What would I put into my own wine cellar? and how much of it?! A (most amazing) customer has asked that I help choose wine to put into their cellar. When I think about it, it would be EASY to just fill up the spaces and holes with a list of wines I know are great. I know that this is not the best way.
How would I do it?- Anyone can make a list of wines that are expensive, or talked about, then close their eyes and point their finger blindly and say "I'll have 12'a those and 12'a those." This is meaningless. Do not rely solely on the experience of others? This is like trusting someone else to create your personal experiences. Wouldn't it be more valued to start with what you know, and move from there into learning about new wines and putting them away for later enjoyment and sharing with others?
I immediately think of one of my favorite Pinot Noirs- Lucien Crochet "La Croix du Roy" Sancerre Rouge. I would IMMEDIATELY put a case of that in my cellar. Why? Because I will never forget the time I first tried it- I will never forget how the aromas jump out of the glass and fumigate any anxiety away from my brain. I am ALWAYS excited to open a bottle of this. Also, IMMEDIATELY I would put a case of Belle Pente Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir into my cellar. Enjoying this wine with the wine maker while dining at Jamestown FISH will forever be branded in my most favorable moments. I do believe that Oregon is the new Burgundy, or at least the style of wines that come from this region are just very Burgundian in style. Also, I have had the aged versions of this wine and know that it will gain wonderful complexity over time. I would IMEDIATELY put a case of Cathy Corison Cabernet in my cellar. I know she is a "lifer" in the passion for wine, a consultant to many highly sought after California wines, and a secret to many consumers. This wine is NOT expensive at $90 or $150/ bottle- it's quality far exceeds it's price. I did enjoy this wine for the first time on my 30th birthday.
The most important part of this IS the process. How I help others choose the wines in their cellar is the value of my cost. My goal is to create the most meaningful wine cellar I can for them, which in return gives them a cellar full of meaningful experiences for them to share with others.
