I am planning a wedding present to engrave a bottle of Chardonnay for the 1st, 5th and 10th year anniversary. The 1st will be Kendall Jackson because it was their first wine together and 5th will be Rombauer because it is their favorite. Not sure the 10th, but would take recommendations. Will these wines stay good for this period of time? Thanks, Nat Ducey
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
Most California Chardonnay is intended for consumption on release, so this category of wine - and particularly the bottlings you mention - would not be the ideal choice to keep for longer periods. Nevertheless, I certainly understand your reasons. Since the bottles will be engraved, I would guess that they will be displayed, standing up, and not laid down in a dark, cool place. Unfortunately, exposure to light and warm temperatures will further reduce their longevity. Here's an idea: in many cases, engraved bottles are never opened, so perhaps you should recommend to your friends that they simply keep the bottles as sentimental reminders rather than opening and drinking the wines. If you can present your gift in this way, you can pick any Chardonnay you like for the 10th anniversary - the one that would indeed be challenging if they want to drink the wine.
