New to everything....

[VouvrayHead]

I'm by far the least knowledgeable person on the board who posts regularly.
I got into wine in 2004 or so, when I became, almost entirely by chance, the wine buyer at a small grocery store in Madison, Wisconsin. In that position I tasted and took notes on the many wines I got to try each week, listened to the salesmen (who, blessedly, were mostly old esoteric ladies and gents rather than the young smarmy sort) and read and read for the position. I developed my first wine love there, Vouvray, when I tasted a simple bottle of 2002 Champalou Vouvray at $14. The minerals and purity really got to me.
After a year or so, I quit that job and went to a small liquor store that wanted to improve its wine. I brought some things in, but mostly I wrote notes, put together tastings, and began and maintained an e-mail list for tastings. While in Wisconsin, I went to literally every industry tasting I could.

I moved to St Louis in 2007, where I've taught High School English since.

I honeymooned in San Francisco in 2008, and spent multiple days in Sonoma, as well as a day in Amador. I also spend time in Augusta, Missouri (America's first AVA!)

I'm partial to the Loire valley, Vouvray first, but recently I've developed strong affinities for Muscadet, Chinon, and Saumur as well (not into the Sauv Blanc as much).
I also love Champagne and the Rhone. Also, Burgundy when I can afford it, but I reach for Champagne first when my wallet is open. I dabble in Italy and Spain. I buy very little domestic wine, though I have plenty in my cellar (which you can see if you search for "Happypoet" on cellartracker) from my honeymoon. I like it, just not as much as the French stuff!

I'm on the mailing list for Sean Thackrey, SCMV, and I purchase quite a bit from Garagiste, mainly because I love trying unusual wines (how the hell did I end up ordering 5 Jean Bourdy Cotes du Jura?)...
I also used to be on the lists of Terre Rouge and Harvest Moon, and will be again when finances allow.


This somehow turned into a profile as much as history. I suppose that's OK, since my history is so paltry!