A couple of years ago, before I began working with JB for 20h33, I became his client. The first time I really starting buying anything was the 2012 vintage primeurs. It was the first time I’d ever really thought of starting a collection of wine for ageing and drinking. A few weeks back, the bottles started arriving from the Châteaux, and I’m like a kid at Christmas!
Some of the wine I picked up might not seem anything too special to seasoned collectors. But to someone like me, who before had seen all these Bordeaux Cru Classés as one of the unattainable luxuries that other people buy, the novelty has definitely not worn off. Names like Prieuré-Lichine and Montrose were things I’d never thought I’d see in my shelves. However with JB’s help (and now my help) it’s very easy to get hold off!
When it comes to the cost, it’s been a really weird feeling. When I paid for the wine, nearly 2 years ago, I knew I was buying something, so I didn’t mind handing the money over. I’d then forgotten about the money leaving my account, so when the wine turned up recently, it was almost like it was free!! Which, as a penny-pinching northerner, is one of the best feelings going! 🙂
Now I guess all I’ve got to do is find somewhere to put it all! Ok it’s only a few bottles to start with, I’m not needing a warehouse just yet, but it’s fun to start planning the space. I’ve built a couple of wine cellars in the last year or so, so I know what it takes. If you need any help or advice yourselves, then please do give me a call.
I guess the really tough thing now is working out when to jump in and open them up. That’s why I’ve gone for 6 bottles of each where I could. Try one, see what you think! More ageing needed? Ok, leave it for a bit, try again in 6 months. That’s how you do it, and no matter what the pro-press tell you, there’s still no better way of checking.
For now though, I’m just going to look at my initial stash and have a smile. Getting together a wine cellar is going to be a lot of fun!
Cheers
Mike
For all current sales and available vintages, please check www.20h33.co.uk. For special requests and rare vintages please email me directly on mike@20h33.com.
Nice post Mike. There is a way to know when to start drinking your stash, though it isn’t cheap…A Coravin 👍
They good? I’m meant to be testing one out in September
Very easy to use in practice, and good evidence that the wines keep after being accessed. I was at the Ireland press launch and was given one 😊
Niiiiiiice! Get you! 🙂
I understand that feeling! I love when a new shipment lands on my doorstep, and loved creating a space for all of those amazing bottles. Have fun!
I’ll try my best 🙂
I’m just curious…Could 20h33 deliver to the US if it is a private sale directly to me? The wine looks so lovely.
I want to receive a package in the future that looks like your above picture. 🙂
We’re working through all the ins and outs of all that, honest answer is that I don’t know yet. It’s quite a complicated system. Looks like we need to set up or use an importer in the US first.
Totally agree Mike. Pay, forget, receive, enjoy!
Strange how it works in your head isn’t it? But good strange!
I have such fond memories of my days in France: the wines!
hopefully it never leaves you! keep enjoying them!