By Jim Cooley
Years before I wanted to drink it, I destroyed the first bottle of wine I ever bought for my cellar. I had no idea I was ruining it at the time, but as I learned more about wine and how to store it, I was certain that I had damaged my expensive 1989 vintage Bordeaux by leaving it in the hot summer sun where I could enjoy looking at the attractive label.
When I finally got around to opening it, my suspicions were correct. DOA. Goodbye, my pretty.
Years later, a wine collector friend heard about my wine’s demise and in the generous way of most wine people, went to his cellar for a pristine bottle of 89 Cos d’Estornel to share. I confirmed something else that day—after years of tasting, Bordeaux was not my thing. I like Bordeaux, but I don’t love it, no matter what other people say.
It took me a long time—over 10 years—to get my wine collection where I wanted it to be. Here are a few tips to help you minimize mistakes.
Cellar ChatI asked four Kansas collectors in varying stages of building a wine collection what tips they would give a novice.“I made the mistake when I started collecting to focus only on California wines, but I was able to find someone who has opened my eyes to French, Italian and even wines from lesser known countries. I now realize there are great wines being made all over the world and they don’t need to be highly rated by a critic or cost a small fortune to be really good.”
– Ryan Wilhite, still building his cellar.“Find wines you like to drink and don’t get caught up in point chasing. Try to buy some wines that are drinkable young and others which will age well to give you a cellar to enjoy for years to come.”
– Mark Neustrom, happily enjoying a full cellar.“Buy what you know you like to drink, not what you think you’ll like or someone tells you what you will like. This will save you time and space. And plan for growth. Most people who start to collect like it and soon need more room.”
– Mark O’Connell, owner of one of America’s most extraordinary wine cellars.“Buy at least six bottles of something you love and watch it change over time. Don’t waste your money, time and cellar space buying pretty good wine and hoping it will get better. Save your money and buy something really special and watch how the best wines can indeed change in remarkable ways.”
– Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine
• Proper storage is essential
Wine is sensitive to heat and vibration. Storing wine at 70 degrees F will gradually affect a wine negatively. Higher temperatures can destroy a wine, leaving it stripped of fruit. Find a cool, quiet corner of your basement and keep your wine there. If you’re really serious about aging wine, consider having a true cellar built into your home with temperature control. If you live in an apartment or condo, look into wine storage cabinets.
• Experiment before you commit
I recommend trying as many different wines as you can stand before devoting the bulk of your cellar to one sort of wine. There is nothing more annoying than having a cellar of wine that you no longer care to have, so be sure you know your palate.
• Don’t get caught up in hype
There will be another great wine or vintage soon enough, and buying anything too deeply means a lot of your cellar will mature at the same time.
• Don’t go crazy based on reviews until you know the critic’s palate
Wine critics are people too, and as much as they like us to think their scores and palates are infallible, they’re not. Make sure your experiences with a wine match their reviews before filling your cellar with their recommendations.
• Build a relationship with a retailer
Many interesting wines never hit store shelves, because wine retailers reserve them for loyal customers. Make some friends at your favorite local shop and let them know your tastes.
