Similarly, you can let the nation's leading experts guide you. Wine
guru Anthony Dias Blue, the wine and spirits editor of Bon Appétit
magazine, often recommends great vintages in our very own 3 Bottles
column in each issue of American Way (see page 40). Pick up a copy
of
Wine Spectator or Wine & Spirits at any newsstand. Read the
reviews, then buy a couple of bottles that sound interesting. If
you think they taste the way the writer described, then you've met
your advisor. Otherwise, move on to a new publication. Two
excellent newsletters are The Underground Wine Journal
(714-433-0240) and Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
(
www.internationalwinecellar.com).
The most powerful critic in
America is Robert Parker with his
newsletter The Wine Advocate (
www.wineadvocate.com).
CATALOGING
To further your enjoyment, keep a wine journal on paper, or even
better, in your computer. With each purchase record the full name,
number of bottles purchased, vintage, vineyard, bottle size, price
paid, date bought, and date consumed. Also record any personal
notes on taste, along with foods that did or did not go well with
the wine. By tracking this information, you'll be educating
yourself and maximizing your enjoyment of a hobby that, like the
wines themselves, grows richer and deeper with time.
BEGINNER'S CELLAR
If you're starting a small collection of wine primarily for the
convenience of having wine ready when you want it, then buy things
you like to drink now. Begin with a two case, or 24 bottle,
collection. You will need to consider a little variety to meet the
needs of different guest preferences and dishes. Buy wines in twos.
It's frustrating to be enjoying a wine with friends and then run
out. Try these for a well-rounded start:
CHAMPAGNE
Always have a champagne or sparkling wine chilled.