I am looking for a business gift of wine -- specifically, I would like to buy a case of an impressive wine, something with a wow-factor (this gift is intended as a special thank you). My budget is roughly $1,000.

-Edward Robert McGowan, New Orleans

Even in these tough times, some people will want to splurge on a gift for a special friend or client. Our suggestion to Mr. McGowan was a mixed case of midrange Bordeaux from the 2005 vintage. This gift shouts 'wow.' It was an outstanding vintage and the wines are consistently good and age-worthy. To give you an idea what a case could include, consider these, with generally representative prices for each bottle: Gruaud Larose ($70), Smith Haut Lafitte ($85), Beychevelle ($70), Grand-Puy-Lacoste ($110), Lascombes ($95), Clerc Milon ($75), Duhart-Milon ($63), Giscours ($75), Bahans Haut-Brion ($75), Brane-Cantenac ($70), La Tour Haut-Brion ($75) and Lafon-Rochet ($53). With a case like that, you should get a discount of 10% to 20% at many wine stores.

Among this case of wines, which are still very young, we'd most highly recommended Bahans Haut-Brion from Pessac-Leognan, which is classy and elegant, with all sorts of structure and amazing fruit that's tightly wound and exciting. Our second favorite is Brane-Cantenac from Margaux, which might make you want to cook a steak as soon as you smell it. We also especially like a longtime favorite, the big Gruaud Larose from Saint-Julien, and also the earthy Giscours from Margaux. Each of the 12 has so much in common but is so different -- what a terrific present. If you want to give a memorable present this year and a case of these is too expensive, one, two or three bottles would still be a treat. And if you'd like to get a copy of our column about a more-reasonably priced case of wine as a present -- a mixed case of 2007 Beaujolais -- drop us a note at wine@wsj.com.