I am new to the forum and serious collecting. I have been experimenting with mostly Italian reds and Cali cabs over the last two years, without proper storage etc.. I am now taking it seriously, looking at a wine cellar (separate question in another thread) and started branching into French wines, Bordeaux particularly. I have read Meltzer's book, WS and been researching the heck out of these forums.

So my question lies in selecting some of the newer '03 Bordeaux and even some of the older ones that are in my price range. I haven't had the chance to taste some of these varieties of Bordeaux (though looking into local tastings/clubs for that) and the '03 that are in my price range aren't probably ready to drink yet. As some of the other posts suggested, I don't want to end up with a cellar in a few years of wines that I don't particularly like. So should I sample some of the '03 and forgo the cost of some of the more reasonably priced 1995's/2000's and try them out? Any suggestions for a newbie would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

First off, I wouldn't take delivery of any of the 2003 until you have proper storage. I do think it would be wise to task some aged Bordeaux (1995, 1996, older if possible) to see (a) whether you actually enjoy them and (b) which regions you prefer.

Good luck,

Neil