Article and Christmas Gift question

Hi,
I just ran across an interesting article on wine investing that I thought your forum might be interested in. Do many of you actually think of wine as an investment or try any of these funds?

Also, I was wondering if your board would be so kind as to help me come up with a good gift for an uncle who is an absolute oenophile. He prefers white wines (which is a little strange, I know). Our family has a $20 limit, and I'd love to give him something unique- anyone know of any excellent white wines under $20? It was a tough enough question that I thought I'd come to the experts. Thanks guys!

[David M. Bueker]

Beth,

Look for wines from a producer called Chidaine from the Loire. A number of them are under $20, and they are all interesting and outstanding.

Tim, if she reads the wine enhancer thread, I hope she will read all the replies. It seems that she is not wine knowledgeable, and could easily be led astray with this enhancer kind of thing.

[Robin Garr]

Tim, if she reads the wine enhancer thread, I hope she will read all the replies. It seems that she is not wine knowledgeable, and could easily be led astray with this enhancer kind of thing.

Bob, I rarely do this, but upon reflection and reading the thread, I've deleted Tim's response. It added nothing of value to the discussion and, as you note, could have been deeply misleading to a person who came here asking a sincere question.

Beth, my suggestion is going to go over your $20 limit by a few dollars, however it will not break the bank. I suggest that you try to locate a bottle of the white from Chateau Musar of Lebanon. This might be unique enough that he won't have had it. If you decide to go this direction, please tell him that the Musar white need several hours of decanting. I would decant at least 10-12 hours. Taste it upon opening for a benchmark, then leave it it to breath until dinner. If you can't find this wine, I would have you call the Importer who is Broadbent Selections at 415-931-1725 and ask who their distributor is in your area. then call the distributor and ask where they have place the wine in a retail store. You may also email Broadbent at info@broadbent.com The Broadbent Selections web page is http://www.broadbent-wines.com/

That Ch. Musar from Lebanon will be very unique indeed. You can find their Musar Cuvee Blanc for under $20. However, this is not the the famed white wine Bob is referring to.

Here are some other thoughts:

COR Cellars ALBA Celilo Vineyard White Table Wine ($16): An interesting blend of 65% Pinot Gris and 35% Gewürztraminer.

Isenhower Cellars Snapdragon Columbia Valley White Table Wine ($18 ): A full-bodied blend of 55% Roussanne and 45% Viognier.

Alexandria Nicole Shepherd’s Mark ($20): A brilliant blend of Roussanne (72%), Viognier (16%) and Marsanne (12%).

Good luck -- Clark

Also, I was wondering if your board would be so kind as to help me come up with a good gift for an uncle who is an absolute oenophile. He prefers white wines (which is a little strange, I know). Our family has a $20 limit, and I'd love to give him something unique- anyone know of any excellent white wines under $20? It was a tough enough question that I thought I'd come to the experts. Thanks guys!

Beth,

I'm fond of a Spanish producer from the Rioja region who produces some interesting white wines (and some amazing red wines). The producer's name in R. Lopez de Heredia. You should be able to find their entry level white wine for $20 bucks or so. Any good specialty wine shop should be able to order one for you if they dont stock it. Here's the specifics:

1996 R. Lopez de Heredia Rioja Viña Gravonia (Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja)

Yes, the vintage above is their current release vintage for this wine (although you may find other vintages on the shelf -- take whichever vintage you can get). The wine is made from the Viura grape variety.

Hope this helps....

Michael

Beth, I just realized that in my original reply to you, I neglected to say <B>welcome to the discussion group</b>, we hope you will stay around and let us know what wine you finally decide upon for your uncle.

Robin, since my post address Tim's, you may with my blessings remove it too.