2013 Champagne

[JayBM]

Hi all,

Hoping for some advice; one of my close friends has asked me to be god father to her daughter. As well as buying a more suitable gift for a baby (not sure it's PC to feed a baby champers) I'd also like to buy a case of champagne.

Having done a bit of reading online it seems as though 2013 is likely to be declared a vintage year and was therefore thinking a case put away for either her 18th or 21st would be nice.

What I can't seem to find online is how I go about buying a case of 2013? Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks
James

[Bebs]

I wouldn't put a case of champagne away for 20 years really. Even if its Krug, Cristal etc 20 years is a long time for champagne. Go for a decent Bordeaux or a case of vintage port would be my advice.

[jep]

Brian, if it's not being laid down, where's the best place to get a case direct from the grower or a co-operative or a Champagne house?

[LooneyTunes]

Bebs said:

I wouldn't put a case of champagne away for 20 years really. Even if its Krug, Cristal etc 20 years is a long time for champagne. Go for a decent Bordeaux or a case of vintage port would be my advice.

This. I usually buy large bottles of Bordeaux as gifts to mark special events (an imperial - 6l - bottles have real presence!). One that will easily last 20 years won't cost more than a case of good champagne and would make the perfect birthday or wedding centrepiece.

2013 will be released for order (but not physical delivery) in a couple of months. Have a chat with someone like Berry Bros and they can help with both purchase and storage (about £8-9/pa).

[VTECMatt]

Like any fine wine you must store it well and I have a number of vintage Champagnes I have put down. In the last 10 years having taken advice I have purchased Magnums as opposed to normal size bottles as the Champagne stores better. I have 6 magnums from both of my children's birth year . If you want to keep it for along long time then no forget it they will go down hill but for 18 years I don't see it as a problem if stored correctly and from a decent producer.

[JayBM]

Thanks all,

Port I know a little bit about, however I know little to nothing about Bordeaux's. Any recommendations or thoughts, or is it more a case of wait and see, until the 2013's are released?

Thanks
James

[Bullett]

Talk to someone like Berry Brothers. They will source and store it for you.
I have some 2009 Bordeaux for my son and godson (plus some other stuff now) in storage. It seems to be going up in value which is a bonus.

[Bebs]

JayBM said:

Thanks all,

Port I know a little bit about, however I know little to nothing about Bordeaux's. Any recommendations or thoughts, or is it more a case of wait and see, until the 2013's are released?

Thanks
James

Once you have your budget set - wait for the 2013s to be released and as already mentioned and contact someone like Farr Vintners or BB&R. Good luck, its an excellent idea

[Bebs]

jep said:

Brian, if it's not being laid down, where's the best place to get a case direct from the grower or a co-operative or a Champagne house?

This is not really possible unless you drive over and tour around the district - then you can taste and buy directly from the smaller producers.
It won't be much cheaper at the big houses than it is retail though.