New Collector...Wine Storage

[Wayne2000]

I have recently started collecting red wines of all types. My main preferences are any French(Merlot,Cab Sav.,Beaujoulais and Pinot Noir) and some Californian. What I need to know is this---> I have a cold room that is presently at temerature 52F and humidity 62%. What is the optimal temperature/humidity for storing wine? I can adjust the environment in this room.
The second thing I would like to know based on my preferences above, is which are the better wines for long term storage and what is a prime long term storage period?
Thanx
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[winoweenie]

Hi there Wayne2-grand and welcome to the board. Sounds to me that you have about optimal storage conditions rite now. As long as you can maintain this you should be Okie-Dokie. As far as the length of time for aging, you`ll have to do a long-term study on the vineyards you like. Go back and see what their wines taste like after 5-years, then 10- years, then and so forth.Each vintage is so individual, you can`t put a caliper on it and say " this lil` suckers goin`-go 20 years plus. Can`t be done. It`s hit and miss, guestimates, and mostly the history of the wine. It`s fun anywhoos`. Have a ball. Drink-up, tomorrow may be Armegeddon. winoweenie

[Wayne2000]

Thanx for the info winoweenie.The environmental conditions you confirmed to me about should be easy to maintain in our cold Canadian climate. Let's face it, if it gets too cold, I can always drink it before it spoils I suppose. Again thanx and I will post messages again when I have any queries.For now...Later Wayne2K.