Chardoney suggestion please!

[Winechallenged]

Hello, I need help buying a Chardoney for a friend who helped me in a very big way. I am not familiar with wine so the more specific, the better. I live in the Sierra Foothills, CA where there are a lot of wineries, but it is not imperative that it be a local wine. I would like to spend no more than about $100.00. Thanks for your help and the great websight!

[winoweenie]

Hi WineChallenged and welcome to the board. Tho I'm not known as a large consumer of white wines (SW'S) my child bride consumes lots. Her favorites of the big hitters are Pride, Beringer Private Reserve, Dehlinger and Lewis Reserve. Non of these should set you back over 50 bucks. WW

[Winechallenged]

Thank you for your suggestion.....but...I am now being told it was a red, "mellow, not very sweet wine" she likes...arrgh!! Any ideas? Thanks Again, Winechallenged

[Innkeeper]

That creates a new problem for you. When do you want your friend to be able to drink the wine? When you spend that much on a wine this be current releases that have been recently touted by Winoweenie, our resident cabernet expert, are the 97 Beringer Reserve and the 97 Beaulieu George de Latour Reserve.

If you want a wine your friend can drink soon, you will have to shop for an old one. Try www.wine-searcher.com to find sources in your ara. For Californaia cabs, look for Simi from the early '90s.

[funky]

if I were to buy a 97 Beringer Reserve, how long would I need to let it age for?

[Innkeeper]

Hi Funky, and welcome to the Wine Board. For four or five years from date of purchase, in ideal storage conditions. If storage temps will be over 70 degrees F., take two years off, and plan on not having near as good wine when popped.

[funky]

thanks for the info, and glad to be here [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]