memorable wine

[Greg]

My son just graduated from college and is touring Italy and France to celebrate. He want a case of Italian and French wine to share with his friends over the next ten years as they enjoy career/family milestones. Any suggestions for a dry red wine that will improve for 10-15 years in proper storage. Sorry for being so hopelessly general.

[Jerry D Mead]

Is price a consideration? If so, what range?

JDM

[Greg]

Sorry. Would $15-30 a bottle procure a decent recent vintage that would age well?

[Jerry D Mead]

A good Chianti Classico might fill the bill from Italy...but having no idea what will be available where he's shopping, he should seek out a wine merchant with a good reputation to see what he recommends...but should taste for himself. Wines often soften and become more complex over time...but they don't get better. If it doesn't taste good today...it won't taste any better five years from now.

A Barolo would certainly go the distance, but they are much more difficult to evaluate young.

I'll leave the French recommendation to one of our other board participants, but I would think a good servicable Bordeaux like Chateau Greysac might fill the bill...once again have your son taste what he's going to buy. Don't just accept anyone's recommendation...even ours. It's his palate that must be pleased in the end, after all.

JDM

JDM