I have the opposite of this 'Oenophobia' and need help!

[jrod]

I'm clearly the wrong audience for this thread, I'm at the other end (start) of the wine journey... though starting to read through it all as it's rather interesting!

I've only just begun to understand some of the nuances to wines having recently finished WSET L2 and now looking to sign up to L3. We've managed to collect a few bottles here and there over the years, but previous purchases were all based on what was seemingly a good discount (without realising that rrp means nothing) rather than any real focus or objective.

Dr. Ralph - care to start another thread on how to build out a magnificent cellar that can last say a good 40 years?

I personally found
-my average bottle price keeps increasing over time
-lots of wines don't get better in the cellar and lots of wines whether they can be cellared or not, taste great on release and quite different when aged and most people prefer the former
-my preference for style and grapes has changed over time, so has the wines in my cellar
-eg. I used to buy lots of Aus shiraz and cabernet, but rarely anymore, so I still have a lot that may spoil before I feel like drinking them
-International wines become more appealing and trying new styles (links with avg bottle price)
-I find pedigree is crucial for extended cellaring. eg, Langtons classified wines are a safer bet
-pedigree wines are also safer in terms of maintaining value, for peace of mind you can offload if needed
-falling victim to fomo, where you buy a wine in bulk because it seems like a good deal. A lot of the cheaper deals (eg you see pop up here and online sales) I have ended up disposing of a few years later because they didn't cellar and weren't particularly great wines to begin with and I had purchased too many.
-If I like a decent wine, I try buy at least 3-4 bottles. 1 now and 2-3 spare. If I only buy 1, I have always been reluctant to open. Or if I have opened, I was disappointed I didn't have more

 

[billbro]

-my average bottle price keeps increasing over time

I'm lamenting this already... I'm not that fancy and was hoping to keep within the realms of $20-30/avg. Unfortunately, a flurry of weekend buying crushed that average range - though at least now I've got some 'nicer' bottles in the cellar.

lots of wines whether they can be cellared or not, taste great on release and quite different when aged and most people prefer the former

This is interesting, but also scary, kind of defeats the intention behind cellaring? The hypothesis was I may as well start building a collection now because by the time I truly appreciate it - those bottles would be either too hard or too expensive to find.

I personally do like tertiary notes, I think the challenge is my palate is already changing (e.g. Coonawarra Cab Sav used to be a go-to, but now they aren't quite so my poison of choice - Tassie Pinot seems to be pick).

Oops replying in sections and noticed to mentioned the above already - your post is hugely insightful, thanks!

-International wines become more appealing and trying new styles (links with avg bottle price)

Keen to taste international wines, but keen on avoiding any to cellar - price point doesn't make sense here, unless I'm going for an Argentinian Malbec. Probably the only international wine I've picked up is the Azul Tokaji as it blew my mind for a sweet wine.

I've already shifted away from buying half dozen/dozen deals - as right now I need to broaden my palate. I also have run out of room in the two wine fridges.

Appreciate the insights!