Champagne as a wedding gift - suggestions?

[fashion_newbie]

I have the wedding of one of my good friends in a few weeks. He is the first one of my close friends getting married so this is a bit of a first. He is pretty well off and doesn't 'need' anything. I don't want to pick off an item from the gift registry since I know he didn't play a major role in it. At the same time, I want to gift something that both of them can enjoy.

Any thoughts on Champagne being that gift? He enjoys a lot of wine and an occasional glass of champagne. Since the groom and bride are both born in '85, I was thinking of getting a bottle from that year.

I am not a a big champagne drinker so I wanted to get some recommendations from those who are. The groom does not have a particularly sweet tooth. I am looking to spend between $150-200.

Thanks!

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Sort of assumptive IMO, do you know for certain he doesn't want anything off the registry?

 

[gomestar]

Veuve Cliquot tends to release a lot of older vintage stuff that isn't too expensive. Other stuff could be hard to find and/or be really expensive (the first that comes to mind is Dom Perignon Oenotheque), while the rest could be far past its prime.

The whole birthyear thing is romantic and all, but move to vintages like '96, '99, '00, and '02 and your success rate will be far higher.

 

[fashion_newbie]

@skinny - fair point, I should explain. We met up this past weekend for the bachelor party and he didn't seem too excited about it. Mentioned she did most of the planning.

@gome - Something like this?

My concern was exactly that - are most '85s past their prime?

Any specific suggestion for a more recent vintage?

 

[gomestar]

'85 is a long lasting vintage and champagne from producers like Dom, Krug, Roederer Cristal, Salon, and Taittinger Comtes will still be great, but those will all be out of your price range. The cliquot will be good, especially since VC keeps it in their well regulated cellars, but I still thing a more recent vintage of any of the above bottles will be a better choice.

 

[fashion_newbie]

Point taken. I am still tempted by the 1985 though I realize it may not be the best rationale for purchase.

Also intrigued by the following two:

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 1998
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires Brut 1995

 

[Gus]

I would suggest getting a nice bottle from a more recent vintage in a presentation box. Go for the best you can afford. I received several for my wedding and we used them for special events including our first year anniversary, first Christmas, etc. It is a thoughtful gift.

 

[Piobaire]

Given the price...does it have to be Champs? $200 will buy you a nice vintage port that you can put into a presentation box. 85s are not hard to find in that range.

 

[fashion_newbie]

@psg Maybe I am over-thinking the 1985. Good to know its an appreciated gift. I actually had not considered the presentation piece at all. If I did not get a presentation box, how does one gift champagne? Wrapping paper seems a bit silly.

@piobaire I actually thought about that as well. The only thing is, I have never had port myself and I know my friend does not have a particular sweet tooth. I am afraid a dessert wine is not the best fit.