wine for the boyfriend's parental units

[wn]

I would like to purchase a wine for my boyfriend's parents. His father allowed me to intern in his lab for the summer and his mother had been incredibly hospitable during my time in a new city (helping me get an apartment, having me over for dinner, etc.) so I would very much like to thank them for their generosity. Unfortunately, I know nothing about wine. What is considered a "good" wine? Are there specific wines to purchase for specific occasions? I have no idea what their preferences are. My budget is $85. Please help!

[wondersofwine]

Welcome to the board. Do you know anything about their wine preferences? European or West Coast? Red or white? Do they like dessert wines? Port? Champagne? For my personal preferences I would probably look for a Grand Cru Burgundy for that amount of money or maybe a half bottle of a German Riesling Eiswein but your friend's parents may not be into Burgundy or dessert wines. Their preferences may run to California Cabernet Sauvignon or Chateauneuf-du-Pape or
vintage Ports.

[Thraz]

If you can find out what they like you will be able to impress them with $85. However, if you want it to be a surprise and are uncomfortable asking, the safest bet is probably champagne. For less than $85 you can buy a vintage bottle from one of the great houses, and it will be a name they are likely to recognize, whether they know anything about wine or not - so they should appreciate the gift. For instance, Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial, Pommery or Louis Roederer should have bottles in your budget. Make sure the bottle says "Brut", and for a nicer gift it should be a vintage bottle (i.e. it has a year on it). To be safe, buy the most recent year possible.

[jmcginley1]

whoops.

[This message has been edited by jmcginley1 (edited 07-22-2005).]

[dananne]

jmc -- Isn't this post intended for the 50 yr anniversary wine thread?

[jmcginley1]

yes, yes it is. I don't know how I did that.