Okay, so it’s Jan 1, 2010. Every year it seems many folks resolve to change their buying habits: more, less, more domestic, less domestic, more lists, fewer lists, etc. etc. What are your plans? Maybe in Dec. we can pull up this thread and see how we did? (C’mon - I dare you to put it in writing!)
My plans - I need to take back some space in the cellar!
Domestic:
I plan on limiting my domestic purchases to: Lillian, Rhys, Arterberry Maresh, some Brooks, maybe some Audelssa 2007’s, (I’m sure I’m forgetting someone here). I will not join any more mailing lists.
Bordeaux:
Even though I love Bordeaux I won’t buy 2009 futures, I’ll wait 'till they hit the shelves. I will be on the lookout for some solid 375 ml bottles from good vintages. I won’t be doing a ton of backfilling.
Burgundy:
For me there’s nothing compelling in the market at the moment. I’m in the Scott Paul Burgundy club and so I’ll be in for whatever they ship me, (always good fun). It’s also likely I’ll be offered some DRC RSV and Ech. - I’ll likely purchase those. Other than that, I won’t be buying much.
Italian:
I’ll be on the lookout for some decent deals in Italian wines, (mostly Barolo). I will definitely be buying some Terra di Lavoro.
That’s it for me, my guess is 150 bottles. Wish me luck!
I can make all the resolutions I want, but I will still buy more wine than I should. I am going to try to change my buying habits a little this year, though. I will cut down on mailing lists and pursue more German and Alsatian whites. I will also try to find good deals on 2005 CDP (and even certain 2006) since everyone seems fixated on 2007 now. I will also look to buy more Chablis.
I dropped from many lists last year, notably Kosta Browne SVDs. Need to take one last hard look at who I am sticking with, which is hard since I am a california nut. But, in the end it will be a shorter list than my pared down 09 list.
Need less Cab and Pinot lists, but will probably maintain the few Rhone Rangers I am buying from. A big consideration will be the bottle cost in relation to how much I’ve enjoyed them. If you are over $40 and I’m not saying “wow this is good or will be good with time” you are at risk.
2) Buy less bottles from remaining domestic mailing lists
Part space issue. The '08 vintage, while good, doesn’t seem to be one to stock up on compared to 07 for California
3) Drink more < $20 wines for everyday drinking
The days are pretty much over for me buying the $50 bottle at retail on a whim to try.
4) Allocate some budget to exploring - Barolo/Barbaresco, Alsace, wines made in a unique way or using non mainstream grapes
Even though I want to spend less, I love finding/discovering/learning. Nebbiolo is a new interest and have been wanting to start experimenting with Alsacian wines.
Another thing is exploring domestic producers doing something genuinely unique. Matthiason’s white wine that uses some non mainstream grapes. Kevin Kelley at Salinia and Terry Leighton at Kalin also come to mind.
OK, not really. And I may really be able to cut back since Giacosa made no wines in 2006.
OTOH I think his 2004 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto will be released this year. After a 99+ from Antonio, I’m not thinking it will be cheap. On the 3rd hand, he says “Anticipated maturity: 2024-” and I will be . . . 70 that year. (OMG, I had to triple-check my math on that!) [suicide.gif]
I want to increase the amount of barolo, brunello, oregon pinot, and champagne that i have. I also want to get more burgs for aging and add some 07 burgs in that
Very few. I am mentally commited to buy a few Quilceda Creek, my Scarecrow, Maybach and Corra allotments that are reasonably small.
I have already purchased some Rudius 07 and 08 and 07 Lewelling. I will purchase 08 Lewelling, Rivers Marie, Schrader Quivet and Myriad this fall.
I will buy no futures from the 09 Bordeauc campaign, even if it is the next greatest vinticultural achievment in history as declared by the tongue. The 08 CdP vintage may be okay but I went very long 07 so I am fine to pass.
So no French and all Pobega. [suicide.gif]
I am all about the deals this year. Cabs of course. Cali Syrahs a far second. Not 1 Shiraz unless a ridiculous deal crosses my path: Grange for $50 anyone? Of course not. Zero French.
Maybach, Jones & The Sisters maxed out. (and then some…). Seeking olderish Mark Herold cabs.
You reminded me Mike. I was an original list member of Jones Family, bought the 96 and 97 and passed on the 98 and was dropped from the list. Based on your recs, as well as Tex’ tasting of the 08 at Outpost, I rejoined the list and will again buy Jones and Sis if offered me since TRB is now the head chef and bottle washer there.
My goal is to buy absolutely nothing in January or February unless it’s for drinking that week (I can get you a really good deal on the Brooklyn Bridge too…). Once/if I have a little more space freed up I really want to start laying down some gruner veltliner. Given that I only really like gruner once it’s at least 10 years old it’s silly that I own exactly one bottle. Also a bit more Champagne and I have to lay down some of the 2nd release of Huet Petillant.
Maybe a new husband ! He missed the wine talk part
Other than that:
Sine Qua Non, Saxum, Scarecrow, Ramey Chard, Ketcham, Kobalt, Outpost, '08 Oregon Pinot, QC, and a slew of misc things that would take me too long to name .
I’m looking forward to tasting the 07 Napa Cabs and Cab blends. I hope the wines equal the hype. If so, there should be some stellar wines coming out this year. I have some bias on style and several winemakers in particular. The quandry is what we will buy to sell and what we will buy to drink. I’ll be spending a lot more time reading notes posted by the board members on the 07 vintage to make sure I’m not missing anything.
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