Something I wrote awhile ago, whatcha think....

No more ancient cellars?

Recently on this board, and in my store, I have heard this type of dialogue: “The trick to a good cellar is to know when to stop building so that you can drink down your cellar and die with little left. “ For a long time, I agreed and lamented with customers, regarding parents and friends long gone who never had a chance to taste all of their wines. Consequenlty, I see more and more people lamenting that they might not be around to make buying b2k’s worthwhile. As for myself, I agreed with this argument, until I was in Portugal. A friend of my family’s was gracious enough to invite my new wife and I to his “castle” and treat us to some of the warmest hospitality we’ve had anywhere. His great, great, grandfather was at one time the owner of Quinta do Noval. So, on our first night there, we were graciously treated to some ancient ports from the 19th century. Needless to say, I’m sure glad his grandparents before him did not feel that they needed to “drink down” their cellar. As my fascination with wine has led me to nurture my growing and thriving cellar, I’ve wondered whenI will stop buying great vintages, knowing that I will not outlast them. And lately, I think that I might not stop growing my cellar. It seems that if done right a cellar can last far past your lifetime and continue to provide enjoyment for all those to come. Wouldn’t it be great if I could secure something now, and take care of it, for those in the future to enjoy. Haven’t we all wish that more people had taken the time to preserve some of the classic vintages of the past in better condition? Shouldn’t we also try to pass some of the great future vintages for those close to us? In the end, I’d like to know if anyone is buying for someone else’s future enjoyment?