Thoughts on these?

[Brom]

I have questions for both the OP and the respondents.

To the OP: "I’m going to buy a case of 5 different wines. That’s more than I’ll drink in 2012" Do you mean that you will be buying 5 different cases of wine - 60 bottles? I have to say, it is hard to learn about wine drinking/tasting at the low of a level. By that I mean, when you say "more than I'll drink in 2012", that indicates you will be drinking a single bottle of wine a week, which really is no way to become experienced with wine.

If indeed that is your plan, I would recommend against it. As a wine novice, I don't think you want so much of your discretionary wine spending tied up in so few wines. Why not buy a mixed case of all of thiose wines? Or, I would suggest the method of simply buying two bottles at a time. Eventually, you will have enough bottles on hand that you can pick and choose from what you own (and you will get to a point where you can make your second bottle something you have tasted and know that you like).

(I also agree with responders that there is nothing on your list worth holding for any length of time) Don't even think about holding white wines yet.

For the responders, I'd ask why you recommend against tasting the Mouton Cadet? IMO, this is a very serviceable example of Bordeaux, a very solid wine at its price point. I'd hazard it is likely to be on a par with any $10 Bordeaux calling itself Ch. le Gay (have to go with the assumption that this is not the Le Gay Pomerol).

Likewise the Columbia Crest Two Vines series - I don't know that I have had the Cab (may have), but I have had at least a couple of wines in this line which I thought to be terrific values. I've spoken with others who agree. Is it just this varietal in this line or...?