Wine to store for 21 years

[newmom]

I would like to buy some bottles of wine to store until my daughters' 21st birthdays. I'd prefer a French red or champagne. Looking for suggestions for a 2001 wine that I would store until 2022 and a 2004 wine that I would store until 2025. Thanks!

[Kcwhippet]

Welcome, newmom. I'll let Winoweenie answer the 2001 French question, though personally I might choose a Napa Cab for the 2001, because it was a very nice vintage. However, for French wines, 2000 was much better than 2001, hence my choice of 01 CA Cab over any 01 French red. As for 2004, the grapes haven't even been harvested yet, let alone made into wine, so it's a bit difficult to make a recommendation so soon. Give us a few months on that one.

[Warren]

The 2004 vintage has been harvested in the Southern hemisphere - and it is bountiful in Australia and New Zealand.
We do actually make some pretty good wines down here.
Perhaps you could check out the International Wine and Spirits Competition results looking for the 2001 vintage gold medal winners in the type of wine you are lookin for.

[Innkeeper]

The most reliable wine to store for that period is Port. You would have to shop very carefully for a California Cab or a Bordeaux. Both regions are tending to make wine out of over or at least very ripe grapes that make wine that is out of balance; and you need balanced wines to go that distance. I really don't want to throw water on your plans, but I've been drinking wine moderately for over forty five years; and I have four daughters over thirty and none of them drink wine. I do have one son-in-law that does.

[winoweenie]

Hi Newmom and wel;come to the board.Have only been getting into the 2001 Bordeaux and the only ones IMHO that will handle the 20-year mark are the Clos Labroy, Montrose Cos d'Estournal, and Marbuzet from the St Estephe area. No doubt any of the first growths and super-seconds will go also. You didn't set any price parameters so the ones I've listed may be too pricey. Have absolutely no idea about any of the 2004s as they haven't been released yet. Some 2001 Calif Cabernets that should go the route are the Caymus Napa, Flora Springs Reserve, Diamond Creek (any vineyard), Pride, and Beaulieu Georges de' Latour. WW