white wines

[leosc]

Our local wine shop is offering a 30% discount on some of their white wines. I was thinking of trying out a Chardonnay but from what I read, whites have a short shelf life. Could you give me some pointers on what should I look for when buying these discounted wines? What is the oldest vintage I should look for that is still good?

[Innkeeper]

When we say short shelf life, we are taking about a few years at least, and in the case of some whites (as Bucko will quickly tell you) for much longer.

With the exception of a small handful of rare White Burgundies, most chardonnay is in the relative short life category. I would not buy any now that came from a vintage prior to 2000 and that will change to 2001 quickly (say by June). Buying a case of these would not be a problem if you can drink them over the next year or two.

Don't want to confuse you or others, but buying from the Southern Hemisphere throws nother detail at you. Their harvest comes in six months before the Northern Hemisphere. So, right now I would only look for 2001 Chardonnay from the Southern Hemisphere.