Starting a Collection

[Gabe]

Hi everyone!
I just found this site and have read the posts back a few months and think this is the best place to post these questions.

I have enjoyed drinking wine for a long time. I recently consumed a $60 (the most I have ever spent) bottle of '97 Cab (Conn Valley Estate Reserve) that I thought was great. I did it 'right' with the crystal cab glasses and was a very exciting and enjoyable experience. As a result, I have had the urge to start a wine collection (50-100 bottle).

Any suggestions on the best way to get started? When completed, I would like to have wines that can be consumed now, 3-5 years, 5-10 years, and 10-20 years.

TIA
Rich

[Drew]

Welcome Gabe, IMHO one doesn't start a collection...it just kinda happens. I started drinking wine years ago and stumbled on a particular bottle I liked so I bought several and laid down a couple, found another and did the same and turned around one day and...had a collection. All the wine I have is for drinking only as I don't collect for investment. I would suggest as you sample wines "collect" those you enjoy for later down the road and as you start to identify producers whose wines and styles you enjoy, you'll start buying their releases before you sample. I also buy wines on recommendations from wine retailers and knowledgeable people whose palates are similar to mine and whose opinions I respect. Others on this board will give you their take on the subject. Happy drinking!

Drew

[winoweenie]

Hi Gabe and welcome to the board. Glad you find our lil' ole' group worthy. Drew gave you some very solid points. My only expsansion on this is the same advice I give to anyone getting into storing wine. First and foremost, make sure your storage facilities will carry the wine safely for the time you want to cellar it. Find several reliable wine merchants in your area and attend all of their tastings and seminars. Read as many publications as you can No matter how many knocks you see on this board about the various mags, they all have a lot of knowlrdge behind them. Catalogue the wines you like in your memory banks. Nothing is as important than defining what you like and then buying it. It's amazing how fast you'll make buying decisions. Then ten years later you'll make the wine-lovers lament' If Id'a only bought More ". WW