The Expensive Wines I Own or Have Drunk: A Personal Journey

When discussing my wine collection, it's impossible not to mention the most expensive or cherished bottles I own and have had the pleasure of savoring. My journey with wines began early, thanks to connections made at my alma mater, where I befriended many South African premier wine estate owners and winemakers. One of the most memorable experiences was when I received a rare blend from a winemaker I respected. However, the wine market can be unpredictable, and not all bottles make it to retail for sale due to low volumes. This has left me with a collection of premium wines that, while not widely available, are incredibly fulfilling in their own right.

My Wine Collection

Over the years, I've amassed a collection of high-end wines that I've saved for special occasions or tasted along with my spouse. One memorable bottle is the 1974 Robert Mondavi Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from around 1980. When my wife and I purchased it at FN Liquors in Wilmington, Del., our neighbor and wine buyer, Bob Burke, encouraged us to hold onto it. He promised that it would only improve with age. Indeed, we enjoyed it in 2005 to celebrate a friend's recovery from cancer, and the wine lived up to his promise. It was full-bodied and exceptionally smooth, enhancing our celebration even more.

While not all bottles have matched the quality and anticipation of that one, I continue to keep a few reds for a decade after purchasing them, often needing to wait for them to fully mature. The others, while enjoyable, haven't been as rewarding over the years.

My Recent Wine Experiences

I've also indulged in some more affordable wines recently. During a New Year's Eve celebration with my husband, we enjoyed a couple of bottles of champagne/bubbly each. We made a delicious meal together and watched a marathon of The Three Stooges movies. It's become a tradition for us to make our own bubbles and enjoy the evening together. While not all bottles are finished, we usually manage to savor the last of them over the course of the long evening.

More recently, I purchased a bottle of Casillero Del Diabos Cabernet Sauvignon for just ￡10. I chose this wine because it's my favorite, and I spent the extra few pence at the Spar because it was overpriced elsewhere. I drank it from a whisky glass because the only alternative was a two-liter stein, which I didn't need, and I mixed some of it with vodka, coke, and Carling in a cocktail. The reason for my choice and purchase was both practical and personal. It was a way to balance the cynicism I felt about the price at the Spar while indulging in a favorite bottle that brought me joy, even in the form of a simple vodka cocktail.

For me, the journey of appreciating and collecting wines is as much about the story behind each bottle as it is about the taste. Whether it was a bottle recommended by a trusted wine buyer, a tradition with my spouse, or a favorite vintage, each sip is a reminder of cherished moments and memories.