Nice bottle of wine and where to get it?

Question

OK...heres the thing. A girl has just recently gotten involved in my life (so happy :D). And well, i don't want loose her. So...As a surprise (if she doesnt read this), i would like to buy a bottle of the fine wine, i know wine can get expensive, but im maybe looking at a bottle around $50-$100.

For more details, she prefers red wine. and i plan to surprise her with it on the wedding day (if i so make it, i hope i do. because i don't want to loose her).

And Thereafter

Answer 1

You don't need to spend that much, $100.

For a red wine, look for one that is at least 5-7 years old. 2001 was an exceptional year for reds in California. Clo Du Val is a no miss wine, should be around $50 if you can find a 2001. Cabernet Sauvignon would be my choice. You can get very good California reds for under $50. William Hill, Ravenswood, J Lohr are all good.

Reds need to age in the bottle for several years, up to 10. Most of the reds you find in a liquor store now are 2003 or 2004. They are drinkable, but immature. There is a big difference when you age a red properly. Serve at room temperature in a large bulbous wine glass - one you can get your nose into when you drink it.

For whites, you can't go wrong with a chardonnay. Girgich is the best chardonnay I've ever had, costs around $50 at my local liquor store. White wines don't need to age, they are good to drink right away. Serve cold in a typical wine glass, you don't smell it while your drinking it.

I'd get the chardonnay and serve with some brie, grapes, apples and crackers.


UPDATE - with your added info-

For a special wedding gift wine, I'd get a Ridge Winery Monte Bello.

You might have to go to the winery to get it. You'll never find it in a store. It's usually sold out before it's ever bottled. I've had it once, it's FANTASTIC!

Answer 2

My choices would be as follows:

Archery Summit Arcus Estate ($~75) The 2003 was a wine spectator top 100 (96 points) and is quite a good wine. The 2004 is shaping up to be ust as good, if not better. If you can't find Arcus, the 2004 Red Hills will also be fab.


Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Santa Caterina d'Oro Riserve 2001 (~$100) 2001 is one of the best years for Brunello Montalcino Riservas. This wine is a Wine Spectator "Highly Recommended" pick and scored 98 points.

Schramsberg J Schram Sparkling Wine (~$80) One of the best bubblies out there. I'd take this in a heartbeat over many of the Frenchies.


These would be my first picks in your price range. All will age well and will be 'special'.

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

My first suggestion would be to take her on a wine tasting trip to wineries somewhere near where you live. Sample lots of wines and discover a wine that you both like and buy that wine.

If you want a wine recommended to purchase, I would go with 2003 Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a newly released one that you can probably find. It goes for around $45 and is a wine that will improve with some aging.

Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon costs $100 and is always special and you can't go wrong with a Shafer Cabernet either.

If you have a Beverages and More in your area, they would probably have these Cabs. Otherwise you can try to locate a store near you at http://www.wine-searcher.com

Answer 4

Being Australian, I really enjoy Penfold's. They are the makers of Australia's most expensive wine but also have some more reasonably priced alternatives. Try a Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Merlot from Koonunga Hill or Rawsons Retreat ranges. I would not get Blossom Hill, it's a purely export wine and not drunk in Australia.

Answer 5

Price isn't a factor. Any gift transcends its cost if the thought is tangible. For example, there are plenty of good wines that will say I'm interested in you and I have taken the time to bring you a gift that reflects my appreciation for you. Good wine? First you must asses your intended. For what purpose will you present this wine? Is it for a romantic dinner? Is it for dessert? Is it for a private walk on the beach? Is it for a romp in the back of the Chevy? What are her tastes? Does she prefer beef (red) of chicken (white);chocolate (red) or fruit (white) for dessert? Time of day can impact your choice as well in the case of "walk on the beach". I find the darker the sky the darker the wine. Mad Dog will cover the Chevy. In the long run, you will have to know her likes and dislikes and what occasion you wish to use it for. Knowing the taste of the wine you buy will ensure success. Food for thought... a bottle of rubbing alcohol will suffice if you are a good enough salesman.

Answer 6

The more expensive the better does not always apply to wine. You can find very good wines under $20.00, and in fact, with wine as with women, taste (like beauty) is in the eyes of the beholder, If your girl friend already is into wine, then, 1st find out if she has any favorites or preferences then go with that..If she is not into wine, then the field is open. Next, are you going to have dinner with the wine, if so, what is the meal going to be-the wine should complement the meal.
If you are not sure, my recommendation would be a Pinot Noir an extremely versatile wine which pairs well with a variety of food as well as by itself. It has a smooth, velvet, not too aggressive taste, and can be very sensual and romantic. California and Oregon have excellent Pinots in the $30.00-$50.00 range, and I would recommend Williamette Valley wines from Oregon or One of my California favorite is Belle Glos from the Santa Maria Valley in California. Whatever you decide, ENJOY AND GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Answer 7

Need more info.
Red or white
What area you live in?
What flavours she or you like in a wine?
What wines she or you do enjoy?
Anyone offering advice without this info is shooting in the dark.

Masi Amarone fom Italy, Wonderful big rich Italian very smooth and ripe will keep for a few years but near perfect now.

Rosemount Balmoral Syrah Big ozzy syrah spice and fruit lush but a little tannic still could set a few years or decant and serve with a rich steak dinner.

Answer 8

Are you referring to American, Canadian, Hong Kong or Australian dollars?

In any case, most $50-$100 dollar wines are not worth the cost.

Budget one quarter to one third of that, then find out what is your girl friend's favorite dish then go to a good wine retailer with professional wine advisory help and ask for the best wine in the price range that is a good match.

Answer 9

I would try the "Nice Bottle of Wine Store."

Answer 10

If she likes the red I would suggest Kendall Jackson merlot or Cab. It runs about $30.00 a bottle.