Wine Cellar

Dan Berger
Mon, 05 Jan 2026 23:00:00 -0800
Lifestyle

The downturn in sales of all alcoholic beverages in the last two years has left the worldwide wine industry struggling to right the ship, and experts are now talking about good values popping up on store shelves everywhere.

It isn't only that prices are softer than they have been of late, but many wineries are now making fewer cases of top-of-the-line wines, so many of them are making use of high-quality grapes in less-expensive products.

Those who will benefit most are shoppers who (a) know a little more than the average consumer about quality wines, and (b) employ a strategy intended to maximize quality while minimizing price. And the next six months or more should be an ideal time for such a strategy.
Updated: Tue Jan 06, 2026

The downturn in sales of all alcoholic beverages in the last two years has left the worldwide wine industry struggling to right the ship, and experts are now talking about good values popping up on store shelves everywhere.

It isn't only that prices are softer than they have been of late, but many wineries are now making fewer cases of top-of-the-line wines, so many of them are making use of high-quality grapes in less-expensive products.

Those who will benefit most are shoppers who (a) know a little more than the average consumer about quality wines, and (b) employ a strategy intended to maximize quality while minimizing price. And the next six months or more should be an ideal time for such a strategy.

Even though collectors may not have a formal wine cellar, most can begin doing this. It certainly will pay dividends over the next few years. One of the key reasons is that the wines will probably improve before they are opened.

Red wines in particular are often released to market a bit sooner than they should be, so buying young quality wines and waiting for a year to consume them is a valid strategy.

Here are a few tips:

Pinot Noir: This is a lighter red wine that normally is not at all astringent. But to get a relatively good one usually requires paying at least $20 a bottle. Cheaper examples typically are not very interesting.

Sauvignon Blanc: I prefer this grape variety to chardonnay. One of its benefits is that it seems to be noticeably better about a year or two after the vintage. Although New Zealand versions can be attractive when youthful, paying a little more for SB from California (notably Dry Creek Valley or Russian River Valley) is usually a better bet.

Zinfandel: Many people like this relatively rich and fruity red wine, but I think higher alcohol versions do not age particularly well. If you are buying a few to hold for a year, choose wines with lower alcohol levels.

Rose: Pink wines are excellent when the weather turns hot, but in the northern hemisphere that won't happen for months. Still, young rose wines from 2023 or 2024 may go on sale soon. Buying earlier vintages can be dicey. I would stick to 2024s.

Pay attention to appellations: It often is a good idea to buy from widely known areas, like Napa, Sonoma County, Santa Barbara and Livermore Valley. Some wines carry the name "California," which can come from any of the 58 counties in the state.

Storing your purchases isn't complicated. Find a cool spot (under a bed, the back of a closet) where the temperature will be stable, relatively cool and no light gets to the wine.

Wine of the Week: 2024 Kendall-Jackson Chenin Blanc Vintner's Reserve, California ($16) — Chenin Blanc is a grape variety not dissimilar from chardonnay. It has a more charming aromatic of apples and pears with a delicate hint of citrus. This wine, with only 12% alcohol, is relatively dry and perfect to serve with lighter dishes, such as seafood. Delightful.