Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Help!!

My sister in law will be visiting us in a couple of months and she's willing to lug just one wine with her. So I've been browsing the K&L site. I could play it safe and order a back vintage Bordeaux, but I wanted to go for something just a little more exotic than what I'm used to.

I've narrowed it down to one of the following.

2009 Michel Gahier Trousseau "Vieilles Vignes" Arbois Rouge

Pros: This is actually the wine that attracts me the most, based on what I've read here and elsewhere.
Cons: This sees low-sulphur, right? And it's already traveled to the west coast, so I'[m worried about a further trip to the Mid East. On the other hand, I'm not planning on cellaring it too much.

2006 Rhys Alesia "Green Valley" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Pros: One of the hottest makers of Cal Pinot, and it's hot for the right reasons as far as I'm concerned. And I'm guessing it's ready to drink.
Cons: It's just before their break-through and not from their own vineyards. Not that it makes it a bad choice, it just makes it a less obvious first choice.

2008 Bernard Baudry "Les Clos Guillot" Chinon

Pros: I really want to get more into the Loire and this is one of the best makers.
Cons: I really can't see any, except I guess I might have to age it some. Plus, I'm having a difficult time choosing between the Guillot and the 2009 Grézeaux.

I guess I'm not really expecting someone to come up with a magical answer for my dilemma, but I was hoping some words of advice and discussion might help tip the scales.

Cons: the 08 Guillot is a bit harsh and acidic now, and while Baudry didn't do badly in the 08 vintage, his 09s are tremendous. As a big Baudry fan I'd say both years are worth having in the cellar, but if you can only pick one, get the 09 Grezeaux instead. It is an unbelievably brilliant wine, and something that I've gone quite long on.

Thanks. I was about to turn on the Salil-signal. Duly noted.

Go for the Rhys. You are much more likely to find the other wines in your local market. Probably zero chance of the Rhys showing up.

Well, the local market is Israel

Well, the local market is Israel

I guess you are telling me zero chance of any of them showing up unless they arrive with your SIL!!!

Exactly. However, there is a chance of a business trip to London, which might change the picture.

Normally I think we should buy the wines we want as opposed to the wines we think we should buy (for whatever reason, I have many complex ones of my own). But if the Gahier is really natural and at risk of showing up damaged that might not be worth it. So you'll never go wrong with 09 Baudry. And stable too.

Normally I think we should buy the wines we want as opposed to the wines we think we should buy (for whatever reason, I have many complex ones of my own).

You nailed it. It's all so very complex.

My two cents:

I like Baudry, but in my experience they really need age, by no means ready to drink. (I'm thinking of the '05's especially). For *one* bottle, I would go with Rhys.
(Always fun, making, or weighing in, on these decisions.)

Best,
Josh

[Jenise]

(Always fun, making, or weighing in, on these decisions.)

Best,
Josh

Isn't it, and so easy too. When it's someone else's, that is.