If you analyze a particular cellar, I would assume that most of the time you would be able to discern a clear dominant category of wine such as Burgundy, Barolo, Rhone, New world cab/blends, Bordeaux, etc. I think it would be safe to assume that the owner of this theoretical cellar is more passionate about his/her dominant category of wine than others…not to say that many other categories are not also appreciated and enjoyed. I would be interested to hear why some of you are most passionate about your favorite category of wine and your dream wines.
My favorite category is red Bordeaux for many reasons. Merlot is my favorite varietal followed by Cabernet. So that makes Bordeaux a clear contender for me…especially right bank. There are new world Bordeaux blends that I like, but for the most part I prefer the lower alcohol levels in Bordeaux…not interested in any motor oil or rocket fuel here. I enjoy purchasing Bordeaux that I know I will not be drinking for 10-15 years, and I enjoy the cellaring process…the anticipation and evolution. And lastly, more of my wine epiphanies over the years have been with Bordeaux more so than other wine. If money were no object, my cellar would be full of Chateau Pavie, Ausone, Angelus, Cheval Blanc and the best of Pomerol.
German riesling for me, which is quickly increasing in proportion to other wines as my main cellar holding. Only represents 56% of my cellar currently, and mostly dominated by prädikat wines. I’ll have a handsome reward in 10-15 years.
I don’t have one. Red Burgundy, Champagne, Piedmont and German Riesling are all consistently between 15-20%. Getting to this point has been at least partly a conscious effort.
I suppose the core strength is high acid, food friendly, balanced wine that needs a few years to show best.
A few years ago, in anticipation of good friend’s visit to our house, we gave him access to our CT, which is usually private. His response was “that’s a true drinker’s cellar.” I have thought about what exactly that means, and how it is different from others people’s cellars (most people plan to drink their wine, after all). I have some thoughts, but at the moment I mostly just feel that it’s true.
breadth and versatility can be core strengths, not just what one has the most of.
For my cellar, the core strength is depth. The breadth isn’t much—mostly Burgs and Champagne—but I’ve been collecting 36 years and can reach far back for aged expressions of wine.
Just under 50% of all is new and old world Pinot Noir and about 25% is champagne. I’m extremely passionate about red Burgundy {and white Burgundy} and fine champagne from many of the top producers who perform well over the long haul in each.
I would say my cellar’s strength is red, often Cab-dominant, with a bias toward fuller bodied and meaty/gamey reds.
Within the red category, I have a relatively large amount of Musar (~15% of my red from one producer). Then Napa Valley is extremely well represented as well as France, which is a roughly even mix between Bordeaux/Burgundy/Rhone.