drink or save?

[JHG]

I received two bottles of wine during the holidays, and was wondering whether I'd be better off drinking them now or saving one or both.

THe first is a 1999 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe ("La Crau"), and the second a 1995 C-d-P "Les Cedres" from Paul Jaboulet Aine.

The label on the second bottle notes that it is appellation chateauneuf-du-Pape controlle, but it lacks the crossed keys and papal toque embossed on the neck that I thought were a sign of "true" cdp. What does the presence or absence of these symbols indicate?

Thanks much for sharing your expertise!

[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.

[winoweenie]

Hi JHG and welcome to the board. You must have some REALLY good friends. These are two of my 5 favorites CDP producers. As Z2 stated you can drink them now (SHUDDER) or lay them away( [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]). I think witout optimal storage. 8-10 years from the vintage date would garner hugs & kisses from your participants. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img] WW

[JHG]

Many thanks to both of you...for the advice, and the link to the vintage chart. I think I'll hold on to these for awhile.

I just found Bonny Doon's Domaine des Blagueurs for $7.99 at a local store, so I'll open those up instead.

[Drew]

JHG, what year are the Domaine des Blagueurs? The '98 were wonderful....haven't tried the '99s yet.

Drew

[zenda2]

Drew, the 99 joker is dandy.

[JHG]

Drew,

It's the '99, and I have to agree with zenda2. It's very good (esp. for under $10). We drank it over two days, and it was particularly good the second day. The fruit seemed more intense and lush the second day, but it retained a good deal of earthiness. Much preferable, to me, than the experience that I've had with some syrahs of opening up a jar of jelly and drinking it straight.

John

[Drew]

Well I know where a supply of the 99's are and I'm off on a, as Elwood Blues sez, "A mission from God".

Drew

[winoweenie]

Bless you my son and post haste. WW