Ah . . . wine . . . another favorite subject . . .

Lot’s of good advice above but the bottom line is: you have to learn the grapes you like.

Not living in the US, we don’t have the barrage of American wine clogging the shelves & our LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario – the world’s largest purchaser of wine) does a decent job of buying a good selection of world wine.

My favs:

Tempranillo – Spanish Rioja – the best bargain in decent wine
Sangiovese – the Italian workhorse grape - Tuscans (often blended with Cab), Brunellos, Chiantis etc – mid-priced & very predictable in a good way
Nebbiolo – Barolo, Barbaresco, Gattinara – big & bold but not cheap
Pinot noir – Burgundy – always expensive & you have research to buy good years only – but worth it – US examples are becoming more interesting every year
Bordeaux – not a grape but a blend – given enough time (always a problem for impatient consumers) they are much more complex then the mighty pure (and boring) Cabernet – US Meritage is the American equivalent but they don’t have the same complexity as their French cousins imho

I am not a big fan of white wine, but a good French Sauternes or Canadian Riesling Ice Wine will always tempt me – neither is cheap however

That’s what I cellar . . .

Ian

I'm developing a taste for Rhone reds, Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation specifically. Very rich, dark red color, great with roasted meats and heavier foods.

Take a look at one I have, Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003. This one will improve for the next ten years in your cellar.

California has ignored the Rhone varietals for a long time, but that's coming to an end gradually. I have a bit of Tablas Creek Mouvedre 2004 on order, and a bit of the 2003 vintage in the cellar. I have some of their Syrah 2004 on order as well. This winery and vineyard is specializing in Rhone varietals. Moving northward, Cline Cellars has an interesting mix of varietals available. I have some of their Ancient Vines Mourvedre 2003 and would like to acquire some of their Small Berry Mourvedre if I can find it.