I couldn’t resist the challenge posed by New York Times wine columnist Eric Asimov in today’s post on The Pour, where he describes how he’d stock his cellar on a $1500 budget.
Actually, it was a comment by Paul that really got my competitive dander up–he pointed out that Eric’s list would only generate 1 bottle per week for a year. Paul threw down the gauntlet, seeking a list that would generate closer to 3 bottles per week on a similar budget–and believe it or not it sounds like he was looking for the wine to taste good.
Ok, Eric and Paul, here it is! I’m no professional, just an amateur who likes to enjoy some good wine on a modest budget. Here’s my plan for 128 bottles, which after a 10% case (or 10 case! discount) would come in just under $1500. I have yet to graduate to cellaring wines long-term, so these are all meant to be enjoyed within the year.
everyday white
12 btls 2005 Alamos Viogner $120
8 btls Monte Volpe Tocai Friulano $80
8 btls burdines macon-villages $104
8 btls Casa de la Cruz 2003 Chardonnay $104
everyday red
12 btls Domaine Paul Autard 2003 $120
8 btls toscolo chianti $80
6 btls Le mazet 2004 Old World Red $48
6 btls Cline Red Truck $60
12 btls 2005 Borsao Red Wine $84
6 btls Jewell Petit Syrah 2004 Lodi $60
5 btls McManis Family Vineyard Cabernet $55
4 btls Woop Woop Shiraz $44
6 btls Ravenswood 2003 Lodi Old Vine Zin $102
special occasion
2 Westport Rivers 2002 Brut Cuvee RJR $38
4 Domaine St. Michelle Blanc de Noir $42
2 btls Ravenswood 2003 Teldeschi Zinfandel $60
2 Bell Claret 2003 $70
3 La Bete Pinot Noir Stoller Vineyard 2003 $69
4 Philip Staley Petite Syrah 2001 $76
4 2003 Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir $68
2 Trefethen 2004 Estate Chardonnay $80
2 2005 Groth Sauvignon Blanc $36
2 Hawley 2004 Chardonnay $40
I dashed this off quickly, I may be back with some further thoughts–but you can’t go too wrong with this for $1500!
drdebs
Interesting list, David. I like the Cline Red Truck on there which at one time was our house red. You certainly made $1500 go farther than Asimov did at The Pour, and it’s fun to think about “what if you needed to buy all your wine for a year in one go spending $1500.” As you say these aren’t for cellaring but for drinking within the next 12 mos. Of course I’d love 3K so I could get everything on your list for the year, and everything on Asimov’s list to enjoy over the next decade!
Anonymous
Seems very new world to me…
cookingchat
It is quite new world, that is fair. There are some who say in travel, you should see your own country first. That has been somewhat my approach with wine. I’ve been to CA wine country several times, have an understanding of the area and where the wines are coming from–so I feel I know what I’m getting for the dollars I spend. That said, I’m definitely interested in branchingout over time. In fact, had an idea to focus on one country per year to learn more about the different regions, etc. Thinking either France or Italy would be a good start in 2007.
Joe
Alamos and Ravenswood are old reliables, good choice.