$300 wine

[yellowfin]

I'd like to get my dad a nice wine for Xmas. Problem is I don't know squat about wine. What would a superb wine for around $300 be? I'm looking for something that I could go to a specialty wine shop and pick up. Either red or white would be good.

Thanks for any help,
ERiK

[hotwine]

Welcome to the board. For $300, I'd look for a first growth Bordeaux, probably from the '01 vintage, since the '00 are priced even higher now. But there are other choices, including some of the "cult cabs" from California (which I tend to ignore).

[wondersofwine]

Where do you live? Some very nice 1990 red Burgundy wines (Grand Cru or Premier Cru) are listed for $300 or less on www.wine-searcher.com
Hart Davis Hart in Chicago has a 1990 Comte de Vogue Chambolle-Musigny, Les Amoreuses for $300 (shipping and tax not included). Marin Wine Cellar in San Rafael, CA has a 1990 Vogue Bonnes Mares (a Grand Cru wine) for $250. Aabalat in Petaluma, CA has a 1990 G. Lignier Bonnes Mares for $281.95.
These would be ready to drink now probably, whereas the 2000 or 2001 Bordeaux should be cellared for a decade or longer.

[hotwine]

Wonders brings up a good point about Bordeaux, they do indeed need cellaring for several years to hit their stride.

YF, if you dad is very knowledgeable about wines, then a nice Burgundy would make a great gift. But if his enjoyment of wine is more casual, he might be more impressed with a well-known Bordeaux, even if it needs cellaring. If you think he might want to serve it with this year's Christmas dinner.... go with one of Wonders' Burgundies.

[Innkeeper]

For that price you should be able to find a fully aged out World Class wine. For example, www.wine-searcher.com shows a 1989 Burnello di Montalcino for $88. You could get him three or four of those.

[yellowfin]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the hints. I really appreciate it. I live in detroit, but have to take a plane to Milwaukee for Xmas, so I think I'll have to pick something up in Milwaukee when I get there a day or 2 in advance.

Thanks again.
ERiK