I am new to the world of wine. I was turned on to wine about 2 years ago and since then I haven't looked back. I love the stuff. I am trying to move into starting a small collection of wines that I can hold onto for awhile. I am not quite sure where to start. I want to start with some wines that I can be comfortable in their ability to age well over the next several years and also appreciate in value. I know it is hard to tell what wines might do well to start collecting but I am open to any suggestions and help in starting to collecting wines. Thanks for anyones help.

Sincerely,

Bladen

Bladen,

Welcome. Before you spend a dime buying wines for putting down, I would strongly recommend that you spend your money drinking wine now. Taste, taste and taste some more. Attend organized tastings at your retailer or with local wine groups. Start your own among friends. It is not wise to accept the recommendations of others until you know your own tastes.

PH

Thanks for the advise. I try to taste several different bottles on my own every week. I try to take suggestions from wine spectator but some times it is hard to find their suggestions at the local stores I get to. It is a bit of a drive to a nice wine store but I try to do it every other week. I seem to have a preference for italian wines but I try to sample from all different regions. And I stick primarily to reds i just don't seem to have the palate for whites. Thanks again for the suggestion and I welcome any more from you and others.

Sincerely,

Bladen

Bladen,

Take a look in the Tasting Notes section of this site. futronic is a particularly prolific poster, and is a good source on Italians. I have found this site to be one good source for new ideas. If you find a bunch of people here agreeing that a wine is worth checking out, I'd take that as a good reason to pick up a bottle.

PH

As you have mentioned you enjoy Italian wines but many of these wines are becoming over priced in comparison to other regions world wide.
As the other gentlemen mentioned find out what you like by experimenting. Then purchase by the case to keep costs down if possible.
There is alot of good value producers at reasonable prices.This you find by reading different websites and forums such as the winespectator site.
For example one Italian wine I find very reasonable is Planeta Syrah 2001 which is rated I believe a 90 by WS....good luck

Welcome to the Boards, Bladen.

I grew up just outside of Charleston, and I envy you for your hometown -- the most beautiful city in the world in my view. Coming to visit my parents over Thanksgiving -- maybe we could pull a cork?

If you haven't already discovered it, I highly recommend the Wine Shop off of Lockwood near the Marina. They have an excellent selection and great prices. I go there every time I visit my family.

-----------------------
I'm what Willis was talking about!