Wine Geek Heaven...

Hello, my name is Mark, and I’m a wine geek, and I’m in heaven just now…

This week I received a large-ish shipment of different quantities of various wines purchased since last summer that have been making their way to me across sea and land. Some are red, some are white, some with bubbles, others without. Some were just bottled, and some have been sitting in the producer’s caves for many years awaiting my attention, but all have reliable provenance (no Rudy’s - hisssssss!!! - for sure). Some are from France, some from the US, and some from Italy. I had to build some new racks into the cellar to accommodate some of these wines, which is always fun.

It is such a thrill to unpack them all, enter them in CellarTracker, and rack them into my cellar. As well, it is nice to contemplate the various scenarios under which each wine will be consumed: the wine buddies who will appreciate a particular Rhône; or the best food pairings for that WA Syrah. In the case of the duo of ’98 Mayacamas Cabs, it will be 8 years before I consume it with my son on his 21st birthday (maybe we’ll pop one on his 18th as well…).

I think that regardless of the number or styles or prices of wines in one’s cellar, we all experience this joy - I can’t wait to share these wines with my friends and family over the coming months and years! Maybe I’ll even instigate or jump into a DC offline!

On the down side - oh, woe is me - the cellar is getting pretty packed, and there is another shipment on the horizon. We need to either convert the guest bedroom into an extension of the cellar, or buy another house (don’t tell the wife I said that! ;=)

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Great post! I would add that I enjoy just touching the bottles and looking at the labels. The more I have followed my own taste and bought the producers I have enjoyed before, the more I have positive associations with the look of the bottle. flirtysmile

Ken, I agree - the tactile impression of holding the bottles in your hand, feeling the contour of the neck and the depth and shape of the punt (I always put my hand in the punt, I’m perverted I guess ;=), as well as the appearance of the label(s) all are part of the recognition of a particular wine. Especially, as you note, for wines that I am familiar with.

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this is the best hobby. I love shipping season.
finding a deal, buying aged wine, buying new releases, and drinking them with good food, family and friends