Tara Weingarten
12/01/2003
Every prestige vintner has his or her own system for determining what we, the eager collectors, take home from each vintage’s -precious bounty, but a few simple strategies apply to all. There are no foolproof methods for making the cut, nor any guarantees, but these steps can give us an edge over our competitors.
Focus on the Winery
Variety is an essential component of every oenophile’s chosen vice. Like young rogues on the loose, we cannot resist playing the field. However, the time for commitment inevitably comes, and those who find themselves smitten by one of the prestige wines will have to pay her court. If Harlan Estate is our heart’s desire, we need to learn everything we can about the winery and its people—the style of the wine. We must study our quarry.
Network
Oftentimes the aspirant to an allocation list knows someone who is already on it. Inquire of friends and acquaintances, and ask them to refer you to the winery in question if possible.
Stay in Contact
Make an appointment to visit the winery. Even the most exclusive operations will occasionally give tours. Do not expect a tasting to be on the agenda, but send a gracious thank-you note all the same. The best way to make winemakers aware of us is to
be aware of them.
Get to Know the Winemaker
Familiarity with the winemaker’s philosophy and style can only help if we actually contact that person and demonstrate a genuine interest in his or her art—as well as a desire to better
understand it.
Know a Great Sommelier
Restaurants and wineries bear toward one another an almost Masonic loyalty. No one probably knows the winemaker better than a world-class sommelier or restaurateur; a good word from this quarter, discreetly placed, will never hurt.
Exercise Patience
Our wine collections, like our businesses, are built for the long term. Tenacity and patience will carry the day—and the half case.
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