wine shower

[popenny]

I've been invited to an engaement party for a couple and the theme is a "wine shower". I'm looking for suggestions for a bottle of wine in the $30 to $50 range.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Popenny, and welcome to the Wine Board. You can't go wrong with a bottle of Champagne.

[popenny]

Thanks for the suggestion Innkeeper. I didn't mention that everyone at the shower is bringing wine as a gift for the couple so they can start their own wine collection. Do you still think Champagne is a good choice?

[Innkeeper]

Do you have any idea what kind of wine they drink and/or would like to collect?

[popenny]

I know they like reds. A Merlot or a Cabernet.

[Innkeeper]

Our resident cabernet expert Winoweenie has made the following recommendation on another post within the last two days: The 97 Beringer Reserve, and the 97 Beaulieu George de Latour Reserve. Both of these were recently released, and are therefore available. '97 was a far superior vintage to the one's since then.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 12-04-2001).]

[winoweenie]

Unfortunately, both of the wines I suggested on the other thread are above the 50 dollar limit. If you can find the Raymond 1997 Generations or the Raymond 1998 Reserve, both are outstanding and both within the price parameter. Another late 97 release that is a tremendous wine is the Clos du Val Vineyard Georges 3rd. Marvy juice and under the price-pernt. WW

[zenda2]

If you don't mind another suggestion...a recent bottle of Hedges Red Mountain Reserve from Washington State. This Bordeaux blend of Cab-Merlot is not too hard to find and it comes in nicely under the price point. I love this stuff, expect it to be awesome in just a few more years, a very nice 'memory' wine.

[Drew]

Here are 5 Cabernets from the famed '97 vintage that I continue to see available and should be had for $30 to $40. BTW, what a great idea....kinda makes you want to get married again!? [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/eek.gif[/img]

Hess Collection
Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve
Kenwood Jack London
Mount Veeder
Stonestreet

Drew

[winoweenie]

And I was told that drinking red wine added to your brain-cells.!!!! WW

[Drew]

and it does...you've learned to speak and write a new, foreign language thanks to wine.

Drew

[Blue]

Don't forget the wines of France.

Many of great second growths from 1998 are available for that price range. Popped a 98 Poyferre the other day...delicous but definitely needs 10 yrs in the bottle....but for $32 I consider it a bargain. If you want to go with a Merlot based wine, you should be safe with any St. Emillion 1er Grand Cru Classe or Grand Cru Classe that you find in your price range.

-Blue