Seeing as how this is called "The C O C K T A I L Lounge," I thought how appropriate to have a thread about wine

I am young and am just starting to delve into the world of wine, but I figured there might be some connoisseurs on here who could give me a few pointers. I want to slowly begin a collection, although I only have a couple bottles at the moment. I am not sure the best way to store the bottles seeing as how I don't have a wine cellar or anything. Any pointers, especially on creative ways to store wine when you live in a place that gets fairly hot and don't have a wine cellar, would be appreciated. Also any pointers on how you know when the peak of the wine is would be appreciated as well. So far I only have two bottles in my collection:

2004 Sterling Vintners Collection (Merlot)
2002 Chateau Gloria St. Julien (Bordeaux)

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the 52 week experiment

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anyone?

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the 52 week experiment

Not really a big fan of wine or any other sweet type alcoholic drinks for that matter. Its beer, whiskey, or jager for me.

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"Fish for me and I will eat for today, but teach me how to fish and I will eat the rest of my life"

I would not build a collection if you don't have a place to store it that is away from heat and sunlight. That will ruin any good wine quickly. I would suggest that you buy a few bottles and save the corks on the one's you like. Once you buy a wine frig or have a cellar, you can stock up on the one's you like. I have a couple affordable red recommendations for you, but find a good wine retailer and they can make some good recommendations for you too.

Red Zin's - try Bogle Old Vin - very good $10 wine
- Seghesio (blue lable) $17 (Red lable old vine) $35

Cab sav - Castle Rock, Steven Vincent, Mondovi Reserve

I will check my wine frig tonight and see what else I have in there.

3d

Nice. Thanks 3d. Yeah, the bottles I have so far were just gifts which is why I have "started a collection." That's a great idea with the corks though -- didn't think of that.

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the 52 week experiment

Mondavi also makes an incredible Pinot Noir. I have tried many different vintages and they all are good, IMO. 2002 and 2003 are especially smooth for a moderate price ($20 - $40 a bottle). I've had bottles of Mondavi pinot from price ranges between $10 (if you can catch a 2005 on sale) and $140 (a reserve from 1999, I believe) and liked each and every one of them.

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If you don't mind spending $50-$60 for a good bottle, try a Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauv 1999, 2000 or 2001 if you can still find them.

go on ebay and find a wine cooler. Red Wine should be stored at 55 degrees. You could probably find a small cooler for a cheap price.