Some help buying wine

[misterjive]

As a general rule of thumb, the most ageworthy wines are based on one of three grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Nebbiolo. Perfect examples of these three are red Bordeaux, Hermitage, and Barolo, respectively. That being said, it is true that most of the world's wines (at least 90%) are meant to be consumed young. You will have a hard time finding bottles under $12 that are great cellar candidates. However, do not despair. The best advice would be to go to your favorite wine merchant and tell him your goal: wine under $12 that will improve over the next three to five years. Then, allow yourself to be steered to wines that people in the know refer to as "tannic." Tannin is the compound in wine, deriving principally from the skin of the grape, that allows wine to age well. Tannin makes the wine "dry" in your mouth, meaning that wines that possess a lot of it cause the roof of your mouth to lose its moisture, and may even cause a puckering as well. It is because of this quality that people sometimes say tannin in young wine canbe "searing." Wines that are tannic are often unapproachable when young, but over time, the tannins soften and give the wine a structure that allows it to age both gracefully and, it is hoped, elegantly. Now, as far as specific suggestions, given the price range you are shooting for, I would go for South American cab/merlot blends, California cabs, and Syrah-based French wines. Most all of these wines will still be good young, but with a little luck and patience, they might be even better in a couple of years. Good luck!