drink or save?

[zenda2]

JHG,
What a shame...are you sure you wouldn't like to swap those worthless rascals for some nifty Aussie Shiraz? No? Well, I tried. Seriously, these are some nice gift bottles.

Here's a link to R. Parker's vintage chart, which can give you an idea of when to drink these southern Rhones.

http://www.erobertparker.com/info/vintagechart1.html

You can open either one right now, or if you have a cellar put them away. Or let them both rest in a cool, dark spot like your basement on their side for a few/many years. I'd serve them at a special dinner with beef, lamb and/or game.

Re: the bottle crest or coat of arms. There are some rules about CdP producers using that, bottom line, CdP producers are allowed to display that crest but not required to.