Drink or donate.
What are you waiting for? I have gone into too many cellars where wines are well past their peak drink term. Don’t wait for a special date. Create a special occasion around the wine, or donate it to a worthy cause. There’s no reason to shelve vinegar.
Track your purchases and drink terms online.
Can’t remember where you purchased that Château Montrose future two years ago, or where that pre-arrival Pingus resides? Not sure which wine you are uncorking too early or too late? Online wine tracking tools and collector services help you fill in the gaps. Spreadsheets are passé and cumbersome. Simply put, there’s no reason not to have a cellar management tool if you have a collection.
Temperature control begins with your purchase and its provenance.
Fifty-five degrees, 70-percent humidity is the standard for climate control in the cellar, but what does it matter if you’re buying wine from retailers or individuals who don’t practice this rule themselves? Temperature fluctuation is a cork’s enemy because day-to-day variations will cause the cork to loosen and lose its protective grip. Know your retailers and sources and get a better understanding of their principles for temperature control.
Be your own wine critic.
Case Basse di Soldera 1990 Brunello: 84 points. Bartolo Mascarello 1989 Barolo: 76 points. Many connoisseurs and sommeliers consider the above some of the great wines of the world, yet they are misrepresented by these published ratings. Unfortunately, points and vintage do matter when it comes to the pocket, but for palate appreciation focus on the producer. A great winemaker does tremendous things, even when it’s not a historic vintage.
