New Year’s resolutions can include smart planning for wine purchases

Happy New Year! I may be a bit premature, but I’m completely over 2020. How about you? I saved this November Country Living article by Taysha Murtaugh, titled 14 Classic NYE traditions We Learned From Our Grandparents, quite interesting. Considering the constraints COVID-19 has rung in, perhaps some of the alternative ideas may appeal to you. I would have chosen No. 8 as my first; go to countryliving.com/life/g5075/new-years-eve-traditions.

Sam Shortman asked if I could recommend a wonderful wine that would age well and not break the bank to purchase for use in 2030 for an anniversary and 21st birthday celebration. If there is proper storage, a good place to look for red is in Brunello di Montalcino 2015. Beware the hype! Despite some rare exceptions, 2015 was a difficult vintage. It was extremely hot and resulted in blockbuster high alcohol. The top producers with high-altitude vineyards did well in some cases. The best of them, Il Marroneto Madonna delle Grazie, in the very high 90 points, will set you back about $300. If you buy Fuligny Riserva 2015, you may sneak in for $150 on release. Your best bet if you can find some, Ciacci Piccolomini d’Arogona 2015, 95 McD points, can be found under $60. Ripe berry, iris, mild camphor and warm earthen aromas give way to cherry, raspberry licorice and tobacco flavors on the nicely balanced, structured palate, all supported by smooth tannins. This made No. 3 on Wine Enthusiast. I’m sure the price will climb soon. Repeat reminder: 2015 in Brunello resembles the old TV show tagline, “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” Choose carefully. The article in Forbes was hyperbolic. Those in the know are aware that many in Brunello did not produce their top line due to a miserable rainy 2014 growing season. Recent news is hyping 2016 as best ever. Hold fire on purchase of 2015 until the ‘16 release. Brunello di Montalcino by law must spend a minimum of two years on oak and one in the bottle before release. Riserva wines require six years’ aging, minimum two on oak.

There is some 2009 Bollinger 007 left at $206. The 2007 vintage has just sold out. Last sale was $2,584 up from January 2020, $145. The 007 Limited NV is sold out at triple its October price. Hope you bought some of “that old stuff” (Steve Martin). I still believe any of the 007 Bollinger will elevate. Am looking forward to the auctions. Look also at their Spectre 2015 and the No Time to Die releases; if you gamble like Bond, it’s a sure bet.

Not all celebrate Jan. 1 as New Year’s Day, but many in USA do. Our Jewish friends’ New Year’s celebration is named Rosh Hashanah. In 2020, the year 5781 began at sundown Sept. 17. There is no prohibition on intoxicants in the Judeo-Christian ethos. However, there are many against intoxication. Muslims name their New Year’s Day Ra’s as-Sanah al Hijriyah. In 2020, the first day of Muharram 1442 began on Aug. 20 or 21, depending on the rising of the new moon in your area. The observance is actually decided by this plan: “Celebrations begin after the sighting of the new moon on the last day of the Islamic calendar and continue for 10 days.” In the Holy Qur’an, intoxicants of all types are strongly advised against as being sinful. There are three references. The practice is linked with gambling, idol worship and games of chance. There are many references in the Hadith. The Prophet “prohibited every intoxicant” (anything which excites and irritates the mind, body and heart) is one. Although I have read a great deal of these writings, I am no expert. Those who wish to see some may go to sunnahonline.com and search “Islam alcohol prohibition.” Those who drink wine and are faint of heart may wish to remain ignorant.

Regardless of your customs, let me wish all a wonderful, healthy, happy 2021. I have high hopes for the palliatives and preventives to work. That writ, it appears we will be well into 2021 before all are vaccinated and a cure is available. Don’t let down your guard. Stay safe, and seeya next year!