88, 90, 91 wines that last

[jsmorris57]

i am interested in laying down wines for my kids to enjoy and celebrate with when they are of age. my kids were born in 1988, 1990 and 1991. 1991 is the only declared vintage year for port. what other wines can i buy that would last long enough for the kids to enjoy when they are of age?

[Bucko]

90 Bordeaux is an obvious choice. 88 may even go the distance. I think 88 Barolo is a no brainer as well, but Roberto may be more help there.

[jsmorris57]

i bought some gruard-larose and talbot in 88 and 90. the barolo interests me. any options for less than $30/btl? ??

[Innkeeper]

Hi JS, and welcome to the Wine Board. There are some drawbacks to what you are doing. First of all is the wine itself. There are numerous things that can go wrong with a single bottle over that many years. Secondly there is the question of the tastes of the children when they are twenty one. As you may recall, that is a difficult age. I love my children more than my wines, and have often thought about having done what you are considering. However with all four of them in their thirties now, only one will ever drink any wine, and that one only drinks white zin. So you could end up drinking wine that has gone bad or at best well on its way down hill, by yourself.

Incidentally it would be difficult to find an '88 Barolo at his time, and you did it would cost much more than $30.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 02-18-2003).]

[jsmorris57]

Ok -- even if my kids never love wine - what if i want to drink wine in their birthyears to celebrate important events? any ports worth saving from 88 or 90? will vintage champagnes last? if i am willing to splurge other wines to consider in addition to bordeaux and barolo?

[hotwine]

Another consideration to the idea of laying down wines for the long term - storage. If it's not ideal, you'll be wasting your money.