I became a wine-(afficianad)o in 1990 when I was introduced to relatively inexpensive Australian Shiraz, in particular Rosemount. Until then, I didn't know wine could exude pepper and other spices. Since then it's been all down hill, trying things out, and now we have about a 150 bottle collection. My favorites are Cabs and Bordeaux or Bordeaux-style blends, but I love great Shiraz. Favorite consistent vintners: d'Arenberg, Joseph Phelps, Ch. Lynch-Bages, Ch. Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Turnbull, Ferrari-Carano, Kendall Jackson, Ch. Ste. Michelle, Meeker.