't be aged this long. What say ye? It doesn't have to be amazing or anything, just not terrible. The year is the important part; it would be for an anniversary present.
Where is the wine from and what varietals? You definitely need to ship under the appropiate conditions if it has been cellared properly to this point and is an ageable wine. I distribute wine for a living. Trucks get hot fast, and I've had loads of literally 800 cases come in cooked. It's definitely undrinkable and worth nothing then.
posted by eggerspretty at 7:31 PM on August 10, 2010
posted by eggerspretty at 7:31 PM on August 10, 2010
Eggerspretty is right; separate from the issue of whether or not this is good wine, shipping conditions could destroy it. My husband works for a wine shop, and they will not ship to certain areas during the summer, because it's just too hot. So keep that in mind!
posted by Fui Non Sum at 8:30 PM on August 10, 2010
posted by Fui Non Sum at 8:30 PM on August 10, 2010
40 years is a long time for a wine. Very few wines are still drinking well at that age, and those that will do so reliably are usually fairly expensive.
You might try a Sauternes, if you like a sweet white wine, as they tend to last for ever, and can be wonderful. 1970 Rieussec is still pretty good, for example, and should fit your budget if you can find it.
You could also consider a vintage port, for which 1970 was an excellent year I believe, and would be in its prime. Port is a bit out of fashion, but I think its very underrated. Warre, Graham, Taylor, Cockburn, and Fonseca are among the famous names.
posted by Touchstone at 6:59 AM on August 11, 2010
You might try a Sauternes, if you like a sweet white wine, as they tend to last for ever, and can be wonderful. 1970 Rieussec is still pretty good, for example, and should fit your budget if you can find it.
You could also consider a vintage port, for which 1970 was an excellent year I believe, and would be in its prime. Port is a bit out of fashion, but I think its very underrated. Warre, Graham, Taylor, Cockburn, and Fonseca are among the famous names.
posted by Touchstone at 6:59 AM on August 11, 2010
A 40 year old wine (or older) can be absolutely amazing, a different experience from the usual <1>Robert Parker's vintage chart a 1970 Bordeaux would be a good choice. $200 won't buy you a ridiculously prestige brand, but for instance a 1970 Beychevelle might work out well for under $200.
It's summer; pay for overnight shipping from a serious merchant who will pack it in styrofoam.
posted by Nelson at 7:21 AM on August 11, 2010
It's summer; pay for overnight shipping from a serious merchant who will pack it in styrofoam.
posted by Nelson at 7:21 AM on August 11, 2010
Foiled by inline preview. What i meant to say was: "...different experience from the usual under 10 year old wine we drink. If you believe Robert Parker's vintage chart..."
posted by Nelson at 9:50 AM on August 11, 2010
posted by Nelson at 9:50 AM on August 11, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
If it were me I'd go for a cognac or armagnac as they age much, much better than wine. I have a bottle of 1974 Bas Armagnac Darroze which is really pretty awesome. Let us know what you end up with!
posted by idest at 7:25 PM on August 10, 2010