A question about age

[Georgie]

There's a new discount liquor store just down the street from me. I went in yesterday to pick out a couple of basic wines to put into a basket full of picnic supplies that I'm making up for a friend's wedding shower. Some of the vintages were kind of old, I thought. Like a 2003 Salice Salentino? Other varieties from 2004, 2005? Do you think those are good, or just some leftovers that got routed to the discount place? I didn't buy anything. I thought I'd check with you folks first. And I'd welcome suggestions for a couple of good "picnic" wines in the $15-$20 price range.

[hotwine]

I don't know enough about Salice Salentino to be dangerous, but have found the '04 Chianti Classicos to be in great shape, ditto with '04 and '05 white Burgs; and '05 Bordeaux are just now showing up on local shelves. Can't speak to left coast juice.

[Thomas]

Georgie,

2003 was a strange vintage in Europe. Hot, hot, hot. Salice is powerful in regular vintages. In a hot year, it's likely overbearing.

[Georgie]

Thanks guys!