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We’ve all said it before, and we all know people who would say it time and time again. I know I used to be one of the worst offenders out there, hoarding away my precious bottles for the perfect opportunity for them to be consumed: the right company, the ideal food pairing, the fabulous occasion. But why, oh why, do we deem it necessary to hold on to these gems until we feel deserving of their wonder; why are we not good enough on a daily basis?
Like I said, I used to be terrible at giving up and enjoying anything without the perfect circumstances or a legitimate excuse. It had to be someone’s birthday, or anniversary, or promotion, or marvelous dinner party… the list of reasons goes on and on. But none of the reasons were ever rational, normal situations like I had a bad day and really deserve a great bottle, or I’m having a night in with the girls tonight and we are all so awesome we deserve to be drinking the best stuff I have.
I was that way, until one day I got home, looked at my cellar, and thought long and hard about the quantity of fantastic bottles staring me in the face: What the hell was I really waiting for? Were there that many oh-so-fabulous occasions that I needed to be reserving these bottles for? Am I really not good enough of a reason myself to enjoy great wine?
Right then and there, I decided… I AM!
Now, I am free. I will drink whatever I want, whenever I want it. I will not restrict myself to needing a reason to open up a $50+ bottle of wine, or something that I’ve been ageing for 5 or more years. I do not need a fancy meal to enjoy good wine; I can just as easily enjoy a ’98 Barolo with some cheese and crackers as I can a good, juicy steak. I also don’t need to be with someone special; sure, sharing a fine vino with a great friend, family, or significant other is special, but really, I think I’m special enough to enjoy it all on my lonesome, too.
I think everyone should join me. Break free from the stigmas and compulsions that we as wine lovers possess and realize that we deserve the very best we can do all of the time. We don’t need an engagement for Champagne, a porterhouse for Cali Cab, or Valentines’ Day for oysters and Montrachet… Wednesday night is a good enough reason for me.
How will you break free?
Filed under: Connoisseurship, Food Pairing, Opinions and Commentary
8 Comments
August 26th, 2009 at 4:18:35 PM
I’m going to break free tonight with a bottle of Taittinger – Just Because. Thanks for the inspiration!
August 26th, 2009 at 4:24:37 PM
Can’t wait to break into my boxed wine I bought at Duane Reade last nite, it’s on!!
August 27th, 2009 at 10:09:07 AM
Bravo! Why wait for tonight? I’m popping open that last bottle of Alion I have been hoarding… for lunch. I can always get more!
August 28th, 2009 at 11:48:56 AM
This is perhaps one of the best posts I have read in a while. My father and I find ourselves saying that phrase very often. We are lucky that we have cellar of very expensive and very sought after wines: d’quems, 1st growths, grand crus, cult cabs, etc.Can you really pop a 1986 Lafite, 85 Sassicaia or a 59′ d’quem for a Tuesday night dinner? Everyday that we are alive and healthy is a special occasion and most of us take this luxury for granted. So why not treat yourself to some special wine? Excellent post.
August 31st, 2009 at 12:42:29 PM
At first I thought right on, I can do that! But on second thought, I do open whatever bottle I fancy until I get to the $75 and up mark. I hesitate big time then, not so much for the occasion, but making sure I have a great pairing. I have an even harder time when it comes to expensive bubbly.
August 31st, 2009 at 12:46:55 PM
I am a disciple of your attitude but have to remind my husband of it often. We have hosted two annual OTBNs (Open That Bottle Night) initiated by the New York Times wine columnists. Everyone loves hearing the personal stories behind “that” bottle of wine, and as Lauren Buzzeo noted, it’s not the special meal or special occasion that people remember, but the personal experience, location or people behind “that” bottle. Think I’ll crack open a nice pinot tonight…my husband’s out of town.
September 5th, 2009 at 2:19:22 PM
So perhaps now you will forgive me for opening that $80 bottle with my Chinese ribs? Perhaps my dearly beloved will stop telling me to recork that bottle when she finds out how expensive it is. I have always felt that good wine is what tastes good, and if it makes what one eats better, enjoy. And if you find your collection of fantastic wines swelling uncontrollably, I feel confident I can find a place for a few bottles here. Mmmm. What about opening something tonite?
September 7th, 2009 at 9:57:50 AM
Ok, my cellar consists of three 16-bottle fridges, the last bought recently from Wine Enthusiasts website for $89. on sale. In the next 30 days I’m opening a 1991 Lytton Springs Zin; and, a 1996 Cain Five Napa, a blend of Cab, Merlot, CF, PV and Malbec (2%). I’m free, but still intend to use them for a “special evening”. I’m buying more wine today (age 64) than ever. Fun shopping and drinking. The best. Tom.