Where do you find a 2005 wine that will be drinkable in 2026?

Q: I have been asked to find the best 2005 wines that will still be wonderful in 2026 and a few years after that. I am sure you are wondering why. Our little group all have kidsborn in 2005 and thought it would be fun to open up some wine from their birth year when they turn 21 and then graduate college (hopefully). Not that 2026 will be their first taste of wine, but we thought it would be fun way to mark their date. I have a wine cellar, so proper storage will be assured.

What 2005 Washington wines would you recommend?

A: Many wine publications say things like "drink between 2012 and 2024" or "drink over the next 10-15 years."

In truth, these are wild guesses at best. When you are looking out 18 years, as you are to 2026, there are no guarantees as to how a particular wine will age.

To generalize, I've found that the most ageworthy Washington reds are from Quilceda Creek and Woodward Canyon. I would also suggest that wines from Betz Family, DeLille and Andrew Will would have a high probability of making it to the mid-2020s in very good condition.

Before you buy a case, buy a bottle, open it, see if you like it, and check it for depth and balance. Leave it overnight and see how it tastes on day two. If it improves, that's a good sign that it should age quite well.

Paul Gregutt answers questions weekly in the Wine section.

He can be reached by e-mail

at wine@seattletimes.com.