This is my 7th annual “Birth Year” case blog post. This post can serve as a guide for readers who had children born 2015 and want to set aside some wine for them to enjoy when they reach the age to appreciate said wines. My 2014 list was published in May of last year.
2015 was an exceptional in year in both Napa and Bordeaux. The Cabernet based wines from these regions typically age well and thoughtful choices should last 20+ years assuming proper storage. Tuscany and both the Northern and Southern Rhone experienced outstanding vintage conditions as well.
Per previous year lists I attempted to find bottles from a diverse number of regions that have the capacity to age for upwards of 20 years. I challenged myself to keep a ceiling on price at $150 per bottle. No small feat in Napa and Bordeaux for sure. I’ve also attempted to make the list somewhat different than previous lists.
- 2015 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon – Region: Napa Valley, Score: 96 points from Vinous, Price: $100
- 2015 Chateau Rauzan-Segla – Region: Bordeaux, Score: 97 points from the Wine Advocate, Price: $130
- 2015 Fonseca “Guimaraens” – Region: Douro, Score: 95 points from the Wine Advocate, Price: $50
- 2015 Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste – Region: Bordeaux, Score: 95 points from Vinous, Price: $90
- 2015 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe – Region: Southern Rhone, Score: 95 points from the Wine Advocate, Price: $75
- 2015 Paul Jaboulet Aine Domaine de Thalabert – Region: Northern Rhone, Score: 97 points from Jeb Dunnuck, Price: $45
- 2015 Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett – Region: Mosel, Score: 93 points from James Suckling, Price: $30
- 2015 Antinori Tignanello – Region: Tuscany, Score: 98 points from James Suckling, Price: $100
- 2015 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Estate Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah – Region: Sonoma, Score: 94 points from Vinous, Price: $40
- 2015 Betz Family Winery Pere de Famille – Region: Washington, Score: 97 points from Jeb Dunnuck, Price: $80
- 2015 Jacques Frederic Mugnier Clos de la Marechale – Region: Burgundy, Score: 92 points from the Wine Advocate, Price: $110
- 2015 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – Region: Napa Valley, Score: 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck, Price: $125
If you have followed this series over the years then you may have noticed that wines like Antinori Tignanello, Fonseca and Vieux Telegraphe have made multiple appearances. Simply put these are fairly priced, world class wines that should age effortlessly for up to 20 years. The real beauty of this list is you should be able to source the wines without needing to belong to a mailing list. Look at reputable wine stores like Wine Exchange, JJ Buckley and K&L Wines.
Other wines to look for would be classics like Montelena and Dunn that simply have not been released yet. 2015 Barolo would also fit this bill.
I’d love to hear about what wine you are setting aside for your children that were born in 2015.