Whats a good Aussie red that will age 21 years?

[sim]

I am trying to find a good Australian red wine that will age well for another 21 years. The wine is intended to be opened in 2024 as a 21st birthday gift.

[Kieran]

Presumably you're after a 2003 wine, in which case for a good red you'll have to wait for a couple of years. None of them will have been released yet, so it would just be guesswork at this point except for people privileged to try barrel samples. There's a lot of variation in this vintage, so it's probably best to wait until the big 03s get released and then figure it out.

Magnums or bigger bottles have the biggest chance to survive for a long time. Grange magnums are almost certainly a good bet, but don't expect to get one for less than $1500.

Kieran

[AlanK]

I suggest sparkling shiraz (e.g. seppelt show reserve) or a vintage port (its red! e.g. stanton and killeen). Check the vintage though.

[simm]

Sim (hang on, I want to register a protest! )

It really is dependant on vintage so the best thing would be to wait for a while and see where 2003 did best, and I'm not talking quantity but quality. I would think there are a few that will make the years Wynss John Riddoch will be out agin in 2003 but check it out first. McWilliams OPOH or Maurice O'Shea should make it to 21, as would IMO Seppelts St. Peters. How about Cullens Diana Madeline?, Stonewell should make it but once again check it out for vintage. And the list goes on....

What do you want to spend (ah, that doesn't really count does it?), does the baby have any style preference ?

all the best

[TORB]

Simm (hang on, I want to register a protest too )

Stonewell should make it but once again check it out for vintage.

Simm,

The style of this wine has changed so much over the last six releases and considering you are talking about a wine thats five releases into the future, all I can say is you must have a pretty impressive crystal ball.

[sim]

Thanks everyone for your comments/advice. Why does it have to be so hard!!

[Ian S]

... The germans are talking up 2003 big time, so perhaps a good TBA might be a useful backstop.
Ian

[707]

Sim, no it's not that difficult, I did this for my sons many years ago and very pleased I did as they've both consumed bottles of Fonseca Vintage Port for their 21sts and allowed me to partake liberally as well.

Can I suggest a magnum as not only does it give extra volume but it will age even better. You must be prepared to store it correctly though for the 17-19 year wait. Find someone with a cellar if you don't have one yourself.

No rush to go out and buy it yet of course, 2003s of suitable quality are still 2-3 years away from release so maybe ask us then and we can provide a more definitive answer, contact me direct then, I'd be pleased to assist.

Cheers - Steve

[Muscat Mike]

What I do with magnums is put them into polystyrene post packs and seal them as though posting. This will keep them well insulated for whatever period required.
Mike.