starting out

[Miguel]

i am a novice at wine collecting, could you guys suggest wines that i can start my collection with preferable wines that i can keep for several years and that are not too pricey yet?

[winoweenie]

Miguel, welcome to the board. I take it you`re interested in California bottlings. There are some marvelous wines out there rite now from the 97 vintage. A few: Hess Select 13-14, Hidden Cellars 16-17,Ch. Souverain Alexander Vally 20, Dreyer Sonoma 16, Estancia Cabernet 15-16, Gallo of Sonoma Sonoma County 13-14. Hope you can find some of these as they`re all good drinkers and will hold. winoweenie

[WineRat]

WW - where do you shop for your wine in the phoenix metro area? My current fav is AZ Wines on Scottsdale Rd but I am always looking for someplace new.

[winoweenie]

Winerat, welcome to the board. My retail store of choice is Sportsman at 32nd and Camelback. They have a delightful wine bar and some good food available plus they have fairly large allocations of the scarcities. winoweenie

[WineRat]

Okay WW, they have tastings at AZ wines and the Wine cellar in Chandler. Any other suggestions? Have you been to Kokopelli Winery newly relocated in Chandler? I have checked www.localwineevents.com and they have a limited list. I am looking to explore as many possiblities as possible. Any basic wine classes you can "recommend." There are several but anything noteworthy?

[winoweenie]

WineRat, Sportsmans have 2 to 4 free tastings weekly.Occassionaly AJ`S has some wine courses. Don`t know the status at this time of year. You mite talk to Jock or Brian at Sportsmans` and see if anything is cookin`. You`re welcome to use my name, they`ll probably talk to you any-whoos. winoweenie