I want to buy some bottles from the year my daughter was born (2013). Do you have any tips?
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Dear Dr. Vinny,
I want to buy some bottles from the year my daughter was born (2013) and save them for her down the road. I’m trying to consult vintage charts, but it is a bit overwhelming. Do you have any tips or suggestions?
—Elizabeth, Metropolis, Ill.
Dear Elizabeth,
I think that’s a lovely idea. I was personally born in a not-so-great vintage, but there’s something comforting to know I’m aging better than my vinous counterparts when I get a chance to taste them.
Since you don’t know what kind of wine your daughter will like (or if she will even like wine), I’d pick something that’s meaningful to you. That way, it’s a more personal gift, sharing your love of wine with her. Besides, you might end up drinking the wine if she’s not a fan of the stuff.
I don’t mean to further overwhelm you, but we have our own vintage charts. It looks like 2013 was a good or great vintage in many wine regions around the world, but many of the reds are just now being released, so you’ll have more information and options in a few more months or years. In general, Port, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Italian reds and Cabernet-based wines have the greatest reputation for aging. 2013 was also a great vintage for German Riesling, which has an excellent track record for aging.
Keep in mind that if you’re purchasing wine now that won’t be consumed for a couple of decades, make sure you have invested in good storage conditions to give the wine a chance to age gracefully. And as your daughter grows up, I’m sure there will be other opportunities to buy commemorative vintages for her.
—Dr. Vinny
